A Dance to the Music of Time GR 2013 - June: The Kindly Ones
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1Deern
Our discussion thread for the June volume of A Dance to the Music of Time: The Kindly Ones
Main thread: http://www.librarything.com/topic/147074
Main thread: http://www.librarything.com/topic/147074
2Deern
Started this morning... Well, nice as it is to see some of Nick's family background, I am now on page 31 and have no idea where he wants to take us with those upstairs/ downstairs childhood memories. It's such a different beginning compared to the other books. Okay, Casanova's Chinese Restaurant was also 'different' with several time jumps on the first pages, but at least there was a glimpse at the present time for some orientation. I am feeling a bit lost here, but trusting Powell, I'll do my best to enjoy the ride.
3Deern
Finished the 1st chapter... and yes, it goes 'somewhere'. I am so impressed that Powell chose that flashback episode to lead us onto the road to the bad things that are soon to come in the late 30s.
This is such an incredibly well composed work! I can already imagine that rereading the whole thing after once having finished it could be a completely new experience, once you know what will happen to all the characters and can appreciate how they have been woven into the Dance. Nothing is coincidental here, and I understand that, like with Proust, the whole collection has been made part of the 1,001 list as one work, instead of just one or two books (like with Trollope's Barsetshire chronicles).
This is such an incredibly well composed work! I can already imagine that rereading the whole thing after once having finished it could be a completely new experience, once you know what will happen to all the characters and can appreciate how they have been woven into the Dance. Nothing is coincidental here, and I understand that, like with Proust, the whole collection has been made part of the 1,001 list as one work, instead of just one or two books (like with Trollope's Barsetshire chronicles).
4Deern
Should anyone else never have heard of "Munich" before, I found this here:
http://militaryhistory.about.com/od/worldwarii/p/World-War-Ii-Munich-Agreement.h...
I knew there had been such an agreement, but the name was new for me.
And I hadn't known about the Sudetenland issue in such detail although one half of my family is Sudeten.
http://militaryhistory.about.com/od/worldwarii/p/World-War-Ii-Munich-Agreement.h...
I knew there had been such an agreement, but the name was new for me.
And I hadn't known about the Sudetenland issue in such detail although one half of my family is Sudeten.
5Deern
Finished the book now during lunch break. Feeling sad. Clearly we are in for some losses in the books to come. Is there any important character of the first 5 books who doesn't make a reappearance here or isn't at least mentioned?
It feels like taking a last good look at everyone before Powell sends them off to face their individual war fates. "So you know her/him/each other" and "haven't we met" are said so often in this volume, it almost feels ridiculous.
Some impressions with spoilers:
Chapter I:
Was a 5star chapter for me. Just amazing! And finally some more family information.
Chapter II:
The Widmerpool appearance was not as unexpected here as in the last 2 books. I had actually expected he'd be the one to pick up the two couples for the evening at Magnus Donners' and was almost disappointed when it was 'only' Peter Templer.
That scene with the seven sins was interesting, although maybe a little too constructed. Who wouldn't have given Nick the job of enacting sloth? :-)
Chapter III:
In this chapter I was once again a bit annoyed with Nick. No real job, no other important things to do - how much of a burden can it be to oversee Uncle Giles' cremation? I understand they are all stressed with the situation of war looming, but I found his unwillingness here exaggerated.
Interesting exchange with Duport and finally he accepts that, if all of Jean's men were horrid, mustn't there be something horrid about himself as well?
This is a bit of a bleak chapter with the setting in the grey hotel by the grey sea, with the sad little room Uncle Giles occupied before his death. Fits in well with the overall atmosphere of desolate waiting.
Chapter IV:
So war has finally broken out, but the UK is not yet affected. I was actually surprised that Nick was so eager to become enlisted. I just don't get it why you'd make such an effort to get to the front when your wife is expecting a baby (the first one?). Okay, we have seen he's from a military background, but so far I haven't seen any ambitions in him in that area, neither as a strategist nor as someone for direct battle. Was that just something expected from you if you came from a better family?
