XIEOUYANG tries to do better this time

Books I'm CURRENTLY reading (although I always end up reading others not in this formal list):

Dupes, Paul Kengor
From the Gulag to the Killing Fields, Paul Hollander
Los Trastamaras, Julio Valdeon Baruque
The Tragedy of the Euro, Philipp Bagus

Books read SO FAR:
#1 - Un faccioso mas y unos frailes menos, Benito Perez Galdos
#2 - King Lear, William Shakespeare
#3 - Atonement, Ian McEwan
#4 - Zumalacarregui, Benito Perez Galdos
#5 - Mendizabal, Benito Perez Galdos
#6 - Hamlet, William Shakespeare
#7 - De Onate a La Granja, Benito Perez Galdos
#8 - Luchana - Benito Perez Galdos
#9 - Apology - Plato
#10 - La Campania del Maestrazgo - Benito Perez Galdos
#11 - Crito - Dialogues of Plato
#12 - La Estafeta Romantica - Benito Perez Galdos
#13 - The Master Builder- Henrik Ibsen
#14 - Hedda Gabler - Henrik Ibsen
#15 - Germinal - Emile Zola
#16 - A Doll's House - Henrik Ibsen
#17 - Nana - Emile Zola
#18 - The Facebook Effect - David Kirkpatrick
#19 - The Fortune of the Rougons - Emile Zola
#20 - The Crusader - Ronald Reagan and the Fall of Communism - Paul Kengor
#21 - The Belly of Paris- Emile Zola
#22 - La Ciudad y los Perros - Mario Vargas Llosa
#23 -The Post-Office Girl - Stefan Zweig
#24 - The Mandala of Sherlock Holmes - Jamyan Norbu
#25 - La Tia Julia y el Escribidor - Mario Vargas Llosa
#26 - Madame Bovary - Gustav Flaubert
#27 - The Big Thirst - Charles Fishman
#28 - Crime and Punishment - Fyodor Dostoevsky
#29 - The Corrections - Jonathan Franzen
#30 - Moriras Manana - Jaime Bayly
#31 - Freedom - Jonathan Franzen
#32 - Rabbit, Run - John Updike
#33 - Rabbit, Redux - John Updike
#34 - Rabbit is Rich - John Updike
#35 - Niki - The Story of A Dog - Tibor Dery
#36 - The Hard Life - Flann O'Brien
#37 - The Invisible Bridge - Julie Orringer
#38 - Room - Emma Donoghue
#39 - Rabbit at Rest - John Updike
#40 - The Dalkey Archive - Flann O'Brien
#41 - The Time Machine - H.G. Wells
#42 - The Invisible Man - H.G. Wells
#43 - Tirante el Blanco - Joanot Martorell
#44 - Man, Economy and the State - Murray Rothbard
#45 - The Three Weissmanns from Westport - Cathleen Schine

Glad to see you back, Manuel!

Her inflexible is someone else's precise and principled. Glad you're back.

Welcome back!

Looking forward to reaching our goal in 2011, Manuel!

Book #1
Un faccioso mas y unos frailes menos, Benito Perez Galdos
This is the 20th novel of the series of Spanish historical novels by Perez Galdos. Like the other ones in the series, he depicts a multitude of characters, both fictional and real, to give a real sense of the life and tribulations of people around the 1830s in Spain.
The historical component is the death of king Fernando VII, leaving his 3-year old daughter Isabel (later to become Isabel II) as the right heir to the throne. At the same time, the king's brother Carlos claims to be the true heir to the throne and thus begins the struggle for succession between those who favor Isabel and her mother Maria Cristina (an Italian fro Naples) and the others who follow Carlos.
But the fight was more than who would take the throne. It was a division between a liberal (in the traditional sense) faction behind Isabel, and the traditional one of the supporters of the pretender Carlos.

#6: I downloaded his book Dona Perfecta to my Nook the other day. Not sure when I will get to it, but I appreciate you pointing it out to me, Manuel.

Book #2
King Lear, William Shakespeare
From time to time I enjoy reading and watching Shakespeare's plays. I saw yesterday a version of King Lear on PBS right here:(http://video.pbs.org/searchForm/?q=king+lear) and read the play. Nothing to say about it except that everytime I read one of them, and I've read and seen them all several times, I get more out of them and learn something new.

#8: King Lear is probably my favorite of Shakespeare's dramas. I love the PBS productions.

I saw on Darryl's thread that you are not feeling well. I do hope you feel better soon, Manuel!

Thanks for the video link, Manuel. I've made it a favorite and I'll view it after I have read the play. I hope to read all the Shakespeare's kings this year as part of my 11 in 11 challenge.

Hello, just dropping in to say I liked your review of From the Gulag to the Killing Fields. An interesting variety of books to kick off your year of reading!

#11: Thanks Lisa. I have not finished the book yet, I still have a few more stories to read. Unfortunately, it a very depressing book although I tend to go for that kind of reading.

I have got to move Tristana up my TBR obviously. Very nice review of Un facioso mas y unos frailes menos, Manuel, and thanks for the kick!

#12 Me too. My husband says I need to find more happy books.

I used to lurk on your threads last yet, Manuel ... you read some very interesting books.

You're reading some interesting books--I'm enjoying following your thread.

Nos 13-16. Interestingly, I have been following all four you mostly silently over the last year.

Book #3. Atonement by Ian McEwan
This is a great start for me, three books in a week!. Of course, being home sick and skipping work for 4 out of the last 5 days helped. Unfortunately, it stops now because I have to catch up at work. Nonetheless, here are some comments on Atonement, a novel that I enjoyed being the first one I read by this author.

It's the story of Briony, who tells an innocent (?) lie that sends her sister's Cecilia's boyfriend to jail for over three years, breaks the family, and follows the lives of the three of them for the next few years. I found captivating the author's depictions of Briony's regrets and remorse, and her inability to come clean, knowing that doing this would make things better. It reminds me of cases of people who get caught in their lies and even though they see the damage it's causing to others, and they anguish about it, do not have the backbone to acknowledge their lies and correct things.

McEwan paints a very good picture of the Dunkirk evacuation of British and French troops at the beginning of the Second World War. All seen from the eyes of the troops trying to get to the beach and rescue by British navy and British civilians.

#17: This is a great start for me, three books in a week!

Good for you, Manuel! Too bad work is going to interfere from now on.

#17 I enjoyed Atonement too, especially the Dunkirk invasion part. I really should read more history on the subject. Perhaps if you read another McEwan book, we can do a joint read. I haven't read any of his other books either.

Book #4 - Zumalacarregui by Benito Perez Galdos

This is another one of Perez Galdos' historical novels (Episodios Nacionales) narrating events in the XVIII and XIX centuries Spain. This particular one highlightes the lives of two principal characters: General Zumalcarregui, a historical character who was leading the army of Carlos the pretender to the Spanish throne; and Jose Fago, a fictional priest who crosses paths with Zumalcarregui in the novel.
The most interesting points in the novel are mental tribulations of Fago the priest, who is uncertain about his life either as a priest or a warrior (which he does for most of the novel). His ambivalence between both duties, to God on the one hand and to the King Carlos on the other add a strong human, moral factor to the novel.
Perez Galdos exceled in depicting characters in great detail, that makes them seem real living persons. Similarly, his description of the land, localities and physical environments are above par.
This is the 21st novel in the series that I've read. As one would expect from such a massive production, they vary in terms of the appeal of the subject and interest to the reader. But there are several of them that I want to read again, which to me is a personal test of the value of a piece of writing.
Unfortunately, I don't think many of them have been translated into Englsih, if any perhaps.

Another good reason to work on my goal to learn Spanish this year, Xieouyang. Good review.

#21. Caroline, something that would help you in learning Spanish is listening (and watching if possible) TV in Spanish on a daily basis. I lived in Venezuela for a couple of years and my wife learned an incredible amount of Spanish just by having the TV on several hours a day. Those hated commercials serve a purpose after all- their constant repetition pounds the words and phrases in your brain.
Good luck if you go ahead with it.
Incidentally, my name is Manuel. Xieouyang is my (Chinese) email address.

What does your Chinese email address mean, Manuel? without seeing the characters,the first thing that comes to my mind is .. little lamb?

Good suggestion about watching Spanish tv. That's how I started learning Japanese, by learning some basics, and then watching Japanese anime cartoon movies. I have a few colleagues from Guatemala, Puerto Rico and Mexico in my office, so I've managed to pick up a few words and phrases.

Your idea to watch a bit of Spanish television daily is a wonderful idea, Manuel. I took 4 yrs of Spanish in high school and college and travel to Mexico quite often but I tend to forget so much. Thanks, I'll try it.

I'm glad you enjoyed Atonement. I, however, did not. But I didn't give up on McEwan. I followed it with Saturday which I thought was masterful and hope to read Solar someday soon although the reviews on it were rather mixed.

#23 - Caroline, the last two words (Ouyang) is the last name of a famous Chinese writer/calligrapher - Ouyang Xiu. I changed the Xiu for xie which means "to write" among other things.

I am originally from Guatemala but left when I was 17 to attend college here in the US. Haven't lived there since then except for a brief 8-month interlude in the late 70s.

#24 - I haven't read anything else by McEwan but I had understood that Atonement was his best- maybe I assumed that since it had won the Booker prize. I want to read some of his other works though.

#20 Your comment that you have read 21 books in Perez Galdos series struck me as amazing. How many books are there in the series? I tried googling for the longest book series in the world, but failed. I thought of Zola's series, Les Rougon Macquart, but that is only 20 books long (half of all the books he ever wrote. Does anyone know the longest?

