I think this might be the best book I've read this year. First the writing. Dara Horn, I love that name,has that gift of writing as if she were havingI think this might be the best book I've read this year. First the writing. Dara Horn, I love that name,has that gift of writing as if she were having a conversation with the reader. One example is the description of Jews in Harbin China, to quote: "You already know that this story has to end badly". There was a scene in the movie Casablanca where Louis Renault the Captain of police is about to drink from a bottle of Vichy water. He looks at the label which says Vichy and throws the bottle away in disgust. Having read Dara's description of the role of the puppet government in Vichy I now know Louie's motivation. There are some fabulous characters in the book. There is an entire essay describing Varian Fry, who according to the author "went to France with a far more secular goal; to save Western civilization." Alma Schindler who I believe was unrelated to Oskar Schindler of the book and movie Schindler's List was very interesting. She was involved romantically with: the artist Gustav Kimt and dumped him, Alexander Zemliasky, who she dumped, Gustav Mahler, who she dumped, Bauhaus architect Walter Gropius, who she dumped, and artist Oskar Kokoschka who she dumped! He did get a form of revenge.(read the book to find out how). Horn offers some reading suggestions, with my favourite quote from the book "For English-language readers drowning in uplifting Holocaust fiction, here is one novel among many that demonstrates a more honest way to write fiction about atrocity." Speaking of atrocity, one of the songs that people sang in the gas chambers was Hatikvah or The Hope which is now the national anthem of Israel. Dara Horn does write with some humour. Her description of dressing for the frigid weather in Harbin is very funny. I am now going to read all her novels....more
I usually skip over the introductions to books, but I do read them after I have finished the book that they are introducing. There is no questioning tI usually skip over the introductions to books, but I do read them after I have finished the book that they are introducing. There is no questioning that Hitchens is an intellect, and although I disagree with a lot that he said, I do appreciate his arguments. Some of the interviews were excellent, others were almost a waste of time. Yeah, you Jon Stewart. Richard Dawkins was sycophantic, really nothing more than a Greek chorus. I did read Stephen Fry's introduction, and it was as tedious as I expected. I am also reading Arguably by Hitchens, and so far it is terrific....more
I had traveled to Ireland a few years before Toibin went on his trek and was quite familiar with some of the people and events that he described.Colm I had traveled to Ireland a few years before Toibin went on his trek and was quite familiar with some of the people and events that he described.Colm is a great writer....more
I loved it.I really need to read more of this sort of thing.I have promised myself that in 2019 I will read mostly "smart"books,whether fiction or notI loved it.I really need to read more of this sort of thing.I have promised myself that in 2019 I will read mostly "smart"books,whether fiction or not.(I said mostly)I was very interested in hisdiscussion of democracy and education.No one has a read to be different or superior or gifted.It isn't a lot different than our giving medals to all participants today.More please Mr.Lewis....more
I have added this to my books to own list.I spent a lot of time reading this,and definitely will be reading it again.Jordan is infamous in academic ciI have added this to my books to own list.I spent a lot of time reading this,and definitely will be reading it again.Jordan is infamous in academic circles for speaking his mind and not succumbing to the tyranny of political correctness.It's not happy reading throughout,but it is hopeful.I really admire the strength of his faith....more
I first became aware of Ben Carson when he was being interviewed and said about politics:"it isn't brain surgery...brain surgery is harder".Dr. CarsonI first became aware of Ben Carson when he was being interviewed and said about politics:"it isn't brain surgery...brain surgery is harder".Dr. Carson has written one of the best motivational books I've come across.He describes his craft/art well,he is always kind,honest and admirably grateful.He is not afraid to honour his belief in God.I am sort of glad he didn't become President.A man of his class and character shouldn't have to deal with a vicious prevaricating media. This is the second biography I've read about Black neurosurgeons,Dr.Keith Black's was the first.I have learned enough about their work that my offer of free brain surgery still stands!Read both of these books.I would also read anything by Ben's mother.What a remarkably superior human being....more
Amazing.Irish history,dangerous journey,indomitable spirit,cooperation above and beyond what is typical ...I really enjoyed the description of the matAmazing.Irish history,dangerous journey,indomitable spirit,cooperation above and beyond what is typical ...I really enjoyed the description of the materials needed to build a leather boat and the work and science involved.The journey was harrowing and reading about it was tense in the extreme.This book is a keeper....more
I read some Banville years ago, and have no idea why I haven't read any more up to now. This wasn't a happy book but the writing was superior. It was I read some Banville years ago, and have no idea why I haven't read any more up to now. This wasn't a happy book but the writing was superior. It was also a good mystery. Having grown up in the Catholic school system, I can concur that the priests and brothers and nuns were as nasty as the two enforcers that Quirke encounters. There were some unanswered questions for me. I'm hoping they will be resolved in the next few Black books that I will read almost immediately....more
John of Canada
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