As usual I am impressed by the level of preparation the British had taken against the German attacks early on, with distributing gas masks, organizing quarters for evacuees, starting black outs, etc..
I had seen that documented in various museums when I was in London many years ago and I admire all that foresight and determination.
Powell managed to squeeze almost everyone into this last chapter, even Gypsy Jones, Mark Members and Quiggin turn up on the very last pages, just to say 'Hi' - or maybe to wave goodbye? Poor Stringham was only mentioned though.
I hope not too many of Nicks childhood friends will get lost in the war, I am really scared of that third installment now (vols 7-9).
It feels like taking a last good look at everyone before Powell sends them off to face their individual war fates. "So you know her/him/each other" and "haven't we met" are said so often in this volume, it almost feels ridiculous.
Some impressions with spoilers:
Chapter I:
Was a 5star chapter for me. Just amazing! And finally some more family information.
Chapter II:
The Widmerpool appearance was not as unexpected here as in the last 2 books. I had actually expected he'd be the one to pick up the two couples for the evening at Magnus Donners' and was almost disappointed when it was 'only' Peter Templer.
That scene with the seven sins was interesting, although maybe a little too constructed. Who wouldn't have given Nick the job of enacting sloth? :-)
Chapter III:
In this chapter I was once again a bit annoyed with Nick. No real job, no other important things to do - how much of a burden can it be to oversee Uncle Giles' cremation? I understand they are all stressed with the situation of war looming, but I found his unwillingness here exaggerated.
Interesting exchange with Duport and finally he accepts that, if all of Jean's men were horrid, mustn't there be something horrid about himself as well?
This is a bit of a bleak chapter with the setting in the grey hotel by the grey sea, with the sad little room Uncle Giles occupied before his death. Fits in well with the overall atmosphere of desolate waiting.
Chapter IV:
So war has finally broken out, but the UK is not yet affected. I was actually surprised that Nick was so eager to become enlisted. I just don't get it why you'd make such an effort to get to the front when your wife is expecting a baby (the first one?). Okay, we have seen he's from a military background, but so far I haven't seen any ambitions in him in that area, neither as a strategist nor as someone for direct battle. Was that just something expected from you if you came from a better family?
As usual I am impressed by the level of preparation the British had taken against the German attacks early on, with distributing gas masks, organizing quarters for evacuees, starting black outs, etc..
I had seen that documented in various museums when I was in London many years ago and I admire all that foresight and determination.
Powell managed to squeeze almost everyone into this last chapter, even Gypsy Jones, Mark Members and Quiggin turn up on the very last pages, just to say 'Hi' - or maybe to wave goodbye? Poor Stringham was only mentioned though.
I hope not too many of Nicks childhood friends will get lost in the war, I am really scared of that third installment now (vols 7-9).
6JonnySaunders
Some great comments Deern, I'm with you all the way on this one!
I've just finished it myself and while it was not my favourite volume, I did enjoy the slow creeping dread of the coming war which spread through the narrative like a looming dark cloud. I agree as well that the first chapter was a cracker!
Interesting that you mention the desire to enlist as well as I found myself wondering the same thing. However in his conversation with Widmerpool Nick seems to give away that what he is really trying to do is get called up as an officer to avoid general conscription...I assume to avoid the front line?
So not as noble an action as I'd first thought! I'd be interested to know If I'd read that right, or if my interpretation is way off?
I really can't wait for the next instalment!
I've just finished it myself and while it was not my favourite volume, I did enjoy the slow creeping dread of the coming war which spread through the narrative like a looming dark cloud. I agree as well that the first chapter was a cracker!
Interesting that you mention the desire to enlist as well as I found myself wondering the same thing. However in his conversation with Widmerpool Nick seems to give away that what he is really trying to do is get called up as an officer to avoid general conscription...I assume to avoid the front line?
So not as noble an action as I'd first thought! I'd be interested to know If I'd read that right, or if my interpretation is way off?
I really can't wait for the next instalment!
7brenzi
Nearly five stars for me too. I absolutely loved it, especially the opening chapter about Nick's childhood. Loved Albert, Bracey, Bellin, Dr. Trelawney, Gen. Conyers---Powell is an absolute genius at characterization. Also, it looks to me like Nick still cares for Jean.