#26 - Lisa, I have read those 21 over the last 3 years or so. Altogether the series is 46 novels. I had read them back when i was in High School in Guatemala, my father had the full set. And over the years I'd been wanting to read them again so I asked my daughter, who lives in Barcelona, to get me the volumes when I found this new edition. This edition is published in the same original pattern of 10 novels in each of the first four series and 6 in the fifth series.

The only other author that I can think of having a large series of similar theme works is Balzac, with his La Comedie Humaine. Although I do not know how many novels are altogether- I only recall reading the better known ones of Cousin Bette and Eugene Grandet. So, he has at least two (ha, ha)

Yikes! According to Wikipedia, La Comedie Humaine is a collection of 95 finished works and 45 unfinished. I guess I would need to think about what I mean by a series. Balzac's is "interconnected" novels and stories, as opposed to a single arc carried through multiple books. No matter how you slice it though, that is a lot of books!

#25 : Thank you ... I love answers to little puzzles, Manuel. A colleague of mine was from Guatemala as well but his family came over to the US more than 25 years ago when his dad was assassinated together with one of his brothers. His dad was a politican. He was 20 when his family came over.

You may enjoy reading McEwan's Black Dogs. It's a slim novel that packs a huge punch.

I almost picked up a copy of McEwan's Saturday the last time I was in England. But I stopped from buying it, as I always do in the UK, when I remember that books are much more expensive there.

Book #5 - Mendizabal by Benito Perez Galdos
Five books so far this year- at this rate I will be able to reach goal. As long as work does not interfere.
This is another one of the "Episodios Nacionales" of Perez Galdos. A series of historical novels in 18th and 19th century Spain.
The historical part of the novel deals with Juan de Dios Alvarez Mendizabal (what a name, John of God!) who was President of the Government around 1834-35, the beginning years of the rebellion by the brother of the deceased King Fernando VII against the forces of the King's widow Queen Cristina who was regent for Isable, daughter of Fernando VII. Mendizabal loses power but he was able to pass a law taking away properties of the Church that were not being used. Although the original plan was to distribute these properties to the people, but were taken by the large landholders.
On the fiction side, it deals with the love of a young man, Fernando, who is the protege of an unknown lady, for the orphaned daughter of some rich man, her name is Aura or Aurora. The unknown lady provides income and all kinds of support to Fernando, but his love for Aura blinds him to this and reneges the help. They plan to elope but the plans are foiled when he is taken prisoner at the end of the novel.
I did not particularly like this story. Although Perez Galdos writing is always immaculate. He has an incredibly rich vocabulary and has the ability to write very beautifully. His descriptions of people and their character are also very vivid and realistic.

Book #6 - Hamlet by William Shakespeare
I decided to read Hamlet again, since I wanted to see the new BBC TV version with Patrick Stewart and a few others who I don't know.
The play itself is great of course but this TV version was not as good as previous representations. The one that I liked the best is the so-called 'Hamlet 2000" with Ethan Hawke, Sam Shepart, Julia Styles and Bill Murray, among others. That one was much more creative and original than this latest one. I thought that Hawke did a great job in that one, even though I had no idea who he was until I saw him on the play.
But back to the written version itself. Nothing much to say other than I really enjoy reading Shakespeare's works, even though I've read many times before. They always seem fresh to me, plus I always learn something new and different from them.

What did you not like about the story in Mendizabal, Manuel? Your review's got me itching to add it to my obese wish list ... but I'd first have to learn Spanish, yes?

Caroline, what bothered me was on the romantic side of the story, that dragged on an on with a lot of sugary statements, without a resolution.

Regarding the language, yes you'd have to learn Spanish first. Unfortunately, as far as I know, these stories were never translated. He captures, like Balzac in France, the total culture of the times so it's a loss not to have them translated.

His writing is phenomenal- his writing is very direct and straightforward, but uses an extensive vocabulary (which could be a problem for a person learning Spanish...frequent visits to the dictionary). Does not use high rhetoric and flowery phrases, instead uses popular language.

Naturally, given his extensive writings (46 novels in this series), I'd expect the quality of the writing to vary.

Hey, Manuel. Just dropping by to say Hello.

Hi there. I found your thread and starred it. I'll check in regularly to see what you are reading.

Hi Stasia! Hi Linda!

Book #7 - De Onate a la Granja by Benito Perez Galdos
This is the 23rd novel in the series of historical novels; I guess I'm halfway through them.

I enjoyed this installment much more, and I realized that it's because it has more action. The hero of the story, perhaps I can call him that since he performed a heroic act of defending two young damsels against a bunch of rufians, finds himself among the troops of the Carlistas (followers of Carlos V pretender to the Spanish throne) while searching for his love Aura. He does some work for the Carlistas and finds the uncle of Aura who is a high official in the Carlos organization. Once he finds that his Aura (or Aurora, i.e., Dawn) is safe in some town he decides to go and seek her. But then he runs into the two young damsels I mentioned above, who are at wits ends because their father has been wounded and want to take him home. He helps them by procuring transportation, a cart pulled by two oxen, and some food. Along the way they are attacked by highway bandits and Fernando, the hero, kills one of them but is wounded himself. Afterwards they finid a place to say in the remnants of a monastery, where the father of the two gilrs conveniently dies. Fernando buries the father, consoles the girls and continue on the way to the town where the girls live.
But Fernando's wound gets worse and they carry him on the cart. Upon arrival at the girls house, that in line with the spirit of the novel, is incredibly large, incredibly beautiful, incredibly rich, well, you get the idea. The rest of the novel is spent on his slow recovery in this house while praising the goodness of the girls, their house, etc. This is where the novel ends but I suspect that the elder girl, Demetria, who is 20 years old, and beautiful of course, may be a good alternative to the also incredibly beautiful Aura who is rather boring. I forgot to mention that the girls' mother also conveniently had died a few years back so Demetria is in charge of the households, the land, and all their riches. What a girl!

Manuel, thanks to your reviews of these beautiful sounding books, I've started a wishlist of Spanish books ...grrr...... another wish list! But one that can and will only be broken into once I learn Spanish. Then again I can't think of any better motivation to get me started on my Spanish journey than knowing I have a list of wonderful books to start trying to read once I get past 'hola, donde esta el bondigas'

Book #8 - Luchana by Benito Perez Galdos
This is one book that I really enjoyed. It's a continuation of the third book of this seeries De Onate a la Granaja but the story takes a couple of interesting turns.
The young man Fernando, finally leaves the Granja (a farm) where Demetria and her sister leaves because Demetria's uncle and aunt are planning to introduce her to a young nobleman who could be a pomising husband for her. And they must keep appearances by not having another single young man, Fernando, living in the same house as Demetria. So Fernando leaves and bounces around for a while, meeting the uncle of Aura (his love) when Fernando is with the Carlistas. The uncle, Ildefonso Negretti, has a good conversation with Fernando where he sizes him up as a potential husband of his niece Aura. He is pleaed with Fernando and tells him where is Aura now- with his wife and brothers in Bermeo, a town near Bilbao. So Fernando decides to go that direction.
Meanwhile, Bilbao is threatened by the Carlistas who want to take over the city. Aura is having a joyful time dealing with her aunt and unlces, and her three cousins- all of who she did not know previously. Not unexpectedly, since she is such a beaut, all three of them fall in love with her. Her aunt plans on having her marry Matias, the older one who is handsome but kind of a wetrag (not much personality), A second cousin, Zoilo (what a name@) who was not much of a person prior to the siege but becomes a real leader and hero during the siege, very aggressively pursues Aura and pretty much convinces her that she is in love with him- or should be. At the end of the story they are set to be married, mostly because of the forcefulness in which Zoile decides to do so.
I found the changing family relations of Aura with her newly found relatives, the growth of the cousings, and the whole siege of Bilbao most engrossing.
Perez Galdos paints such detailed stories and creates so many characters that it's hard to keep track of them- especially when he brings real persons from the period (this one took place in 1834-35) where his character portraits are fascinating in their detail. You can almost see the person live because of the way he writes about them.

I am glad to see you are continuing to enjoy that series, Manuel!

Stasia, I also enjoy the memories that some of the stories bring to me. I had read the series when I was in High School in Guatemala, my father had it in his library. It's funny that some of the stories I remember bits and pieces- but others are a complete blank. Some of the characters and personalities come back when I read them now (or is my brain playing games with me?)

But Perez Galdos is an excellent author- portrays everyday life even amidst war in a vivid fashion. Truly interesting are his descriptions of the food they ate, whether there was plenty or not; the way they dressed; how they interacted; etc. Plus the characterization of people. Additionally, he has an extensive vocabulary and finds the right word to express a thought or idea that is always correct.

I use a simple way to judge whether a novel or writing is excellent. If I want to read it again, once finished, then i conclude that it's a worthy book. Most of his novels are.

It is terrific that the novels bring back good memories for you, Manuel. I have books that do that for me too. I bet we all do.

I have books that do that for me too. I bet we all do.

Oh, yes indeed! Memorable books bring back a time and place to me just as if it were a favorite song.

Book #9 - Apology in Dialogues of Plato

From time to time I like to return to earlier readings of classic works and
the Apology is one of the best. Not so much for the writing style but for its content and the rectitude of Socrates in standing by the truth. This dialogue deals with his trial and is actualy his defense on the accusations against him.

(Also by reading this brief book I can move up towards the "75" target more quickly)

Regretfully, works such as this are not read in either high school or college nowadays; probably not even mentioned. I think we all lose for this.

Incidentally, this is the dialogue where he is quoted as saying "an unexamined life is not worth living." I'm not sure if he says that in another dialogue though.

