Summary: Taking place in India and America, Inheritance of Loss covers the stories of the spiteful Judge, trained in England; his granddaughter Sai; his cook, saving money for his son; the cook's son as he struggles in America, and other characters amid unrest in their town in India.
Musings: Like a number of other books I've read on India, Inheritance of Loss discusses the pull many Indians feel between their home country, England, and America, and the many different positive and negative feelings associated with each country. This novel not only covers poverty in India, but it also includes the struggle of immigrant poverty in America, whereas other books I'd read (such as Interpreter of Maladies) concerned professional Indians now living in America.
In the Institute I'm participating in this summer, our director has discussed the findings of Terry Gilligan, who did work with some of the most violent offenders in jail. Gilligan found that the common denominator among these men was shame. It was intense shame that created the impetus for the men to be violent. This idea is especially present in Desai's novel, particularly in the Judge. His simultaneous shame of his culture and his shame over the treatment of his culture by whites creates intense anger in him, which most potently manifests itself in violence against his wife.
The book is not particularly uplifting, but it does end with a moment of joy between a separated father and son. Desai writes lyrically, and the small chapters create intense moments of feeling.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
"Special Topics in Calamity Physics" by Marisha Pessl
Summary: Blue, an intelligent teenager, constantly moves about with her brilliant visiting-professor father. When she arrives at another prep school, she finds herself being taken under the wing of one of the school's teachers, Hannah, and brought into the Blueblood clique. Soon, however, unanswered questions begin to arise, and mysteries deepen.
Musings: I've been in a summer institute for the past two and a half weeks and haven't had the opportunity to read with my typical voracity. Nonetheless, this book had been on my "to read" list for awhile (on the recommendation of another English teacher), and as it was one of the few pieces of fiction the Smith College Library had that I wanted to read, I checked it out.
I enjoyed the book, but I do think my reading of it suffered somewhat from misplaced perception. From the English teacher who recommended it, I knew only that the book was about a smart young girl who used endless literary allusions (i.e. all the chapters are titled after canonical texts). However, about halfway through I realized Special Topics was not a story about the difficulties of being a teenager, but instead a historical conspiracy mystery. This turn of events struck me by complete surprise (I don't even think I'd noticed the early warning signs as I was so convinced the book was just about the difficulties of high school). For that reason, although the mystery was interesting, I couldn't help but feel it wasn't appropriate in this book.
Throughout the book many questions go unanswered as the protagonist, Blue, tries to find some ground in her newest school. Her close relationship with her father and her admiration of his intellect also forms a large part of the novel. The book gets a little strange when the teacher Hannah takes a primary role, but it's only in the last third of the novel that all semblance of a "normal" book is thrown out as several chapters are spent by Blue explaining the vast anti-government conspiracy she has stumbled upon.
It's a fun read that kept me wanting to know how it ended, despite feeling sideswiped by the odd turn of events.
Musings: I've been in a summer institute for the past two and a half weeks and haven't had the opportunity to read with my typical voracity. Nonetheless, this book had been on my "to read" list for awhile (on the recommendation of another English teacher), and as it was one of the few pieces of fiction the Smith College Library had that I wanted to read, I checked it out.
I enjoyed the book, but I do think my reading of it suffered somewhat from misplaced perception. From the English teacher who recommended it, I knew only that the book was about a smart young girl who used endless literary allusions (i.e. all the chapters are titled after canonical texts). However, about halfway through I realized Special Topics was not a story about the difficulties of being a teenager, but instead a historical conspiracy mystery. This turn of events struck me by complete surprise (I don't even think I'd noticed the early warning signs as I was so convinced the book was just about the difficulties of high school). For that reason, although the mystery was interesting, I couldn't help but feel it wasn't appropriate in this book.
Throughout the book many questions go unanswered as the protagonist, Blue, tries to find some ground in her newest school. Her close relationship with her father and her admiration of his intellect also forms a large part of the novel. The book gets a little strange when the teacher Hannah takes a primary role, but it's only in the last third of the novel that all semblance of a "normal" book is thrown out as several chapters are spent by Blue explaining the vast anti-government conspiracy she has stumbled upon.
It's a fun read that kept me wanting to know how it ended, despite feeling sideswiped by the odd turn of events.
