Another Convoluted Dickens Victorian Melodrama This was my last Dicken’s novel in my admittedly cheeky BBC Radio full-cast dramatizations, which are vaAnother Convoluted Dickens Victorian Melodrama This was my last Dicken’s novel in my admittedly cheeky BBC Radio full-cast dramatizations, which are vastly easier to tackle at 5-8hrs of audiobook, vs the weeks of reading tiny print for 1,000 pages for some of his doorstoppers, keeping track of 30-40 characters and their dozens of subplots and interrelationships. That is simply too much for me, but it probably made sense for Victorian audiences looking forwarding to weekly installments in serial form. This book seemed to be even more convoluted than some of his stories, and though I went to the Wiki entry to try and untangle the full picture, I realized the radio version was just a tiny patch of the full tapestry. So I won’t attempt to discuss the plot at all - suffice to say that I did enjoy the characters and stories that were offered, it has all the classic Dickensian combination of social commentary, melodrama, satire, and his richly embellished writing style....more
Dicken's Shortest and Most Polemical Book This is one of Dicken’s shortest novels, and one a bit heavy-handed in its sledgehammer criticism of capitaliDicken's Shortest and Most Polemical Book This is one of Dicken’s shortest novels, and one a bit heavy-handed in its sledgehammer criticism of capitalist exploitation of factory workers and the concept of Utilitarianism. He is filled with righteous anger at the callous abuse of the wealthy as they dehumanize their workers as just “hands” to be used and discarded as needed in pursuit of profit. It’s still got the various Dickensian villains and heroes/villains, though they are not as fully-formed and complex as those found in his larger works. All told, it’s a book on a mission, which was sorely needed in those early and brutal days of the Industrial Revolution, but doesn’t stand up as well today compared to his better works....more
The Abridged BBC 4 Radio Version Was Perfect for Me - A Sprawling Work in Full This is without question Dicken’s most dense and sprawling novel, with tThe Abridged BBC 4 Radio Version Was Perfect for Me - A Sprawling Work in Full This is without question Dicken’s most dense and sprawling novel, with the clever framing narrative of an interminable and impossibly drawn-out Court of Chancery case, Jardyce and Jardyce, that connects a huge cast of characters over 900+ pages. As I wimped out and opted for a mere taste of this dense masterpiece (and solid doorstopper) via a 5-hour abridged BBC 4 Radio full-cast dramatization, I feel I am not entitled to weigh in (pun-intended) on the full tome itself. In fact, I instead spent a pleasant hour some of my favourite GR reviewer’s thoughts on the book, which are as entertaining or more than the audio version, and provide as much insight at far less time-cost, that I find it too daunting and pointless a task for me to provide a review of my own. Instead, I’ll just say that it was a very interesting listen, but I am glad I didn’t dedicate the full 43 hours for the Full Monty, as I don’t have energy or patience or stamina for that, however worthy an endeavor it might be. ...more
Little Nell, a Heroic and Tragic Heroine of Dickens This was a lesser-known Dickens title to me, but has all the classic Dickensian themes and heroes/hLittle Nell, a Heroic and Tragic Heroine of Dickens This was a lesser-known Dickens title to me, but has all the classic Dickensian themes and heroes/heroines and villains, this time centered on the angelic Little Nell and her Grandfather, who are fighting to stave off poverty after they lose their Old Curiosity Shop to the usurious and villainous dwarf moneylender Daniel Quilip. There is a parallel story of Kip, a young boy who is Nell’s friend and servant, honest and loyal, who gets targeted by the evil Quilip out of sheer malice and jealousy. There are many dramatic twists and turns for the characters, and I imagine the full version was very detail-heavy as most of his novels are, but I listened to the abridged BBC 4 Radio full-cast dramatization, which was dramatically performed and just the right length for my interests. ...more
A Collection of Satirical Victorian Misadventures, Not a Novel This was Charles Dicken’s first work, written at age 24 in 19 installments over 20 monthA Collection of Satirical Victorian Misadventures, Not a Novel This was Charles Dicken’s first work, written at age 24 in 19 installments over 20 months, initially to accompany humorous sketches by well-known illustrator Robert Seymour (who committed suicide after providing sketches for only the first two installments), but Dickens quickly took over creative control and later illustrators were given summaries of each episode to work from. So this is not a novel per se, but mainly a collection of amusing and satirical misadventures by a serious of gentlemen who form the Pickwick Club, exploring various parts of England by coach and getting into various troublesome situations.
