Relato de un náufrago
Author: Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Year of publication: 1970
Plot summary: Eight men fall overboard from the ship Caldas. Only one survives the waves, and has to spend ten days on a raft before finding his rescue.
Despite the fact that hardly anything actually happens during 90 % of the book, this is one of the most engaging and captivating stories I've ever read. The psychological reactions and reflections of the main character are fascinating, and that combined with quite a modest page count made me finish this in less than a week. And to top it off, the story is based on an actual event, the story is told in first person, and the narrator actually experienced the things he tells us. Marquez was awarded the Nobel Prize for this, so I'm sure it's translated to every language possible, so you have no excuse for not reading this! Go do it! Now!
Year of publication: 1970
Plot summary: Eight men fall overboard from the ship Caldas. Only one survives the waves, and has to spend ten days on a raft before finding his rescue.
Despite the fact that hardly anything actually happens during 90 % of the book, this is one of the most engaging and captivating stories I've ever read. The psychological reactions and reflections of the main character are fascinating, and that combined with quite a modest page count made me finish this in less than a week. And to top it off, the story is based on an actual event, the story is told in first person, and the narrator actually experienced the things he tells us. Marquez was awarded the Nobel Prize for this, so I'm sure it's translated to every language possible, so you have no excuse for not reading this! Go do it! Now!
Stardust
Author: Neil Gaiman
Year of publication: 1999
Plot summary: Tristran wants to find a fallen star for his true love, but is about to learn a lot of things about love and other matters on his journey to find it and bring it back.
You might want to sit down for this one: I actually liked the movie better. I thought the characterisation wasn't as strong in the book (don't even ask me how that is possible), the plot not as engaging, the settings not very well described. Maybe my expectations on this book were too high after having read Good Omens and loving it, but I can honestly say I didn't think I'd be this disappointed. I remember thinking while I watched the movie "Oh, I'll enjoy reading that, I bet it'll be more detailed/you'll understand it better/there'll be more of a twist to a certain joke/whatever". And it wasn't. And you didn't. And there wasn't.
Now, this doesn't mean the book sucked, don't interpret it as that. Just that it didn't meet my expectations; not what I expected from a book that was the base for such a high-quality movie, and not what I expected from Neil Gaiman. If you want to read his best works, try Good Omens or Neverwhere (which I haven't read yet but am getting to) instead. And watch the movie.
Year of publication: 1999
Plot summary: Tristran wants to find a fallen star for his true love, but is about to learn a lot of things about love and other matters on his journey to find it and bring it back.
You might want to sit down for this one: I actually liked the movie better. I thought the characterisation wasn't as strong in the book (don't even ask me how that is possible), the plot not as engaging, the settings not very well described. Maybe my expectations on this book were too high after having read Good Omens and loving it, but I can honestly say I didn't think I'd be this disappointed. I remember thinking while I watched the movie "Oh, I'll enjoy reading that, I bet it'll be more detailed/you'll understand it better/there'll be more of a twist to a certain joke/whatever". And it wasn't. And you didn't. And there wasn't.
Now, this doesn't mean the book sucked, don't interpret it as that. Just that it didn't meet my expectations; not what I expected from a book that was the base for such a high-quality movie, and not what I expected from Neil Gaiman. If you want to read his best works, try Good Omens or Neverwhere (which I haven't read yet but am getting to) instead. And watch the movie.
The Beach
Author: Alex Garland
Year of publication: 1996
Plot summary: Richard, Étienne and Francoise look for the mysterious paradise said to exist on an isolated island in Thailand and find it, but is it really paradise?
As usual, the book makes much more sense than the movie. Even 2001 was understandable in its paper format. With 'The Beach' the movie, all I remember is Richard losing his mind and long sequences of him running around shooting drug dealers in the jungle. After reading the book I actually understand why that happened, even though having an insande person as the narrator always makes the story a bit confusing. But it was still a thrilling story to read, and Garland uses fast, snappy dialouge and narrating. The plot always pushes forward, even when it doesn't seem like it. Besides, it has become somewhat a cult classic, so if for none of the reasons mentioned above, you should read because of that.
Year of publication: 1996
Plot summary: Richard, Étienne and Francoise look for the mysterious paradise said to exist on an isolated island in Thailand and find it, but is it really paradise?
