Review : The Arabian Nights by Andrew Lang

Title : The Arabian Nights Author : Andrew Lang Reading Dates : 18 Jun - 25 Jun 2012 Total Pages : 347
From Amazon : This anthology is a thorough introduction to classic literature for those who have not yet experienced these literary masterworks. For those who have known and loved these works in the past, this is an invitation to reunite with old friends in a fresh new format. From Shakespeare's finesse to Oscar Wilde's wit, this unique collection brings together works as diverse and influential as The Pilgrim s Progress and Othello. As an anthology that invites readers to immerse themselves in the masterpieces of the literary giants, it is must-have addition to any library.

Book Review of The Arabian Nights.

The Arabian Nights wasn’t what I thought the story would be. The stories that Scheherazade tells to save her life doesn’t seem all that compelling to me. Would the Sultan really have stayed her execution for these stories ? I don’t know. To each their own I suppose. The only memorable ones were the tales which I’d already known from childhood like Sinbad and Aladdin.

As for the storytelling, I found it distracting and confusing with the characters within the stories telling tales themselves. It didn’t take long for me to lose track of who was telling what and trying to remember the reasons for the current tale gave me a headache..

Another reason I didn’t like The Arabian Nights was the role of women in the tales. I suppose I shouldn’t complain since these tales were from a different time but still I couldn’t help feeling irritated. Take one of the later stories in the book where the male protagonist simply gives away his wife out of generosity and she not only accepts it but doesn’t find fault with him at all when returned to her husband.

Definitely not my cup of tea.

My conclusions :

• Would I re-read the book ? Not likely
• Would I want to read the next book in the series if there were one? No.
• Would I want to own my personal copy if I didn’t already own it ? No.
• Who would I recommend this too? No one. At least not this version.
• For those looking to read the book, would I recommend buying or borrowing the book? Borrow it.

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Challenges : 2012 Outdo Yourself Reading Challenge; Eclectic Reader Challenge 2012

Review : Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

Title : Jane Eyre Author : Charlotte Bronte Reading Dates : 26 Aug - 30 Aug 2011

From goodreads : Charlotte Bronte's impassioned novel is the love story of Jane Eyre, a plain yet spirited governess, and her arrogant, brooding Mr. Rochester. Published in 1847, under the pseudonym of Currer Bell, the book heralded a new kind of heroine--one whose virtuous integrity, keen intellect and tireless perseverance broke through class barriers to win equal stature with the man she loved. Hailed by William Makepeace Thackeray as "the masterwork of great genius," Jane Eyre is still regarded, over a century later, as one of the finest novels in English literature.

Book Review of Jane Eyre.

Jane Eyre, is unfortunately another book that hasn’t stood the test of time for me. I used to love this story but after re-reading it this time, I simply couldn’t understand why this was such a favourite of mine before.

First of all, the young Jane Eyre was a bit creepy. She seems way too mature and upstanding for a 10-year old child who has either been largely ignored or abused by those responsible for her care.

And then, there’s her relationship with Mr. Rochester which doesn’t seem very healthy to me. I mean, what attractions Jane could hold for Mr. Rochester is easily guessed at, but I couldn’t help but wonder if it was love or lust. And as for Jane’s feelings for him, I couldn’t guess what he could have done or said to turn her thoughts in that direction.

Additionally, I didn’t share Jane’s admiration and respect for her cousin, St. John. He strikes me as too cold and callous; ill-suited to what I imagine someone of his vocation should be. How someone who isn’t capable of comprehending another person’s feelings be expected to help them was the running thought I had.

Overall, it is the characters in Jane Eyre, which left me feeling disappointed in the story. It wasn’t that they felt unreal, just that I couldn’t feel for them in the way the author intended.

