Ballet Shoes by Noel Streatfeild

 

Ballet Shoes: A Story of Three Children on the Stage. Noel Streatfeild. First Published 1936. 191 pages. Genre: Classic, Children's Literature.

First Line: "The Fossil sisters lived in the Cromwell Road."

Summary:  Pauline, Petrova and Posy Fossil are orphans who have been added to the household of Great Uncle Matthew.  While Great Uncle Matthew is traveling the world in search of artifacts, Nana and Sylvia run the household and care for the orphans.  Their lives get exciting when the three girls are accepted into the Children's Academy of Dancing and Stage Training.  The girls make a vow to make a name for themselves.  Through hard work and sacrifice, they each learn that there is more than one way to make a name for yourself.  

My thoughts: This is a book I didn't know about until I was grown up.  But it is one I would have liked when I was young.  

Sylvia is the great-niece of Great Uncle Matthew, G.U.M. for short.  She was the first child to live in the house full of fossils.  She lived there with her mother and her nurse, Nana.  After her mother died, Sylvia became the caretaker of the house.  When G.U.M. is injured on one of his expeditions and can no longer search the land for fossils, he decides to take to the sea.  The first treasure he finds is Pauline, who was the only survivor besides himself when the ship they are sailing on hits an iceberg.  Naturally, he brings her home for Sylvia and Nana to take care of.  Petrova and Posy are collected along the way as well.

Soon the girls are old enough to be educated and some decisions need to be made.  Through a series of happy events, all three are accepted into the Children's Academy of Dancing and Stage Training.  

Each of the girls is unique in her own way.  Pauline really acts like an oldest child, she follows the rules and looks out for her siblings.  Petrova tolerates dancing, but she would rather be working on a car or flying in an airplane.  And Posy is naturally gifted at dancing and thinks she is loved by everyone.  I appreciated how each of the girls were allowed to suffer the consequences of their behavior.  But my favorite character was Nana.  She keeps everyone in line and keeps the household running on a daily basis.  At times she seemed like a drill sergeant, but she had a tender heart for the girls. 

There is a lot of specific detail about the classes at the school and the plays that were performed.  I could see how some readers might find this boring.  I like that kind of detail and enjoyed being able to form a clear picture in my mind of what was happening.  

This was a fun, quick read that I would recommend. 

Quotes:

"Both doctors had lovely ideas about the sort of things to have in the middle of lessons - a meal they called a beaver.  They took turns to get it ready . Sometimes it was chocolate with cream on it, and sometimes Doctor Jakes' ginger drink, and once it was ice-cream soda; and the things to eat were never the same: queer biscuits, little ones from Japan with delicate flowers painted on them in sugar, cakes from Vienna, and specialties of different kinds from all over England."

"Pride has to come before a fall, and that's the law of nature; you've got your fall, and now you've got to be brave and get up again."

Book Review: Murder at the Vicarage by Agatha Christie

 

Murder at the Vicarage.  Agatha Christie.  1930. 288 pages.  Genre: Classic, Mystery.

First Line:  "It is difficult to know quite where to begin this story, but I have fixed my choice on a certain Wednesday at luncheon at the Vicarage."

Summary:  Colonel Protheroe has managed to rub most of the people in the village the wrong way.  He has a knack for making a fuss.  And his fuss has now come to the vicarage.  He wants to meet with the vicar to go over the church accounts.  A couple of hours before the meeting, the vicar receives a call telling him he is urgently needed elsewhere.  The vicar leaves word with his housekeeper that he will return soon and requests that Colonel Protheroe wait for him in the study.  

Before the vicar returns, Colonel Protheroe is shot while sitting at the desk in the study.  Before long a suspect confesses.  He was the most likely suspect so the police relax.  When a second suspect confesses things get complicated.  With so many villagers having grudges against the colonel, the police have their work cut out for them.  Its a good thing nothing gets past Miss Marple.

My thoughts:  Murder at the Vicarage is told from the perspective of the vicar.  He and his much younger wife, Griselda, live at the vicarage along with Denis, their fifteen-year-old nephew.  They have a housekeeper, Mary, who is a terrible cook and a passable housekeeper.  However, since Griselda's talents in both areas are non-existent, Mary will have to do.  At first I thought Griselda was going to be a woman who thought housework was beneath her and thought much of her position as vicar's wife.  But my assumption was wrong.  Griselda adores her husband and appreciates Mary.  She respects her position as vicar's wife.  The vicar's perspective was often surprising and funny.

This is the first novel in the Miss Marple series, but Miss Marple felt like a secondary character. However, she did have a hand in solving the mystery. I really enjoyed getting to know her.  She doesn't fool the vicar with her seeming lack of interest in village affairs.  She may not be a gossip, but she doesn't miss anything that goes on in the village. 

The mystery was a great puzzle that kept me guessing.  There were lots of twists and turns and secrets to uncover.  Right up to the end it was difficult to prove whodunnit.

This was an enjoyable read.  I look forward to following Miss Marple in her next crime-solving attempt.

Quotes:

"I looked round the small living-room.  Every shelf and table was littered with miscellaneous articles.  Lawrence lived in the midst of artistic disarray that would have driven me quite mad."

"During all this, Mary had been extracting eyes from potatoes with such energy that they had been flying round the kitchen like hailstones."

"No one can fail to be interested in a murder.  Simple people like Griselda and myself can admit the fact, but anyone like Raymond West has to pretend to be bored - at any rate for the first five minutes."

Book Review: Anne of Windy Poplars by L. M. Montgomery

Anne of Windy Poplars (Anne of Green Gables #4). L. M. Montgomery. Bantam Books (1981) (First published 1936). 258 pages. Genre: Classic.

First Lines: "(Letter from Anne Shirley, B.A., Principal of Summerside High School, to Gilbert Blythe, medical student at Redmond College, Kingsport.) Windy Poplars, Spook's Lane, S'side, P.E.I., Monday September 12th. Dearest: Isn't that an address! Did you ever hear anything so delicious?"

Summary:  Anne has taken a job in Summerside, away from Green Gables.  As she settles in at Windy Poplars, she discovers that the Pringle family runs the town.  And it seems as though everyone is related to a Pringle somehow.  Unfortunately, Anne is not the Principal the Pringle family wanted.  However, Anne is determined to win their favor.  In typical Anne-fashion, she not only wins their favor, but the favor of many others in the town.  

My thoughts:  This book is told partially in letters written by Anne to Gilbert who is attending medical school.  When it is not told by Anne in a letter, a narrator takes over.  

The story is primarily about the characters that populate Summerside and Anne's dealings with them.  I always enjoy the way Anne persists in setting things right.  She doesn't give up on someone just because they don't treat her right, she persists in making them her friend or putting her foot down and ordering them to do the right thing. 