Monday, July 13, 2009
"Emma" by Jane Austen
Summary: Emma Woodhouse, a spunky and well-off young woman, gets herself into trouble when she seeks to set up her poor friend Harriet with Mr. Elton. Emma navigates the social world in which she lives while discovering people are not always what you think them to be.
Musings: Although I've seen Clueless, I was not very familiar with Emma. However, since I finished Pride and Prejudice and Zombies so recently, I did feel I was already in the proper mindset to appreciate Emma and already know what was going to happen.
Austen's books run along the same themes, and Emma is no different. Although Emma makes many mistakes, she is endearing, and the reader cheers for her attachment to Mr. Knightley, even if he is quite a bit older. Some of the topics in the book get tiresome, such as the constant inquiries into characters' health. I thought the obsession a product of Austen's time period, but I'm currently at a summer institute, and I observed that most of the participants open morning welcomes with health inquiries. So I guess we're not so different after all.
Emma's father, Mr. Woodhouse, in reality would probably be the most annoying and tiresome person who ever existed, but in Austen's book he is absolutely hilarious.
There is nothing very shocking or surprising about the book. Most characters are, indeed, kindly, marriages ensure, and proper class relations are maintained. Perhaps its lasting impression on me was my tendency to go around musing on "so-and-so's temperament" and "so-and-so's manners" whenever I put the book down.
Musings: Although I've seen Clueless, I was not very familiar with Emma. However, since I finished Pride and Prejudice and Zombies so recently, I did feel I was already in the proper mindset to appreciate Emma and already know what was going to happen.
Austen's books run along the same themes, and Emma is no different. Although Emma makes many mistakes, she is endearing, and the reader cheers for her attachment to Mr. Knightley, even if he is quite a bit older. Some of the topics in the book get tiresome, such as the constant inquiries into characters' health. I thought the obsession a product of Austen's time period, but I'm currently at a summer institute, and I observed that most of the participants open morning welcomes with health inquiries. So I guess we're not so different after all.
Emma's father, Mr. Woodhouse, in reality would probably be the most annoying and tiresome person who ever existed, but in Austen's book he is absolutely hilarious.
There is nothing very shocking or surprising about the book. Most characters are, indeed, kindly, marriages ensure, and proper class relations are maintained. Perhaps its lasting impression on me was my tendency to go around musing on "so-and-so's temperament" and "so-and-so's manners" whenever I put the book down.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
"1984" by George Owell
Summary: In this dystopian society, the greatest crime a person can commit is "thoughtcrime"-- thinking anything that goes against the dogma of the ruling Party. Winston tries to secretly rebel against Big Brother, but quickly learns autonomy is impossible.
Musings: This is a new choice for summer reading, although I think it's a rather heavy book in comparison to some of the other options. I first read it a few years back (I loved Animal Farm in high school, but never had this assigned in school) and looked forward to reading it again.
On of the most obvious observations is how eerily correct many of Orwell's predictions are. Although "thoughtcrime" is not yet punishable, there are certainly many ways in which our society encourages a group mentality over independent thought and blind patriotism over common sense. When betraying the Party, Winston seeks solace in believing that although the Party can capture him, torture him, and force him to betray everything he believes in, they cannot actually destroy the essential part of "him." And despite our focus today on being part of a group, there's also an intense belief that an individuals' beliefs are inviolable. Of course, this is where Big Brother's greatest strength lies. He not only makes you say you believe the Party line, he drives you to the point where you actually do give up anything you once stood for.
There's no hope nor optimism in Orwell's world, and that's not a comfortable idea to have.
Musings: This is a new choice for summer reading, although I think it's a rather heavy book in comparison to some of the other options. I first read it a few years back (I loved Animal Farm in high school, but never had this assigned in school) and looked forward to reading it again.
On of the most obvious observations is how eerily correct many of Orwell's predictions are. Although "thoughtcrime" is not yet punishable, there are certainly many ways in which our society encourages a group mentality over independent thought and blind patriotism over common sense. When betraying the Party, Winston seeks solace in believing that although the Party can capture him, torture him, and force him to betray everything he believes in, they cannot actually destroy the essential part of "him." And despite our focus today on being part of a group, there's also an intense belief that an individuals' beliefs are inviolable. Of course, this is where Big Brother's greatest strength lies. He not only makes you say you believe the Party line, he drives you to the point where you actually do give up anything you once stood for.