My conclusions :

• Would I re-read the book ? Maybe. After all, I did love it once upon a time.
• Would I want to read the next book in the series if there were one? Hmm ... I doubt it.
• Would I want to own my personal copy if I didn’t already own it ? I'm not too sure about it.
• Who would I recommend this too? Everyone. I think this is a book that should be read at least once.
• For those looking to read the book, would I recommend buying or borrowing the book? Borrow it.

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Challenges : 100+ Reading Challenge, The Classics 2011 Reading Challenge

Review : Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens

Title : Oliver Twist Author : Charles Dickens Reading Dates : 28 Jun - 29 Jun 2011
From Amazon :
The story of the orphan Oliver, who runs away from the workhouse only to be taken in by a den of thieves, shocked readers when it was first published. Dickens' tale of childhood innocence beset by evil depicts the dark criminal underworld of a London peopled by vivid and memorable characters - the arch-villain Fagin, the artful Dodger, the menacing Bill Sikes and the prostitute Nancy. Combining elements of Gothic Romance, the Newgate Novel and popular melodrama, in "Oliver Twist" Dickens created an entirely new kind of fiction, scathing in its indictment of a cruel society, and pervaded by an unforgettable sense of threat and mystery.

Book Review of Oliver Twist.

It’s sad when a childhood favourite doesn’t live up to my expectations and that’s what happened with Oliver Twist. It isn’t that I’ve grown to hate the story or anything, but there simply wasn’t enough of a story to go on. Like Oliver, I kept wanting more and was denied *Wink, Wink*

First off, the characters felt rather one dimensional to me when people aren’t like that. With the exception of Nancy, most of the characters in the story clearly fell into either the angelic or demonic category. Next, while I’m sure there are good samaritans everywhere, Oliver’s luck when it comes to his benefactors was simply unbelievable. And finally, there’s the rather neat ending with all the i’s dotted and t’s crossed.

It’s just too disappointing for words. What happened to the story that I loved and re-read so frequently as a child ?

My conclusions :

• Would I re-read the book ? I'm not sure.
• Would I want to read the next book in the series if there were one? No, not really.
• Would I want to own my personal copy if I didn’t already own it ? That depends. I think I'd want one if there was a child in the family.
• Who would I recommend this too? Young readers.
• For those looking to read the book, would I recommend buying or borrowing the book? Borrow it.

Challenges : 100+ Reading Challenge, The Classics 2011 Reading Challenge

Review : Swiss Family Robinson by J.D. Wyss

Title : Swiss Family Robinson Author : J.D. Wyss Reading Dates : 15 Jun - 19 Jun 2011
From goodreads :
A terrible storm strands a Swiss pastor, with his wife and four sons, on a tropical island. Luckily, the Robinsons are optimistic and inventive, and with what they salvage from the wrecked ship, and the island's abundant fruits, plants, and animals, they soon adapt--each day discovering new dangers, skills and delights in their strange new life.

Book Review of Swiss Family Robinson.
This is the first time I’ve re-read the book in over a decade, maybe more. And while I still enjoy it, most of my enjoyment this time is derived from sentimental reasons than the storytelling.

Previously, I had enjoyed it as a simple adventure story. One where I shared the shipwrecked family’s trials and tribulations as they encountered wondrous creatures and used their ingenuity to create a safe and comfortable home for themselves on the island. This time around though, I couldn’t help but notice how improbable that the varied creatures they encountered could co-exist on the same island or how incredibly knowledgeable the patriarch of the family was. It surely puts this tale in the realm of fantasy. This doesn’t mean that I didn’t like it, just that it requires the suspension of disbelief.

Aside from that, I also thought that with regards to the purpose or objective of this tale, the story falls far from its aims. I can’t say how it affected other young readers but on reflection,as a child I never gave much attention to the lessons The Swiss Family Robinson was attempting to impart. It was no more and no less than just a story to me then. Without re-reading this now, I would never have realized that the author might have something else in mind.

As a final note, the story here was a nice break from some of my recent reads. Fun, without need to expend too much though on it.

