The only thing I would change was the ratio of English to foreign languages. The being overseas mI loved this book.
It was very relatable and very sad.
The only thing I would change was the ratio of English to foreign languages. The being overseas might be more immersive if there was more French and German....more
I think I just read this because it was new and I heard good things of Colleen Hoover. Of all her books I have read, the only one I found tolerable waI think I just read this because it was new and I heard good things of Colleen Hoover. Of all her books I have read, the only one I found tolerable was It Ends With Us....more
This was terrible and torturous. I don't know why Picoult is so popular in Australia. The chapters were so incredibly long and had no substance....more
I liked this book because of the way it describes Hemingway's miserly love and his writing style. I love Hemingway's writing because of how punch he can fit into such a short book.
“Talking is easier.”
“make it easier for you; that’s cowardly”
“I love you now, I’ll always love you.”
“I love you, you know I love you.”
“Why do you have to turn into a devil now?”
“Why would he blame this woman because she kept him well.”
“It was never what he did, but what he could do.”
“You did not have to like it because you understood it.”
“we’re made to be destroyed.”
“So this was how you died, in whispers you did not hear.”
"It was a bore - anything that is too bloody long."
“Kilimanjaro is a snow-covered mountain 19,710 feet high, and is said to be the highest mountain in Africa. Its western summit is called the Masai 'Ngaje Ngai', the House of God. Close to the western summit there is a dried and frozen carcas of a leopard. No one has explained what the leopard was seeking at that altitude.”
“Now he would never write the things that he had saved to write until he knew enough to write them well. Well, he would not have to fail at trying to write them either. Maybe you could never write them, and that was why you put them off and delayed the starting. Well he would never know, now.”
“Each day of not writing, of comfort, of being that which he despised, dulled his ability and softened his will to work so that, finally, he did no work at all.”
“Kilimanjaro is a snow-covered mountain 19,710 feet high, and is said to be the highest mountain in Africa. Its western summit is called the Masai 'Ngaje Ngai', the House of God. Close to the western summit there is a dried and frozen carcas of a leopard. No one has explained what the leopard was seeking at that altitude.”
“Now he would never write the things that he had saved to write until he knew enough to write them well. Well, he would not have to fail at trying to write them either. Maybe you could never write them, and that was why you put them off and delayed the starting. Well he would never know, now.”
“That in some way he could work the fat off his soul the way a fighter went into the mountains to work and train in order to burn it out of his body”
“He had never quarreled much with this woman, while with the women that he loved he had quarreled so much they had finally, always, with the corrosion of the quarreling, killed what they had together. He had loved too much, demanded too much, and he wore it all out.” “If he lived by a lie he should try to die by it”
“There was so much to write. He had seen the world change; not just the events; although he had seen many of them and had watched the people, but he had seen the subtler change and he could remember how the people were at different times. He had been in it and he had watched it and it was his duty to write of it; but now he never would.”
“However you make your living is where your talent lies”
“You did not have to like it because you understood it. He could beat anything, he thought, because no thing could hurt him if he did not care”
“I always like the bad ones. I know he's a bad one of some sort.”
“It was not so much that he lied as that there was no truth to tell.”
““You know the only thing I've ever lost is curiosity," he said to her.
"You've never lost anything.You're the most complete man I've ever known””
“Because, just then, death had come and rested its head on the foot of the cot and he could smell its breath. "Never believe any of that about a scythe and a skull," he told her. "It can be two bicycle policemen as easily, or be a bird. Or it can have a wide snout like a hyena." It had moved up on him now, but it had no shape any more. It simply occupied space. "Tell it to go away." It did not go away but moved a little closer. "You've got a hell of a breath," he told it. "You stinking bastard.””
“And the window shutting. Marie, his femme de ménage, protesting against the eight-hour day saying, 'If a husband works until six he gets only a little drunk on the way home and does not waste too much. If he works only until five he is drunk every night and has no money. It is the wife of the working man who suffers from this shortening of hours.”