There's no hope nor optimism in Orwell's world, and that's not a comfortable idea to have.
Friday, June 19, 2009
"Pride and Prejudice and Zombies" by Jane Austen and Seth Grahame-Smith
Summary: Austen's classic story of misunderstandings and reconciliations is updated with zombie killing mayhem.
Musings: I can't write a review about Pride and Prejudice and Zombies without reviewing both Austen and Grahame-Smith, for although Grahame-Smith has added zombies, the story is all Austen's. In truth, the zombies are a clever conceit that add absurdity but change little of the story's overall feel or tone.
In fact, I was surprised how little I noticed the zombie killing. I did like that Elizabeth was given not only mental wit, but physical strength as well, as she's known as a champion zombie slayer. It makes her all the more equal to her love, Darcy. Otherwise it's easy to overlook the Bennett daughters' intensive training in the "deadly arts" since their training in China has done little to affect their temperaments. Mrs. Bennett and the three youngest daughters are dismissed as utterly worthless people, although they are granted some positive growth at the end of the novel.
Austen's prose can be tiring at times, and even some of the more ludicrous additions (such as Elizabeth pulling out the heart of one of Lady Catherine de Bourgh's ninjas and taking a bite) don't make a significant difference. The beginning of the novel frequently bored me, and I could only digest the book in small parts. However, I read the last one hundred pages straight through, and I did so because of Austen's story, not zombies. I knew Elizabeth and Darcy would end up together, but I read eagerly, quietly pining as they avoided revealing their feelings for one another.
If Austen's not your thing, Grahame-Smith's changes aren't sufficient to make it worth your while. However, I think any Austen fan can find pleasure in reading an old work in a new light.
Musings: I can't write a review about Pride and Prejudice and Zombies without reviewing both Austen and Grahame-Smith, for although Grahame-Smith has added zombies, the story is all Austen's. In truth, the zombies are a clever conceit that add absurdity but change little of the story's overall feel or tone.
In fact, I was surprised how little I noticed the zombie killing. I did like that Elizabeth was given not only mental wit, but physical strength as well, as she's known as a champion zombie slayer. It makes her all the more equal to her love, Darcy. Otherwise it's easy to overlook the Bennett daughters' intensive training in the "deadly arts" since their training in China has done little to affect their temperaments. Mrs. Bennett and the three youngest daughters are dismissed as utterly worthless people, although they are granted some positive growth at the end of the novel.
Austen's prose can be tiring at times, and even some of the more ludicrous additions (such as Elizabeth pulling out the heart of one of Lady Catherine de Bourgh's ninjas and taking a bite) don't make a significant difference. The beginning of the novel frequently bored me, and I could only digest the book in small parts. However, I read the last one hundred pages straight through, and I did so because of Austen's story, not zombies. I knew Elizabeth and Darcy would end up together, but I read eagerly, quietly pining as they avoided revealing their feelings for one another.
If Austen's not your thing, Grahame-Smith's changes aren't sufficient to make it worth your while. However, I think any Austen fan can find pleasure in reading an old work in a new light.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
"Big Mouth & Ugly Girl" by Joyce Carol Oates
Summary: Matt Donaghy, a popular high-school student, is thrown into turmoil when a joke he makes at lunch is reported as a violent threat on the school. Although cleared of the charges, Matt finds himself ostracized and withdrawing from school life until he finds solace with Ursula Riggs, a truculent, intimidating girl who is universally feared and disliked.
Musings: The book has a basic premise (two opposite kids suddenly finding each other) with contemporary commentary thrown in (hysteria over school shootings). Matt seems like a typical kid: smart, well-liked, but unable to stand on his own when he finds himself outside the mainstream school culture. Ursula is like no kid I’ve ever known, which perhaps made her the more difficult character of the two for me to empathize with. She uses her size and attitude to mask personal unease.
The characters’ emotions felt authentic, and the book does a nice job describing how quickly relationships can turn, particularly in a high school setting. The budding relationship between Matt and Ursula is slow, but sweet.
The book ends happily but still leaves some lingering questions. Matt and Ursula have found connections with each other, and have each started to renew some old friendships, but they’re not able to be friends with other people together. I think there’s certainly some real truth in that.
Although only written in 2002, the text feels a bit dated, especially concerning the characters’ clothing and method of communication (I doubt my kids have ever emailed one another—they barely know how to use it—it’s all text messaging these days).