I'm also thinking the next book will be very grim as the war swings into full force.
Thank you for the link to the Munich agreement. I was wondering about that.
I'm also thinking the next book will be very grim as the war swings into full force.
Thank you for the link to the Munich agreement. I was wondering about that.
8Donna828
Finished! The Kindly Ones is my favorite novella to date, though I've been saying that about each of the installments as I read them. It is taken me nearly to the midpoint of these twelve volumes to say that I am finally enjoying myself! Talk about a slow start...
I'm feeling a bit slothful like Nick so I'll just copy the comments I put on my thread:
This 'review" is mainly for my own use to remember the first half of this twelve-volume narrative about the life and times of Nick Jenkins in England during the first half of the twentieth century. There are probably some spoilers ahead so if you plan to read this at some time, you might want to skip my thoughts.
Book No 57: A Dance to the Music of Time: The Second Movement by Anthony Powell. 4 stars.
I read the three novellas in this book over the course of the past three months. I shared some thoughts about At Lady Molly's and Casanova's Chinese Restaurant on my April and May threads. I'm not rating the novellas as I read them; however since I gave the First Movement 3.5 stars, and I'm liking each installment a bit more than previous ones, I'll rate this book a solid four stars.
A few words about The Kindly Ones, my favorite novella to date:
I thought the title was brilliant. Powell reminds the reader that "The Kindly Ones" was a euphemism for the Furies in order to minimize their damage. It didn't work for the Greeks...or the nations fighting against the rise of German oppression in World Wars I and II. According to Nick's teacher, Miss Orchard, the wrath of the Furies "inflicted the vengeance of the gods by bringing in their train war, pestilence, dissension on earth; torturing, too, by the stings of conscience. That last characteristic alone, I could plainly see, made them sufficiently unwelcome guests." The dry wit continues even as Nick recalls his youth and the shadow that The Great War cast upon it. He ends the first chapter with this somber observation: "Childhood was brought suddenly, even rather brutally, to a close. Albert's shutters...did not effectively exclude the Furies."
The most memorable scene in Chapter 1 where Albert the cook announces he is to be married resulting in the shocking nude entrance of Billson in the dining room while Nick's family was entertaining General and Mrs. Conyers is followed by another comic vignette in Chapter 2 where Nick and some of his old buddies act out various poses of the Seven Deadly Sins. I certainly see why Nick is cast as Sloth as he still retains his laid back role as narrator and never seems to do much. I was quite angry with him in Chapter 3 when he reluctantly traveled to the seaside where his Uncle Giles had died at an "inconvenient moment" of a stroke at the Bellevue Hotel owned by the Jenkins' old cook Albert. I saw red when I read his grumbling..."to be forced to undertake this journey in order to dispose of the remains of Uncle Giles seemed to be the last straw in making life tedious, disagreeable, threatening, through no apparent fault of one's own." Giles got his revenge by leaving his money to the fortuneteller! The bothersome trip became even worse to Nick when he was forced into spending time with an old acquaintance, Bob Duport, who was married to Nick's past lover Jean. Dupont spent the drunken evening telling Nick of Jean's sexual exploits much to Nick's dismay.
Chapter 4 brings A Dance to the Music of Time up to its midway point with quite a change in Nick's personality, at least the way I had interpreted it up to this time in his life. He surprised me with his determination to gain a place in England's army, although he did make sure he entered as an officer. We are left with these ominious words:
Like Nathalie, I am a bit worried about Nick and the other characters we've come to know. The Furies will certainly show their wrath in the next book.
I'm feeling a bit slothful like Nick so I'll just copy the comments I put on my thread:
This 'review" is mainly for my own use to remember the first half of this twelve-volume narrative about the life and times of Nick Jenkins in England during the first half of the twentieth century. There are probably some spoilers ahead so if you plan to read this at some time, you might want to skip my thoughts.
Book No 57: A Dance to the Music of Time: The Second Movement by Anthony Powell. 4 stars.