"The Snows of Kilimanjaro" is a classic short story written by Ernest Hemingway, first published in 1936. The story is set in Africa and revolves around a man named Harry, who is dying of gangrene while on safari at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro. As he waits for a rescue plane, he reflects on his life and experiences a series of vivid flashbacks.
Hemingway's writing style is characterized by its simplicity, brevity, and understated emotion. In "The Snows of Kilimanjaro," he masterfully uses these elements to convey the existential and reflective nature of the protagonist's thoughts. The story explores themes such as regret, unfulfilled potential, and the impact of choices on one's life.
The flashbacks provide a glimpse into Harry's past, revealing his relationships, adventures, and the artistic aspirations he never pursued. These glimpses into his life help the reader understand the complexity of his character and the reasons behind his sense of regret and frustration.
The symbolism of Mount Kilimanjaro itself is noteworthy. The snow-capped peak represents a distant, unattainable goal or aspiration. In Harry's case, it symbolizes the artistic achievements he never realized. The impending death from gangrene serves as a metaphor for the consequences of neglecting one's passions and dreams.
Hemingway's exploration of mortality and the regrets that accompany it is poignant and thought-provoking. The story prompts readers to reflect on their own lives, choices, and the pursuit of meaningful goals. Despite its sombre theme, there is a certain beauty in the narrative that arises from the stark honesty and simplicity of the prose.
"The Snows of Kilimanjaro" is a powerful and evocative work that showcases Hemingway's ability to capture the essence of human experience in a concise and emotionally resonant manner. It remains a significant contribution to American literature, offering readers a compelling exploration of life, death, and the pursuit of purpose.
The novella explores the following themes (among others):
Ever-Present Death:
Death is a pervasive theme in the story, manifested in the impending death of the protagonist, Harry. The image of the snows of Mount Kilimanjaro serves as a constant reminder of mortality. The story explores how the awareness of imminent, inevitable death can influence one's reflections on life. Harry's impending demise forces him to confront his choices, regrets, and the brevity of existence.
Comfort vs. Calling:
Harry's life is marked by a conflict between comfort and his true calling. He had the potential for a successful writing career, but he allowed himself to be seduced by the comforts of a luxurious lifestyle, neglecting his artistic aspirations.
This theme prompts readers to reflect on the choices they make between a secure, comfortable existence and the pursuit of their true passions and calling.
Deathbed Memories:
As Harry lies on his deathbed, he experiences a series of vivid flashbacks. These memories provide insight into his relationships, adventures, and the pivotal moments that shaped his life. The exploration of deathbed memories underscores the idea that, in the face of death, one's life is distilled into a series of significant moments, and individuals may grapple with the consequences of their actions. What's interesting is the way he smells his own death.
A Man's View on Women:
The story reflects some of the gender norms and attitudes prevalent during Hemingway's time. Harry's relationships with women are depicted through his memories, revealing a complex dynamic.
Hemingway's portrayal of relationships may be critiqued for its traditional gender roles, yet it also offers a glimpse into the challenges and complexities of interpersonal connections during the early 20th century.
Christian Allegory:
Some scholars interpret elements of the story as having Christian allegorical undertones. The image of Mount Kilimanjaro, with its snow-capped peak, has been likened to a holy mountain or a metaphorical stairway to heaven.
Harry's struggle, redemption, and the idea of salvation through facing his own mortality can be seen as paralleling Christian themes.
"The Snows of Kilimanjaro" is a nuanced work that invites readers to explore these themes within the context of Harry's introspection and impending death. Each theme contributes to the overall complexity and depth of the narrative, allowing for various interpretations and discussions about life, choices, and the human condition....more
It has been so long since I read a mystery book... especially of this style. I love this style and the writing definitely did keep me engaged in the pIt has been so long since I read a mystery book... especially of this style. I love this style and the writing definitely did keep me engaged in the plot and the layers....more
“A taste of cut grass blew in, and every now and then a warm breeze played with the ivy on the ledge. When a shadow crossed, he looked out: a gulp “A taste of cut grass blew in, and every now and then a warm breeze played with the ivy on the ledge. When a shadow crossed, he looked out: a gulp of swallows skirmishing, high up, in camaraderie. Down on the lawns, some people were out sunbathing and there were children, and beds plump with flowers; so much of life carrying smoothly on, despite the tangle of human conflicts and the knowledge of how everything must end.”