It quickly gained great popularity with Victorian readers of all walks of life, and catapulted Dickens to fame and success very early on, and in an era without radio or TV or movies or streaming dramas and internet, it’s easy to see how readers fell in love with the characters and farcical situations and skillful social satire. However, that same content stretched over 800-900 pages or 32 hours in audio format is a quite an exhausting proposition, so I opted for the abridged BBC 4 Radio full-cast dramatization, and having previously read some of his classic full novels, like Oliver Twist, A Tale of Two Cities, Great Expectations, Nicholas Nikleby, and David Copperfield, it definitely suffered in comparison, but that comparison is clearly unfair given its a completely different work in structure and intent. Still, I wouldn’t recommend it as an initial foray into Dicken’s canon, best saved only for serious Dicken’s fans and completists. ...more
A Wide-Ranging Coming-of-Age Tale in Victorian England This was Dicken's 3rd novel, coming after the success of Oliver Twist and it's strong social comA Wide-Ranging Coming-of-Age Tale in Victorian England This was Dicken's 3rd novel, coming after the success of Oliver Twist and it's strong social commentary on the plight of the poor and downtrodden in London, and this one is no different, though it does initially focus on a vicious and exploitive all-boys school in Yorkshire, before returning the story to London, and also has a long interlude featuring a traveling actors' troupe. I plan to listen to all of Dicken's major works in audiobook, and the full version of this is a hefty 35-hours, so I elected to go with the abridged full-cast dramatizations done by BBC Radio 4, which are excellent summations of the storylines that avoid some of the length of excess details and side-plots. This was a very enjoyable and engaging read, with all the usual Dickensian wicked villains, stout-hearted heroes and heroines struggling against many adversities, social satire of the upper classes, and strong criticisms of the inequalities of the social class structure. ...more
Dicken's Most Personal Coming-of-Age Tale This is considered Dicken’s most autobiographical novel, and his own personal favourite, likely for that reasDicken's Most Personal Coming-of-Age Tale This is considered Dicken’s most autobiographical novel, and his own personal favourite, likely for that reason. It bears some clear parallels to the story arcs of Nicholas Nickleby, though I actually found Nicholas to be more appealing as a hotheaded and passionate young man who had a strong sense of justice/injustice, whereas David often let the events of life carry him along, and lacked the agency to make his own fate at times, settling for what seemed expected of him, though he did grow through his experiences. It’s a very long and detailed story, and I don’t have the energy to do a full review (and is there any point in that), so suffice to say the abridged BBC 4 full-cast audio dramatization was the perfect format for me to enjoy the story and characters and setting without getting bogged down in the minutiae. ...more
A Classic Tale of Redemption That Inspired a Revival of Xmas Celebrations This is a full cast studio production of the classic tale that has become synA Classic Tale of Redemption That Inspired a Revival of Xmas Celebrations This is a full cast studio production of the classic tale that has become synonymous with Xmas celebrations and inspired a revival of Christmas celebrations in Victorian England. It's a short and simple story in structure, but because of that its appeal and relevance is universal. A wealthy miser named Ebenezer Scrooge lives only to squeeze money from his creditors and accumulate wealth for its own sake, being both friendless and ill-tempered, so very much alone in the world.
When the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future show him the errors of his ways, and that he is headed to a sad and unmourned death, he wakes up to his mistakes and rejoices in the chance to make amends and treat his family and employees with more kindness. It's become done to death in TV specials and dramas, but really, who can deny that the message is absolutely spot-on, in a modern capitalist society that rewards greed and material wealth over generosity of spirit and kindness to others. ...more
A Classic Tale of the French Revolution, But Split Between Paris and London For the longest time I had no idea what this book was about, despite its icA Classic Tale of the French Revolution, But Split Between Paris and London For the longest time I had no idea what this book was about, despite its iconic author, title, and opening lines. But as I have finally got around to exploring Dicken's catalog, after almost a half century alive, I learned that it was not just his usual story set in London. While it certainly contrasts the downtrodden and powerless with the rich and privileged in France, it's plot is far more complex and it spans many swathes of both French and English society as it depicts and contrasts the two societies at a time of great upheaval and change. It features many memorable characters, scenes, and events, and of course the great forces of history are vividly described in Dicken's elaborate prose. I'm glad I finally read it, and probably appreciated it more now than if I had been forced to read it in English class back in high school. ...more
A Classic Victorian Tale of Child Poverty, Crime, and Perseverance This was my very first time reading/listening to Charles Dickens, at age 48, despiteA Classic Victorian Tale of Child Poverty, Crime, and Perseverance This was my very first time reading/listening to Charles Dickens, at age 48, despite his pervasive influence on English Victorian literature and all the film and drama adaptations. I'm glad I waited to sample it in audiobook with the expert narration of actor Jonathan Pryce. It's his renditions of the foppish and arrogant upper classes, and sinister and brutish criminal underclasses, that brings the story and picture of Victorian society to life along with Dickens' vivid and dramatic story. It's one of his shorter novels, and apparently one of his most beloved, along with A Tale of Two Cities and Great Expectations. Since all of his audiobooks are available in the Audible Plus Catalogue, I'll be listening to them all in the winter months here in England, seems the perfect time to delve into his literary world....more
A Good Primer on the Historical/Cultural Context of The Odyssey I did read The Odyssey in high school for English literature class, as so many have. I A Good Primer on the Historical/Cultural Context of The Odyssey I did read The Odyssey in high school for English literature class, as so many have. I remember expecting to like it more than I actually did. I was a geeky devourer of SF and Fantasy back then, so perfectly primed for an exciting story of war, gods, sirens, cyclops, high seas adventure, etc. However, the Odyssey is a nearly 3,000 year old Greek orally-recited epic poem aimed at an audience so far removed from the modern reader as to present a major challenge to appreciating it. I struggled to enjoy it, especially the language and seemingly tiresome details that may have been standard for audiences of the time.