One of my favorite characters in the book was the housekeeper at Windy Poplars, Rebecca Dew.  She is a bit rough around the edges, but soft in the middle.  She doesn't "suffer fools" as Anne remarked.  But she takes good care of Anne and the widows.  

"Rebecca Dew says cards are the devil's books and novels even worse.  The only things Rebecca ever reads, apart from her Bible, are the society columns of the Montreal Guardian.  She loves to pore over the house and furniture and doings of the millionaires."

"And I am sure Rebecca Dew thinks that no Christian woman should try to be beautiful."

"But she's really an old duck.  She has produced from somewhere a comfortable old wing chair of faded brocade that just fits my kinks and says, 'This is your chair.  We'll keep it for you.' And she won't let Dusty Miller sleep on it lest I get hairs on my school skirt and give the Pringles something to talk about."

This was an enjoyable read and a nice addition to the series. 

More quotes:

"Last night I had such a lovely walk with myself.  I really had to go somewhere for it was just a trifle dismal at Windy Poplars.  Aunt Chatty was crying in the sitting-room because her feelings had been hurt and Aunt Kate was crying in her bedroom because it was the anniversary of Captain Amasa's death and Rebecca Dew was crying in the kitchen for no reason that I could discover."

"'Too old!  Of course you're not too old, dearest,' I assured her.  'Nobody is ever too old to wear just what she wants to wear.  You wouldn't want to wear it if you were too old.'"

Book Review: Dracula by Bram Stoker

Dracula. Bram Stoker. Everyman's Library (2010) (First published 1897). 386 pages. Genre: Classic.

First Lines: "Jonathan Harker's Journal. (Kept in shorthand). 3 May. Bistritz. - Left Munich at 8:35 p.m. on 1st May, arriving in Vienna early next morning; should have arrived at 6:46, but train was an hour late."

Summary:  Jonathan Harker is sent to Castle Dracula to conduct some business for the Count.  After arriving, he notices some strange things and begins noting them in his journal.  He feels as though he is a prisoner in the castle and wonders if his mind is playing tricks on him.  After finally escaping and returning home, he and four friends attempt to discover the mystery of the Count. 

My thoughts:  Dracula was so different than I expected it to be.  First of all, it is written entirely in journal entries, letters and newspaper clippings.  Second, it was a great quest story filled with some excellent characters.  I wouldn't classify it as a horror story like you might some of Stephen King's stories.  The atmosphere of the novel is gothic with the crumbling castle, unexplained sights and sounds, mist constantly rolling in, moonlight and the tricks it can play on our eyes.  There are definitely some creepy scenes and unexplained occurrences.  But mostly, it is a mystery where the characters are trying to discover what is causing illness in a friend and then tracking down the source of the trouble.  

Each of the characters had a specific role to play and I loved how they worked together, each using their strengths.  The main female character, Mina Harker, is kind, brave and very well organized.  Without her meticulous note keeping, the others would not have been able to solve the mystery.  The men are all brave and self-sacrificing, while also being deeply moved when someone they love is suffering. 

The book deals with themes of good vs. evil, sanity, bravery, duty, friendship, religion, superstition, science and mystery.  Dracula was very easy to read and I found myself unable to put it down at times.  I am so glad I finally read it. BUT, Dracula is not for everyone, so I can't say that I recommend it because it may not be right for you.

Quotes:

"Oh, Madam Mina, good women tell all their lives, and by day and by hour and by minute, such things that angels can read; and we men who wish to know have in us something of angel's eyes.  Your husband is noble nature, and you are noble too, for you trust, and trust cannot be where there is mean nature."

"Do you not think that there are things which you cannot understand, and yet which are; that some people see things that others cannot? But there are things old and new which must not be contemplate by men's eyes, because they know - or think they know- some things which other men have told them.  Ah, it is the fault of our science that it wants to explain all; and if it explain not, then it says there is nothing to explain."

"Beyond the green swelling hills of the Mittel land rose mighty slopes of forest up to the lofty steeps of the Carpathians themselves.  Right and left of us they towered, with the afternoon sun falling upon them and bringing out all the glorious colours of this beautiful range, deep blue and purple in the shadows of the peaks, green and brown where grass and rock mingled, and an endless perspective of jagged rock and pointed crags, till these themselves were lost in the distance, where the snowy peaks rose grandly."

Book Review: Hard Times by Charles Dickens

 

Hard Times. Charles Dickens. First Published 1854. 265 pages. Genre: Classic.

First Lines: "'Now, what I want is, Facts.  Teach these boys and girls nothing but Facts.  Facts alone are wanted in life.  Plant nothing else, and root out everything else. You can only form the minds of reasoning animals upon Facts: nothing else will ever be of any service to them. This is the principle on which I bring up my own children.  Stick to Facts, sir!'"

Summary: Thomas Gradgrind, schoolmaster in Coketown, is passionate about Fact.  In his opinion, nothing else is needed in life and he has brought his children up in an atmosphere full of Facts, but void of life and beauty.  Tom and Louisa Gradgrind are unhappy and aimless.  Louisa marries Josiah Bounderby, a vulgar banker 20 years her senior because she asks, "What does it matter?".  She soon discovers she is miserable and cares nothing for her husband.  Tom slithers into a life of drinking and deception.  He ultimately allows an innocent man to take the blame for a crime he committed.  As Thomas Gradgrind witnesses the despair and lack of morality in his children, he begins to realize that the beliefs he held so dear have led to the destruction of his children's lives. 

My thoughts:  Charles Dickens can really create some memorable characters.  The cast of characters in this novel is wonderful.  While they are not all deep, they are so well described that you find yourself recognizing them in your own life. Dickens seems to have a deep understanding of the types of human beings that exist.

Thomas Gradgrind has no room for anything but facts and forcing them down the throats of his students and his own children.  No one is ever allowed to say, "I wonder..." because that would be dangerous.  Mrs. Gradgrind has a small role in the story, but what we do see of her was so perfect.  She seems to be a limp sort of woman who is gradually fading away.

Mr. Bounderby is a loud, pompous, vulgar man void of sentiment.  He is forever reminding anyone he comes in contact with that he had a difficult upbringing being raised by his drunken grandmother.  Dickens brilliantly described him as "the Bully of humility". He was a repellent man and I was sad when Louisa agreed to marry him.

Louisa Gradgrind describes herself as being tired. She is tired of nothing but facts and a life void of wonder, imagination, beauty, fun.  But she is an obedient child doing what she is required to do and doing it well.  She and her brother Tom are quite close and share a contempt for the life they are living. Louisa loves Tom most in all the world.

Tom Gradgrind is not a bad boy at heart.  But he has no direction or encouragement towards morality.  He loves his sister, but on his own terms.  His descent into drinking and gambling was perfect and sad. He was often referred to by Dickens as "the whelp", which was a great description.