This book was new and exciting and presented level-headed ideas. The writing style was pristine and beautiful. I really love feminist literature so this was basically an automatic win for me... The subtlety and brevity of themes (such as misogyny) in the novel really elevated them without allowing them to dominate over the plot. I loved this but I think it could have had a bigger impression; it lacked some substance and strength but considering its short length, it excelled in what it was doing. ...more
I liked it and the ideas and the writing style but gotta be honest I don't think I understood it as well as I could have...I liked it and the ideas and the writing style but gotta be honest I don't think I understood it as well as I could have......more
“Well, we all make mistakes, dear, so just put it behind you. We should regret our mistakes and learn from them, but never carry them forward into the future with us.”
This was magical but some parts of it were unbearable... (for me at least)
The sequel to the classic Anne of Green Gables (#2 in the series of ~9 books).
I LOVED Anne of Green Gables. It was so relatable in so many ways but it also had that element of teenage life that I had been longing for. I loved the story arc and the characters and Marilla's "stiff" love where she is so very loving and she shows it in such beautiful, poignant ways and Matthew's childlike innocence despite his age, the premise of two siblings raising an orphan child, the gossip and the tale.
I hyped up the sequel so much because I thought that a novel about Anne's becoming a teacher would be so interesting, not only because becoming a teacher has been a lifelong dream but also because I thought Anne would be the perfect teacher BECAUSE she had experienced both ends of the spectrum; the good and the bad; Mr Philips and Miss Stacy. I thought she would have learned and idolised and been inspired and taken the good from each. I thought she would reflect on her childhood and be able to understand the children, ESPECIALLY GIVEN HER YOUNG AGE.
However, often Anne did let her anger or tire get the better of her and she would lash out. This is understandable, children are the worst. But. when she had the child throw THE CHOCOLATE IN THE FIRE **ANGER NOISES**. She was a terrible teacher in some ways but perhaps that was a hidden premise of the novel and Montgomery's meaning behind the novel.
Outside of the pedagogy, Anne was a very kind, funny and adorable character. I loved the continuation of the circumspect love story between her and Gilbert and the way she treated the new people she met. I also adored her bond with Paul Irving even if parts of it were perhaps fundamentally immoral. Paul Irving's imagination honestly deserved a Grammy. I believe that the magical world in the Never-Ending Story may have been based on which would be a beautiful and endearing homage to the magic of Montgomery's writing....more
“Who controls the past controls the future. Who controls the present controls the past.” “War is peace. Freedom is slavery. Ignorance is strength.” “To hang on from day to day and from week to week, spinning out a present that had no future, seemed an unconquerable instinct, just as one’s lungs will always draw the next breath so long as there is air available.” “Often she was ready to accept the official mythology, simply because the difference between truth and falsehood did not seem important to her. She believed, for instance, having learnt it at school, that the Party had invented aeroplanes.” “By lack of understanding, they remained sane.” “In Newspeak, there is no word for science” “By becoming continuous, war has ceased to exist.” (check quote) “Even when he is lonely, he can not be sure that he is alone.” “Perhaps one did not want to be loved so much as to be understood.” “You do not exist” “What can you do, thought Winston, against the lunatic who is more intelligent than yourself, who gives your arguments a fair hearing and then simply persists in his lunacy?” “every human being is doomed to die” “Obedience is not enough. Unless he is suffering, how can you be sure that he is obeying your will and not his own?” “It is impossible to found a civilisation on fear and hatred and cruelty. It would never endure.” “Men are infinitely malleable.” “Sooner or later they will see you for what you are, and then they will tear you to pieces.” “The Spirit of Man.” "But if thought corrupts language, language can also corrupt thought.” "In the face of pain there are no heroes.” “Reality exists in the human mind, and nowhere else.”
Orwell's 1984 stands as a seminal work in literature, a haunting exploration of the human psyche and the perils of unchecked political power. At its core, the novel ventures into the realms of philosophy, psychology, dystopia, and politics, weaving a tapestry that resonates with timeless relevance.
