sirinrob

In what way Kate? I admit his style with all the metaphors, similes etc is a tad off putting, but I enjoy that, if that makes sense

I'm going to take up this challenge. I'll have to trawl through my books and see which ones fit the challenge. I'm being strict so the author has to be born in the country. Can see that could be a bit tricky for several countries

Ah think my previous post is my answer to that

A thought just occurred to me, but perhaps Beatty was 'guilty' of hoarding books. He comes out with all sorts of quotes as retorts to Montags quotes (aided by Faber) at one point, indicating he has read alot. Since he knows he's guilty, then that could be a reason why he allows Montag to kill him. Also his lecture to Montag doesn't add up, as he reveals he is aware of what books contain and dismisses them, more in the spirit of toeing the party line rather than sincerely - well that was my reading.

Like you Kell im not 100% sure about Clarissa's motives. The idea that the powers that be arrange relationships and blur peoples memory is a good point, because Montag doesn't remember where he met Millie till he leaves the city. Maybe the TV wall was used to send subliminal messages, which dulled peoples memory and capacity to think for themselves. i noticed that when Montag shut the wall down in the parlour when Millie and the other women were there, they didn't know how to react, they seemed dazed.

Just finished Cousin Bette by Balzac. Torn between reading Salamander by Thomas Wharton and finishing off a non-fiction book I started last year. Probably end up reading both in parallel

This novel is part of the Comedie Humaine, the ambitious project undertaken by Balzac. This work is a mature work and appeared in 1847. The Cousin Bette of the title is the second cousin to Baroness Hulot (Adeline). Since childhood Adeline had been favoured, leading to Bette's resentment. Whilst Adeline lives in luxury, Bette lives in a garret. Baron Hulot whilst he loves his wife, has a roving eye and mistress after mistress. In order to keep his mistresses the Baron borrows heavily and enters various shady financial deals. As the novel unfolds, these financial deals unravel and the novel chronicles the consequences. Bette at the start of the novel has a lover called Steinbock, but fate decrees that Hortense, the Baron's daughter lures Steinbock from Bette. This increases her resentment and she vows revenge on the Hulot family. She eventually ends up as housekeeper/confidant to Valerie Narneffe, who happens to be the Baron's latest mistress. Between them, Bette and Valerie plot the downfall of the Hulot. Bette partially succeeeds, but illness and circumstances rob her of her final 'victory'. Valerie is very wily and at one point has five men (including her husband) eating out of her hand. Eventually her husband dies, and she marries Crevel, a retired perfumer who is a sort of rival of the Baron. Another of her lovers, Montes, takes revenge on her and she ends up dying a gruesome death slong with Crevel. The above is only a summary of the complicated plot. Balzac is taking a swipe at the bourgeoisie and their values, their love of money being the main target. The novel is full of vengeance, intrigue, wily machinations, double dealing and an incisive observation of human nature. The writing is melodramatic at times, but putting the novel into context, Balzac had to adhere to the roman feuillton that was the rage at the time in France and the melodrama would maintain his readers attention. The novel is well paced, though there is a patch in the middle that drags slightly The characters are sharply drawn. Adeline is portrayed as a long suffering dutiful wife, The Baron as a rake, Hortense as a bit naive, Bette resentful and Valerie machiavellian. I enjoyed this and will reread again:)

Glad you enjoyed 'The Big Over Easy':D

I think they will resist the change as it moves them out of their comfort zone, but with the ruling order demolished they will have to change - painful as it will be - thats if any are left of course.

I think most if not all the populace were unhappy - Mildred, though she denied it, was desperately unhappy, the woman who burned with her books would rather that then live without books. Beatty is a suicide, as he realises the double standards he lives. From my reading of his lecture to Montag, he doesnt believe what he is saying, more hes a parrot and deep down realises that, hence he lets Montag kill him. The society depicted is rather bleak, many are unhappy ref mrs phelps reaction to the poetry that montag reads to her, but somehow they dont realise, bar Clarissa, Montag and Faber.

Yes the arrest of the uncle for being a pedestrian does suggest he saw or more likely heard something he shouldn't have. One of the points Bradbury makes is no one talks to anyone except in acceptable clich

Ah can see your logic now Kell as he had sensed he was being watched, and later events with Beatty like the lecture and the incident with the hound, when Beatty smiles wryly adds to your conjecture. Also fairly early on the Clarissa's family "disappear", which Montag notices because their house is not lit up like when he met Clarissa. That said though in the play and opera that Bradbury wrote based on, 'Fahrenheit 451', he does bring Clarissa back in at the end. The plot thickens....

Your idea Kell is a possibility, but reading that first encounter between Montag and Clarissa, I get the impression she's curious about him being a fireman and through the encounter acts as a catalyst to set him thinking.

I think by talking to Montag, and he reacting positively to her by looking at the moon and looking at her when she speaks, Clarissa feels she has met someone who has time for other people. He certainly finds the "family" unbearable and the seashells stupid i.e the audio/visual opiates most of the populace seem to be on.

I'm sure others will confirm this, but a good place to start with Jasper Fforde is 'The Eyre Affair'. Its a mix of crime thriller and Fantasy with lots of silliness for good measure.

Obviously I don't now which reveiew you read Chesil, but the 2 I've read (Guardian and Washington Post) seem to be lukewarm about 'Shades ofGrey'. However I shall read Jasper's latest offering - it sounds intriguing.

oops misread your original post - now I feel silly:blush:

If you suggesting the Rilke as something I would enjoy then i've already read them in German as i like his poetry:mrgreen:

those sound good buys Frankie, be interested in what you think of 'The Magus' by John Fowles.

Making being a pedestrian a crime, fits in with the pressure not to think and also control of the population, just in case they had 'incorrect' thoughts.

Just had a quick peek at your Dystopia challenge list - have a suggestion you might add to that list 'Invitation to a Beheading' Nabokov. The beheading occurs at the end and only takes 4 pages up, mostly dealing with the crowd and how its not that real.

'Labyrinths' by Jorge Luis Borges might fit the bill. It is a collection of short stories and certainly has depth, and to my mind has its own poetical feel.

Poetry, Plays, Essays,Short Stories 'A Winter Book' Tove Jansson review 'Midsummer Days and other tales' August Strindberg review 'Best European Fiction 2010' edited by Aleksander Hemon

Having read the TN series up to 'Something Rotten', I have the impression that Jasper intended them to flow into one large tale, since he continues and extends themes presented in earlier volumes in later volumes. The notion of reading up on the books referenced is a good one as it does help make more sense of the series. Reading the first two chapters of 'The Trial' by Kafka is a worthwhile investment I found, by way of example.

well i'm halfway through 'Cousin Bette' by Balzac and enjoying it - rather complicated plot but interesting.