Since he is found guilty, as he suspected all along, his parting words to the jurors are moving,

"The hour of departure has arrived and we go our ways-- I to die and you to live. Which is better God only knows".

#46: It has been years since I read that. I know I need to revisit it. Thanks for the reminder, Manuel!

Book #10 - La Campania del Maestrazgo by Benito Perez Galdos

This is a continuation of Perez Galdos' historical novels, his third series. This series deals with the fight for the crown between the daughter of the deceased king Ferdinand VII and his brother Carlos. Although the daughter is the legitimate heir, later to become Isabel II, his brother Carlos claims the throne for several reasons. The strongest one is his extreme religiosity and desire to set a less liberal reign.
On the history aspect, the novel focuses on General Cabrera one of Carlos generals. At one point the army of Isabel captured Cabrera's mother and holds her as a hostage. Cabrera turns and kills several mayors and officeres he had imprisoned. One of Isabel's generals foolishly kills Cabrera's mother, an event that turns the war into a real butchery from both sides.
The fictional aspect is very well developed and centers mostly on two characters. Don Beltran, a elderly aristocrac who is aproaching senility but who in his youth had become very profligate; so much so that his children pretty much kicked him out and he is wondering the countryside. The other personality is an officer of the rebel army, Nelet, who befriends Don Beltran and together they wander from one place to another. Nelet falls in love with a nun, Marcela, who is doing some kind of penitence also wandering around.
The novel is very intricate, but in the end, like a good romantic novel Nelet ends up killing Marcela and himself and poor Don Beltran is left alone, close to death hiimself.
Heavy and oppresive catholicism pervades the novel but gives it its richeness. Clearly protrarys the attitudes and beliefs of a large segment of the Spanish population at that time.
All in all, despite the latter, I enjoyed it throughout. As in the other novels, and perhaps more, Perez Galdos shows his mastery of character depiction and development. I did enjoy reading it- only wish I had more time.

The title refers to the campaign that took over in the Maestrazgo, a mountainous region in Southeastern Spain around the city of Valencia.

I am glad to see you are finding at least a little bit of time to read, Manuel.

Book #11 - Crito in Dialogues of Plato
This is a follow-up to the Apology, a sequel we would call it nowadays. The dialogue has only two characters, Socrates and Crito. Socrates is in jail waiting for his execution and Crito comes to tell him that he can make arrangements for an escape. Socrates can escape and move to another city, Thessaly is offered as an option since Crito has friends there.
Socrates argues against escaping even if the verdict calling for his death was unjust. It would be unjust to respond to that because njusty is not the proper response to injusty. He has to obey the laws of the city.

Your reviews are making me want to pull out my Plato and reread. Thanks for the prompt.

I hope you take the plunge Lisa. I don't want to be the only oddball in the group.

I really should. I just have a hard time taking the time to re-read when there are so many other wonderful books that I have never read. Although in the case of Plato, it has been so long that it is almost as though I had never done so.

And you are hardly alone! Just for yuks, I checked how many members have the same works by Plato as I:

Apology, Crito, Phaedo, Symposium, Republic - 121 Lters
The Last Days of Socrates - 1530
Gorgias - 1021
Plato's Phaedo - 566

And of course there are thousands (or at least 2522) of different works, combinations of works, etc. So you are in good company, on LibraryThing at least!

Hey Manuel, hope you're doing well. I am finally starting to come out of my shell and explore LT some more. I am still working on Don Quijote. I am enjoying it tremendously and look forward to finishing it in the coming weeks (months?). I appreciate the pointers to modern Spanish literature, which is largely unknown to me. However, I think I will work through the various Spanish works already neglected on my shelves. Right next to the classics that I never finished from my humanities class in college.

Hi Chris, I just saw your message-- have not been very assiduous with LT (work keeps me away!) It's good to hear from you and hopefully your job situation is OK now.
I also need to get back to Don Quijote-- got distracted with other readings but keep promising to myself that I should finish it. It's funny but during my teaching years I had made a point of reading it every year (I was teaching economics then)
What is your thread on LT? I'm so far behind reading them that I don't know where to begin.

Book #12 - La Estafeta Romantica by Benito Perez Galdos
Continuing on the Perez Galdos series of historical novels. This one, loosely translated as The Romantic Post Office, is narrated totally via letters. I found this technique most enjoyable. Last year I had read the story El Jardin de las Dudas (The Garden of Doubts?) by the Spanish philosopher Fernando Savater, that touched on the views of Voltaire also through an exchange of latters with a Spanish nobel lady. Very enjoable too.
Back to Perez Galdos. This novel is one of ten dealing with the civil war started at the death of the King Fernando VII by his brother Carlos, who thought he had the rights to the throne and not the king's Napolitan wife (who would then pass the throne to her daughter Isabel II).
The main fictional character is a young man (with all the great attributes of a young, heroic person) who happens to be the bastard son of a noble lady. Until this novel, the 5th in this group, she has kept the secret of the out-of-wedlock child, although she has been providinng for him very handsomely. He is naturally curious for the origin of the funds- up to this novel he did not know that he was a bastard.
Through the letters she finally discloses to him and her husband that she is his mother- to her husband's total anguish who then goes into isolation and loses all interest in life. But the mother is happy that her secret is finally out and her son will have a secure place in society.
Glados does an excellent job in the writing of all the letters. He conveys the anxiety of the mother very well. As well as all her feelings towards her son and her husband. The latter has treated her badly, so we don't feel bad about him after the revelation- he sort of deserved it.

Book #13 - The Master Builderby Henrik Ibsen
This is one of my 'back to the future' readings. I never forget a conversation that I had with one of my high school teachers in Guatemala. We were discussing Dostoyesvki's Crime and Punishment and he said that this is one of the books that one must read as a young man. But since he was also reading it at that time, I asked him why he was reading it, hadn't he read when young? He responded, 'ah yes, but this is one of the books that one must read as an old person'.

I find myself re-reading many of those books. And yesterday's was The Master Builder.

Through some coincidences, Solness becomes the most important buider in his home town. He comes to believe that it is his ability to think of something and wish it to happen. His wife's ancestral home burns down and subsequently their twin sons died. He believes that it was his will that caused the house to be destroyed and he sub-divides the land and builds several houses there.
Hilda, a young woman that he'd met when she was ten years old, suddenly appears. He again thinks that he'd willed this and she takes advantage of this to convince him to build 'castles i the air.' In the end, despite his fear of heights and goaded by Hilda, he climbs on a tower he had just built only to fall to his death.

@55: I can appreciate the demands of work limiting reading and LT. I've been unemployed for two full months now, and can't seem to find much free time. So still no job, but continuing to interview regularly (three this week), and each one feels promising (at least in the moment). Of course, I suspect that many of the interviews are pro forma because I meet the minimum requirements and thus they are obliged by law to consider my application, not necessarily because they are sincerely interested in my potential in this position.

The big picture keeps getting in the way though, since these have almost entirely been public-sector positions, and the political crisis is ongoing, leading to widespread uncertainty and dread. It's like the toxic, dysfunctional institutional environment of my last job exported to the masses. Cake for everyone!

You can find me at http://www.librarything.com/topic/106478, though you can also find me at the 75-Book Challenge wiki, a fabulous resource created and maintained by Stasia and the other minor LT deities. My posts are still slow and sporadic, since I've spent the last couple of weeks trying to get back on the LT horse in terms of reading threads.

I am currently in the midst of Don Quijote's advice to Sancho as he prepares for his governorship. The description of a good civil servant is both timeless and poignant, particularly against the background of upheaval and protests right now.

@56: I love epistolary novels when they are done well. You make the Salveter and Perez Galdos books sound wonderful.

@57: I agree that many books I read in my youth are better appreciated now, or would be if I were more diligent about rereading literature. And then there's all of the literature that I wasn't exposed to, Ibsen and Dostoyesvki among them. I'm trying to wean myself off my popcorn habits, but still have a long way to go.

Nice review of The Master Builder, Manuel. I just purchased and downloaded the Kindle version of The Works of Ibsen, which includes The Master Builder and at least 12 of his other works.

Thanks Darryll.

Book #14- Hedda Gabler by Henrik Ibsen

Reading The Master Builder also reminded me of how great Ibsen's plays are and decided to read a couple more of his plays. This time it's Hedda Gabler, a dramatic story about a woman who finds that after marrying George Tesman life is not turning out what she expected or planned.

First, on their honeymoon, he is combining the trip with a research project of his that causes extreme boredom to her. Instead of the bliss she thought, they go from one boring town to another while he searches for material for his book. Not much fun there. Then, as the play begins, they are in the new house he purchased that obviusly can't afford- they are already living beyong their means. Plus he bought the house because she'd mentioned in passinng that I'd love to live in that house- she never really liked it.

It's apparent that she does not love her husband but married him to get away from her boring life. Into the play comes an old friend of theirs, Eilert Lovborg, who is also vying for the professorship job that Tesman is hoping to get. Lovborg has also just published a book successfully, while Tesman has not and says that this book is really nothing, the sequel will really show the world. Two strikes from Lobborg against Tesman and Hedda. While Tesman has ambivalent feelings towards Lovborg, despite him making his life more difficult, Hedda very clearly wants to destroy Lovborg. Persuades him back into drinking- Lovborg is a reformed alcoholic. Later on, through a couple of coincidences Hedda ends up with the manuscript of Lovborg's second book, she throws it into the fireplace.

In the end, she convinces Lovborg to commit suicide by giving him one of her father's pistols. Although she is terribly disappointed when she finds out that rather than killing himself romantically, the pistol discharges while he is in a house of pleasure

The play ends with Hedda also committing suicide. That's the only way it can finish, given all the disappointments in her life and her lack of control over it.