As usual, the book makes much more sense than the movie. Even 2001 was understandable in its paper format. With 'The Beach' the movie, all I remember is Richard losing his mind and long sequences of him running around shooting drug dealers in the jungle. After reading the book I actually understand why that happened, even though having an insande person as the narrator always makes the story a bit confusing. But it was still a thrilling story to read, and Garland uses fast, snappy dialouge and narrating. The plot always pushes forward, even when it doesn't seem like it. Besides, it has become somewhat a cult classic, so if for none of the reasons mentioned above, you should read because of that.
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes
Author: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Year of publication: 1892
Plot summary: This is a compilation of numerous Sherlock adventures.
They're too short! My disappointment was tangible when I realised that each mystery barely amounts to 30 pages. What is up with that? Yes, it's fascinating to follow the reasoning behind Holmes's deductions, but I'm left behind when he reaches the conclusions of the cases and then the culprit is caught and the adventure is over. Perhaps I'm too accustomed to the long and sometimes tedious mysteries of Marple and Poirot, but that would also mean that I prefer them more. I did not dislike this book; if I did, I wouldn't complain about wanting the episodes to be longer. But I feel the need to state that in most cases, less is more, and the reader should be given enough space to figure things out on his/her own, but in some (such as this) a little help along the way is necessary.
Year of publication: 1892
Plot summary: This is a compilation of numerous Sherlock adventures.
They're too short! My disappointment was tangible when I realised that each mystery barely amounts to 30 pages. What is up with that? Yes, it's fascinating to follow the reasoning behind Holmes's deductions, but I'm left behind when he reaches the conclusions of the cases and then the culprit is caught and the adventure is over. Perhaps I'm too accustomed to the long and sometimes tedious mysteries of Marple and Poirot, but that would also mean that I prefer them more. I did not dislike this book; if I did, I wouldn't complain about wanting the episodes to be longer. But I feel the need to state that in most cases, less is more, and the reader should be given enough space to figure things out on his/her own, but in some (such as this) a little help along the way is necessary.
A Clockwork Apple
Author: Belinda Webb
Year of publication: 2008
Plot summary: A paraphrasis of "A Clockwork Orange", the storyline of "A Clockwork Apple" is in many ways parallell to that of the former, and in many ways not.
Seeing as I loved the original this was based on, I was partial in favour of this before I'd even read the first word. In praise of the book, my partiality didn't lessen once I had. The main difference really is the feministic streak. This was aactually a birthday gift from K and L, and I don't know if it was a lucky stroke or if they knew, but in any case it was a very successful present :) Recommending this will be easy: if you like the Orange, you'll like the Apple. Although it might put some guys off.
Year of publication: 2008
Plot summary: A paraphrasis of "A Clockwork Orange", the storyline of "A Clockwork Apple" is in many ways parallell to that of the former, and in many ways not.
Seeing as I loved the original this was based on, I was partial in favour of this before I'd even read the first word. In praise of the book, my partiality didn't lessen once I had. The main difference really is the feministic streak. This was aactually a birthday gift from K and L, and I don't know if it was a lucky stroke or if they knew, but in any case it was a very successful present :) Recommending this will be easy: if you like the Orange, you'll like the Apple. Although it might put some guys off.
El Alquimista
or "The Alquemist"
Author: Paulo Coelho
Year of publication: 1988
Plot summary: Santiago goes on a journey to find his treasure at the pyramids in Egypt. He will find as much or more on his way there, and learn many things he never would have if he had stayed with his herd of sheep.
I'd read so many deep analyses about the meaning of this story I was almost afraid I'd feel stupid if i didn't understand it. Once I read it, however, I couldn't see what all the fuss was about. Sure, there were a lot of philosophical issues and moral and ethical questions that got dragged into the story and discussed, but it was rather superficial and didn't require long hours of deep reflection to recognize and understand. My advice is to not be afraid to read this as just a story, instead of a metaphor for something much deeper. That way, you'll enjoy it more, because it really is a fantastic story, and you will easily see the deeper meaning of it if you just relax.
Author: Paulo Coelho
Year of publication: 1988
Plot summary: Santiago goes on a journey to find his treasure at the pyramids in Egypt. He will find as much or more on his way there, and learn many things he never would have if he had stayed with his herd of sheep.
