sirinrob

Finished this after reading 'Ulysses'. This is easier to read than 'Ulysses', but I found Chapter 3 heavy going, but interesting as an insight into Catholic doctrine. As a Bildungsroman felt this was average. Stephen's character develops along with the language, which is effective. However I felt he only develops so far. Many of the motives/themes presented are taken up in 'Ulysses' and expanded on. How Stephen is at the end, explains his dissolute behavior in 'Ulysses'. This was an interesting read, but I prefer 'Ulysses'

Read the 'God of Small things' about 5 years ago. I distinctly remember enjoying the rich style and insight into Indian society. think a reread is in order:)

This novel is based on the author's own capture and experiences as a prisoner of war in Italy and Germany. The broad theme of the book is how men cope with living in prisoner camps and how they relate to each other. The novel chronicles the experiences of three principal characters: Tom, Douglas and Danny. Tom and Douglas are captured by the Italians in North Africa and shipped to a prisoner of war camp in Italy. They strike up an unequal friendship, which has consequences later. At the camp Tom, who is an Afrikaans speaking South African, makes friends with Danny who is British. This friendship is low key to start with, especially since Tom has a dislike of as he puts it 'Poms'. A daily routine is established, which tom splits between Douglas and Danny. Eventually circumstances arise that end the friendship between Tom and Douglas. The result is that the friendship between Tom and Danny grows. The Germans take over the camp and move the inmates to a camp in Germany. Here the tension between tom and Douglas comes to the boil, with tragic consequences for Douglas. Eventually the inmates are liberated. Danny wants to maintain the friendship with Tom, which partially succeeds. The full range of human emotions are presented in an uncompromising way. The way the relationship between the principal characters develops is keenly observed. There is tenderness and rawness in equal measure. This is a novel that will stay with me, as it's powerful and moving. highly recommended.

The translation I read, gives an interesting historical background to Sun Tzu's life, the various commentators on 'The art of war' and how it came into being. For each of the points made by Sun Tzu, the relevant commentary is included and often an illustrative anecdote. I found this to be an interesting book both historically ( I learnt something about early Chinese history ) and what Sun Tzu was saying. Worth a read

just finished the SUN TZU ON THE ART OF WAR (1910 translation)

There are 2 good translations available; dr giles (1910) and Samuel B Griffith (1963). The 1963 translation is more lucid, but lacks the notes of the 1910 translation. I'm part way through the 1910 translation available at Project Gutenberg. There is alot of interesting background information, besides Sun Tzu's text.

@andrea what you make of Schr

After a false start last year, decided to have another attempt at reading this. It's not an easy read, but the alleged difficulty is in my opinion overrated. The bulk of the novel relates to the downtrodden nature of Bloom's life. The final episode 'Penelope' is given over to Molly's thoughts. That episode is an attempt by Joyce to look at the situation from the female point of view. I understood many of the points Joyce was making, and will at some point reread.

After a couple of false starts, now over halfway through 'Ulysses' by James Joyce - now im into how he structured it , I'm really enjoying this. Currently reding the 'Cyclops' episode....

Just finished 'Like water for Chocolate' by Laura Esquivel - really enjoyed it Made a start on 'The discovery of Heaven' by Harry Mulisch

No Chrissy its a leaves forum Just finished 'Independent People' by Halld

Halfway through 'Independent People' by Halldor Laxness - interesting glimpse of rural Icelandic life.

Thank you Kylie for that . Now for some more Lady Macbeth's first two speeches are wonderful, you definitely get the impression she is taking charge, as she wants to be Queen NOW! Line 26 'That I may pour my spirits in thine ear,| And chastise with the valour of my tongue' is a motif that Will used in Othello (Iago) and Hamlet (Claudius). The scene between Lady Macbeth and Duncan is one of surface politeness, Lady Macbeth's last speech is chilling as on the surface she is acceding to the King his rights, but the subtext is 'Thats all going to change very soon'. Macbeth's soliloquy, is one of brooding on the consequences of deeds in this life on future lives. Towards the end of this speech Macbeth seems to be concluding that his ambition is overreaching. The following exchange between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth is one that Lady Macbeth has the upperhand. She berates him for not keeping to his promise to murder Duncan, attacking his masculinity. Once she outlines a practical plan he agrees, if only to get a quiet life:roll: As a side note, line 61 'But screw your courage to the sticking place' is used as catch phrase in 'A Fraction of the whole' by Steve Toltz

Well, I would andy , think his style would match your taste.... he has mine

Glad you solved that little mystery

your review summed up 'By night in Chile' far better than I did . I agree trying to explicate Bola

Whilst reading 'Macbeth' I've found myself paying attention to the rhythm as it often conveys to me the prevalent mood.

Synopsis from amazon: During the course of a single night, Fr Sebastian Urrutia Lacroix, a Chilean priest, who is a member of Opus Dei, a literary critic and a mediocre poet, relives some of the crucial events of his life. He believes he is dying and in his feverish delirium various characters, both real and imaginary, appear to him as icy monsters, as if in sequences from a horror film. Thus we are given glimpses of the great poet Pablo Neruda, the German writer Ernst Junger, General Pinochet, whom Fr Lacroix instructs in Marxist doctrine, as well as various members of the Chilean intelligentsia whose lives, during a period of political turbulence, have touched upon his. This is the first work by Roberto Bola

Another poet who is currently writing is Christopher Reid. His latest offering is 'Scattering', in memory of his wife. I have read some of these and they are rather good.

Another suggestion is 'By night in Chile ' by Roberto Bala

Glad I was of service. One problem you may find is getting hold of a copy as it is out of print. However with judicious searching bargains can be found

Reading 'By Night in Chile' by Roberto Bola

Kell's explanation is very good - i always remember it as a morris reel rhythm, very regular and mechanical, but believe it or not danceable Lol

I do similar, but after I've read the book. If it has been reviewed then I try and read all the reviews.

'The Quiet Girl' by Peter H