Having said that Prof Vandiver is a great and enthusiastic explainer of all that missing context, and does so in clear thematic lectures that explain why the concept of host-guest relationships and marriage fidelity are so fundamental to both Greek culture and the story itself. You will learn a lot about what was important to the Greeks, and what would have resonated with them in the tale. So I think having listened to this and her audiobook on The Iliad, I really have the background to appreciate the two epics on their own if I were to revisit them three decades later as an adult reader....more
The Birth of the Roman People, Inspired by Homer's Iliad and Odyssey Other than knowing the name of the tale and its author in passing reference, I hadThe Birth of the Roman People, Inspired by Homer's Iliad and Odyssey Other than knowing the name of the tale and its author in passing reference, I had no idea what it was about until I got interested in Homer's Iliad and Odyssey as I started diving into Greek and Roman history in preparation for a first trip to Rome (I like to do that prior to visiting new places). Only then did I find out that this story is a Roman one, not a Greek one, but takes direct inspiration from both the Iliad and Odyssey for its narrative themes, structure, heroes, and events. It's essentially the story of Aeneas, a minor noble of Troy who survives the sacking of the city (as alluded to but not directly described by Homer) and flees first to Carthage and Sicily before moving onto the Italian mainland, fighting many battles, before settling in Rome and essentially founding the Roman people. That's a major simplification, but essentially that's the story.
Since I had enjoyed Prof Vandiver's explanations/lectures on the Iliad and Homer, it was an obvious choice to move to this book next and get the same insight on a tale told in Roman times, essentially telling the story of how the Romans came to be, an origins tale. I have to say she provided the same level of historical knowledge and enthusiasm, and I understood the historical significance of the tale, but the story itself didn't resonate as strongly as Homer's tales. To be fair, I haven't read any of the actual epics in translation, so I can't really be conclusive, but just didn't pique my interest to the same degree. If I ever feel very ambitious in retirement, I may give all three a try, but for this trip just knowing their historical and cultural importance is enough for now....more
Finally Can Appreciate this Seminal Epic Thanks to These Lectures I distinctly remember just how much I struggled to read this epic tale back in my firFinally Can Appreciate this Seminal Epic Thanks to These Lectures I distinctly remember just how much I struggled to read this epic tale back in my first year of University of Chicago, where all freshmen are required to study some of the Greek classics. I just found it almost impossible to get anything meaningful from the text, a lot like reading some parts of the Old Testament. It's vital that you have a comprehensive understanding of the historical context and cultural knowledge of the times to have any chance at appreciating what readers at that time might experience hearing this epic poem recited over 3-4 days at a religious festival in Ancient Greece. That's what makes it very hard to properly enjoy as a modern reader, at least in my opinion.