I'd read so many deep analyses about the meaning of this story I was almost afraid I'd feel stupid if i didn't understand it. Once I read it, however, I couldn't see what all the fuss was about. Sure, there were a lot of philosophical issues and moral and ethical questions that got dragged into the story and discussed, but it was rather superficial and didn't require long hours of deep reflection to recognize and understand. My advice is to not be afraid to read this as just a story, instead of a metaphor for something much deeper. That way, you'll enjoy it more, because it really is a fantastic story, and you will easily see the deeper meaning of it if you just relax.
Världens dåligaste språk
Author: Fredrik Lindström
Year of publication: 2000
Plot outline: A non-fictional book, "Världens dåligaste språk" discusses issues like the supposed deteriration of Swedish grammar, when it is okay to correct someone and when it's not and the origin of many of our commonly used words and expressions.
Based on my experiences of Fredrik Lindström from his tv-shows, I thought this would be much less serious than it was. Even though I could detect traces of his light-hearted language, this was a much more serious side of him than shone through. Fredrik Lindström the professor, not the entertainer. Even so, his discussions are interesting and somewhat educational, and I found it a pleasant read.
Year of publication: 2000
Plot outline: A non-fictional book, "Världens dåligaste språk" discusses issues like the supposed deteriration of Swedish grammar, when it is okay to correct someone and when it's not and the origin of many of our commonly used words and expressions.
Based on my experiences of Fredrik Lindström from his tv-shows, I thought this would be much less serious than it was. Even though I could detect traces of his light-hearted language, this was a much more serious side of him than shone through. Fredrik Lindström the professor, not the entertainer. Even so, his discussions are interesting and somewhat educational, and I found it a pleasant read.
Pride and Prejudice
Author: Jane Austen
Year of publication: 1813
Plot summary: When Elizabeth Bennet and Mr Darcy first meet, they do not take a liking to each other; rather the opposite, actually. But will their feelings change when they learn more about one another?
I'm sorry, Jenny, but I can't like this as much as you do. Actually I'm not very moved by it at all. I don't think there's much of a plot besides the main characters getting together, and the roughly 380 pages before that happens just seem like an effort to drag it out. I didn't find the old-fashioned language and etiquette charming as I had thought I would, either, but rather annoying and tedious to read. Though I have to admit, the last 20 pages made it seem worth the effort of reading the book anyway, because it was such a happy ending, and I'm a sucker for happy endings. I might still give Sense and Sensibility a shot before I completely diz Austen, but P&P didn't make an impression on me.
Year of publication: 1813
Plot summary: When Elizabeth Bennet and Mr Darcy first meet, they do not take a liking to each other; rather the opposite, actually. But will their feelings change when they learn more about one another?
I'm sorry, Jenny, but I can't like this as much as you do. Actually I'm not very moved by it at all. I don't think there's much of a plot besides the main characters getting together, and the roughly 380 pages before that happens just seem like an effort to drag it out. I didn't find the old-fashioned language and etiquette charming as I had thought I would, either, but rather annoying and tedious to read. Though I have to admit, the last 20 pages made it seem worth the effort of reading the book anyway, because it was such a happy ending, and I'm a sucker for happy endings. I might still give Sense and Sensibility a shot before I completely diz Austen, but P&P didn't make an impression on me.
Stupid White Men
Author: Michael Moore
Year of publication: 2001
Plot summary: Moore tackles the U.S. of A and the many political and economical issues he sees.
Even though this book was highly entertaining, as usual when it comes to Moore, I was a little disappointed that he seemed to be repeating himself on many points. I realise I've done this in reverse, and watched his later movies before reading this book, but that would only mean he repeated himself in the movies. But you can't deny that he shoots off a lot of new ammunition as well, and as I've said before: critical as you may be when it comes to Michael Moore, what can you say when he bombards you with facts and statistics?
Some "jokes" I had trouble understanding because of lack of insight into American politics, but the major part is amusing to anyone who has read a newspaper on a weekly basis. So even though I think everyone should read it, I don't think everyone will enjoy it.
Me Talk Pretty One Day
Author: David Sedaris
Year of publication: 2000
Plot summary: Sedaris tells us different anecdotes from his life.
This was nothing like I had imagined. The book was recommmended to me by K, and I had only heard the title previously. It doesn't follow a particular line of events, but doesn't need to; the incidents and events described in Sedaris sarcastic tone is highly entertaining, and as with "El día que..." I find myself laughing out loud while reading it. The material might even do well as stand-up comedy. I enjoyed it to such a degree that I have decided to read his other works as well, of which I believe at least some are also autobiographical. I pass on the recommendation of K to everyone else :)
Year of publication: 2000
Plot summary: Sedaris tells us different anecdotes from his life.