My conclusions :

• Would I re-read the book ? Yes.
• Would I want to read the next book in the series if there were one? No, any longer and the tale would become boring.
• Would I want to own my personal copy if I didn’t already own it ? Not really.
• Who would I recommend this too? Young readers who like adventure stories.
• For those looking to read the book, would I recommend buying or borrowing the book? Borrow it.

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Challenges : 100+ Reading Challenge, The Classics 2011 Reading Challenge

Review : To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Title : To Kill a Mockingbird Author : Harper Lee Reading Dates : 23 Apr - 27 Apr 2011
From Amazon :
"Shoot all the bluejays you want, if you can hit 'em, but remember it's a sin to kill a mockingbird." A lawyer's advice to his children as he defends the real mockingbird of Harper Lee's classic novel—a black man charged with the rape of a white girl. Through the young eyes of Scout and Jem Finch, Harper Lee explores with rich humor and unswerving honesty the irrationality of adult attitudes toward race and class in the Deep South of the 1930s. The conscience of a town steeped in prejudice, violence, and hypocrisy is pricked by the stamina and quiet heroism of one man's struggle for justice—but the weight of history will only tolerate so much. One of the best-loved classics of all time, To Kill a Mockingbird has earned many dis-tinctions since its original publication in 1960. It has won the Pulitzer Prize, been translated into more than forty languages, sold more than forty million copies worldwide, and been made into an enormously popular movie. It was also named the best novel of the twentieth century by librarians across the country (Library Journal).

Book Review of To Kill a Mockingbird.
I must admit I picked this one up with some trepidation. I’ve found that there are plenty of times where I just can’t seem to love much less enjoy a “beloved classic”. Thankfully, To Kill a Mockingbird isn’t one of these.

What I loved best about this one was the way the story is told from Scout’s viewpoint. While there wasn’t any flash or excitement, I never once felt bored by the tale. Scout’s voice is a compelling one, all the more so when she doesn’t understand the events surrounding her. Her questions on why adults can behave in a certain way gives clarity to the situation at times. More than that, it turns what could have been a rather tragic tale into a hopeful one.

The other part which I enjoyed was Scout and Jem’s fascination with Boo Radley. Reading between the lines from book reviews and summaries, I felt I had an idea on what goes on in the tale. Yet, the story still managed to spring me a surprise at the end.

This is a book that I would definitely re-read but only when I have the time to savour and think on it.

My conclusions :

• Would I re-read the book ? Definitely.
• Would I want to read the next book in the series if there were one? Yes.
• Would I want to own my personal copy if I didn’t already own it ? Yes, this one is a keeper.
• Who would I recommend this too? Everyone.
• For those looking to read the book, would I recommend buying or borrowing the book? Buy it. This one's a keeper.

Read another review on the book by :

• a thousand Books with Quotes
• Book Journey

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Challenges : 100+ Reading Challenge, New Author Challenge, The Classics 2011 Reading Challenge

Review : Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Title : Pride and Prejudice Author : Jane Austen Reading Dates : 13 Nov - 17 Nov 2010
From goodreads:
"It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife." So begins Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen's witty comedy of manners--one of the most popular novels of all time--that features splendidly civilized sparring between the proud Mr. Darcy and the prejudiced Elizabeth Bennet as they play out their spirited courtship in a series of eighteenth-century drawing-room intrigues. Renowned literary critic and historian George Saintsbury in 1894 declared it the "most perfect, the most characteristic, the most eminently quintessential of its author's works," and Eudora Welty in the twentieth century described it as "irresistible and as nearly flawless as any fiction could be." "The wit of Jane Austen has for partner the perfection of her taste." --Virginia Woolf

Book Review of Pride and Prejudice.
Pride and Prejudice remains my favourite Jane Austen novel. This is the only book I’ve ever re-read 5 times in a row the first time I picked it up. And no matter how many times I’ve re-read it since, I still love it.