Sissy/Cecilia Jupe and her father belong to the circus.  As such, they are looked down upon.  Of all the characters she had the most imagination and, in her supposed ignorance, was not afraid to express some emotion.  She loved her father most in all the world and was loved and cared for by the other people in the circus.  She saw the good in people and stood up for them even when they couldn't stand up for themselves. 

Mrs. Sparsit was a "highly connected" widow who kept house for Mr. Bounderby.  She thought very highly of herself and Mr. Bounderby and looked down her nose at most other people, especially Louisa Gradgrind. Speaking of noses, Mrs. Sparsit's was her most prominent feature.  She was manipulative, always looking for the downfall of others.  

Stephen Blackpool was a "Hand" at one of the factories.  He was honest, humble and kind. Many tried to make him a scapegoat. 

James Harthouse becomes overly interested in Mrs. Bounderby (Louisa).  He shows a real interest in her as a person and ultimately tries to get her to leave her unhappy marriage. He seemed to be the character that could bring out suppressed emotions in others.

This book was funny, but also sad.  So many lives were hurt through a lack of love, kindness and beauty.  Overall, this was a great read.

Quotes:

"'I can't talk to you so as to lighten your mind, for I never see any amusing sights or read any amusing books that it would be a pleasure or a relief to you to talk about, when you are tired.'"

"'I used to read to him to cheer his courage, and he was very fond of that.  They were wrong books - I am never to speak of them here - but we didn't know there was any harm in them."

"An overcast September evening, just at nightfall, saw beneath its drooping eyelid Mrs. Sparsit glide out of her carriage, pass down the wooden steps of the little station into a stony road, cross it into a green lane, and become hidden in a summer growth of leaves and branches.  One or two late birds sleepily chirping in their nests, and a bat heavily crossing and recrossing her, and the reek of her own tread in the thick dust that felt like velvet, were all Mrs. Sparsit heard or saw until she very softly closed a gate."

Book Review: And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie

 

And Then There Were None. Agatha Christie. Harper Collins (2011) (First Published 1939). 247 pages. Genre: Mystery.

First Line: "In the corner of a first-class smoking carriage, Mr. Justice Wargrave, lately retired from the bench puffed at a cigar and ran an interested eye through the political news in The Times."

Summary:  Ten people have received a letter inviting them to Soldier Island.  Some have been offered jobs, others invited to visit a friend they haven't heard from in a while.  As they arrive on the island and begin talking amongst themselves, they discover that no one has ever met their host.  However, everything is arranged.  Food and drinks have been brought in, a butler and a cook have been hired.  While having drinks the first night, a mysterious recording accuses each of them of playing a part in a crime.  By the end of the evening, one of them is dead.  Within a few hours, another is dead and they discover there is no way off the island.  If any of them are going to survive, they will need to work together.  But who can be trusted?

My thoughts:  If reading the summary of this one doesn't make your hair stand on end, reading the book definitely will.  This is a fast-paced story that keeps you turning pages to find out who did it.

In most stories I need to have a connection to the characters.  This book is the exception.  It was definitely a plot driven story.  That is not to say that the characters weren't interesting, they were.  But, there wasn't a main character, they were all main characters as long as they were alive. Some of them were likeable, others not so much.  But, it didn't really matter.  All that mattered was moving forward in the story to find out what happened.  It was interesting to see who decided to work together and why.

Agatha Christie is called the Queen of Mystery for a reason.  I don't want to say much more than that.  If you have already read this, you understand why.  If you haven't read this, you should and it is best to go in with as little information as possible. 

Quotes:

"The whole party had dined well.  They were satisfied with themselves and with life.  The hands of the clock pointed to twenty minutes past nine.  There was a silence - a comfortable replete silence."

"'My dear lady, in my experience of ill-doing, Providence leaves the work of conviction and chastisement to us mortals - and the process is often fraught with difficulties.  There are no short cuts.'"

Book Review: The Magician's Nephew by C. S. Lewis

 

The Magician's Nephew (Chronicles of Narnia #6). C. S. Lewis. Macmillan Publishing Company (1970) (First Published 1955). 186 pages. Genre: Classic.

First Line: "This is a story about something that happened long ago when your grandfather was a child."

Summary:  When Uncle Andrew tricks Polly into putting on a magic ring, she is transported to another world.  When Digory realizes what has happened, he follows her to the Wood Between the Worlds.  Digory plans to find Polly and bring her back to our world.  As is often the case, things don't go as planned.  

My thoughts:  C.S. Lewis creates such wonderful characters.  I can just see Uncle Andrew in my mind's eye.  He practically makes my skin crawl with his greed and selfishness and complete lack of thought about how a situation will affect someone else.  He only cares about his own welfare.  

I appreciate Digory's sense of duty.  He knows what the right thing to do is even if  he is sometimes tempted to take the easy route.  It only takes a very gentle nudge to get him to admit what he has done.  I also appreciate his ability to loathe Uncle Andrew, but also show him respect because that is what a boy must do to his elders. 

Polly is such a sweet girl, but don't let that fool you.  She does not stand for being treated poorly, no matter the excuse and she is not afraid to let you know when you have wronged her.  

The Cabby is also a likeable character.  He is a bit rough around the edges, but he treats his animals well.  He also appreciates the simple things in life and is the first one to notice something beautiful.

I enjoyed the banter between Polly and Digory, between Uncle Andrew and Queen Jadis.  It was really fun to see the people of our world interacting with Queen Jadis.  She is definitely not from our world, but thinks she can still boss everyone around.  Interestingly, she has the power to convince others that she is beautiful and amazing and that they should obey her.  The adventure in this story involves traveling between worlds and trying to stop evil from spreading.  This is one of my favorites in the series. 

Quotes:

"'But there's one thing I jolly well mean to say first.  I didn't believe in Magic till today.  I see now it's real. Well if it is, I suppose all the old fairy tales are more or less true.  And you're simply a wicked, cruel magician like the ones in the stories.  Well, I've never read a story in which people of that sort weren't paid out in the end, and I bet you will be.  And serve you right.'"

"Digory had never seen such a sun.  The sun above the ruins of Charn had looked older than ours: this looked younger.  You could imagine that it laughed for joy as it came up."

"When things go wrong, you'll find they usually go on getting worse for some time; but when things once start going right they often go on getting better and better."

Book Review: Frenchman's Creek by Daphne DuMaurier

Frenchman's Creek. Daphne DuMaurier. Sourcebooks Landmark (2009) (First published 1941). 284 pages. Genre: Classic.

First Line: "When the east wind blows up Helford River the shining waters become troubled and disturbed and the little waves beat angrily upon the sandy shores."

