You would think that a novelist writing about a string of unsolved double murders would be fascinating enough, but when he becomes personally involvedYou would think that a novelist writing about a string of unsolved double murders would be fascinating enough, but when he becomes personally involved, Preston’s story becomes even more intriguing. When he moves his family to Florence, Preston befriends Mario Spezi, the lead crime reporter on the Monster of Florence. Preston becomes enthralled with the case, and when he and Spezi decide to write a book about the topic, they become unwitting players in the messed up investigation.
Keep in mind, the Monster murders occurred between 1974 and 1985, but remained unsolved upon publication of the book in 2008. By this time, authorities have developed outrageous conspiracy theories to justify why the Monster hasn’t been caught. The following excerpt demonstrates the ineffectiveness of the investigation: “Some of the top investigators, prosecutors, and judges in the case, charged with the sacred responsibility of finding the truth, appeared to be more interested in using the case to leverage their power to greater personal glory. Having committed themselves to a defective theory, they refused to reconsider their beliefs when faced with overwhelming contradictory evidence. They cared more about saving face than saving lives, more about pushing their careers than putting the Monster behind bars.”
There were multiple agencies involved in the investigation, and this lead to crime scenes being contaminated and evidence mishandled. My first reaction was that this seemed very much like how the Meredith Kercher crime scene was botched. The prosecutor of Perugia, Giuliano Mignini, is a recurring character in both the Monster and the Kercher investigations (which Preston addresses in the afterword), and in both, he develops wild theories involving deviant satanic rituals. What an [expletive] Magnini is! He’s a bully who based his ideas on the delusional ramblings of a self-proclaimed psychic (ahem, charlatan). “Carlizzi [psychic crazy lady], it might seem, had a Rasputin-like influence over Mignini.” It’s tragic how Mignini pulls Spezi and Preston into the circle of suspects and abuses his power, without making any real progress in very serious case. This book is incredibly captivating and Preston’s personal involvement makes it all the more wonderfully bizarre. ...more
In Francis Walsingham’s own words, “..there is less danger in fearing too much than too little.” This is a must-read for any Tudorphile, as it outlineIn Francis Walsingham’s own words, “..there is less danger in fearing too much than too little.” This is a must-read for any Tudorphile, as it outlines all of the intrigue that threatened Elizabeth’s reign. From the constant threats of France and Spain, to the scheming of Mary Stuart and her factions, to the impossible defeat of the Spanish Armada, it was Walsingham’s cunning that saved England. Fair warning: it starts very slow, but it’s worth it once past the first 30 pages. I was especially captivated by the skill in which Walsingham infiltrated Mary’s network of supporters, intercepting and decoding her messages revealing her complicity in the plot to assassinate Elizabeth. Even a vice-admiral gives Walsingham the credit he deserves: “…you have fought more with your pen than many have in our English navy fought with their enemies.” In other words, Walsingham was a bada$$!...more
Fried Green Tomatoes was one of my favorite movies growing up, although at this point, I probably haven't seen it in 10 years. So I thought I would reFried Green Tomatoes was one of my favorite movies growing up, although at this point, I probably haven't seen it in 10 years. So I thought I would revisit the charming story in its original novel format, and it didn't disappoint. The format was different than I expected, with chapters occurring during different time periods, whether in Depression era Whistle Stop, Alabama, or at a nursing home in Birmingham in 1986. Some chapters are simply gossip columns and others are from the perspective of various secondary characters. The book included more commentary on racial issues in the south than I expected, but it effectively portrayed the attitude of the time.
The heart of the story of course is Idgie and Ruth, their café and the community. Though there has been much commentary about Idgie and Ruth being lesbians, I never felt there was anything overtly gay about their relationship. There were no scenes with them making out or anything that specifically defined them as lovers. I absolutely loved the interactions between Evelyn Couch and Ninny Threadgood. Though the ending was dramatically different than the movie, it still worked. I recognized many lines from the movie that were taken verbatim from the book. Because I have such high esteem for a movie that helped define my youth, there were some aspects of the book that didn't resonate with me. However, that also enabled me to mentally visualize so many of the scenes and the characters. Regardless, it was the friendships portrayed on these pages were so authentic and inspiring. Now I'm going to have to dust off the old VCR and see if my video copy still works! ...more
I really wrestled with this book. Perhaps it was too allegorical for my tastes? I don’t appreciate dream sequences and I had a difficult time determinI really wrestled with this book. Perhaps it was too allegorical for my tastes? I don’t appreciate dream sequences and I had a difficult time determining whether visions were figurative or literal. From what I understand, there was an essential element in the prose that was lost in translation from the original Greek. I found the story of Christ’s ministry and last few months sad. Jesus was a very complex character with a difficult existence. I just couldn’t appreciate the author’s interpretation of scripture. The notion that Jesus’ early life was dictated to Matthew by an angel was confusing. Why drastically alter the Christmas story to put the birth in Nazareth as a non-event with no magi and manger details? Miracles were embellished, the walking on water episode was a disciple’s dream, and I felt that the purity of the story was convoluted. I appreciated it for its success in being a profound and moving story of a man, but it was just too dense and indirect. ...more
This was by far Roach’s most disappointing book. For one, I can’t say that I learned anything, not even cocktail party novelty knowledge. I felt that This was by far Roach’s most disappointing book. For one, I can’t say that I learned anything, not even cocktail party novelty knowledge. I felt that any humor Roach had to offer was relegated to the footnotes. It seemed like this was a device for her to extol pioneering sexual scientists Kinsey and Masters and Johnson and their groundbreaking research. One would think it would be somewhat naughty and blush-worthy, but really it’s more about electrodes, penetrating measuring devices, ultrasounds, and other clinical testing scenarios. There’s a chapter about inseminating pigs, rats in polyester pants, and other unappealing topics that “help” resolve performance or fertility issues or understanding the human body’s reaction to getting it on.
