Sunday 16 August 2009

Reading Journal

Books read so far:-
*Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte *See above
*Birds Without Wings by Louis DB (Set in the 1900s during the first world war)

In all honesty, this book is very similar to its predessor Captain Corelli's Mandolin, yet this novel is set amidst the conflict between the Greeks and Turks. Due to its similarity, it envelopes similar themes and thus primarily it explores the power of war as it manifests in every aspect of life. I have more analysis but I just need to recover the notebook in which I have elaborated in...

*Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh (Set in the early 1900s)

This novel I really anjoyed as it presented the distinction between Religion and Faith; one can have religion but one must encapsulate faith. Waugh wrote that the novel "deals with what is theologically termed 'the operation of Grace', that is to say, the unmerited and unilateral act of love by which God continually calls souls to Himself". We are shown this commentary through the character of Charles Ryder, a self-confessed agnostic. The novel deals with the act of repentenship. We witness Lord Marchmain move from Anglicanism to Catholicism, as a commited adulterer, reconclies with the church on his gravebed. Julia, upon having an unmarital relationship with Charles, ends such a relationship due to it being immoral despite having quite the attachment to him. Sebastian, the flamboyant acclaimed homosexual, ends up in service to a monastary whilst struggling with alcholism. Quite the social commentary.

*Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte (Set in the 1800s)

I love this book, particularly how the heroine is described to have modest physical qualities which is most refreshing in our cosmopolitan, shallow style world which we live in today thus making it everlastingly accessible. Jane Eyre is also quite head-strong which was a rare quality in that era, drawing comparison with Elizabeth Bennet from Pride and Prejudice. It also explores society's views upon status, providing an insight into a lifestyle whereby people had to follow such social obligations, yet this novel breaks that barrier due to the overriding power of love.

*Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden
*Enduring Love by Ian McEwan

In all honesty, I did not enjoy this book, the phrase 'Filler, no killer,' comes to mind, which I am sure won't go down well so I apologise. However, it was successful due to the events occuring to normal characters. Normal in the sense that they were of no huge signifigance, deeming them relatable to the readers, thus exploring how it was all too close for comfort. This makes the story more real thus relaying a more truthful and raw account of the implications of such an upheaval.

Thursday 30 July 2009

Wuthering Heights

Hi all,
Just thought I would let you know, Wuthering Heights is coming to ITV soon, I am not entirely sure when, but no doubt it will be advertised more so nearer broadcast!
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