7/19/2000
The Angelic Avengers by Isak Dinesen
[Note- brought at Karen Blixen museum]
Mr. Armsworthy
seems to be very much like the Duke in Browning’s “My Last Duchess” That same air of look at what I have to
offer. He also manipulates her when he
brings in the subject of Lucan’s brothers.
Interesting
how both women cannot be strong at the same time. Zorine begins a f lightly character and yet
gains in strength as the book progresses.
Lucan begins to become weak.
The book
is gothic. But the romance between Noel
and Lucan is not very believable. Noel
does not seem to be much better a choice then Armsworthy. Both seek to control her reaction about stating
their feelings Noel comes off worse
because he is already spoken for and yet is writing to declare is love. He
places a burden on her. Romance between
Noel and Lucan seems to be contrived.
And a great many of the characters appear to be selfish. Zosine’s father in leaving her behind, Zosine
in her running away, Lucan seems to forget about her brothers, Noel is taking
Lucan for granted.
Zosine’s
sudden departure of faith in the old couple is not well done. It seems too sudden and lack conceivable
proof. However her relationship with the
Baron is far more believable than Lucan’s.
But the
whole plot seems to contrived. Writing
is beautiful but the plot when compared to her other works lacks.
7/10/2000
Confessions of an English Opium Eater by Thomas De Quincy
 |
| De Quincey |
De
Quincy states that discipline at his Manchester school was controlled by the
elder boys, sounds very much like Dr Bill’s (mentioned in Byatt).
De
Quincy apologizes for alliteration in one place, saying that he did not intend
to use many “Ps” o on purpose, it just happened.
Very
good in some places , esp. in regards to the story of Anne. Yet seems to drag in some points. Loses its focus.
7/12/2000
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J K Rowling
[Note - this before the author's posts in 2020.]
“He
hurried to his car and set off for home, hoping he was imagining things which
had had never hoped before because he didn’t approve of imagination” (5).
Refers to Mr. Dursley
Sentence variation needed.
“there will be books written about Harry - every child in out world will know his
name” (13) = psychic
“What happened down in the dungeons between you and
Professor Quirrell is a complete secret so naturally the whole school knows”
(296).
All in
all a pretty good book.
Sometimes
the writing needs variation in words.
Good
characterization and plot. Like the fact
that Harry was not responsible for Gwforydor attaining the final points need to
win but Neville did.
While
the characters at least in this book, seem to be pigeon holed into types but
are still well drawn.
Some
very funny moments and like the fact that Hermione did contribute a lot. I hope that Rowling doesn’t pair her off with
Harry but with Ron [Note – but then Ron was a weak will douche and Hermione
deserves so much better than Ron or Harry].
Rowling
does seem to draw upon other fantasy novels but combines them pretty well. Also some movies, remember something similar,
done earlier, something involving witches.
Of the
course the question arises why Harry was sent back to his family for the
summer. Wouldn’t both happy to not do
so?
7/12/2000
Night of the Wolf by Alice Borchardt
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| Mother of Rome by Biggi |
[Note – sequel to Silver Wolf, author was Anne Rice's sister]
Involves
from a novel about Mainel to one about Dryas.
Full circle of the novel Mainel goes from leading a pack of wolves to a
pack of humans. Interesting use of
historical characters. But cannot see
how Cleopatra would fall in love with Anthony.
What I would really like to see is how Maniel formed the pack.
Characterization
is good but at times the plot becomes confusing. Whole sequence with Calpurnia was not really
needed and seemed a little out of place.
Does not seem to match the historical figure.
Interesting
how both novels take place in Rome.
Nice to
see the development of Maniel. Revealing
his origin but yet keeping part of him a mystery.
7/15/2000
Hotel Transylvania by Chelsea Quinn Yarbro
First
of the books about the Count. Good in
the sense that the Count does not yet have to defend his secret but simply
rescue the girl.
Madeline
herself suffers more from the Devil Worshippers than society. But wish a reason for her “death” was
given. Neither like or dislike Madeline,
though she seems more mature in Out of the House of Life Yarbro does not seem to have done that much
with her. Olivia has four books,
Madeline two. Olive is far more
interesting. Madeline’s seems like a
child. Does she truly think about her
choice?
Like the
contrast between the alchemists and Satanists.
Why doesn’t
the Count transform into a wolf in other books?
Particularly
good characterization esp. in regards to the minor characters.
Seems to
be somewhat happier Count in this novel.
Like how she explains about the real Count at the end of the book.
Some of
the bad guys, particularly the young men could have been more individualized. The young ones seem to be so much alike. Unless Yarbro chose to portray them this way
so the reader could see why Madeline is disenchanted with society. But even then it feels fake, rationally we
know that not everyone is alike.
Madeline’s
father, if he wanted to keep her truly safe would’ve one would have left the
country. He does not seem to have taken
the threat as seriously as he should have.
I think more mention should have been made of Madeleines’ mothers, she
seems like the Disney mothers. Though
the aunt did take over some of her roles.
Particularly
like the character of Hercules, his wiliness to prove himself. Also like his relationship with Md. Lairriez.
I wish Yarbro had developed this a bit more.
Or perhaps it is but left to the reader’s imagination.
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