So I really found these college lectures by Elizabeth Vandiver incredibly interesting and helpful in understanding all that context and knowledge I do not have. It really brought the eternal themes to life, without having to slog through the entire epic itself. Sure, some would say that's cheating, like using Cliff Notes, but to be honest I thought it was a perfect way to understand the Iliad and its influence on classic Greek civilization and culture and oral history/literature, and Prof Vandiver is very good at making thisngs both clear and interesting for listeners. I would have enjoyed attending the lectures in person back in college, and might have had a much better memory of Homer's Iliad. ...more
Bizarre Suburban Messiah Death Fantasy, with Loads of Symbolism Depending on how open you are to very ambiguous, uncomfortable, subtly ironic, and flatBizarre Suburban Messiah Death Fantasy, with Loads of Symbolism Depending on how open you are to very ambiguous, uncomfortable, subtly ironic, and flat-out bizarre stories, you will probably rate this very highly or give up after a few chapters. As a long-time Ballard fan, I know enough to expect all of the above, and take pleasure in the strangeness of it all. The story outline is easily described (check some book blurb), but the reading must be experienced to understand it. There is just no way to predict how any given reader will react - its a love/hate thing. Oh, and there is a load of sperm flying about, literally, metaphorically, metaphysically, so if you are faint of heart or easily offended, you've been warned! You will struggle to interpret what it all means, even after finishing it, but I guarantee you won't forget it. I might revisit again someday, it's short enough, and has plenty of psychological depths to plumb....more
One of the Greatest Gothic/Romanticist American Writers, Dark and Macabre and Ironic by Turns Other than a few stories of required reading in English cOne of the Greatest Gothic/Romanticist American Writers, Dark and Macabre and Ironic by Turns Other than a few stories of required reading in English class in middle or high school, this is the first time I have properly listening to a large number of Poe's more famous stories, and they did not disappoint. A real range of styles, topics, themes, and all written with great verse and skill, though clearly products of a troubled soul, the tortured artist. Anyone knowing his biography would not be surprised on its influence on his work. Still, his influence on generations of horror/suspense/mystery writers is enormous, and it was a pleasure to sample his works in audio format, brilliant stuff....more
A harrowing tale of suffering, solitude, and madness of a stranded sailor in WWII This was listed on David Pringle's Modern Fantasy: The Hundred Best NA harrowing tale of suffering, solitude, and madness of a stranded sailor in WWII This was listed on David Pringle's Modern Fantasy: The Hundred Best Novels: in English Language Selection, 1946-1987, and to be honest I don't think the author or most readers would have put it on that list. While it certainly takes place in the mind of stranded British sailor in the Atlantic, whose boat has been torpedoed by a German sub, it's intense exploration of his inner mental world is both fantastic and terrifying, but it's still a stretch to call it fantasy. It is very much a serious work of Literature, by an author famous for The Lord of the Flies, and the writing if of that very sophisticated, descriptive, and deadly serious British style of that period.
While it is undeniably well written and visceral, it is a punishing read, fitting of course for the existential crisis of Christopher Martin (Pincher to his mates), stranded and exposed a small lonely rock outcrop in the middle of the Atlantic, far from help and totally alone and trapped in his increasingly deteriorating mind. As an experimental POV narrative, it is very well executed, but hardly an uplifting experience. More a work to admire than enjoy....more
All the World's a Stage, and These Twins are Star Performers This is another energetic, ribald, meandering tale of bigger-than-life characters in a th All the World's a Stage, and These Twins are Star Performers This is another energetic, ribald, meandering tale of bigger-than-life characters in a theatrical world, immersed in dance and entertainment, two twin girls raised by a grandmother and uncle, denied by their biological father who is a famous Shakespearian actor, and their life adventures that get very convoluted indeed, but their telling of it is full of joie de vivre despite the many setbacks of difficulties they face. It shares a lot with Angela Carter's Nights at the Circus, but I liked this one better, seemed a bit more grounded, but the narrative style and voice were again the core of the story, so ideally suited for an audiobook, and who better than the legendary Tracey Ullman to bring this wild tale to life. If the story had been a bit less convoluted and somewhat too meandering, it would definitely have been a 5-star book for me....more
Gentle, melancholy, and lyrical post-apocalytic tale, a lesser-known classic Much like George R. Stewart's The Earth Abides (1949), this story of life Gentle, melancholy, and lyrical post-apocalytic tale, a lesser-known classic Much like George R. Stewart's The Earth Abides (1949), this story of life after a global apocalypse is nothing like the brutal struggle to survive of many action-based survival stories. This tale is set quite long in the future, perhaps a millennium later, so the details of the Storm and old Civilization are completely garbled and have morphed into legends and oral traditions, similar to Russell Hoban's Riddley Walker (1980), but sans the completely invented vernacular dialect of debased English in which that story is written. Instead, Crowley suffuses his story with quiet, beautiful moments of observation of both nature and the surprisingly peaceful and gentle human remnants of the war in North America, who live quite a spiritual life. It's the story of Rush That Speaks, a young man who grows up wanting to become a saint (more like a wise-man) and explore the world via a spiritual walkabout. He encounters a first an old man living in a tree (who keeps much of the knowledge of the ancient world but disavows being a saint), and then a community called Dr. Boot's List, which is just as strange and mysterious as the name suggests. They live a very different existence from his birthplace, and the people are very secretive about the spiritual transformation they get from receiving a letter from Dr. Boots. Opaque clues are dropped throughout the story as it's told in the first person as a series of recorded interviews with an unidentified person, but the final reveal at the end is profoundly moving, and really makes this book shine with significance. It was included in David Pringle's Science Fiction: The 100 Best Novels : An English-Language Selection, 1949-1984 (1985), and is well deserving of that accolade, but I much preferred it to his bloated and quite tedious later World Fantasy Award Winner Little, Big (1981)....more
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