"1984" is a dystopian novel by George Orwell set in a totalitarian society ruled by the Party, led by the enigmatic figure known as Big Brother. The story follows Winston Smith, a low-ranking member of the Party who works for the Ministry of Truth, where his job involves altering historical records to fit the Party's propaganda.
Winston becomes disillusioned with the oppressive regime and starts to rebel against its control. He begins to keep a secret diary, expressing his thoughts and desires that go against Party doctrine. Winston also starts a forbidden love affair with Julia, a fellow Party member who shares his disdain for the regime. Their relationship becomes a symbol of resistance against the Party's attempts to control every aspect of individuals' lives.
As Winston and Julia navigate their illicit relationship, they are eventually caught by the Thought Police, the Party's secret police force. The couple is arrested, tortured, and brainwashed in the Ministry of Love, where they are subjected to the brutal methods of breaking one's spirit and loyalty to the Party. The novel concludes with Winston's complete capitulation to the Party's authority and his acceptance of their version of reality.
The character of Julia is crucial in highlighting the human desire for individuality, love, and rebellion against oppressive systems. Her relationship with Winston serves as a vehicle for exploring the emotional and personal consequences of living under constant surveillance and control. The tragic fate of Winston and Julia underscores the novel's bleak portrayal of the potential consequences of unchecked political power and the erasure of individual freedom.
Philosophical Themes: Orwell grapples with profound philosophical questions throughout "1984." The concept of truth and reality is central to the narrative.The Party's manipulation of information and the creation of a distorted reality through Newspeak raises questions about the nature of truth itself. Orwell challenges readers to contemplate the malleability of truth and the consequences of a society where those in power control not only the present but also the past.
Linguistics Speculation: Orwell creates a language that is supposed to make it impossible to have thoughts that go against the Party. The language is further explored and explained in the Appendix/Appendices. However, the language is a bit of a flop because it is not the first language for most people and does not supercede English. Furthermore, while bad and freedom (and similar words) are removed in an effort to prevent “ill” thought but people still have these thoughts and form conspiracy, they jsut use different words because the meaning of a word is not dictated by a mass produced dictionary. While it may have a considerable effect, the people who speak a language decide what each word means and its connotations.
Psychological Exploration: Orwell delves into the intricacies of the human mind under oppressive conditions. Winston Smith, the protagonist, becomes a vessel through which Orwell explores the psychological toll of living in a surveillance state. The constant fear of Thought Police and the suppression of individuality result in a profound internal struggle for Winston, showcasing the fragility of the human spirit when subjected to relentless psychological manipulation.
Dystopian Realities: 1984 paints a chilling portrait of a dystopian society where totalitarianism has reached its apogee. Orwell's vision is marked by omnipresent surveillance, the eradication of privacy, and the suppression of dissent. The dystopian landscape serves as a cautionary tale, warning against the dangers of unchecked government power and the erosion of individual freedoms. The novel invites readers to reflect on the fragility of democracy and the potential for societies to descend into oppressive regimes.
Political Critique: Orwell's political critique is overt, condemning the totalitarian regimes of his time and serving as a prescient warning for the future. The Party's use of propaganda, manipulation of language, and rewriting of history draw parallels to real-world political machinations. Orwell's narrative is a stark reminder of the importance of preserving democratic values and resisting the encroachment of authoritarian rule.
Science Fiction Presentation: 1984 is a science fiction novel. Most science fiction novels are either trying to suggest or find an idealistic societal structure or warn or predict the terrible events that may occur in our future and the repercussions of our actions. 1984 is the latter of these and recounts a totalitarian, corrupt government. At the time of writing (1949), 1984 was in the future. Orwell masterfully creates a world that can facilitate the consideration and critiques that he wants to present.
