Mac
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Posts posted by Mac
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I really like this guy, and have to admit that, over the years, I've collected them all. Yes. All of them. My absolute favourite has to be From The Corner Of His Eye, full of beautiful imagery, some wonderfully memorable characters and a bad guy who is tremendously, deliciously, stark-raving bonkers.
I love it.
I find Koontz' novels have evolved over the years, that his prose has become much more poetic. He never fails to draw me into the story within a couple of pages. Maybe the frequency my mind resonates at modulates with his? Who knows?
I am very much looking forward to his third instalment of his Frankenstein series coming out in June. Almost vibrating with anticipation, actually.
I am quite sad, you know!
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Actually, I sometimes don't bother reading the last 20 pages because all the worthwhile stuff has already happened. All the characters are already developed. I don't know why anyone bothers, I really don't.
I often read the first 30 pages of one book, then skip to another book - sometimes not even by the same author! - and read from page 31 to 60, then skip to another book and read from page 61 to 94 and so on and so on. It makes things interesting, if mildly confusing...
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Prologues are like the 3 minute teasers before the opening credits of a show. Does he start watching tv shows 5 minutes late in order to avoid the teasers?
Can you imagine watching a James Bond film without seeing the first 5 minutes? You'd miss some of the best action in the film!
This guy sounds a bit strange, not reading the prologue simply because it's called the 'prologue'. I completely agree, it doesn't matter at all what it's called, it's still part of the authors story and will be important to the plot. In some books, I've often found that it makes more sense of the ending if one's read the prologue.
Can't stand it when they're in italics, though, Maggie. I'm with you on that one, too!
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The Piano Tuner by Daniel Mason
On a misty London afternoon in 1886, piano tuner Edgar Drake receives a strange request from the War Office: he must leave his wife, and his quiet life in London, to travel to the jungles of Burma to tune a rare Erard grand piano. The piano belongs to Surgeon-Major Anthony Carroll, an enigmatic British officer, whose success at making peace in the war-torn Shan States is legendary, but whose unorthodox methods have begun to attract suspicion.
There is more to the blurb on the back, but I feel it is unnecessary to write out here. I did not read the blurb beforehand and don't feel it's loss.
This has been a wonderful book. Mason's prose has been, rather fittingly, melodic to me. Idiosyncratic at times, his descriptions are dexterous, nimble, soothing, fashioning beautiful images in one's mind both full of colour and yet, simultaneously bleaching the same image with the drought-bringing sun.
The protagonist, Edgar Drake, is a quiet, thoughtful man, very likeable in his neat, precise ways. I found it interesting that the first half of the novel is about the journey from London to the village of Mae Lwin, where the piano is situated. It is also at this point we first meet Surgeon-Major Anthony Carroll - although we hear of him and his exploits in tales told to Edgar and via letters Carroll has sent for Edgar to read. I found my feelings towards Carroll moving and changing throughout the novel, making him a very realistic character.
This novel has made me thoughtful over this last week, wondering about my own pre-conceptions of different cultures, considering visiting countries I read about and experiencing them first-hand. Sure, I've been to a number of countries, but always with a heavy dollop of Western comfort.
Having just finished it, I feel moved, somewhat emotional even, and saddened that my - now this may sound weird - friend Edgar has gone. I wonder about this. The character remains safe within the pages of the novel, which very shortly will be returned to its place on the shelf. There he will be if I revisit the novel in time to come, and yet this time is lost. The growth one experiences with a character can only be felt once.
I remember feeling like this with other books, such as The Lord Of The Rings when I was younger, or The Last Witchfinder. Curious, isn't it? I hope I'm not going bonkers and that all who read this thinks I'm a nut-job.
So, yes, I thoroughly recommend this book to everyone, particularly if you enjoy well researched historical fiction. In fact, even if you don't as a rule, try it anyway. It's beautiful.
9/10
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I've bought another two of his today. A Wild Sheep Chase and The Wind-up Bird Chronicle. I'm addicted to the guy. Happy days!
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I wish I had read this before I went and spent a Gazillion pounds in Waterstone's, Roxi. *Sighs*
It looks great, dammit.
Thanks for the cracking spiel, mate.
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I just don't do vampires.
This is good news, indeed, ii. Questions would be raised concerning your mental health.
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I have told Roxi about this book as I know she, like me loves Beauty and the Beast as do many people on this forum, if going by avatars is anything...:lol:
I want to marry Belle. She is the best cartoon lovely ever! My friends and I discuss the pro's and con's of having a relationship with cartoon characters even now, to this day!