I read the three novellas in this book over the course of the past three months. I shared some thoughts about At Lady Molly's and Casanova's Chinese Restaurant on my April and May threads. I'm not rating the novellas as I read them; however since I gave the First Movement 3.5 stars, and I'm liking each installment a bit more than previous ones, I'll rate this book a solid four stars.
A few words about The Kindly Ones, my favorite novella to date:
I thought the title was brilliant. Powell reminds the reader that "The Kindly Ones" was a euphemism for the Furies in order to minimize their damage. It didn't work for the Greeks...or the nations fighting against the rise of German oppression in World Wars I and II. According to Nick's teacher, Miss Orchard, the wrath of the Furies "inflicted the vengeance of the gods by bringing in their train war, pestilence, dissension on earth; torturing, too, by the stings of conscience. That last characteristic alone, I could plainly see, made them sufficiently unwelcome guests." The dry wit continues even as Nick recalls his youth and the shadow that The Great War cast upon it. He ends the first chapter with this somber observation: "Childhood was brought suddenly, even rather brutally, to a close. Albert's shutters...did not effectively exclude the Furies."
The most memorable scene in Chapter 1 where Albert the cook announces he is to be married resulting in the shocking nude entrance of Billson in the dining room while Nick's family was entertaining General and Mrs. Conyers is followed by another comic vignette in Chapter 2 where Nick and some of his old buddies act out various poses of the Seven Deadly Sins. I certainly see why Nick is cast as Sloth as he still retains his laid back role as narrator and never seems to do much. I was quite angry with him in Chapter 3 when he reluctantly traveled to the seaside where his Uncle Giles had died at an "inconvenient moment" of a stroke at the Bellevue Hotel owned by the Jenkins' old cook Albert. I saw red when I read his grumbling..."to be forced to undertake this journey in order to dispose of the remains of Uncle Giles seemed to be the last straw in making life tedious, disagreeable, threatening, through no apparent fault of one's own." Giles got his revenge by leaving his money to the fortuneteller! The bothersome trip became even worse to Nick when he was forced into spending time with an old acquaintance, Bob Duport, who was married to Nick's past lover Jean. Dupont spent the drunken evening telling Nick of Jean's sexual exploits much to Nick's dismay.
Chapter 4 brings A Dance to the Music of Time up to its midway point with quite a change in Nick's personality, at least the way I had interpreted it up to this time in his life. He surprised me with his determination to gain a place in England's army, although he did make sure he entered as an officer. We are left with these ominious words:
"Outside the moon had gone behind a bank of cloud. I went home through the gloom, exhilarated, at the same time rather afraid. Ahead lay the region beyond the white-currant bushes, where the wild country began, where armies for ever campaigned, where the Rules and Discipline of War prevailed. Another stage of life was passed, just as finally, just as irrevocably, as on that day when childhood had come so abruptly to an end at Stonehurst."
Like Nathalie, I am a bit worried about Nick and the other characters we've come to know. The Furies will certainly show their wrath in the next book.
9Deern
Aaargh... in all my work chaos I almost forgot that it's time to set up the next thread. Here it is: http://www.librarything.com/topic/155855#.
The Valley of Bones, what a chilling title... I loved this last book so much, especially that 1st chapter, I'm hesitating to start the next volume.
Great comments, and a wonderful review from Donna! I still haven't got over Nick's reaction in chapter 3.
The Valley of Bones, what a chilling title... I loved this last book so much, especially that 1st chapter, I'm hesitating to start the next volume.
Great comments, and a wonderful review from Donna! I still haven't got over Nick's reaction in chapter 3.
10LizzieD
I did finish *Kindly Ones*, and I agree with everybody else that it's the best so far. That iconic tableau of the 7 Deadly Sins with Sir Magnus Donners stays with me when everything else but Widmerpool is lost.
11kaggsy
Finished June's book just in time but only just got my review up here:
http://kaggsysbookishramblings.wordpress.com/2013/07/04/recent-reads-the-kindly-...
Loved this book and love Powell's writing!
http://kaggsysbookishramblings.wordpress.com/2013/07/04/recent-reads-the-kindly-...
Loved this book and love Powell's writing!
