The Magic Pudding (1918)

This is what I think would be called a farce. It shines light on and pokes fun at some of the uglier and funnier sides of human nature, especially those that stand out in Australian history. The idea of ownership and us-and-them, and the absurdity of authority...it's all done in a very funny and cheeky way. I did feel that I got a sense of a time and place and a voice in Australia's cultural history, which is why I read the book, but I really didn't enjoy it much. It made me very uncomfortable, and though I don't think the racism and violence in the book were really being condoned by the author - I think he may have just trying to shed some light them it as some of the absurdities of his day -I still wouldn't read this book to my kids, or recommend it to them while they're young. ( )

Zany. A pudding that everyone wants to steal. You better not take your eyes off that pudding for one second. Even people you trust will do anything to get their hands on that pudding. A delight that was completely unknown to me before two weeks ago. A delight that I loved, despite the fact that I really wasn’t clear on the appeal of the pudding or the knavish associations of many of the characters. It isn’t important; it’s just great fun. ( )

Utterly delightful! Thanks, Philip Pullman! ( )

Z thought it was amazing . . . I really liked it, but it was a difficult read aloud unless completely focused on the book at hand. The last chapter (The Fourth Slice) clearly is where all of the Alice comparisons come from - courtroom scene with inept judges, constables, and mayors definitely had a "Queen of Hearts" trial vibe.

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Seriously demented Aussie nonsense - brilliant. ( )