Summary:  Dona St. Columb is tired of the constraints of society life in London.  So she takes her children and their maid to Navron, the family's country house in Cornwall.  Upon arrival she meets a impertinent servant who seems to have made himself at home while the family has been away.  When he mentions to her that there are rumors of pirates in the area, Dona finds herself intrigued.  She begins to take long walks in the nearby woods.  She soon discovers a creek she was unaware of and in the creek is a pirate's ship.  Against better judgement, she arranges to meet the pirate.  What follows is the adventure she didn't know she needed.

My thoughts:  This is a fun story that many can relate to.  We have all experienced the feeling of being trapped or stuck in a certain situation, but few of us are able to indulge in an adventure involving danger, excitement and pirates. 

Daphne DuMaurier is a masterful storyteller.  As a reader you are swept away in the adventure.  Her descriptions of the countryside, the sky, the mists on the water, the waves all help you feel like you are right there with Dona.  The main characters are also well drawn.  The dialogue, combined with descriptions of facial expressions really give the reader an understanding of the characters.  Speaking of the dialogue, it is crisp and keeps the story moving along.  The story did feel a little unrealistic to me, but I think that was the whole point.  It is like daydream one would come up with when they find their existence dreary. 

I didn't necessarily agree with the choices Dona made, but over the course of the novel she makes some major changes in her thinking.  The book really highlights the struggle between freedom and constraint and shows that neither one is ideal.  There are negatives to having complete freedom, but there are also positives to having some constraint. 

While the book did cover some heavier topics, the overall tone was light and fun.  If you are looking for a well-written story that will take you out of your day to day existence, you might like this one.

Quotes:

"She would lie out in her garden hour after hour, her hands behind her head, watching the butterflies as they frolicked in the sun, and chased one another, and had their moment; listening to the birds intent upon domestic life among the branches, so busy, so ardent, like newly-wed couples proud of their first home polished as a pin."

"'It is easier then, for a man,' she said, 'a man is a creator, his happiness comes in the things he achieves.  What he makes with his hands, with his brains, with his talents.'

'Possibly,' he said. 'But women are not idle. Women have babies.  That is a greater achievement than the making of a drawing or the planning of an action.'"

"'You understand now,' he said, 'how simple life becomes when things like mirrors are forgotten.'"

 

Book Review: Passing by Nella Larsen

Passing. Nella Larsen. Macmillan Collector's Library (2020) (First published 1929). 176 pages. Genre: Fiction, Classic.

First Line: "It was the last letter in Irene Redfield's little pile of morning mail."

Summary:  Irene Redfield receives a letter from Clare Kendry, an old classmate of hers.  They grew up in Chicago and attended school together for a while.  At some point Clare moved away and this is the first time she has heard from her in years. Irene is reluctant to meet with her and she is not exactly sure why.  However, the two do meet and rekindle their friendship.  Still, Irene finds herself avoiding Clare.  

Both Clare and Irene are women of color who are able to pass as white. However, Clare has hidden her lineage from her husband, while Irene married a black man and is living in Harlem.  Irene disapproves of the way Clare has kept this secret from her husband.  As their paths continue to cross the tension mounts until tragedy strikes.

My thoughts:  I can't say that I particularly liked this story or any of the characters.  However, I am glad to have read it after hearing so much about it.  

The story is very well written and complex.  As the title indicates, the overarching theme is women of color passing as white.  This often gave them advantages that they otherwise wouldn't have.  What I liked most about the story, however, was the way the author brought out prejudices that we all carry, not necessarily about race, but about the way other people live.  Irene is a strong woman with very specific ideas of how one should live life.  These ideas extend even to her husband and he has made concessions to accommodate her ideas.  While it does seem wrong that Clare hasn't told her husband that she is black, the author shows that Irene has plenty of issues in her own life that are inconsistent.  

The author does give the reader a very clear picture of what it was like to be a person of color during this time period.  There is also a real flavor of the city of Chicago and the Harlem area.  

If you have hesitated reading this book, I encourage you to give it a try.  It is a short read, but an important one.  

Quotes:

"An attractive-looking woman, was Irene's opinion, with those dark, almost black, eyes and that wide mouth like a scarlet flower against the ivory of her skin.  Nice clothes too, just right for the weather, thin and cool without being mussy, as summer things were so apt to be."

"For, though temporary, it would be important and perhaps disturbing.  Irene didn't like changes that affected her smooth routine of her household."

"She had no facts or proofs.  She was only making herself unutterably wretched by an unfounded suspicion.  It had been a case of looking for trouble and finding it in good measure.  Merely that."

Book Review: The Horse and His Boy by C.S. Lewis

The Horse and His Boy (Chronicles of Narnia #5). C. S. Lewis. Collier Books/MacMillan Publishing (1970) (First published 1954). 217 pages. Genre: Classic, Children's Literature.

First Line: "This is the story of an adventure that happened in Narnia and Calormen and the lands between, in the Golden Age when Peter was High King in Narnia and his brother and his two sisters were King and Queens under him."

Summary:  Shasta lives with a fisherman in Calormen.  He calls him Father as he is the only father he has ever known.  When he overhears the fisherman making arrangements to sell him to a stranger, he determines to run away.  He soon discovers the horse he is fleeing on is a talking horse, named Bree.  The two of them begin a journey to Narnia.  Along the way they meet Aravis and her talking horse, Hwin.  As they travel through the desert to the north, they encounter lions, suffer hunger and become separated.  When they learn of the Calormenes' plot to invade Narnia, they are in a race to reach the king before it is too late. 

My thoughts:  I enjoyed getting a glimpse into what is going on in Narnia while Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy are kings and queens in the land.  

Shasta has not had an easy life.  The fisherman has given him food to eat and a place to stay, but he treats him as a slave.  Shasta has never been able to love the fisherman like a boy should love his father.  So, when he overhears the conversation with the stranger about selling him, he is excited and thinks that maybe this will be a good thing for him, until he realizes that the stranger could just as likely, perhaps more likely, be cruel.  The decision to run away is not a difficult one.  

Aravis is the daughter of an important man who has been promised in marriage to a base man who has made himself important by flattery and evil counsels.  For obvious reasons, Aravis is not excited about the prospect and feels her only way out is to run away.  Only after fleeing on her horse does she discover Hwin is a talking horse.  Aravis thinks very highly of herself and looks down on Shasta.  In fact, she only speaks to the horses.  

I had a hard time connecting with either Shasta or Aravis.  I am not sure why.  The story is full of adventure and an exotic location.  There is danger as well as fun and the story culminates in a battle.  Aslan makes several appearances, which were my favorite parts of the story. 

Overall, the story is a good one.  But, because I didn't feel a connection to the characters, it is one of my least favorite in the series. 