Thank you for rekindling my interest in Ibsen. It has been years since I've read his works, but remember enjoying them. I wonder if I have some floating around? Tottles off to check...

Book # 15 Germinal by Emile Zola

I'd been wanting to read one of Zola's novels for many years now, but never got around it till last week that I picked a copy at a Barnes & Noble in it's Classics reprints series.

Germinal is one of a series of 20 novels all writen with the purpose of depicting the human condition in the second half of the 19th century in France. Unlike his predecessor Balzac, who towards the end of his life 'regrouped' his novels and relabeled them The Human Comedie, Zola wrote them with a unified purpose.

Germinal is a strong and tough novel. It's the story of miners in a small town in France who go on strike demanding higher wages and better working conditions- they do not entirely succeed in the end but throughout the story Zola vividly portrays the suffering, poverty, hunger, brutality of the miners. Last year's mining collapse in Chile and the survival of all 33 miners at the end, gave a sanitized version of the life of miners (via our TV screens in the comfort of our living rooms.) This book is the total opposite, not only many of the miners do not survive, but those who survive have lost so much that their lives may not be worth living. But they go on living, carrying on the same tradition of their parents and grandparents working the mines.

I would strongly recommend it. i found it totally engrossing and grippinng, reminding me why books such as this, despite being the work of a 'dead white male', remain classics in the true sense of the word.

Book # 16. A Doll's House by Henrik Ibsen

Am I on an Ibsen kick? This is the third Ibsen play I read this month, and there still about two weeks left in March!

Well, no. One reason is that he is a really good playwright. Reading them again, after many years, reminds me why I found them worthwhile then, and still do now. A second, selfish, reason is that they are short and I can thus perhaps reach the '75 books' goal this year.

This is the story of Nora, a supposedly happily married woman who realizes, after a violent encounter with her husband (violent in words only) that she's been msitreated all her life. First by her father who treated her like his plaything, his doll. Then the husband treating her the same way. She was never allowed to have her own opinion on any matter- she was just a doll.

While her husband is intent only in keeping up appearances, she is true to herself and leaves him and their children, to start a new life on her own without anybody's help. After all her years, she shows herself to be strong and fearless.

You're keeping up a nice pace, Manuel!
Although I have heard of both Ibsen and Zola I've not read either one of them. Thanks for mentioning them and your concise reviews as I have now entered them on my wishlist.

#62, 63: Nice reviews, Manuel. I have Germinal on my Kindle (and if anyone wants to borrow it, please send me a PM), along with The Works of Ibsen, which includes A Doll's House (ditto, although the Kindle version only costs $1.00).

@63: I haven't read or seen any Ibsen plays. But I wanted to after reading characters' reactions to the premier performance of A Doll's House in one of Anne Perry's Thomas Pitt novels. I can't quite remember which one--it might be Half Moon Street, certainly it is an installment in which Caroline, the genteel mother-in-law, features prominently. It played at American Players Theater one year, but the group wanted to do Shakespeare, and it all fell apart because I wasn't interested in organizing annual outings that focused exclusively on Shakespeare. I was more interested in expanding my exposure to the range of theater, but I was a distinct minority in the group. Haven't been to a theater since, unfortunately.

Zola is one of my favorite authors. I have read most of his better-known novels (Germinal is a particular favorite), and have decided to read/reread the entire 20 novel Rougon-Macquart sequence in order over the next couple of years. I'm on the 5th one now.

Book #17 - Nana by Emile Zola
This is the second novel I read of Zola's 20-novel series known as "Les Rougon-Macquart" where he describes the lives of two branches of a single family. He explores in these books how alcoholism, depravity and prostitution embroils the lives of the people and drags them down, instead of having them prosper and develop as human beings.
In Nana Zola narrates the life of a very beautiful actress who rises through her allure to men who are driven to spend their fortunes in order to gain her. She uses and abuses this power she has over men only for her own selfish gain. Many of the men succumb to her charms but gradually she becomes more and more infatuated with herself and eventually falls to her excesses.
While at the beginning of the novel she was an attractive character that the reader may want her to succeed, by the end of the novel one is almost pleased of her own self-destruction and death. There is very little self-examination on her part of the damage she is doing to others and herself along the way.
One interesting aspect of the novel is Zola's overarching description of how immorality and depravity feed on and only lead to further depravity as in a vicious circle- from which Nana seems unable to escape.
These novels caused a shock in 19th century France since they dealt with topics that up to that time were kept behind close doors. I was also surprised to read such open descriptions because most of the literature I have read of that time, from any national origin, tended to refer all these naughty acts (to use a Monty Pyton phrase) euphemistically. I do not mean that he uses the street vernacular common on many of today's novels but his language is very direct.

Book #18 - The Facebook Effect by David Kirkpatrick
I just finished reading this book that was one of the ones my book club at work selected. I'm glad we did choose it.

Although the author tends to give mostly a positive view of Zuckerberg and Facebook, it's a fascinating and enjoyable read (even for a business book!). It narrates chronologically the story of Facebook from its origins and given the access the author had to Zuckerberg and others, one has to believe that it's fairly accurate. What impressed me most was Zuckerberg's clear vision as to where or what he wants Facebook to be. Also his determination and focus in trying to get there- wherever that may be.

But the book is not all whitewash. We read of the all-night drinking and drug parties, the proclivities of some of the staff, the total disregard for respect for others, etc. But in the end, success of Facebook seems to overtake all these (minor?) infractions- we can forgive or ignore them since Zuckerberg and his teamsucceed. That in the end is the tone of the book.

Nonetheless, I would recommend this book to those who want to understand how a great idea in the hands of a creative entrepeneur turns into a formidable company- perhaps the most formidable internet company today against Google.

#62: I loved Germinal when I read it last year, Manuel. I am glad to see you enjoyed the book too.

Nana was the first Zola book I read, and I too was surprised by the frankness. It seemed very risque for a 19th century novel.

Book #19 - The Fortune of the Rougons by Emile Zola

This is the first book of Zola's series on the lives of the descendents of the two families, the Rougons and the Macquarts, which are the subject of the next 19 novels (Nana and Germinal included).

Unlike Nana, where Zola wrote what one may call an anti-Victorian novel, this one is rather tame. Yet it's very interesting and its depicitons of people and events is straightforward and oftentimes rather raw (for, as Deborah said above, a 19th century novel).

Althought he principal characters are Pierre Rougon and hiis wife Felicite, the origins of the families are in Adelaide Fouquet, who marries a Rougon, with whom he has one child, the Pierre metioned above. Immediately after Rougon's death (I don't recall his first name, I don't think it was mentioned in the novel) she becomes the lover of a Macquart with whom she has two other children.

....I'll continue this later...have to finish doing my taxes!!!!

Taxes done but work piles up preventing me from getting back until now.

Pierre and Felicite had five children and educated the three boys hoping that they would bring them wealth and the lifestyle they yearned. The middle boy, Pascal, turns to medicine and his aim is to help others- so the parents don't think much of him, he is useless for they care. The youngest boy, Aristide, turns out to also be useless but marries a woman that sustains him, He goes on to extract every penny (sous in France at that time) from her as well as his son who is made to take a job when very young.
The eldest son, Eugene, is the only one that in the end proves of value to the parents. He moves to Paris and becomes involved against the Republican government in trying to instutute the monarchy. When the latter succeeded via a coup de etat, Pierre and Felicite finally acquire the power they so much desired in their home town.

After her husband Rougon dies, Felicite engages in an illicit relation with Marcquart, a man of questionable character. She has two children by him, Antoine and Ursule. The latter marries a fellow named Mouret and has in turn three children, the youngest of whom is another central character in the novel. His name is Silvere and at a young age, 18 I believe, he has a young gilrfriend Miette (13 years old!). This is the very romantic part of the novel, in that they do love each other and when Silvere joins the republican forces to fight she follow him. In a battle with against the monarchical party, she is shot dead. To complete the cycle of romanticisim, he is captured, found guilty and executed. Dying of course, to maintain true romanticism, in the same place where he'd meet with Miette every night.

All in all, this was a novel worthwhile reading that I would recommend. It's very different than other 19th century novels in that it's more realistic and touches more directly on many areas that were taboo at the time.

Book #20 The Crusader - Ronald Reagan and the Fall of Communism by Paul Kengor

As the title indicates, this book traces the story of Reagan's quest to defeat Communism. This is a story well written of a principled lifelong fight against a inhumane and immoral system.

Kengor follows chronologically Reagan's vision of defeating Communism. From his first experiences of their underhanded and deceitful tactics when he was an active member of the Screen Actors Guild, he saw that the US Communist Party was not just another party, but a group that was subservient to Moscow and the Soviets. Thus anti-American. To the end two years after the end of his second Presidential term when the Soviet empire crumbled.

The book is full of footnotes that provide clear evidence of Reagan's consistent position through those 60 years. Plus also provides convincing evidence that he knew all along that he was right from his underestanding of human beings and their longing to be free.

He narrates well the key events that brought about the fall of Communism. Events that were opposed by US liberals and the left as the rantings of a man that was not too smart and out of touch. Issues like the Strategic Defense Initiative, support for Solidarity in Poland, calling the Soviet Union and "evil empire" that brought liberals to great anxiety, to insisting about placing Pershing missiles in Germany poinnting towards the Soviet Union. All these events, seen by liberals as antagonising the Soviets, were in fact the actions that drove the system to total disintegration.

This is a book that should be read by all. A reminder that we live today in a different world not facing a presumably powerful system and enemy bent on defeating us.