This was nothing like I had imagined. The book was recommmended to me by K, and I had only heard the title previously. It doesn't follow a particular line of events, but doesn't need to; the incidents and events described in Sedaris sarcastic tone is highly entertaining, and as with "El día que..." I find myself laughing out loud while reading it. The material might even do well as stand-up comedy. I enjoyed it to such a degree that I have decided to read his other works as well, of which I believe at least some are also autobiographical. I pass on the recommendation of K to everyone else :)
The Picture of Dorian Gray
Author: Oscar Wilde
Year of publication: 1891
Plot summary: The young and beautiful Dorian Gray sits for a portrait by the painter Basil Hallward, which completely changes his life. (I trust you're all familiar with how the story goes?)
I actually started reading this right after I'd finished Gulliver's Travels, even though I was interrupted by some forced reading, and it seemed to me then to be incredibly modern for a novel written in the late 19th century. I now realise that was simply because Gulliver's Travels had been so incredibly old-fashioned by comparison (310 pages and no dialouge!) and when I picked up reading it again after some modern literature, I got a better feel for the style typical for its own age. I find "The Picture of Dorian Gray" fascinating, not just because of the setting and manner of speech, but because of the story around it and the scandal it caused. On the first page of my edition there's a picture of Wilde with an explanatory text saying it was the last picture taken of him before his trials, with him looking competely at ease sitting in an armchair, smoking a cigarette. The author gives life and more depth to his characters, I find; in the photo, Wilde resembles exactly my mental image of lord Henry, and when lord Henry speaks in the novel, I can easily imagine that his opinons represent those of the author himself. The witty dialouge is as intriguing as the many cultural references made; they mark the characteristics of the Victorian Age as well as the novel does.
Year of publication: 1891
Plot summary: The young and beautiful Dorian Gray sits for a portrait by the painter Basil Hallward, which completely changes his life. (I trust you're all familiar with how the story goes?)
I actually started reading this right after I'd finished Gulliver's Travels, even though I was interrupted by some forced reading, and it seemed to me then to be incredibly modern for a novel written in the late 19th century. I now realise that was simply because Gulliver's Travels had been so incredibly old-fashioned by comparison (310 pages and no dialouge!) and when I picked up reading it again after some modern literature, I got a better feel for the style typical for its own age. I find "The Picture of Dorian Gray" fascinating, not just because of the setting and manner of speech, but because of the story around it and the scandal it caused. On the first page of my edition there's a picture of Wilde with an explanatory text saying it was the last picture taken of him before his trials, with him looking competely at ease sitting in an armchair, smoking a cigarette. The author gives life and more depth to his characters, I find; in the photo, Wilde resembles exactly my mental image of lord Henry, and when lord Henry speaks in the novel, I can easily imagine that his opinons represent those of the author himself. The witty dialouge is as intriguing as the many cultural references made; they mark the characteristics of the Victorian Age as well as the novel does.
El día que me vaya no se lo diré a nadie
or "The Day That I Leave I Won't Tell Anyone"
Author: Kiko Amat
Year of publication: 2003
Plot summary: Julián works in a second hand bookstore and Octavia records her voice for the subway and answering machines. Both of them hate their lives, so what will happen when they meet?
I'm going to totally disregard every rule about motivating your opinions and boldly state: I love this! Then I can move on to the why and how. Amat has that humorous quality that makes reading every sentence a pure pleasure, and also makes my parents and friends worried about my mental health because I laugh quietly to myself while reading it. If you know me you might be lucky enough to be exposed to my translation (if I ever finish my project) but I would rather advise you to learn Spanish, because no translation (nevermind my newbie-work) will do this justice.
Author: Kiko Amat
Year of publication: 2003
Plot summary: Julián works in a second hand bookstore and Octavia records her voice for the subway and answering machines. Both of them hate their lives, so what will happen when they meet?
I'm going to totally disregard every rule about motivating your opinions and boldly state: I love this! Then I can move on to the why and how. Amat has that humorous quality that makes reading every sentence a pure pleasure, and also makes my parents and friends worried about my mental health because I laugh quietly to myself while reading it. If you know me you might be lucky enough to be exposed to my translation (if I ever finish my project) but I would rather advise you to learn Spanish, because no translation (nevermind my newbie-work) will do this justice.