Quotes:

"For in Tashbaan there is only one traffic regulation, which is that everyone  who is less important has to get out of the way for everyone who is more important, unless you want a cut from a whip or a punch from the butt end of a spear."

"But as long as you know you're nobody very special, you'll be a very decent sort of horse, on the whole, and taking one thing with another."

"'Don't you think it was bad luck to meet so many lions?' said Shasta.

'There was only one lion,' said the Voice. 

'What on earth do you mean?  I've just told you there were at least two the first night, and -'. 

'There was only one, but he was swift of foot.' 

'How do you know?' 

'I was the lion.'"

Book Review: The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame

The Wind in the Willows.  Kenneth Grahame. Grosset & Dunlap (1967) (First published 1908). 228 pages. Genre: Classic.

First Line: "The Mole had been working very hard all the morning, spring-cleaning his little home."

Summary:  When Mole feels something up above calling to him, he leaves his underground home and discovers a world that was unknown to him.  He meets Rat, who lives on the river bank.  Rat introduces him to Toad and Badger.  The four friends have many adventures together. 

My thoughts:  The first time I read this was to my children when they were young.  We immediately were drawn into the story and fell in love with the four friends.  This time through was no different, except that I have lived longer and have more experience to draw from.  I still found the characters endearing and it is such a fun story full of adventure.

At its core, this is a story of friendship.  Rat immediately welcomes Mole into his world.  Rat is the kind of friend everyone needs.  He doesn't expect much, but is always ready to lend a hand.  

Mole is so enchanted with the world above ground, that he is eager to see and experience everything he can.  Even the dark and scary things.  However, he quickly sees the error of his ways and is eager to be a good friend.

Toad is constantly chasing the newest and shiniest technology.  He is addicted to the thrill of the machine - the faster, the better.  Unfortunately, he has the means to support his habit, but lacks the self-control to stop chasing these things, even when it leads to bodily harm or imprisonment. 

Badger can seem intimidating.  He is large and serious, but he is always ready to offer hospitality.  He doesn't grudge his friends for interrupting his winter nap when they need a place to stay and a hot meal.  

While this is considered a children's book, there is plenty in it for adults to enjoy.  The writing is beautiful and it touches on some serious topics.  There are parts of the book that remind me of The Lord of the Rings and The Chronicles of Narnia.  Other parts that are reminiscent of the Redwall series.  There are parts that are hilarious and other parts that are a little scary.  It is full of all the things that make a cozy British novel, such as walks in nature and descriptions of feasts around a table near a roaring fire.  However, to children it is just a story with great characters embarking on grand adventures.  It is a great book to read in the spring as that is when the book opens.  I highly recommend this classic.

Quotes:

"The Rat hummed a tune, and the Mole recollected that animal etiquette forbade any sort of comment on the sudden disappearance of one's friends at any moment, for any reason or no reason whatever."

"The Rat looked very grave, and stood deep in thought for a minute or two.  Then he re-entered the house, strapped a belt around his waist, shoved a brace of pistols into it, took up a stout cudgel that stood in a corner of the hall, and set off for the Wild Wood at a smart pace."

"'Who ever heard of a doormat telling anyone anything?  They simply don't do it.  They are not that sort at all.  Doormats know their place.'"

"Indeed, much that he related belonged more properly to the category of what-might-have-happened-had-I-only-thought-of-it-in-time-instead-of-ten-minutes-afterwards. Those are always the best and the raciest adventures; and why should they not be truly ours, as much as the somewhat inadequate things that really come off?"

Book Review: Emma by Jane Austen

Emma. Jane Austen. Penguin (2003) (First published 1815). 474 pages. Genre: Classic.

First Line: "Emma Woodhouse, handsome, clever, and rich, with a comfortable home and happy disposition, seemed to unite some of the best blessings of existence; and had lived nearly twenty-one years in the world with very little to distress or vex her."

Summary:  Emma Woodhouse lives with her indulgent father where she is mistress of the house due to the death of her mother many years ago.  Until recently, Emma had the constant companionship of her governess, Miss Taylor.  However, Miss Taylor has recently wed and ceased the office of governess.  Emma's older sister, Isabella, is also happily married and the mother of several young children.  Mr. Woodhouse especially laments the marriage of Miss Taylor and the loneliness it has left them with.  

Emma endeavors to make the best of the situation and sets about amusing herself by making matches amongst her friends.  After all, it was she who made the match between Mr. Weston and Miss Taylor.  Before long however, she feels the sting of having led someone toward a match that was not the right one.  Will Emma amend her ways and become the thoughtful woman she was raised to be or has she gone too far? 

My thoughts:  This was my first time reading Emma and I admit, I did not like her very much at first.  Emma Woodhouse seemed to be a silly young woman who thought she knew best.  I guess at first she was.  Even so, she seemed to be well liked by those who knew her.  She is feeling a little low after the wedding of her beloved Miss Taylor, but she does her best to encourage her father in his loneliness.  

She soon attaches herself to Harriet Smith, a young girl who attends the boarding school run by Mrs. Goddard.  As Emma has determined to never marry, she finds entertainment in making matches of others.  Harriet's manners are not so refined as Emma's, so Emma takes her under her wing.  When Harriet receives a proposal from a local man, Emma sets out to convince Harriet it is not a proper match for her.  It was at this point that I was really irritated with Emma.  But, that was the whole point.  Jane Austen shows so plainly the type of person Emma is.  Things don't go well and Harriet is hurt.  Emma sees the error of her ways and resolves to change them.  However, change doesn't happen overnight and Emma will make more mistakes before she is truly changed.  Her willingness to change and her ability to see the error of her ways made me begin to like her a bit more.

This is a novel about love, friendship, family and manners.  Jane Austen creates characters with such depth.  Each of the supporting characters are interesting and deep.  I also really enjoyed her nature descriptions.  She makes you feel like you are there in the sunshine or in the dullness and dreariness of a rainy day in spring. 

 By the end of the novel, I really liked Emma Woodhouse am glad I took the time to get to know her. 

Quotes:

"Men of sense, whatever you may chuse (choose) to say, do not want silly wives."

"The ground covered with snow, and the atmosphere in that unsettled state between frost and thaw, which is of all others the most unfriendly for exercise, every morning beginning in rain or snow, and every evening setting in to freeze, she was for many days a most honourable prisoner."

"Human nature is so well disposed towards those who are in interesting situations, that a young person, who either marries or dies, is sure of being kindly spoken of."

"The ladies here probably exchanged looks which meant, 'Men never know when things are dirty or not;' and the gentlemen perhaps thought each to himself, 'Women will have their little nonsenses and needless cares.'"

"'Ah! There is nothing like staying home for real comfort.'"

Book Review: I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith

I Capture the Castle. Dodie Smith. St. Martin's Griffin (2003) (First published 1948). 343 pages. Genre: Classic.