There's something about that yellow, off-the-shoulder number she flounces round in...
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I'm really pleased you liked it! I've got it out to read next, so I'll talk with you about it when I'm through.
He really is wonderful.
You really rattle through them, don't you?!?
Gosh, how many times do I write the word really? Very many, it would seem.
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Hi guys.
I used to have an amazing collection of vinyl.
I went on a week-long course during the summer of '97 and returned on the Sunday to find that my then-girlfriend had decided to completely and deeply clean everywhere, stacking the records along the patio doors for a few days.
A few long, very hot days.
In the hottest week of the year.
In a south facing room.
*sobs*
Non were salvageable. My CD collection still hasn't matched my vinyl collection.
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Maggie. You're going to love it here. It's quite addictive, mind, so be warned! Everyone is really lovely, which makes it even more likely that you'll be sucked in and unable to leave without a stay in The Priory.
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I've seen the film (have it on dvd) and loved it, and keep seeing it in the shops and contemplating buying it. I think I shall eventually.
It's another one of my very favourites, Chrysalis. I think you'll love it. It evokes strong sensory images. Suskind is very clearly a very talented author. Again, the writing is a little detached, a little chilly, if you know what I'm trying to get at. I very strongly recommend this book to you.
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I think the character Jeremy in Jack Kerley's novels is marvellous. The books are well worth checking out.
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I suppose when you are in the back of the car you are looking out of the side windows more and I believe looking to the front is the way to go to prevent nausea.
I concur with your assessment here, Loo. Nausea, eh? It makes me sick...
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Hmmm, these are some books I've not had a look at. Maybe I should. Do you think that the character 'Angel' is loosely based on this fella, then? He valued human life and was a bit of a loner. Cool programme. Hope you're okay.
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Me too! I'm dead jealous of those that can. I find even just reading a text message makes me queasy although strangely map reading does not seem to be a problem.
Weirdness! I feel nauseous even thinking about reading in the car, but just like Loo, I can read a map! I often get a 'white-out' if I even look down to move something around whilst in a car (not while I'm driving, though - now that would be a 'safe & sound' issue!)
So. There's my tuppence worth.
On that note...
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I find it difficult interacting with people that argue for the sake of it. My uncle is one of these chaps. I can't stand it, because he'll play Devil's Advocate even if he agrees with the other person. I cope with him now by saying, 'You know, you're absolutely right. I hadn't thought of that. You can p**s off now.'
I don't actually say that last sentence. That was a fib.
I think this stems from my complete lack of competitiveness. I cannot stand arguing. I love sensible, clear, rational discussion, but can't bear confrontation.
I'm such a softy.
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I took the plunge with The Silmarillion recently and managed to finish it.
I can now give you a complete history of Middle Earth, with accurately recalled names, dates and events!
(NB - one of the above statements may not be true.)
I believe it must be the first statement that is inaccurate...
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Now, you see, this is excellent news (I'm assuming you're talking about Kostova and not Tartt).
Thanks, Chesilbeach!
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Kudos, Miss Whitlock! I thought I was suffering from narcolepsy when I attempted it!
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I'm going to get myself a reputaion:blush: and it won't be for being clever.
I think I have this reputation already. I irritated the living bejesus out of the staff here at first - and probably still do!
I get really paranoid about stuff like this. Especially if I'm a little hung-over.
You'll get to grips with it very quickly, I'm sure.
Hope this finds you very well and chipper!
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Morning Seiichi. Hope you're well, mate. This is glum news. I hope it doesn't turn into one of those 'Donna Tartt' things, where we wait a decade for another novel and it turns out to be pants!
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I truly adored this book. Is there any more out there by Kostova? What a talent!
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Hi Loo. Without Fail I remember being a good one. The Visitor too. One Shot I enjoyed less, but this may have something to do with my mood at the time and I'd just finished another 'does-what-it-says-on-the-tin' thriller, so was perhaps a little weary of the genre.
I really think it's about my attitude when it comes to thrillers. If I go 'Okay, fella. Let's switch off the brain and enjoy the ride', I'll lean towards loving them. If I'm feeling all poncey and intellectual, I'll get bored very quickly. I even bore myself when I'm in those moods, though.
Have you tried Harlan Coben (I'm always banging on about this guy - I'm so dull!)
Sarah's books 2009
in Past Book Logs
Posted
Well, Sarah, join my club 'Soft Sh**es Anonymous'. It seems that every book I'm reading makes me sigh deeply and become all introspective and maudlin. I'm a bundle of fun, fun, fun!
Hi ho.