The God of Small Things
Author: Arundhati Roy
Year of publication: 1997
Plot summary: Rahel and Estha are twins in the late 60's in India. Roy tells us their story, as well as the ones of everyone around them, before and after The Horrible Thing happened.
I was almost discouraged to read it after the first chapter, because there were so many new characters, many with similar names and different family ties that I couldn't keep track of them. Also, Roy jumps as she pleases between different time periods of the story, without giving sign to the reader. After a while you become accustomed to this, however, but in the beginning it was thoroughly confusing. I persisted, though; wrote down all the characters on a chart to figure out the connections and remember who was who, and soon enough I was stuck in the intricate story that was revealed to me in bits and pieces, one by one. It turned out to be quite a tragedy, disguised as a feel-good story because of all the comedic situations and Roy's excellent way of writing. But a thrilling tragedy, nevertheless, and at the end I found myself grudgingly admitting that I had enjoyed reading it.
Year of publication: 1997
Plot summary: Rahel and Estha are twins in the late 60's in India. Roy tells us their story, as well as the ones of everyone around them, before and after The Horrible Thing happened.
I was almost discouraged to read it after the first chapter, because there were so many new characters, many with similar names and different family ties that I couldn't keep track of them. Also, Roy jumps as she pleases between different time periods of the story, without giving sign to the reader. After a while you become accustomed to this, however, but in the beginning it was thoroughly confusing. I persisted, though; wrote down all the characters on a chart to figure out the connections and remember who was who, and soon enough I was stuck in the intricate story that was revealed to me in bits and pieces, one by one. It turned out to be quite a tragedy, disguised as a feel-good story because of all the comedic situations and Roy's excellent way of writing. But a thrilling tragedy, nevertheless, and at the end I found myself grudgingly admitting that I had enjoyed reading it.
Gulliver's Travels
Author: Jonathan Swift
Year of publication: 1726
Plot summary: Gulliver, a ship surgeon living in the early 18th century, recollects his many experiences from his visits to the lands of Lilliput, Brobdingnag, Laputa and the land of the Houyhnhnms.
Swift's style of writing is typical of his time; he describes only the necessary, and these descriptions are technical in their nature. Actions are told; but beyond that, Swift is brief and to the point, and Gulliver is a man of reason rather than emotion, as was the ideal at the time. My understanding of Swift's satiric metaphors is very uneven throughout the story. When travelling to Lilliput, he is mostly concerned with the politics of the royal court of his time, a subject of which my knowledge is very limited. In later chapters, however, he discourses the behaviour of ma kind in general, of lawyers, and of all our "vices". These passages could just as well describe circumstances in our society today, and I find myself smiling cynically in recognition of the many hilarious, stupid and sometimes dangerous things we do, while calling ourselves rational creatures. When choosing certain parts, this is as topical today as it was the day it was published.
Year of publication: 1726
Plot summary: Gulliver, a ship surgeon living in the early 18th century, recollects his many experiences from his visits to the lands of Lilliput, Brobdingnag, Laputa and the land of the Houyhnhnms.
Swift's style of writing is typical of his time; he describes only the necessary, and these descriptions are technical in their nature. Actions are told; but beyond that, Swift is brief and to the point, and Gulliver is a man of reason rather than emotion, as was the ideal at the time. My understanding of Swift's satiric metaphors is very uneven throughout the story. When travelling to Lilliput, he is mostly concerned with the politics of the royal court of his time, a subject of which my knowledge is very limited. In later chapters, however, he discourses the behaviour of ma kind in general, of lawyers, and of all our "vices". These passages could just as well describe circumstances in our society today, and I find myself smiling cynically in recognition of the many hilarious, stupid and sometimes dangerous things we do, while calling ourselves rational creatures. When choosing certain parts, this is as topical today as it was the day it was published.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
SPOILERS
Author: J. K. Rowling
Year of publication: 2007 (duh :P)
Plot summary: Harry has to deal with finding the rest of the Horcruxes with the help of Ron and Hermione.
