Commonly refereed to as a form of hardboiled literature, The Big Sleep contains smart plotting, well formed characters and a deep and engrossing storyCommonly refereed to as a form of hardboiled literature, The Big Sleep contains smart plotting, well formed characters and a deep and engrossing story that encompasses many shades of grey - there are a lot of angles to this sharply written detective story but they all work - and they all draw blood.
The Big Sleep introduces the world to Private Eye Phillip Marlowe, hired by a wealthy man nearing his death bed to look into a case of extortion and gambling debts incurred by one of his daughters.
What follows is a complex series of crimes interlocked with the linear plot which shines a light on the darker side of the wealthy man's homestead, notably, the activities his daughters are involved and their ties with the underworld.
Murder is easy in The Big Sleep, I was surprised at the sheer volume of deaths and impressed at how seamlessly they fitted the narrative. None are used for shock value, rather puzzle pieces forming the big picture case Marlowe's to solve.
My rating: 4/5 stars, a book I can see myself rereading.
Set in a repressive dystopian society, The Handmaid’s Tale provides glimpses into a not so distant future where women serve little purpose other than Set in a repressive dystopian society, The Handmaid’s Tale provides glimpses into a not so distant future where women serve little purpose other than to breed and be at the beck and call of their Commander. Living inside a gated and guarded community as the world outside succumbs to ongoing war, the inhabitants live a mundane life. There is no fraternising, no freedom, no choice. For every action there is swift instruction and purpose. It’s amid this backdrop, author Margaret Atwood introduces Offred, once a library employee, mother, and wife now serving her masters in a dangerous world. Offred is the narrator of this story and provides a telling account of her experiences in Gilead as well as providing interesting bite size chunks of ‘life before’.
I listened to the audio version narrated by Joanna David who, I don’t think was the right choice, despite putting in a very solid performance. I just pictured Offred as younger than what Joanna’s voice portrayed. More a ‘me’ issue than that of the book.
The Handmaid’s Tale is a good book, one that focuses more on establishing an atmosphere than detailed plot. Whilst it’s slow moving, the pacing allows the reader time to get to know Offred (at least what she wants us to know) and feel like we’re part of her world.
I think this is a book that will require a re-read to fully appreciate it....more
Rarely does a novel evoke such strong reactions from readers; the provocative and overwhelming inappropriateness of the topical nature of LOLITA and tRarely does a novel evoke such strong reactions from readers; the provocative and overwhelming inappropriateness of the topical nature of LOLITA and the misguided and delusional paedophile Humbert Humbert at its controversial centre radiates loathing and disgust.
Irrespective of the uncomfortable themes explored in Vladimir Nabokov's classic depiction of a weak middle aged man and his prepubescent unofficial ward nee unwilling lover, LOLITA is as difficult to put down as it is to read.
The unreliable narrator (the pompous, self righteous and unlawful Humbert Humbert) provides insight into a mind meddled with madness and consumed by a child concubine. Through turn of phrase and clever word play, author Vladimir Nabokov attempts to breathe reason and rationale only to portray Humbert Humbert in the deeply distributed darkness of which he rightfully resides.
Interestingly, English isn't Vladimir Nabokov's first language, yet to the uninformed, LOLITA reads beautifully, written by a highly competent author well versed in the use of the English language.
I really did enjoy LOLITA and I'll seek other novels by Vladimir Nabokov, the only downside is that LOLITA has set such high expectations that I hope his other novels can compare.
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