Manuel, I see you've moved into some very different reading topics than the wave of Spanish/Latin American literature. I am still dabbling in my reading because I don't have much free time at the moment. I'm now working full time. However, I've returned to Don Quijote with renewed enthusiasm and Iook forward to finishing it in the next month or so. I am slow but persistent. Still loving it.

#72: I am just starting The Fortune of the Rougons. I am hoping to read the entire 20-book saga.

Post #74 -
Hi Chris, I'm glad you found a job and are working full time. The downside is that there is less time for reading, as you well know. Unfortunately in this world we can't have everything we want, there are always trade-offs, and sometimes the choices appear worthless.
I will try to get back to Don Quijote sometime in the fugure- but should probably start from the beginning.
I switched to Zola because I was intrigued by the Rougon-Marquardt series, however, I just finished one called "The Belly of Paris" (La ventre de Paris) which was very tedious and a hard read (because it was repetitively boring). So much so that I wonder if I should continue with the series- if work allows me enough free time.
I'll write a commentary on The bellly of Paris later on.
But it's good to hear from you again. Me dio mucho gusto cuando vi tu nombre (seudonimo?).

Post #75
Hi Stasia- at the speed you read, you'll finish them in no time. I'd like to hear what you think of them of course. I will continue reading the ones I have on my Nook- I need to check which one is the next one recommended if you want to read the series in chronological order- not publication order.

I did not realize that the publication order was not the same as the chronological order. Thanks for pointing that out to me, Manuel.

Book #21 - The Belly of Paris by Emile Zola

Also translated as The Fat and the Thin, in French Le Ventre de Paris is the third novel of the Rougon-Marquart series.

This book provides a great detailed view of activities around Les Halles, the market place of steel and glass built in Paris in the 19th century (I think). But I was very disappoinnted on this novel itself. The premise is compelling but Zola's attempt to mimic his Impressionistic painter friends via his descriptions of the food markets in Paris becomes rather tedious.

The story itself is interesting.The principal character Florent Quenu finds himself in the middle of a demonstration agains the government, encounters a girl who has been killed in the fighting and gets his hands bloodied after touching her dead body. When he is discovered by soldiers he is accused of insurrenction, found guilty and sent to Devil's island as punishment. A few years later he manages to escape and returns to Paris where he moves in with his brother and wife. He acquires a position with the government as inspector of the market (in Les Halles) but due to jealousy of many women, including his sister in law, he is accused to the police (as an escaped prisoner). In the end, the police comes to capture him but none of the people that he had befriended in the markets came to his aid or even acknowledges him as he is taken away. He is sent back to the island.

However, the narrative is plastered throughout with Zola's colorful descriptions of the multitudes of foods sold in the markets. They are fascinatingly evocative at the beginning of the novel when Zola speaks of "red bouquets of carrots, white bouquets of turnips, and the overflowing greenery of peas and cabbages." But with the repetitious and excrutiating discussions of food throughout the novel, one feels nauseated when one reads phrases such as "dishes containing preserved Strasbourg tongues, enclosed in bladders colored a bright red and varnished so that they looked quite sanguineous besides the pale sausages and trotters; then there were black-puddings coiled like harmless snakes, healthy looking chitterlings piled up two by two;..." I was at the point of turning into a vegetarian.

One thing is sure. The reader becomes acquainted with the marketing and perparation of food eaten in mid-19th century Paris, an invaluable lesson that helps one appreciate that people at that time were also living relatively well.

I am a vegetarian, so the food descriptions will probably not cause that reaction in me, Manuel :)

I am just starting Zola's series. Maybe I should bypass book 3?

Stasia, you can probably skip the food sections without losing much.

Vegetarian ah? My two daughters are vegetarian so my wife and I turn vegetarians whenever they are visiting home. What would you call us, pseudo-vegetarians, quasi-vegetarians?

@81: Situational vegetarians!

@76: Es mi nombre-- soy informal. I'm glad to be both employed (even with the detrimental effect on my reading habits) and back to LT, however sporadically.

I like Chris's term!

I feel guilty for not being able to be more active in LT. I am seriously lagging behind on my reading too, which is also a source of guilt even though it's work that keeps me busy away.
However, thanks to Amazon and B&N internet stores I continue to acquire books. And last Saturday, driving back from Chicago I stopped at the B&N store in Skokie, that I had never visited before but went there since the Border's that I used to shop was close. I was pleasantly surprised by the selection. In fact, I was able to buy a couple of books in Spanish that were cheaper than if I had bought them in Spain. Now to find the time to read!

This is a guilt-free zone, Manuel! No guilt allowed - I said so! :) lol

Please don't abandon the Rougon-Macquart. I agree that The Belly of Paris had some long-winded descriptions of the markets (which I liked, btw). But two of the next ones The Kill and The Conquest of Plassans are excellent. I found The Sin of Father Mouret to have a lot of descriptive prose too (this time of the flowers and other plants in an edenic garden), and liked it a bit less. What all this says is that the novels are not equal, and you don't have to read them all, but I do hope you don't give up altogether.

No, I haven't abandoned Zola- I will continue with the series. However, my slow progress led me to relabel my "75 books" to "7.5 books" so I can say I'm done. Well, not really, it's just silly thinking on my part.

Book # 22 - La Ciudad y los Perros - Mario Vargas Llosa
It's pretty shameful to say this is about the only book I have read this month. It's a great read though.
The story is a coming of age for young men who are sent to a military academy instead of high school, most of them to instill good behavior in them or, as the father of one of the main characters says, "to make a man out of you."
The story deals with the cruelty that pervades the school, from the authorities towards the students, as well as students to each other. Especially the abuses of higher grade students towards the younger ones. It also addresses the hypochrisy of the school leaders in covering up a murder because of the implications it would have for them personally and for the school's reputation.
I found the stories of the various characters very interesting, who are all realistically depicted.
It's amazing how mature as a writer Vargas Llosa is in this novel, which is his first one. He had published before two short stories; "Los Jefes" with another story "Los Cachorros (The Cubs).

Book #23 - The Post-Office Girl by Stefan Zweig
A while back I read my first Zweig story, incidentally called "Chess Story,' which left me rather unimpressed. So I picked up this book on a visit to Barnes&Noble with some concern that I wouldn't like it. But I also had read recently an interesting essay on Zweig's stories that convinced me that I should give him another try. And I am glad I did with this book.

Although I do not agree with the underlying and final premise of the story, that criminal behavior against the state is excusable because life has been a rough one, I found the story engrossing and its conclusion almost inevitable. The post-office girl, the principal subject of the story, is as the title implies a girl in charge of a post-office in some out of the way Austrian town. She has had a very rough life, with misfortunes followed by misfortunes. At the beginning of the story, she is taking care of her ill mother and barely able to make ends meet. She has to watch her expenses from day to day and is hardly ever able to purchase something for herself that would give her enjoyment. She is almost totally destitute with a very dire future. The apparent satisfaction with her current life is broken when she gets invited to spend two weeks vacation in a high-end resort hotel by a sister of her mother who just returned from America. There she is exposed to a life she never thought of, even dreamed off. But it was a life of reckless abandoment, complete careless enjoyment, until it's cut short by the jealousy of her aunt's husband. She is sent back to her home town to her post-office job.
Back in the dreary, daily work at the post-office she has a difficult time adjusting, thinking back to the good like she had albeit momentarily. She becomes very resentful. She meets a friend of her sister's husband, who had been a prisoner of war for several years and had tried to get back to a normal job but couldn't get any permanent job because of his war injuries. He also sees himself as a victim of the state. He brings up the idea of stealing the funds from the post-office, when he finds out that at some time during the month the post-office has several tens of thousands of shillings.
The book ends with a cool discussion and agreement between both of them that they will comit the crime and steal the funds.
This is the part that I found objectionable. The discussion of whether or not to steal is put within the context of analyzing the likelihood of getting caught, and the kind of life they would lead after the act. But there is very little concern for the moral or ethical aspects of stealing the funds. Also, no possible remorse for doing it.
Nonetheless, this is a story that I would recommend. It's very well written.

Hi there Manuel, I believe I will take you up on your recommendation of The Post-Office Girl. Your review is quite good and I intended to give it a thumb but alas it was not among your reviews. Should it appear, you've got my thumb.

Book #24 The Mandala of Sherlock Holmes by Jamyan Norbu

I received this book as a gift from one of my daughters, who just returned after living 6 months in India. She spent her last month in Dharamsala, the capital city of Tibet in exile. The book's author is a Tibetan political activist who resides in Dharamsala.

The novel starts with the author searching for the writings of an uncle of his who lived at the end of the 19th century, and to confirm rumors carried by his family that the ancestor had some adventures with a Norwegian. He finds a manuscript of his uncle, and the rest of the book is actually this manuscript which tells the story of the uncle, Hurree Chunder Mookerjee, and his adventures with Sherlock Holmes. The adventures trying to solve a mystery take them to the North India city of Simla, they start in Bombay (now called Mumbai), and then on to Lhasa in Tibet.

I will not recount here the story and its eventual resolution, but you can imagine that like all Holmes' sories, it ends successfully for Sherlock himself; not so for his archenemy Moriarty. What's interesting is the not very frequent references to the Chinese historical attempts to take over Tibet which end with the overtaking of that country in 1950- right after the Communists take over China.

Even though I'm not a fan of mystery novels, I was fascinated by this one- perhaps because of the blending of Indian and Western traditions and narratives. The author is very well versed in the Western and Indian classics- he can easily quote Virgil and Dante, as well as Kipling. In fact, I believe that the main character's name is taken from Kipling.

