5 stars for the translation by Emily Wilson. 3.5 stars for the actual Odyssey. Wilson does a phenomenal job at translating the famous epic poem, and th5 stars for the translation by Emily Wilson. 3.5 stars for the actual Odyssey. Wilson does a phenomenal job at translating the famous epic poem, and the audiobook was delightful to listen to. But oof the pacing of the epic was not what I remembered. I remembered a lot of moralizing...but this was even more moralizing than even that. Wilson's translation choices make this accessible and fresh, which I loved.
Thanks to @readswithcocktails for the buddy read on this one....more
Genre: 19th century French literature, adapted to graphic novel Paris and Ile Bourbon, late 1820s
Written in 1832, Indiana is a sweeping tale of human eGenre: 19th century French literature, adapted to graphic novel Paris and Ile Bourbon, late 1820s
Written in 1832, Indiana is a sweeping tale of human emotion and drama set in the period it was written. Indiana Delmare is an ill young woman married to a strict gentleman to whom she has little real affection. One evening a young gentleman is assumed to be a burglar and shot on their estate, and Indiana and her maid Noun nurse him back to health. His name is Raymon de Ramière, and he conducts a passionate affair with Noun, and also proclaims his love for Indiana. A tale of betrayal and heartbreak, where the villain is the nature of humanity and how we treat one another.
I don’t tend to pick up graphic novels, as I tend to get distracted from the narrative arc of the story. I’m not generally a visual person (I don’t visualize when I read), so a graphic novel is typical an exercise in patience for me while reading. But when @plottrysts says “hey Meg, this is ‘Read Now’” and promises to hold my hand through 19th century adapted French literature, I say “why not!?” The illustrations in this graphic novel do such a good job capturing the tone of emotion and the style of the era, as well as the utter drama of the book.
I knew very little to nothing about George Sand when I picked this up, other than it was a pen name for a 19th century woman writer. The graphic novel frames the tale of Indiana with two different eras of Sand’s life, from her time writing with (and dallying with) novelist Jules Sandeau in the early 1830s with her long affair with engraver Alexandre Manceau in the 1850s. Well-renowned and respected as a literary giant, she eschewed gender norms and attracted all manner of famous men to her bed. The framestory for the graphic novel helped me, as a reader unfamiliar with Sand, place her work.
In short, I would absolutely pick up more classic novels in graphic novel form. Personally, though, I still often need to read summaries as I go (I do this with almost any classic I read, as the narrative styles are denser and I often miss plot points). I recommend this as an accessible way to read Indiana!
Thank you to Europe Comics and NetGalley for an eARC for review! This graphic novel adaptation of Indiana is out 12/27/23! ...more
Jane Austen’s final finished novel is subtler than many of her other works. Second chance love, the power of hindsight, combined with Austen’s classicJane Austen’s final finished novel is subtler than many of her other works. Second chance love, the power of hindsight, combined with Austen’s classic sharp societal commentary and insight on the human condition make for a powerful story of love and reconciliation. I’ve discovered that when I read a classic, it helps me to know the plot first. Writing styles have evolved so much in 200 years, that I always find myself missing details if I’m trying to pay attention to plot too much. But then again, I rarely mind spoilers, because I love reading an author who convinces me of the relationship of the characters and the strength of the prose. This goes along with me shipping relationships rather than having book boyfriends. Austen absolutely convinces me of the strength of Anne and Wentworth’s relationship, despite the amount of time that has passed.
I listened to the audiobook of this from Spotify (that’s right, if you didn’t know, Spotify has audiobooks!), which was a great way for me to read Persuasion for the first time. I actually started with the Audible version which was free in the Audible library, but found the narration hard to follow, so I loved that I had options. ...more
I’ve been sitting on writing this review for a few weeks since finishing The Bluest Eye. When I read a classic like this, I find it hard to analyze orI’ve been sitting on writing this review for a few weeks since finishing The Bluest Eye. When I read a classic like this, I find it hard to analyze or say something new. It’s an incredibly crafted novel, with poetic prose and striking insight into brilliantly developed characters. It’s not easy to read, and that feels intentional because our characters’ lives were not easy to live.
This book is short, but deserves to be read slowly to savor the writing and to better understand the characters. I think it’s also the sort of book that deserves a reread - whether you read it in high school or more recently, because even on my first read-through it strikes me as a story you can get more out of if you read a second time.
I picked this up for @book.club.bitches fall bingo Banned Book category after years of it languishing on my TBR. Thanks for that extra push. ...more
To save her the women of her kingdom, and her own life, Shahrazad marries the murderous king and tells him stories every night. These retellings-in-trTo save her the women of her kingdom, and her own life, Shahrazad marries the murderous king and tells him stories every night. These retellings-in-translation are fabulous tales of intrigue, sex, clever men, and cleverer women. They are frame stories that keep going so deep, that the king would in fact be so rapt he could not kill her.
Completed for the Book Riot Read Harder 2020 Challenge Read a retelling of a classic of the canon, fairy tale, or myth by an author of color. ...more
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