Musings: The book has a basic premise (two opposite kids suddenly finding each other) with contemporary commentary thrown in (hysteria over school shootings). Matt seems like a typical kid: smart, well-liked, but unable to stand on his own when he finds himself outside the mainstream school culture. Ursula is like no kid I’ve ever known, which perhaps made her the more difficult character of the two for me to empathize with. She uses her size and attitude to mask personal unease.
The characters’ emotions felt authentic, and the book does a nice job describing how quickly relationships can turn, particularly in a high school setting. The budding relationship between Matt and Ursula is slow, but sweet.
The book ends happily but still leaves some lingering questions. Matt and Ursula have found connections with each other, and have each started to renew some old friendships, but they’re not able to be friends with other people together. I think there’s certainly some real truth in that.
Although only written in 2002, the text feels a bit dated, especially concerning the characters’ clothing and method of communication (I doubt my kids have ever emailed one another—they barely know how to use it—it’s all text messaging these days).
Saturday, June 13, 2009
"Olive Kitteridge" by Elizabeth Strout
Summary: A collection of short stories centers around the life of Olive Kitteridge, an irritable and callous retired public school teacher. Olive is the center of some of the stories and is in the outermost periphery in others.
Musings: Although dealing with a different cultural population (aging white New Englanders, mostly) than Interpreter of Maladies, Strout's book, in some ways, follows many of the same themes as Lahiri's work. Like Interpreter, loneliness seems to envelop the majority of characters as they fail to make connections and relationships succeed in the way they want. An emphasis is placed on individuals' isolation, even when surrounded by other people and even in the presence of family.
Olive is the most interesting character in the book, and the reader slowly learns more about her as the stories continue. Originally portrayed mostly as a bitch in the first story (which focuses on her kindly husband Henry), she quickly becomes more nuanced. She often is a bitch, but she also deeply cares about the students she has worked with over the years and almost intuitively is aware of the deep sorrow in others. She is often unable to make relationships with other people, except those in crisis, because (even against her better judgment) she condemns and dismisses them as "stupid" and irritating. Her only son (who also appears cold and uncaring in early stories) hates her because of her attitude. Although Olive is devoted to him, she is unable to express that love in a productive way and fails to secure a loving relationship with him.
I'm significantly younger than Olive, but I did occasionally see some of myself in her: dismissing other people, failing to put effort into relationships, taking for granted the love I do receive. It's not something I intentionally do, yet I know I too can come off as cold and stiff. There's no overarching message in Olive Kitteridge to take solace in (nor even a story of hope, which Lahiri at least provided), so I felt rather saddened by its stories.
Olive Kitteridge is the newest Pulitzer Prize winner, and I was pleased to find a book that was rich and compelling, even if it wasn't uplifting.
Musings: Although dealing with a different cultural population (aging white New Englanders, mostly) than Interpreter of Maladies, Strout's book, in some ways, follows many of the same themes as Lahiri's work. Like Interpreter, loneliness seems to envelop the majority of characters as they fail to make connections and relationships succeed in the way they want. An emphasis is placed on individuals' isolation, even when surrounded by other people and even in the presence of family.
Olive is the most interesting character in the book, and the reader slowly learns more about her as the stories continue. Originally portrayed mostly as a bitch in the first story (which focuses on her kindly husband Henry), she quickly becomes more nuanced. She often is a bitch, but she also deeply cares about the students she has worked with over the years and almost intuitively is aware of the deep sorrow in others. She is often unable to make relationships with other people, except those in crisis, because (even against her better judgment) she condemns and dismisses them as "stupid" and irritating. Her only son (who also appears cold and uncaring in early stories) hates her because of her attitude. Although Olive is devoted to him, she is unable to express that love in a productive way and fails to secure a loving relationship with him.
I'm significantly younger than Olive, but I did occasionally see some of myself in her: dismissing other people, failing to put effort into relationships, taking for granted the love I do receive. It's not something I intentionally do, yet I know I too can come off as cold and stiff. There's no overarching message in Olive Kitteridge to take solace in (nor even a story of hope, which Lahiri at least provided), so I felt rather saddened by its stories.
Olive Kitteridge is the newest Pulitzer Prize winner, and I was pleased to find a book that was rich and compelling, even if it wasn't uplifting.
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