Fabtastic book.The level of detail with which the author presents the war is astonishing.
To think that Thucydides puts together the timeline of a 30 yFabtastic book.The level of detail with which the author presents the war is astonishing.
To think that Thucydides puts together the timeline of a 30 years war would be hard even in modern times but to do it in 5th century BC is on a completely new level (considering the frugality of written texts at that time).
Not only does he present the stages of the war with extreme rigourousity but he also gets us accustomed with the whole greek world from the mainland city states (Athens,Sparta,Corinth,Thebes,Argos,Megara) to most of the islanders (Lemnos,Lesbos,Samos) , Asia Minor and also the Greek colonies in Sicily.
From my point of view regarding Athens, the book is a testimonial for the saying "don't eat more than you can chew" and just like in Germany in WW2 ....don't start a second front when you haven't concluded the situation of the former one.
The book also proves that it takes only one charismatic, ambitious man to lead the city to glory or total ruin.In our case that would be Pericles or Demosthenes and Alcibiades.
A must read for anyone interested in ancient history & civilisation....more
**spoiler alert** Best work of Steinbeck so far and definetly the deepest and most comprehensive novel on american way of life in early XX century.
The**spoiler alert** Best work of Steinbeck so far and definetly the deepest and most comprehensive novel on american way of life in early XX century.
The style can be described as very accesible. The text is astoundingly generous when describing the Salinas Valley,CA as well as its inhabitans, way of life and moral compass.
The recurring theme -- Freedom of choice -- is engraved in this book and everything that happens in the timespan of 3 generations points to it in one way or another. This book definetly could be used as religion and philosophy material. The ending is like a true katana slash , clean concise .....brilliant !
My favourite character was Lee , the hard working chinese immigrant , blessed with intelligence , moral compass , cunning , empathy and compassion , trying to fit somehow into the New World . His fire shines the brightest at the very end , when after intense long studies , he reveals the origin of the recurring biblical word 'Timshel' , which , is the very foundation of this book.
I recommend this masterpiece , it will remain with you for a very long time !...more
I am yet to understand why Hemingway's greatest book isn't considered this one. Some scenes in this book are so intense so vivid that i got chills on mI am yet to understand why Hemingway's greatest book isn't considered this one. Some scenes in this book are so intense so vivid that i got chills on my back. This book changed my perspective regarding life and its fragility, finding true love and what it means to make the most out of it ,even if your life's clock is ticking very fast. I also loved the fact that you get to understand the Spanish Civil War , the beligenerents, how it all started but also interesting facts like gypsy folclore or signs that predict the future. The language is simple , there are no fancy words, yet the impression you remain after is very strong.Hemingway proves that you do not need big , searched words in order to create a masterpiece....more
Cartea are la baza incercarea unui jandarm de a afla faptasul unei serii de crime petrecute in Anzi. Daca initial suspectii sunt Calea Luminoasa (grupaCartea are la baza incercarea unui jandarm de a afla faptasul unei serii de crime petrecute in Anzi. Daca initial suspectii sunt Calea Luminoasa (grupare maoista in Peru anilor 50-60) cu cat inaintam in poveste , supranaturalul capata o mai mare greutate. Llosa imbina folclorul andin , povestirea la persoana a 3-a cat si o poveste de dragoste inoportuna reusind cu maiestrie sa mentina suspansul pana in ultimele 10 pagini ale cartii....more
While this book is at the core a love drama , i loved the way the authors desugars and presents the Italian precarious retreat of Caporetto during WWIWhile this book is at the core a love drama , i loved the way the authors desugars and presents the Italian precarious retreat of Caporetto during WWI . Hemingway again gets the right measures between the plot and the informational content to keep the narative interesting until the very end.
Though the novel is great and might be considered by some his greatest work alongside The old man and the sea , it still does not dethrone For whom the bells toll !...more