First Line:  "I write this sitting in the kitchen sink."

Summary:  Cassandra Mortmain's family inhabits the remains of a castle.  They live a lifestyle of extreme poverty mostly due to the fact that Mr. Mortmain hasn't worked for years. He is a writer suffering from writer's block, who encloses himself in the tower most days. No one is sure what he does in there, but hope that he is working on his next great book.  The rest of the family decide they must figure out a way to bring in money or they will starve.  

The story is written as pages from Cassandra's diary. She describes the daily details of their lives, the beauty of the seasons, the eccentricities of her family, her hopes and dreams and when they are dashed.  

My thoughts: I read One Hundred and One Dalmatians and The Starlight Barking to my children when they were young.  I will often recall scenes from one of those books.  Dodie Smith's writing, especially her descriptions of London and the night time, captivated me.  I Capture the Castle contains similar types of writing along with a great story filled with interesting characters. 

Cassandra is a character you can't help but love.  She is seventeen and has been a bit sheltered.  She has a great relationship with her sister, brother and step-mother.  Also living in the castle is a young man who's mother was their maid until she died.  Stephen is very fond of Cassandra.  However, Cassandra is a bit oblivious to it.  It was fun to see her grow up in the pages of her diary. I will admit that some of the decisions she made in the second half of the book were puzzling to me.  I will just chalk it up to immaturity. 

I always enjoy novels with daily details of life in them.  The story takes place between the wars and I found it interesting to discover how people lived during this time period. The family who owns the castle is extremely wealthy and the contrast between their lifestyle and that of the Mortmains was striking. 

This was a pleasant read and one that I wouldn't mind rereading in the future. 

Quotes:

"I suppose the best kind of spring morning is the best weather God has to offer. It certainly helps one to believe in Him."

"Then my brain began to pick out the bits it wanted to think about and I realized how the day made a pattern of clothes - first our white dresses in the early morning, then the consciousness of what people were wearing in London, then Aunt Millicent's poor dead clothes, then all the exquisite things in the shop, then our furs. I thought how important clothes were to woman and always had been."

"It is a tallish window with an arched top.  On the sill inside stood a straggly late hyacinth with its white roots growing in water, a jam jar of tadpoles and a hedgehog."

"When I told him we had neither a gramophone nor a wireless he looked staggered - I suppose Americans find it hard to believe there is anyone in the world without such things."

"I suddenly knew that religion, God - something beyond everyday life - was there to be found, provided one is really willing."

"I only want to write. And there's no college for that except life."

Book Review: The Silver Chair by C.S. Lewis

The Silver Chair (The Chronicles of Narnia #4). C. S. Lewis. Harpercollins (2008) (First published 1953). 243 pages. Genre: Classic.

First Line: "It was a dull autumn day and Jill Pole was crying behind the gym."

Summary:  Jill Pole and Eustace Scrubb are called to Narnia to find the lost prince. 

My thoughts:  I find myself liking Eustace more and more.  He really has become a much better person.  This story starts with him coming alongside Jill after she has been bullied.  He treats her with respect and kindness.  

Jill is also a very likeable person.  She notices that Eustace is different than he used to be.  When she asks him about it, he tells her about Narnia.  Rather than making fun of him she is interested.  After the two of them are called into Narnia, Jill makes a mistake.  This mistake causes possible harm to Eustace.  She immediately sees her mistake for what it was and is sorry.  She eventually does get the chance to apologize, but not for a while.  I respected her for admitting her mistake plainly without trying to make excuses.  And accepting the consequences. 

Aslan gives Jill four signs to guide their quest to find the lost prince.  I really liked how this played out in their journey.  The most important thing she had to do was remember them.  This turned out to be much harder than it seemed. 

Some of the memorable characters from this story are Glimfeather, the owl, Puddleglum, the Marshwiggle, The Lady of the Green Kirtle and Prince Rilian.  

Puddleglum is a Narnian Marshwiggle who accompanies Jill and Eustace on their journey.  He is an Eeyore-like character, always expecting the worst to happen.  But, underneath all that, he is a wise follower of Aslan.  

I really enjoyed The Silver Chair.  I think aside from The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, this is my favorite in the series. 

Book Review: The Pursuit of Love by Nancy Mitford

The Pursuit of Love. Nancy Mitford. Penguin Books (1999) (First published 1945). 192 pages. Genre: Classic.

First Line: "There is a photograph in existence of Aunt Sadie and her six children sitting round the tea-table at Alconleigh."

Summary:  When Fanny Wincham was a baby, her mother left her and her father to pursue other interests.  Consequently, she was brought up by Aunt Emily, sister of her mother. Aunt Sadie, another sister, had a family of her own consisting of six children and her husband Matthew Radlett.  Fanny spent many summers and holidays at Alconleigh with the Radletts.  She was closest in age to Linda and the two of them spent most of their time together. 

After being introduced to society, Linda fell in love with the first man who showed an interest in her.  Unfortunately, she soon fell out of love.  Fanny tells the story of Linda's search for love. 

My thoughts:  This is a rather sad tale, but it is told with a good amount of humor.  I love the author's writing style.  Linda seems quite clueless when it comes to meaningful relationships which leads to much heartbreak.  

The story starts when the girls are about fourteen.  Aunt Emily, who has never been married, has become engaged.  Fanny is not sure how to feel about this.  It will certainly change her life to have a man living in the house.  Fortunately, Davey is a kind man and seems to really care about Fanny.  He is quirky and always concerned about his digestion.  

Uncle Matthew is often annoyed by Davey and his constant talk about foods and digestion.  He considers him to be a coward.  But, Uncle Matthew is easily annoyed.  He is quick to become angry and often roars and becomes red in the face.  However, his anger leaves almost as quickly as it appears.  It does cause the children stress and often Fanny needs to recover after spending time with the Radletts. 

We don't get to know any of the other children very well.  A few are mentioned in passing, but the bulk of the story is about Linda.  Fanny's mother has a bad reputation amongst the Radletts because she left her husband and child and ran away with another man.  She then proceeded to run away from him to another man, etc.  The Radletts refer to her as "the Bolter". From a young age, Linda realizes she doesn't want to be like her.  But one day she realizes she has turned out just like her.  Since the story is being told by Fanny, I didn't feel like we really got into Linda's head to understand her thought process.  But, since this is satire, I don't think we were supposed to.  It seemed like Linda just couldn't help herself.  She thought she was in love, but when something better came along, she realized she must not have been in love after all.  And since being in love was the goal, she better pursue this shiny, new love. The author does a good job of showing the frivolousness of Linda's life.  She gives a clue as to what may have led to this.