Hey, Manuel! Checking in since it has been a while. I am a fan of mystery novels and The Mandala of Sherlock Holmes sounds like a book I would enjoy, so thanks for the recommendation.

Book #25 - La Tia Julia y el Escribidor by Mario Vargas Llosa

Vargas Llosa is one of my favorite writers and I had not read this novel, despite being written more than 30 years ago. In fact, it was a comment that Darryll made last year about it that made me think about reading it. Thanks Darryll! it turned out that, as I write in the review below, this is one of my favorite Vargas Llosa novels.

This is one of the most enjoyable novels of Vargas LLosa I've read so far. The novel carries two intertwined stories. One is the narrator Mario (also called Marito, Varguitas), a young 18-year old student who falls in love with his aunt (Tia Julia of course) and marries her to the consternation of his family, and despite all their efforts to derail the marriage. The other is of Pedro Camacho, the escribidor, a Bolivian writer of radio soap operas who works in the same radio station as Mario.

As the love of Mario with tia Julia develops, also his friendship with the escribidor Camacho evolves. But the latter friendship is mostly on Mario's part since Camacho is reticent to become a friend- he is mostly dedicated to his trade of writing soap operas. And he is a fine soap opera writer, at one point he is writing soap opears 10 hours a day, working simultaneously on several of them as they are being played day to day. Naturally, the escribidor can't continue like that and hismind begins to unravel. It's hilarious the way that initially he begins to mix characters and names from one soap opera to another, which confuses his very loyal audience. Eventually, he begins to end each of the soap operas by having a disaster kill all the characters simultaneously. In one, they are all aboard or boarding a ship that suddenly sinks- killing them all. In another they are all gathered in a church for a religious ceremony when there is an earthquake which kills them all. A third one happens in a soccer stadium where the fans stampeded, and you kow the end.

In the novel there is a second "escribidor"- Mario the narrator himself. He wants to become a writer and does at first write brief news items for the radio station. But after his marriage to tia Julia they move to Paris and he is able to dedicate himself to his writing, and actually making a living out of it. More so than any other of Vargas Llosa's novels, this one appears to be heavily autobiographical.

#93: I read that one last year and enjoyed it too. I am glad to see you liked it, Manuel.

Congratulations on making it 1/3 of the way through the challenge!

Hi Stasia. I am finding myself with less free time this year, and less time to read! At this rate it looks like I may be able to finish 40-50 books, at best.
Haven't spent much time reading other posts either, which is something I miss becaause I always enjoyed them- especially yours.

I would not worry overmuch about the numbers, Manuel. No one else really does.

I know that your business has kept you busy (I guess that is good news, right?) so just check in as you can and catch up as best you can.

@91: The new spin on Sherlock Holmes sounds interesting. I'll have to check it out, since I know a lot of Holmes enthusiasts, and the new movie will only fan the flames.

@95: I hope that you are still finding time to rest and relax, even though work keeps you so busy. I am afraid that I am in a very similar situation. Work leaves me little energy, and additional commitments leave me little time. It's been a busy summer. Don't worry about keeping up with reading, reviews, or LT threads. Do what you can and don't feel guilty about what you can't.

Hi there, Manuel. I've added The Mandala of Sherlock Holmes to my wishlist and attempted to wishlist the Vargas Llosa as well, but I see that I've already done so based on Darryl's recommendation. So many great recommendations will have me reading for a very long, long time.

Book #26 - Madame Bovary by Gustav Flaubert

My recent purchase of Vargas Llosa's book {La Orgia Perpetua - Flaubert and Madame Bovary (The Perpetual Orgy - Flaubert and Madame Bovary revived my interest in reading Madame Bovary again, before reading Vargas Llosa's book. It was a good decision.

I've written longer commentary in the review section of the book. I'll write a few comments here.

It's the story of a young woman, in 19th century France, who finds herself trapped in a marriage void of excitement. Her idea of a husband (dashing, good looking, attentive to her, wealthy) clashes with the reality of her husband- a commn country doctor who engages in common conversation and who leads a routine, boring life. She becomes enamoured with young, single men who become her lovers (not simultaneously of course.) Her adulterous and spendthrift behavior eventually leads to their financial ruin. Desperately, at the end, she commits suicide leaving behind her husband broken-hearted and destitute (all along he was not aware of her infidelities) and her young daughter.

This is a very well written novel- for me one of the great novels. Flaubert traces Emma's feelings, thoughts and decisions masterly. One of the great things I value about the novel is that, unlike most modern writers, it does not resort to vulgarities or unnecessary, detailed descriptions of lude behavior to present the encounters with her lovers.

I have never read Madame Bovary. I really must remedy that fact.

Yes, Stasia- I would recommend you read it. It takes you to another world.

I will have to locate my copy.

Book #27 -The Big Thirst by Charles Fishman

This is another read in a book club at work. We picked it because our company works on plumbing products.

The author brings several interesting points about water:
* In the US primarily we have taken water for granted. Turn on the faucet and automatically water comes out. Although the recent experiences in some communities, like Atlanta last year, have dispelled this attitude to some extent.
* The general assumption and expectation globally is that water is free, and should be free. The money that we pay for water (not the bottled water we purchase at a store) has no relation whatsoever with the actual cost. Pretty much the price just covers the delivery costs-- but not necessarily all the infrastructure to maintain and keep it drinkable.
* We use the same quality of water, drinkable potable water, to drink and cook as well as to flush the toilet. This just does not make sense.
* Along with the first point above, we are willing to pay $2-$4 for a bottle of water but yell and scream if our water bill goes up by $5 in a month.
* We get water at home virtually free, but are willnig to pay more for a bottle of water than we actually pay for gasoline.
* Most of the rest of the world has serious water crisis. Those who have traveled abroad, and not stayed in 4 or 5 star hotels, know that water may not be available at all times. Those who have actually lived abroad know first hand that in many places water supply is intermitent. (I taught at a University in Venezuela in the 70s and was living at a fairly upscale high rise apartment building. Often we would have water available only 1 or 2 hours in a day- and the water was available at unpredictable times, sometimes at 2 or 3 in the morning!)
* An interesting point is that even though there may be a water crisis, the crisis is local. A town or locality may not have water, such as Atlanta last year, but that had no impact on the rest of the country- other than the nuisance of reading about it in the paper or watching a segment on TV.

Although the book is full of examples and details the experiences in several cities in the US (Las Vegas) and countries (Australia and India), it is short on analysis and solutions. On the analytical side it touches briefly that prices and a market mechanism could be a workable solution, but does not explore it. He falls back on government planning as the answer. Nonetheless I would recommend reading it- it'll increase your overall awareness on water issues.

#103: Great review, Manuel. I will see if my local library carries the book.

Book #28 - Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky

Just wanted to jot down that I finished another book-- it's getting harder (work!). I'll try to write some notes later on- if I avoid having to work over the weekend on a presentation that I may have to give next week.

I hope you have the weekend free, Manuel!

Nope- presentation is on. So working weekend is the word.

Hopefully after Wednesday I'll have more free time.

Enjoy the weekend all who can.

I work every weekend, so I can relate. I hope you get some time of your own after next Wednesday, Manuel. Good luck with the presentation!

Drat, work obligations taking you away from your reading should be unlawful.
I look forward to your thoughts on Crime and Punishment. I won't sway you, at this time, with what I thought.
Have a great week!

Crime and Punishment
Lynda, I have read this book several times over the years so don't worry about influencing me at this point. Dostoevsky is one of my favorite authors.

The crime aspect of the book takes a very few paragraphs. A young student, Raskonikov, who has become rather lazy in his studies becomes obsessed about killing the pawnbroker Alyona IVanovna from whom he obtains needed funds. He ends up killing her with an axe, as well as her sister Lizaveta who unfortunately comes into Ivanovna's apartment right after he killed her.

Most of the novel deals with the mental anguish and rationalization that Raskolnikov goes through in repenting for the crime, as awell as justifying it to himself. One of the great merits of the novel are his internal discussions justifying the crime because Ivanovna did not deserve to live since she was such a despicable creature, or because he felt himself as sort of a superhuman who had the right to do such things (shades of Nietzsche here).

Of course, the novel has a number of well delineated characters. There is Porfiry Petrovich, the chief of police who is sure that Raskolnikov committed the crime but has no proof. So he maneuvers to meet several times with Raskolnikov to see if he can make him to self-incriminate and admit to the crime. Sonia, or Sofia, is a young prostitute that Raskolnikov befriends and ends up following him to Siberia when he is finally found guilty. Others who play important parts in the novel are Svidrigrailov, who is a rather depraved individual but ends up helping Raskonikov's mother and sister, as well as Sonia, financially.

What makes this a wonderful novel is that all the characters, large and small, help define and round up the plot. The meannes of one of them forces the goodness of another character.

One reason some people may find it difficult to get through the novel are the names of the characters. They are unfamiliar plus often Russian authors use several versions of the name. For instance, the character Sonia is also referred as Sofia. The main character may be referred by his last name, Raskolnikov, or variations of his first name, Rodion, Rodya.

Naturally this is a novel that I recommend highly.

Book #29 - The Corrections by Jonathan Franzen

I picked up this book because we'll be reading another one by this author in one of my reading groups in the Fall. And it was only $1.00 hardbound, new. A steal.

But you get what you pay for. I was totally unimpressed by the book especially given all the euphoric comments by critics and Oprah's selection of the book at one point, and her de-selection immediately after because the Franzen's arrogant response when he found out that Oprah had selected his book. I remember thinking at the time "what a jerk!"