There are really just 2 main reasons for this. The first are the characters. I enjoy them all especially the sillier ones. I can never quite decide who is the more ridiculous and funny. The things they say and think are so absurd that it’s hard to dislike them even when they are behaving abominably. The story and characters just leave me with a warm feeling until the end.

The second is of course the main characters, Elizabeth and Darcy. It was rather lovely to read how they progressed from dislike to love. I like that Darcy isn’t attracted to Elizabeth because of her looks but because of her personality. He doesn’t see her as beautiful until after he is in love. And once in love, proofs more than once how important Elizabeth’s happiness is to him. Vice versa, I also like that Elizabeth only falls in love with him after he earns her respect and gratitude.

My conclusion : An absolute must-read.

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Review : Persuasion by Jane Austen

Title : Persuasion Author : Jane Austen Reading Dates : 18 Oct - 22 Oct 2010
From goodreads:
'She had been forced into prudence in her youth, she learned romance as she grew older - the natural sequel of an unnatural beginning.' Anne Elliot seems to have given up on present happiness and has resigned herself to living off her memories. More than seven years earlier she complied with duty: persuaded to view the match as imprudent and improper, she broke off her engagement to a naval captain with neither fortune, ancestry, nor prospects. However, when peacetime arrives and brings the Navy home, and Anne encounters Captain Wentworth once more, she starts to believe in second chances. Persuasion celebrates romantic constancy in an era of turbulent change. Written as the Napoleonic Wars were ending, the novel examines how a woman can at once remain faithful to her past and still move forward into the future.

Book Review of Persuasion.
I like Persuasion but it is the one I like the least of Jane Austen's completed works.

The only complain I have about Persuasion is the build up to the happy ever after of the main protagonists in the story. I know that the couple has a history and because of that their tale would not start at the beginning. But still, I always have this feeling that I missed something in the middle because of the abrupt change from Captain Wentworth's ignoring Anne to being in love with her again. No matter how many times I've re-read this, when Captain Wentworth finally declares his intentions I always have this moment of puzzlement where I wonder if I missed something.

As for the characters in the story, none of them really stand out to me. We've basically seen them before in other Austen books. While they do not bore me, I really think their foibles were somehow funnier and more prominent in her other books.

What I do enjoy though is trying to work out Captain Wentworth's feelings for Anne throughout the story. Did he never stop loving her and was merely pretending otherwise ? Or did he fall in love with her a second time after being reminded of her good qualities ? I never can decide. What do you think ?

My conclusion : An enjoyable read for Jane Austen fans.

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Review : Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen

Title : Northanger Abbey Author : Jane Austen Reading Dates : 5 Sep - 9 Sep 2010
From Amazon:
Catherine Morland lives for much of her time in a fantasy world of romance and mystery based on the Gothic novels of her time, the early 1800s. But a stay in Northanger Abbey leads her into a series of misjugdements and a farewell to her Gothic world, only to be dealt a cruel blow in the real one.

Book Review of Northanger Abbey.
This was another enjoyable read by Jane Austen.

While Catherine Morland is not the epitome of the usual heroine, being rather plain and silly, I still liked her. I suppose it is because I believe life might be simpler if we all could be like her. Absolutely unpretentious and never having to worry about any meaning beyond exactly what is said, even such things as little white lies. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we all could be like the Morlands who are able to assume that no one they meet has ill intentions until proven otherwise ?

The other reason I like this particular story is the romance between Catherine and Henry Tilney. It certainly doesn't progress like any of the romance books I have ever read; the reasons for their falling in love with each other is in fact rather funny. Certainly I doubt if any other book has ever had the male protagonist fall in love with the heroine for the same reason that Henry does. At least, not stated so plainly.

And Henry is another of Austen hero that I find interesting. For the choice that he makes at the end, he obviously has principles. But there is enough playfulness in his character to ensure that he isn't a boring main character either. I've also realized while re-reading Jane Austen's books that I much prefer less than perfect characters. What about you ?

My conclusion : One of my choices for a re-read when looking for a light read.

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