The end of this book meant the end of an era for me. I've been patiently waiting for every book to be released, growing up in the same pace as Harry, wondering how everything was going to work out. Now that I have all the answers, I am both pleased and disappointed. Disappointed because after all the speculations, the ending seemed almost tame and cliché in comparison. Pleased because, when it comes down to it, that doesn't matter; I wanted a happy ending. (Although at several points I thought JK was set on killing off everyone except Harry.) Something that also occurs to me is the question of whether I would have been able to understand the many sublime and sometimes complex turns of the plot in this final installment when I was eleven. I think the answer is that I wouldn't have. I also think that Harry Potter is a series you are ment to grow up with, maturing as the books grow more complicated (and as more characters die.) That's when the books will stay with you the longest.
Author: J. K. Rowling
Year of publication: 2007 (duh :P)
Plot summary: Harry has to deal with finding the rest of the Horcruxes with the help of Ron and Hermione.
The end of this book meant the end of an era for me. I've been patiently waiting for every book to be released, growing up in the same pace as Harry, wondering how everything was going to work out. Now that I have all the answers, I am both pleased and disappointed. Disappointed because after all the speculations, the ending seemed almost tame and cliché in comparison. Pleased because, when it comes down to it, that doesn't matter; I wanted a happy ending. (Although at several points I thought JK was set on killing off everyone except Harry.) Something that also occurs to me is the question of whether I would have been able to understand the many sublime and sometimes complex turns of the plot in this final installment when I was eleven. I think the answer is that I wouldn't have. I also think that Harry Potter is a series you are ment to grow up with, maturing as the books grow more complicated (and as more characters die.) That's when the books will stay with you the longest.
Svinalängorna
Author: Susanna Alakoski
Year of publication: 2006
Plot summary: Set in a suburb of Gothenburg in the 60's, "Svinalängorna" follows the growth of Leena, middle child of a finnish immigrant family and the drama happening all around her.
I'm definitely not into feel-bad movies or books, and, as most Swedish cinema and literature, this is a feel-bad story. While I can appreciate the artistic way in which it has been told, abuse and misery just don't make for a pleasant read for me. I also have a problem with the "new" style of writing that has surfaced, where correct use of commas and syntax apparently isn't necessary. I did enjoy, however, the fact that the ending was open to everyone to interpret as you wish; that way I can make up my own happy ending.
Year of publication: 2006
Plot summary: Set in a suburb of Gothenburg in the 60's, "Svinalängorna" follows the growth of Leena, middle child of a finnish immigrant family and the drama happening all around her.
I'm definitely not into feel-bad movies or books, and, as most Swedish cinema and literature, this is a feel-bad story. While I can appreciate the artistic way in which it has been told, abuse and misery just don't make for a pleasant read for me. I also have a problem with the "new" style of writing that has surfaced, where correct use of commas and syntax apparently isn't necessary. I did enjoy, however, the fact that the ending was open to everyone to interpret as you wish; that way I can make up my own happy ending.
2001: A Space Odyssey
Author: Arthur C. Clarke
Year of publication: 1968
Plot summary: A monolith is sent down upon the primitive apes of Earth, enabling our continued evolution. Milleniums later, a space shuttle is sent to Saturn to investigate the possibility of aliens. Who are they and what do they want?
The only reason why I read this to begin with was because I've seen the movie thrice and still don't understand jack shit about it, so I wanted some concrete answers. The book actually seemed very coherent and logical and I was just beginning to wonder what the hell Kubrick had been on to be able to turn the book into what he did, when I reached the last few pages. Then I realised that not only Kubrick must've been on crack, but Clarke as well. I always appreciate a good philosophical discussion, but that wasn't one. It was... Well, whatever it was, it wasn't worth reading the entire novel just to arrive at that. Maybe some laser swords would have made it more worthwhile.
Year of publication: 1968
Plot summary: A monolith is sent down upon the primitive apes of Earth, enabling our continued evolution. Milleniums later, a space shuttle is sent to Saturn to investigate the possibility of aliens. Who are they and what do they want?
The only reason why I read this to begin with was because I've seen the movie thrice and still don't understand jack shit about it, so I wanted some concrete answers. The book actually seemed very coherent and logical and I was just beginning to wonder what the hell Kubrick had been on to be able to turn the book into what he did, when I reached the last few pages. Then I realised that not only Kubrick must've been on crack, but Clarke as well. I always appreciate a good philosophical discussion, but that wasn't one. It was... Well, whatever it was, it wasn't worth reading the entire novel just to arrive at that. Maybe some laser swords would have made it more worthwhile.