"Of course, this was the time when Linda should have been made to work, as I was, all day and hard, with no time for silly dreaming except the few minutes before one went to sleep at night."

"Linda now proceeded to fritter away years of her youth, with nothing whatever to show for them.  If she had had an intellectual upbringing the place of all this pointless chatter, jokes and parties might have been taken by a serious interest in the arts, or by reading; if she had been happy in her marriage that side of her nature which craved for company could have found its fulfilment by the nursery fender; things being as they were, however, all was frippery and silliness."

I enjoyed the beginning of the book the most, when the girls were young and spending time together.  The second part of the book, dealing more with Linda's life after leaving home was less enjoyable.  However, the second part of the book takes place in the time leading up to World War II and part of Linda's time is spent in Paris.  It was interesting to get a glimpse of some of the attitudes in Paris and London at that time.  Overall, I am glad to have read this book.   

Quotes:

"Aunt Emily's little house was in a village; it was a Queen Anne box; red brick, white panelling, a magnolia tree and a delicious fresh smell."

"The Radlett children read enormously by fits and starts in the library at Alconleigh, a good representative nineteenth-century library, which had been made by their grandfather, a most cultivated man."

Book Review: The Enchanted April by Elizabeth von Arnim

The Enchanted April. Elizabeth von Arnim. Vintage Classics (2015) (First published 1922). 262 pages. Genre: Classic. 

First lines: "It began in a Women's Club in London on a February afternoon - an uncomfortable club, and a miserable afternoon - when Mrs. Wilkins, who had come down from Hampstead to shop and had lunched at her club, took up The Times from the table in the smoking-room, and running her listless eye down the Agony Column saw this:  To Those Who Appreciate Wistaria and Sunshine.  Small mediaeval Italian Castle on the shores of the Mediterranean to be Let furnished for the month of April."

Summary:  Four very different woman agree to split the rent of an Italian castle for the month of April.  Each of them wants to escape their life in London for just a little while.  Mrs. Wilkins and Mrs. Arbuthnot feel unappreciated by their husbands.  Lady Caroline wants to be in a place where she is unrecognized by anyone and can avoid being "grabbed at" for just a little while.  Mrs. Fisher wants to be able to sit and remember undisturbed.  Each of them has preconceived notions about how life should be lived.  But before long, the beauty and serenity of the castle by the sea casts its spell on each of them.  

My thoughts:  What a delightful book!  I didn't expect to enjoy this book as much as I did.

Mrs. Wilkins wouldn't say that she is unhappy in her marriage, she is just "blotted out", hardly noticed.  Her husband is handsome and the life of the party.  She is plain and quiet.  

Mrs. Arbuthnot's husband writes memoirs of the famous.  The kind of memoirs only "certain people" read.  Mrs. Arbuthnot is not "certain people" and frankly, she struggles with the way her husband makes money.  She has thrown herself into work at the church.  Mr. Arbuthnot has taken to spending most of his time away from home. 

Lady Caroline's beauty often casts a spell on men.  She is so tired of besotted men constantly "grabbing" at her.  She is just not interested in any of them and longs to get away from it all and think.

Mrs. Fisher has been widowed for a number of years, but continues to wear her mourning clothes.  She met many interesting people when she was young and loves to reminisce about them.  

Each of these women grows over the course of the book.  Each of their lives is changed for the better. Watching their transformations was delightful. 

There is so much humor in this story!  It reminded me of The Importance of Being Earnest in the way that it was something of a comedy of errors.  The thoughts and dialogue of the characters had me laughing more than once. 

To top it all off, the descriptions of Italy in the springtime are beautiful.  

"Such beauty; and she there to see it.  Such beauty; and she alive to feel it. Her face was bathed in light. Lovely scents came up to the window and caressed her.  A tiny breeze gently lifted her hair.  Far out in the bay a cluster of almost motionless fishing boats hovered like a flock of white birds on the tranquil sea."

"The first week the wistaria began to fade, and the flowers of the Judas-tree and peach-trees fell off and carpeted the ground with rose-colour.  Then all the freesias disappeared, and the irises grew scarce.  And then, while these were clearing themselves away, the double banksia roses came out, and the big summer roses suddenly flaunted gorgeously on the wall and trellises.  Fortune's Yellow was one of them; a very beautiful rose."

If you are looking for a light read filled with beauty, wit and interesting characters, I highly recommend this book.

As You Like It by William Shakespeare

As You Like It. William Shakespeare. First Published (1599). Genre: Classic, Play.

First Line: Orlando: "As I remember, Adam, it was upon this fashion: bequeathed me by will but poor a thousand crowns, and, as thou sayest, charged my brother, on his blessing, to breed me well: and there begins my sadness."

Summary:  Duke Senior has been banished by his younger brother, Frederick.  Duke Senior's daughter, Rosalind, stayed with her cousin at her uncle's court. Duke Frederick hosts a wrestling match between his wrestler, who never loses, and a young man named Orlando.  Rosalind and Celia are there to witness the match.  This time the Duke's wrestler doesn't win, but is bested by Orlando.  Rosalind becomes favorably disposed towards Orlando, which angers her uncle to the point that he banishes her from his court.  

Rosalind and Celia take to the forest in disguise.  Rosalind as a man and Celia as his brother. They soon learn that Orlando has also taken to the forest after escaping the evil designs of his brother, Oliver.  As Rosalind and Celia encounter Orlando, Rosalind uses her disguise to test Orlando's affections for her.

My thoughts:  This was a fun read!  I found this easier to read and understand than some of the other Shakespeare I have read.  It was easy to keep the characters straight - even when one was dressed as someone else.  I think this would be a good place to start if you are new to Shakespeare.

Quotes:

"Do you not know I am a woman? When I think, I must speak."

"I could find in my heart to disgrace my man's apparel and to cry like a woman; but I must comfort the weaker vessel, as doublet and hose ought to show itself courageous to petticoat."

"All the world's a stage and all the men and women merely players: They have their exits and their entrances; And one man in his time plays many parts, His acts being seven ages."

Jacques: "By my troth.  I was seeking for a fool when I found you."

Orlando: "He is drowned in the brook: look but in, and you shall see him."

Jacques: "There I shall see mine own figure."

Orlando: "Which I take to be either a fool or a cipher."

Book Review: The Gentlewoman's Choice by George MacDonald

The Gentlewoman's Choice. George MacDonald. Bethany House (1987) (First published 1882). 220 pages.  Genre:  Classic.

First Line: "It was a gray, windy noon in early autumn - certainly not the sort of day one would choose for a holiday."

Summary:  Hester Raymount is a young woman who desires to serve God by serving the poor.  Unfortunately doing so is not as easy as it would seem.  Some look down upon her for spending time with the poor, while others feel she is putting her life in danger by exposing herself to smallpox and other illnesses.  When her wayward older brother disappears and her younger brother is ill, Hester is called on to show compassion to those nearest to her. 