I have written a review of the novel here: http://www.librarything.com/profile_reviews.php?view=xieouyang

Book #30 - Moriras Manana by Jaime Bayly

I picked up this book at Barnes & Noble because I generally trust the publisher (Alfaguara) and the author is Peruvian like Vargas Llosa. Well, these are the wrong reasons for buying a book! I had never heard of the author but thought I would give him a chance.

It turns out that this was a monstrous mistake. And I ended up buying not one, but two of his books!! The other one is called El Cojo y el Loco

You know that it's going to be a bad book when the author resorts to foul language by the third sentence. You really know it's going to be bad when the author uses foul words in virtually every sentence in the first few pages. To me that signals a rather poor command of the language. Resorting to foul language does not make a sentence more vivid, it makes the sentence more poor. It shows the author's inability to express himself well

Rather than write more detailed comments, I'm going to look for the receipt so I can return it to B&N in my next visit (return the one I have not read I mean). I wonder if they will take a book back. Only once I returned a book. It was a history of Spain that I purchased in FNAC in Madrid. It was a biased history written from a Marxist view point that wasn't going to be enjoyable.

Back to the book. The only good thing is that the book was short- it took me only a few hours to finish it.

#112: OK, not touching any books by Bayly with a 10-foot pole! I am sorry that you did not enjoy the book more and hope you can get your money back, Manuel.

I don't know if I'll have the courage to return the book- I'm always embarrassed when I have to return something (guilt feelings?)

@114: If an item, say a shirt or bed linens, simply didn't fit, would you feel awkward and embarrassed to return it? Books are very similar--these simply are not a good fit for you, but you didn't know until you got home and tried the first one on, as it were.

Book #31 - Freedom by Jonathan Franzen

This book is a selection of local book club that I belong. After my disappointment in reading another of Franzen's books The Corrections I was less than enthusiastic about this one. Needless to say, those low expectations were met.

I found the book tedious in many parts (apparently the book editor must have been sleeping on the job!), filled with trite dialogues. Although it has a range of characters, some of them quite interesting, he manages to make them all rather dysfunctional. Not only that, but also many of them depraved with little loyalty and honor.

Typically I read a book either for pleasure or for my own education (in a broad sense). There are many books that actually do both jobs nicely. Freedom fails in both areas.

I wasn't impressed with Freedom, either. I'm still amazed that it was anointed as the 'Novel of the Century', and I'm not eager to read anything else by him.

Book #32 - Rabbit, Run by John Updike
I read this novel last year, in my feeble attempt to hit 75 books. But a couple of weeks I purchased an Everyman edition of the four Rabbit novels, so I decided to attempt to read them all sequentiallym reading again Rabbit, Run.
In this novel, Updike takes up a brief period (a few months) in the life of Harry Angstrom, a young married man with a son, who was a basketball star in his high-school years.
Unable to face reality, he goes out to buy cigarettes and does not return home. He is trapped with a wife who is not a great housekeeper but also drinks heavily. Rabbit sets up house with a 'hoor' and lives with her for about two months. He meets her through his high-school basketball coach, who he goes to see after escaping his wife and home.
The novel deals with his time away from home. He eventually returns to familiar life after a tragic accident.

For those who may be interested, The Dalkey Archive has a sale on Flann O'Brien's books during the month of August. Here is the link:
http://www.dalkeyarchive.com/info/?fa=text174

I should have mentioned that I have been falling way behind on my reading!!! It's embarrassing and almost shameful.

@120: Manuel, clearly you've been busy and haven't given yourself permission to spend time with a book. That's okay--this isn't a class and there are no tests or grades. And it isn't a job--there's no performance evaluation or merit-based raises. It's a love affair that will always be waiting for you when you have the time and energy to spare, a friend to comfort you when you are lost, overwhelmed, or otherwise in need of solace and companionship, unconditional and judgment-free in so many ways. It's only a problem if time away from books adds to your stress and unhappiness. If you are busy in meaningful ways, then someday, when you're ready, you'll get back to reading.

I sympathize because I too haven't been as diligent as I'd like. Mind you, I continue to read, it's something of a biological imperative for me, but I haven't been writing reviews as I'd like. So I understand where you're coming from.

Let me know if you'd like me to swing by for a visit sometime. I don't travel much these days, since I don't have the endurance for long car trips, but the holidays are nigh upon us, with the obligatory pilgrimages with kith and kin.

Chris, it would be great if you can make a visit here, so I get to know you personally.

Pretty much anytime is OK with me. I have about 3 weeks vacation left that I need to take, otherwise I lose it.

The only bad time for me is the week of Nov. 6th that I am traveling to Europe on business. Other that this time, you can pick any time.

As usual, slowly increasing the number of books read.

#33 - Rabbit Redux by John Updike

#34 - Rabbit is Rich by John Updike

I've wanted to read the whole Rabbit series for quite a while so I acquired a Modern Library edition of the four books and have made some inroads.

The characters, as one would expect, grow. Both chronologically and more critically emotionally. The immaturity of Harry Angstrom, aka Rabbit, in the first book has been left behind- although from time to time he evinces traces of that behavior.

I am now on the last one, Rabbit at Rest which has a more ominous title. What kind of rest? Is it the final rest or just the rest from all the problems of his younger years.

Book # 35 - Niki (Story of a Dog) by Tibor Dery
I picked up this book on a trip to Cambridge- its description was simple but had certain appeal.
The story takes place in Hungary in the years just before the second world war through the early 1950s, when Communist took strong hold of the country.
Niki, a female dog, appears in the doorstep of the Ancsas, a husband and wife whose son was killed during the war. Initially they reject the dog, but she continues to return and tries to relate to them. Eventually the adopt her and actually agree to purchase her from her owner who lives nearby.
The book follows the developing relationship and feelings between the Ancsas and Niki. The author explains the feelings of the dog, since they can't talk. It is the beautiful sections of the book to see the developing mutual feelings and increasing attachment among he three of them.
Throughout the story, the history of Hungary from the alliance with the Nazis and the takeover by the communists is felt. Events happen with no explanation, such as the appointment of Mr. Ancsa to positions to which he is not qualified. He is a mining engineer but gets appointed to several jobs that have nothing to do with his background. This reveals the arbitrariness of the Communist regimes as well as the wasteful activities that do not serve anybody's purpose. The worst eventis the disappearance of Mr. Ancsas himself; suddenly, with no explanation he does not return home. His wife attempts to find any information about him but can't- nobody tells her anything. Soon all her neighbors and acquaintances begin to shun her. Losses her job and has little income.
In the end, Mr. Ancsas is freed and returns home only to find out that Niki has just died- leaving an emptiness.
The brutality and arbitrariness of the Communist regimes is revealed when, at the end, Mrs. Ancsa asks the engineer, her husband, whether he was told why he was arrested, he says no, he was not told. Then she asks whether he was told why he was released. No, he says, he was not told either. Dramatic events that ruin people's lives are done arbitrarily and with no explanation.
Although I have talked here about the Ancsas, the story is really about the dog, Niki. A book well worth reading.

Book #36 - The Hard Life by Flann O'Brien
This is satirical story filled with historical references to the Jesuits and the Catholic Church. He is irreverent in a way I think of as healthy irreverence. Very amusing and entertaining throughout.
I had never heard of O'Brien until I learned about a sale of his books by the publisher (The Dalkey Archive http://www.dalkeyarchive.com/search/?fa=search&searchtext=flann+o%27brien&am... ), I was intrigued and purchased several of them. So far, my impression is quite favorable and I will read the rest over the next few weeks.

By the way, you may want to check a newpaper that The Dalkey Archive (incidentally this is the name of one of O'Brien's novels and it never ocurred to me to check this curious name). You can check on its website- it's called "Context." It has in depth articles about the authors that this publisher translatest.

#37 - The Invisible Bridge by Julie Orringer
This is the assigned reading in a library book club I belong. I am enjoying the book club because I am exposed and forced to read books that normally I would not consider- primarily contemporary fiction. I tend to read tried and true (i.e., mostly dead) authors.

I was enthralled by this novel from the beginning. Although the writing is not necessarily gripping, particularly at the beginning, her style kept me interested throughout. As the novel develops and I began to understand I became more engaged. The novel hinges around the bonds between three brothers, Hungarian Jews, who live through the atrocities of Nazi invasion of Hungary, followed by the Soviets. The main characters, though, are Andras Levi who goes to study architecture in Paris on a scholarship that is later revoked when anti-Jew laws are paased in Hungary, and the woman he marries Klara. Their intermitent separation for several years as the Nazis begin to take a grip, creates the tension that only gets worse as the novel approaches its end.

#38 - Room by Emma Donoghue
This is another book assigned by my reading group. Because I'm taking vacation days I have time to read but, even if I wasn't taking vacation I'd have read this book non-stop. I just couldn't put it down because of the suspense and the narrative is interesting.