Song of Susannah
Author: Stephen King
Year of publication: 2004
Plot summary: The next part of King's epic series.
The intrigue thickens as things becomes clearer to both the reader and the characters, while other things, such as nineteen, is still a mystery. There isn't really a point to reviewing this as a single book, because you have to read the previous books in the series to understand it, but suffice it to say that I recommend you to do so, because it is worth it!
Year of publication: 2004
Plot summary: The next part of King's epic series.
The intrigue thickens as things becomes clearer to both the reader and the characters, while other things, such as nineteen, is still a mystery. There isn't really a point to reviewing this as a single book, because you have to read the previous books in the series to understand it, but suffice it to say that I recommend you to do so, because it is worth it!
1984
Author: George Orwell
Year of publication: 1949
Plot summary: Winston Smith lives in a futuristic London where the Thought Police monitors your every movement and Big Brother and the Party rules all. Is Winston the only one to feel that something is wrong?
When I read this the first time, in Swedish, I was twelve, and I was less than impressed. Now, six years, extra knowledge in different ideologies, many hours of history studies and two philosophy courses later, "1984", this time read in its original language, does more than impress me. I'm fascinated, not just by the sheer imagination of this mid 20th century writer, but by his political intelligence. It's not simply a satire of the Soviet, it's every one-party society that ever existed, whether right-wing or left-wing, it's every dictatorship throughout history. It is also an excellent application of and discussion on scepticism and solipsism; Orwell handles for ever debatable questions such as what true knowledge is, or if there even is such a thing as true knowledge, and whether we can really be sure that anything exists outside our own mind. "1984" is, along with its counterpart "Animal Farm", a testimony to the sharpness of Orwell's mind.
Year of publication: 1949
Plot summary: Winston Smith lives in a futuristic London where the Thought Police monitors your every movement and Big Brother and the Party rules all. Is Winston the only one to feel that something is wrong?
When I read this the first time, in Swedish, I was twelve, and I was less than impressed. Now, six years, extra knowledge in different ideologies, many hours of history studies and two philosophy courses later, "1984", this time read in its original language, does more than impress me. I'm fascinated, not just by the sheer imagination of this mid 20th century writer, but by his political intelligence. It's not simply a satire of the Soviet, it's every one-party society that ever existed, whether right-wing or left-wing, it's every dictatorship throughout history. It is also an excellent application of and discussion on scepticism and solipsism; Orwell handles for ever debatable questions such as what true knowledge is, or if there even is such a thing as true knowledge, and whether we can really be sure that anything exists outside our own mind. "1984" is, along with its counterpart "Animal Farm", a testimony to the sharpness of Orwell's mind.
A clockwork orange
Author: Anthony Burgess
Year of publication: 1962
Plot summary: In a futuristic city, troublemaker Alex is captured after an abuse gets out of hand. In prison he is used as a test subject for a new method of rehabilitating criminals, and he is completely changed. When he returns, things aren't as they used to be, and Alex reevaluates his life.
After reading the first page, I admit that I felt it would be impossible to read the book, as I understood nothing of nadsat, the language created by Burgess (rassoodocks? peet? vesches? tolchock?) but as I saw the words in different contexts, I started to understand what they meant, and after reading the entire book, I still thought in nadsat for weeks after. Apart from the very original language, "A Clockwork Orange" moralises plenty enogh to last two books; most prominent among these is the issue of choice. Are we really good if we are not good by choice? Are we still human if choice is taken from us? Those are the questions discussed the most, symbolized by the clockwork orange.
Year of publication: 1962
Plot summary: In a futuristic city, troublemaker Alex is captured after an abuse gets out of hand. In prison he is used as a test subject for a new method of rehabilitating criminals, and he is completely changed. When he returns, things aren't as they used to be, and Alex reevaluates his life.
After reading the first page, I admit that I felt it would be impossible to read the book, as I understood nothing of nadsat, the language created by Burgess (rassoodocks? peet? vesches? tolchock?) but as I saw the words in different contexts, I started to understand what they meant, and after reading the entire book, I still thought in nadsat for weeks after. Apart from the very original language, "A Clockwork Orange" moralises plenty enogh to last two books; most prominent among these is the issue of choice. Are we really good if we are not good by choice? Are we still human if choice is taken from us? Those are the questions discussed the most, symbolized by the clockwork orange.