My thoughts:  George MacDonald's writing can be difficult to read at times.  It can be wordy and he often sermonizes, but persisting is very rewarding.  George MacDonald's way of seeing the world is illuminating.  He has a way of getting to the heart of a character's motivations that causes the reader to pause and reflect. 

In this story we have Hester, who is a good person that desires to follow God.  We have her older brother, who is a Prodigal Son character.  Her youngest brother is still quite young, but follows God with a childlike enthusiasm.  Her mother doesn't like conflict and tries to protect her children.  Her father is distant and feared by his children.  Hester's fiancee is a shallow man, but Hester believes he will become deeper.  Each of these characters changes and grows in profound ways throughout the story.

One of the major themes in this book is letting God use you right where you are.  Hester exemplifies this when she uses her ability to play music to encourage others.  She doesn't feel like that is doing anything, but finds that it is often just what is needed.  

This isn't an easy read.  I often found myself re-reading passages because I got lost and forgot what he was talking about.  I also had to stop and think about a passage at times.  But, this is a book that will hang around in my mind for some time to come. 

Quotes:

"A home where children are humored and scolded and coaxed and punished instead of being taught obedience is like a moral slaughterhouse instead of the training ground it was meant to be.  So-called 'Christian homes' can be the worst of all in this regard."

"The truth is when a man cares for nothing that is worth caring for, the fault must indeed lie within himself - in the character the man has made, and is making, out of the nature God has given him."

"She was perhaps the only one able to love him fully, for the mother's heart more than any other God has made is similar to his in the power of loving."

"The only way to learn the rules of anything practical is to begin to do the thing."

Book Review: The Black Arrow by Robert Louis Stevenson

The Black Arrow. Robert Louis Stevenson. Adamant Media Corp. (2001) (First published 1883). 242 pages. Genre: Classic.

First Line: "On a certain afternoon, in the late springtime, the bell upon Tunstall Moat House was heard ringing at an unaccustomed hour."

Summary:  Young Dick Shelton has been in the care of Sir Daniel since the death of his father.  When Dick learns that Sir Daniel is a murderer and he might be next, he takes to the forest in an attempt to save his life.  There he is captured by a band of outlaws, but soon becomes their leader.  Sir Daniel's reputation precedes him and Dick has no trouble gaining followers for his cause. He realizes that he must go to battle against Sir Daniel in order to regain his fortune.  Along the way he must discern between friend and foe, survive a shipwreck and fight for his life. 

My thoughts:  If you are in the mood for adventure, chivalry, mystery and a little romance, then The Black Arrow is for you.

Dick Shelton knows that his father was murdered, but when he overhears talk that the murderer was Sir Daniel, the man who has been his guardian for several years, he feels betrayed.  He also realizes that Sir Daniel is plotting to kill him next.  So, he takes to the forest in an attempt to get as far away as he can.  But, there are outlaws in the forest and he is quickly captured.  Dick is brave and not afraid to fight.  But he is also a good judge of character.  He is willing to listen to what the outlaws have to say.  Along the way he has to steal and later feels remorse.  In fact, he tries to make amends for what he has done. 

There are lots of secrets, both in the castles and in the forest.  As soon as Dick thinks he has made a friend, he often just as soon finds himself fleeing once again.  

Robert Louis Stevenson has a great understanding of human nature and that definitely comes across in this story.  I especially noticed this in the character of Dick.  He is brave and willing to fight and lead others into battle, but he makes mistakes due to his lack of age and experience.  Throughout the story he grows and becomes more mature. 

This story was originally published as a serial in a magazine for boys.  Two years previously, Treasure Island was published in the same way.  Sometimes that can make the story drag a little.  However, The Black Arrow doesn't seem to have as much repetition as Treasure Island and that made the story move along well.

I thoroughly enjoyed this engaging work of historical fiction.

Quotes:

"Nay, I was not born yesterday.  I can see a church when it hath a steeple on it; and for my part, gossip Arblaster, methinks there is some sense in this young man."

"Well, Dick was not much of an inventor, and what he told was pretty much the tale of Ali Baba, with Shoreby and Tunstall Forest substituted for the East, and the treasures of the cavern rather exaggerated than diminished.  As the reader is aware, it is an excellent story, and has but one drawback - that it it not true; and so, as these three simple shipmen now heard it for the first time, their eyes stood out of their faces, and their mouths gaped like codfish at a fishmonger's. "

Book Review: The Death of Ivan Ilyich by Leo Tolstoy

The Death of Ivan Ilyich. Leo Tolstoy (translated by Peter Carson). W.W. Norton (2014) (first published 1886). 84 pages. Genre:  Classic

First Line: "During a break in the hearing of the Melvinsky case, the members of the court and the prosecutor met in Ivan Yegorovich Shebek's room in the big law courts building and began talking about the famous Krasovsky case."

Summary:  Ivan Ilyich was a good person living a decent life.  When he becomes ill after an accident and begins to see that he will not recover, he has a chance to examine his life and the choices he made. 

My thoughts:  This is a short, but powerful work.  I was struck by how real the situations drawn in the book were.  Tolstoy was able to get to the heart of the human condition.  If you switched out the clothing, and added cell phones, the story could have taken place today.  

Another thing that struck me was the way that Tolstoy told the story.  He never tells the reader what to think, instead he just gives the facts and lets the reader draw his or her own conclusions. As Tolstoy began describing Ivan Ilyich,  I realized that he was very ordinary.  He wasn't a bad man, but there was nothing exemplary or endearing about him.  He liked the feeling of power his job gave him, but knew he would never abuse it.  At one point he is decorating an apartment before his wife and kids move in and is delighted by the results.  The narrator says this, 

"In actual fact it was the same as the houses of all the people who are not so rich but want to be like the rich and so are only like one another: brocade, ebony, flowers, carpets, and bronzes, everything dark and shiny - everything that all people of a certain type do to be like all people of a certain type."

As Ivan Ilyich becomes more and more ill, he begins to reflect on his life and wonders whether he had not lived in the way he should have.  This part of the story made me think of A Christmas Carol.  However, Ivan Ilyich does not have a guide through these dark thoughts.  In that way this is a darker and heavier look at this type of meditation.  Also, Ivan Ilyich realizes that he is dying, he is not going to recover and he struggles with this.  Thankfully he does find some relief in the company of one of the servants.  The man is always cheerful and willing to do whatever is asked of him.  He never complains and Ivan Ilyich wants to spend time in his presence.  He also finds some solace in the tenderness shown to him by his son.

I enjoyed reading this and know that I will continue to think about Ivan Ilyich for some time.

This book satisfied the something Russian category of The Literary Life Reading Challenge.