A terrifying but unfortunately occasionally true story. A young woman is abducted on her way home after school and locked in a small room, 11’ by 11’ we find out later, for more than seven years. The room has only a small skylight on top and the door functions with a keypad whose code known only to the abductor. Her abductor abuses her continuously and she has two children by him, one of whom dies in childbirth.
The story opens when the surviving second child, Jack, turns five years old. All he knows of the world is what is in the room and his mother is the only person he knows. Even though the abductor, Old Nick they call him, comes into the room often at night, the mother asks Jack to hide in the wardrobe each time. Those nights Jack sleeps in the wardrobe and never sees Old Nick’s face. In fact, we don’t learn anything about the abductor other than he brings them food and a few other things every Sunday.
The novel is divided in two parts. The first of which takes place in the room. Gradually we learn about Jack, his mother and why they are kept there. The second part takes place after they escape and Old Nick is apprehended. It deals with their adjustment to the real world. Jack’s adjustment, who’s never seen what he calls “Outside” and has trouble differentiating reality, is in learning about what is real in the world; while his mother is adjusting after so many years of captivity.
One of the fascinating aspects of the novel is that it is narrated entirely from the viewpoint of the child. The reader sees events from the child’s eye- the writer cleverly uses a child’s vocabulary and expressions. Although the mother has made an effort to teach her son, who is a very intelligent individual, his lack of exposure to the world outside the room gives him a very limited perspective of reality. Also, Jack takes everything literally- and has difficulty making sense of common expressions. For instance, once they are free, his grandmother at one point says to him: Sit tight, enjoy the sunshine but Jack thinks I am not sitting, I’m standing. Like this expression, the novel also has a humorous side

Well, hello there, Manuel! Long time, no see. I admit, I haven't had the time nor energy to troll the threads but I am trying to catch up, when able.
Yes, crime and punishment is certainly worthy of rereads. I found it to be amazing and have scheduled The Brothers Karamazov for next year. My hopes are high.
Frazen. I attempted to read The Corrections a few years ago and was unable to move forward after the first few chapters. I just did not care for the tone. Yet, as you say, all were praising it. I abandoned it. Perhaps at some point I'll try it again.
Wishing you a wonderful holiday season and safe travels.

Book #39 - Rabbit at Rest by John Updike

The last of the Rabbit series, probably Updike's best novels. Very interesting and enjoyable- though seeing Harry Angstrom, the Rabbit in the series, slowly go from promising basketball star in High School to selfish old man is not a pretty sight. Every time I thought that he'd turn his life around he goes and does something stupid. He is extremely obsessed about sex and does not care much about the feelings of others, just his own matters.
In addition to being selfish, he is self-indulgent. Also, he has a propensity to blame others for his behavior and his mistakes. Interestingly, his son grows up with the same traits, but to a greater extreme. Although the latter is able to turn his life around and make peace with his father and mother. Something that Rabbit is never able to do.
But besides the story of Rabbit, the novels are truly enjoyable for Updike's description of middle America from the 1950s to the 1980s. He captures very well the mood of the nation through those four decades, mostly seen from Rabbit's eyers.

@129 (and earlier): Very nice reviews of the Rabbit series. I don't think I've read any Updike. I may try some of his books if I ever get back to the library.

Book #40 The Dalkey Archive by Flann O'Brien
Another satirical story by this Irish writer (I got several of his books last month, during a sale by the eponimously named U.S. publisher The Dalkey Arvice.)
This is a fantastical story about a mad (?) scientist who has an invention to accelerate time- thus is able to age whiskey in a few days to taste like 10-year old whiskey (I wouldn't be able to tell the difference, never liked whiskey except during a trip to Scotland a few years ago). He also has a way of communicating with individuals in the past- being a good Irish catholic he choses figures from the Christian pantheon. The other two main characters, the narrator and an acquaintance, witness a conversation with St. Augustine.
The main character also finds James Joyce, who was presumed to be dead, working incognito in a bar in Ireland.
The humor of this story resides in the conversations with St. Augustine, Joyce and others that dispel a lot of Catholic myths. As a good Irish, too, the author rails against the Church and authority, in the form of the police.
The writing itself is quite good- the kind of writing that is a joy to read, regardless of the subject matter.

Book #41 The Time Machine by H.G. Wells

This is a book that I have been wanting to read for a long time- but didn't get around it until now. I downloaded a free copy from the Project Gutenberg (http://www.gutenberg.org/) and read it yesterday on a train trip to Chicago.

I will not narrate the plot because, I think, this is a book that is most enjoyable on the gradual discovery as the story develops. Needless to say, it hinges about a machine that is built by the protagonist, referred cryptically as The Time Traveller. He uses it to make a couple of trips through time. The suspense maintained in the story makes it very readable.

Book #42 The Invisible Man by H.G. Wells
I finally figured that by reading Wells' books, that are short and fast to read, I can get closer to the elusive (for me) goal of reading 75 books this year.
Aaargh, there are not enough days to meet the goal. I'll look around for other mini-books.

Book #43 - Tirante el Blanco by Joanot Martorell

This is a Spanish version of Martorell's famous book Tirant lo Blanc that was first published in the US in 1984. I received the book as a gift then, and read it for the first time. Since that time I've been wanting to read it in Spanish (although it's originally written in Catala.) I finally decided to pursue reading a Spanish version after reading Vargas Llosa's wonderful book Carta de Batalla por Tirant lo Blanc. Incidentally, Vargas Llosa's book is an example of a great, accessible, analytical and descriptive review of a book.

In addition to Vargas Llosa's praise for the book, we have Cervantes'. In a Don Quijote scene, when he returns home defeated the first time, and all his books are put to the flames because they are the ones to blame for his craziness, the only book that is saved is Tirant lo Blanc. It is praised by Cervantes, in the words of the priest I believe, as"'the best book of its kind in the world"and also "deserved to have this book written because he did not do as many silly things as to be sent to the galleys." With two such recommendations, Cervantes and Vargas Llosa, one must listen and follow their advice by reading the book. So I did again. (I also obtained a Catala version but I'm not sure if I'll be able to read it through)

Originally published in 1490, Tirant lo Blanc is a delightful novel indeed. Unlike other chivalry books, old as well as modern, there are no fantastic, out of this world resolutions. But only real people engaged in real activities- fighting, eating, sleeping and, surprisingly to me, engaging in naughty acts. The frank treatment of sexual relations was a surprise to me, somehow I did not expect or think that would be talked so openly at that time. The book is also enjoyable because it does not turn those relations into the pornography of such modern authors as the much praised by critics Jonathan Franzen.

@134: You are an inspiration, Manuel. I am interested in pursuing some of the references after reading about all of the fantasies of knight errantry referred to in Don Quijote. I'll have to look for Tirante el Blanco. I am not surprised that sexuality is openly discussed. Chaucer's Canterbury Tales are really quite raunchy, despite being bowdlerized to some degree for high school English classes. Keep in mind that modern sexual repression and simultaneous prurience in the United States are largely descended from more modern periods than the medieval era--Victorian especially--combined with the founder effect caused by religious fundamentalists like the Puritans fleeing decadent England to lay the cultural blueprint for English-speaking Americas.

@132-133: I hope you enjoyed both stories by H. G. Wells. I read The Time Machine and War of the Worlds in 2009: http://www.librarything.com/topic/56335#1230764. I was generally familiar with them, since they are often referenced and adapted. I haven't acquired The Invisible Man yet.

Good luck reading other novellas. I met my 75 goal for reading, but no reviewing.

Book #44 - Man, Economy and the State by Murray Rothbard

This is a book that many of you will probably rank in the category of "extremely boring," but I found it an excellent book (because I am an economist). Rothbard was a libertarian economist and a big thinker behind the Austrian School in economics. Although I had read sections of the book previously, this year I read it front to back, all 1366 pages of it. Reading was a project that I started at the beginning of the year, with two co-workers, to give them a thorough training in economics.
The book proved to be very effective. It treats economics from an Austrian perspective, that follows a strictly logical approach based on some simple initial evident truth- that man acts. A full, entirely consistent economic system is built on this premise. The approach fully explains economic events and can be used to get a greater understanding of economic policies or opinions.
Most economic textbooks follow a rigid approach that mixes economic analysis, policy positions passed as economics, and ethical opinions that suggest area component of the analysis. Rothbard, in contrast, clearly differentiates between what is the scope of economic analysis and what is ethics or value opinions. It's a more healthy approach to economics.
Besides his view is libertarian, one which I tend to favor mostly.
If you want to get an understanding of economics, I would recommend this book although it requires serious reading and a substantial time commitment.

I do not think I have read anything by Updike yet. One of these days, I really must rectify that fact!

#45 The Three Weissmans of Westport by Cathleen Schine
Apparently this is a retelling of the Jane Austen story Sense & Sensibility. Not having read it I can't vouch for the veracity of such claim, or judge how closely the plots are alike.
Nonetheless, the story is simple but enjoyable. A septuagenarian woman is forced into a divorce from her husband of 50 years, who has fallen in love with a younger woman. She moves out of their $2 million condo in the city to a cottage in Newport, owned by a relative (Uncle Lou everybody calls him). Her two middle-aged daughters, Anna and Miranda, move in with her. Both daughters are also going through some traumatic experiences. Anna is divorced but has two grown children, and Miranda (I love this name) is a single woman who falls in and out of love multiple times.
The story has a lot of twists and many humorous moments. The author can pull good phrases and makes many allusions.
Although it is clearly not the type of novel I would normally read, I enjoyed it. It's one of the books assigned in the local library book club. (In fact, I joined the group so I would be forced to read books that I'd not normally pick).

Merry Christmas, Manuel!

Book #46 - Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen

I decided to read this book after learning that the Three Weissmans of Westdorp, that I just finished, was a take from it. So I wanted to discover how true it was.

I have not read any Jane Austen other than Price and Prejudice}, and this many years ago. But I did enjoy Sense and Sensibility a lot. Unquestionably, Austen was an excellent writer and her depictions of people and feelings are unsurpassable. Reading it reminded me how much I do enjoy 19th century English literature.

I will not write a review, what else can be said about it? But I want to make a comparison of both books, Sense and Sensibility and the Three Weissmans of Westdopr. I will post it when I'm done.

Happy New Year to all! (I doubt I'll finish another book before year end)

Hi Manuel! You've accomplished quite a lot of reading this year despite your very busy schedule. Your thread is always a joy to visit.
Happy New Year to you and yours!