So if you’re hoping for something racy and funny and full of informational tidbits, I recommend reading any of Roach’s other books. Mind you, I am not shy whatsoever about The Act of Bonk, but this is so far opposite of sexy. And if you’re like me, you’ll find you’re concentrating more on the physiology of bonking than what you’re actually doing, and you may be a little grossed out about what’s actually going on down there. ...more
Don't shy away from this novel just because the topic of sex can be taboo. Or because the main character is a prostitute. It is not an overtly graphicDon't shy away from this novel just because the topic of sex can be taboo. Or because the main character is a prostitute. It is not an overtly graphic depiction of Maria's sexual encounters. Coelho deftly turns Maria's experience into a reflection on what it is to love and how coupling is a manifestation of joining souls.
Convinced she will never find true love, Maria leaves her homeland of Brazil for Geneva, Switzerland to seek opportunity. When her quest for fame and fortune ends, she determines that the best way to make money is to sell her body. She justifies her choices in a philosophic way. She doesn't even enjoy sex! But when she meets a painter who intrigues her, she is forced to reconsider the ideas of love and loss, pain and pleasure. Sure, there are some erotic scenes, but nothing too scandalous. It is Coelho's skill at exploring something so fundamental that makes this novel approachable. ...more
The complexities of this novel are well executed, especially how the present is tied in with the Siege of Leningrad. Marina is suffering the devastatiThe complexities of this novel are well executed, especially how the present is tied in with the Siege of Leningrad. Marina is suffering the devastating symptoms of Alzheimer's, and though she cannot form new memories, her mind transports her back to the horrific winter of 1941. As a staff member of the Hermitage Museum in Leningrad, she is tasked with helping to pack up and ship out countless priceless works to protect them from the onslaught of Nazi bombs. The deprivation she experiences is unimaginable. Then suddenly, Marina is thrust back into the present, at her granddaughter's wedding, amongst friends and families who are strangers to her. But she is still able to remember the art and she drifts from room to room in the museum of her mind, recalling artworks that were removed from their frames during the siege. I felt so sad, not for the elderly Marina, but for her family, especially her husband Dmitri, who must care for his wife but can't understand her mind. Marina's inner world is so much simpler and she is able to see beauty in everything, from the Renaissance paintings she once admired at the Hermitage, to the way dust motes float in the sunlight of her current home. I could have done without all of the detailed descriptions of the individual paintings, but the combination of history, emotion and art worked well. ...more
To attempt to convey what I felt about this book is a near impossibility. Having witnessed all that Scarlett O’Hara endured, her triumphs and tragedieTo attempt to convey what I felt about this book is a near impossibility. Having witnessed all that Scarlett O’Hara endured, her triumphs and tragedies, war and devastation, famine and prosperity, I admire her tremendous spirit. She is a difficult character to like in her selfishness and indifference, but her tenacity and determination is undeniable. Her obsession with Ashley Wilkes is entirely frustrating, but this also brings us one of the most beloved literary characters: Melanie Wilkes. Sweet, selfless Melly and her good intentions, which Scarlett cannot recognize until it is too late. And of course the great love story between Scarlett and Rhett is so fierce, complex, and utterly riveting.
The writing itself is splendid, the story is gorgeous and powerful, and the history is spectacular. Every time I picked up the book, I was immersed in the beauty of Tara or the chaos of Atlanta. I felt the sting of Rhett’s verbal taunts, smelled the cigars and brandy on his breath, and visualized that playful sparkle in his eye. I could itemize all of the wonderful qualities of this incredible book, but instead of rambling, I will just say that I loved the experience of reading it and I was quite sad when I finished. ...more
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