In conclusion, "1984" is a masterful exploration of the human experience under the weight of oppressive political ideologies. Orwell's multi-faceted approach weaves together philosophy, linguistics, psychology, dystopia, politics and science fiction creating a work that not only stands as a critique of his contemporary world but also serves as a timeless cautionary tale for generations to come. The novel challenges readers to examine the essence of truth, the resilience of the human spirit, and the societal consequences of surrendering to unchecked political power....more
“But who can remember pain, once it’s over? All that remains of it is a shadow, not in the mind even, in the flesh. Pain marks you, but too deep to see. Out of sight, out of mind.” “Better never means better for everyone... It always means worse, for some.” "Nolite te bastardes carborundorum." “To want is to have a weakness.” “If I thought this would never happen again I would die. But this is wrong, nobody dies from lack of sex. It's lack of love we die from.” "Forgiveness is a power" "[(Paraphrased)] There is a difference between love and making love."
"The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood offers a chilling exploration of a dystopian society ruled by oppression, power, and control. Set in the Republic of Gilead—a theocratic regime that overthrew the United States government—the story follows Offred, a Handmaid whose sole purpose is to bear children for high-ranking officials and their barren wives. The society rigidly structures women into roles—Handmaids, Wives, Aunts, Marthas, and Econowives—dictated by fertility and societal status.
This narrative delves deep into despair and resilience, making a profound impact on the reader's psyche. While the exploration of themes within this society is thought-provoking, it contains emotionally intense and distressing content.
The novel explores several crucial themes:
- Totalitarianism and Oppression: It vividly portrays a regime suppressing individual freedoms and controlling every aspect of life, particularly focusing on women's subjugation and exploitation for their fertility.
- Gender Roles and Patriarchy:Atwood examines the subjugation of women, stripping them of autonomy and reducing them to reproductive roles, paralleling past societal structures and religious influence. The societal structure in the novel, where husbands reproduce with Handmaids instead of their wives, mirrors historical norms and the evolving perception of gender roles and religious influence.
- Reproductive Rights and Control: The narrative centers on the control of women's bodies for procreation, highlighting the politics around fertility and commodification within the society. It also raises questions about the excessive power men hold, both in the novel and reality, dictating workplace hierarchies and household dynamics, often manipulating women.
- Identity and Indoctrination: Offred grapples with a loss of identity, revealing the depth of indoctrination in eroding personal identity under totalitarianism. The novel probes how deeply an individual can be indoctrinated, questioning the extent of manipulation and control.
- Memory and History: Atwood emphasizes the significance of memory and history in shaping identity, using Offred's recollections to reflect on past relationships and experiences. The portrayal of Offred's memories of Luke showcases the emotional turmoil and complexity of her past, highlighting the significance of nostalgia and reflection.
- Resilience and Resistance: Despite the oppressive regime, characters engage in small acts of rebellion, showcasing the resilience of the human spirit against tyranny and the longing for freedom. Offred's unwavering determination to retain her identity and resist the system is a testament to human resilience in adverse circumstances.
- Religion and Manipulation:The novel explores religion as a tool for control, manipulating beliefs to justify and enforce oppressive systems, highlighting the loss of independent thinking. It prompts reflection on the dual nature of religion—providing comfort but also enabling manipulation.
-Surveillance and Control: The omnipresent surveillance in Gilead underscores the loss of privacy and individual autonomy, reflecting broader societal concerns about government intrusion into private lives. Offred's constant surveillance emphasizes the absence of personal freedom and privacy in the dystopian society.
The novel's brilliance lies in its ability to captivate while unsettling the reader, portraying a society where women are stripped of autonomy, reduced to vessels for reproduction. The raw depiction of harrowing moments underscores the gravity of society's control and its inhabitants' suffering.
However, certain distressing scenes, including mutilation and oppression, deeply affected the reading experience, leading to emotional distress. The novel's ability to evoke such intense emotions showcases its power and impact.
Despite its traumatic narrative, "The Handmaid's Tale" is a poignant reminder of the importance of freedom and individuality, portraying the constant struggle against oppressive forces. Margaret Atwood's masterful storytelling and ability to evoke powerful emotions make this novel essential reading.
In conclusion, "The Handmaid's Tale" offers a stark warning about totalitarianism, providing an unforgettable journey through a dystopian world that sparks reflection and contemplation long after the book is closed....more
Loading...
