I have a few moments here this morning to write down some thoughts and hopefully someone can share them (or not - their worth may be debated) concerning this book, since I will not be in attendance and I did like the book.
It was very lyrical language - particularly impressive since it was a translation. The writer has a painter's eye. Great painters look at and see the very same scenes and objects that everyone else sees, but see them in a way that, when you look at the painting, makes you see the familiar in an entirely different light. This is what Rivas achieves in my mind - taking the much written about subjects of war and love, he constructs a brief but powerful aria on the struggle to retain a sense of humanity in the midst of deeply de-humanizing events. His poetic language is both impressive for its own beauty but more so as a vehicle for his message.
The characters are complex and deeply human. There is a surreal quality of the brutality of war. Having never experienced anything like war, torture or combat, I can only guess, and probably not very accurately at that, at how I might respond to such situations. But in the constrasting characters of Herbal and the Doctor, Rivas has shown two very different paths to seeking to maintain a core of humanity in the midst of brutality and inhumanity. Herbal is totally believable in all his conflicting emotions. The Doctor is also believable to me, though he is more of a composite character - an embodiment of beliefs about human dignity that are held by the author and which come to life in the actions, the steadiness and the powerful belief systems of the doctor.
A shadow of "magic realism," pervades the book - this is a good thing from my point of view. Gabriel Marquez, once asked about the term, "Magic Realism," commented, somewhat sardonically, "In Latin America, we call that realism." While not directly drawn from this style or derivative of it, Rivas nevertheless captures the dreamy and disjointed reality of war as well as the particulars of the Spanish Civil War. It is in many ways a literary cousin to the famous Picasso painting, "Guernica," with its vividly twisted and dislocated human and animal body parts. While the painting captures a single and extremely violent event - the firebombing of Guernica, (which paved the way for the bombing campaigns of both sides in WW II intended to terrorized civilian population centers) the book is more expansive and deals more with the impacts of such violence on ordinary people. Much in the way that the authors language is pitch perfect for his message, I believe the same may be said for his stylistic approach - in this sense the book possesses powerful unity of style, language, character, philosophy and view of the human situation.
So, there is my humble take on the book and the main reasons I enjoyed reading it.
Have a great discussion.
Yours - JK
Feb 16, 2010
Doc's Re-telling of Lewis's Re-telling
On February 15, 2010, the monthly gathering of the Apes occurred at the Maya Cove Restaurant. We reconvened there after a successful January assembly. However, this experience was far from satisfactory. They no longer had the fine Hawaiian brew on tap and “ran out” of Odell’s IPA after one draw (exactly how large was that ‘one draw!?’ As Clark says, “How the hell does a BAR run out of BEER???” The room was acceptable and we were able to discuss C S Lewis’ Till We Have Faces without shouting at each other or competing with the inevitable sports programming found on satellite television in most sports bars. But, no beer? I agree. Clark, are we ever going back? Seems unlikely, no?
Six Apes participated; Clark, Tim, Ed, John, Phil and Doc were there. Till We Have Faces is Lewis’ re-telling of the story of Psyche and Cupid though the experience of Orual, Psyche’s older ugly sister. It is full of Lewis’ imaginative characters and places. The discussion was spirited. Most of us panned this effort at interpreting Greek mythology, although Clark perked up considerably as he got to shine with insights the rest of us lacked about the spiritual undertones in Faces. (These undertones may have been behind Chad’s choosing the novel.) While Lewis doesn’t directly speak of Christianity in Faces, many Christian themes underlie the story (see Clark’s post, too.) References to Corinthians, the Garden of Eden, spiritual sacrifice and the thought that people cannot possibly know the intent of a supreme being until it’s chosen to be revealed was discussed.
Faces may well be the first book told entirely from the female perspective that the Apes have read. This, of course, caused the assembled members to question Lewis’ sexuality until someone mentioned the Lewis was British, as if that explains everything. (Good humor, boys!!) Others mentioned symbolism/imagery peppered throughout the book; the veil, ugliness, believer vs. non-believer, the fox as tempter.
One common question at our meetings is where a particular book fits relative to the mean of our selections. From a literary perspective, most of us felt that Lewis’ novel fell below the mean. Our discussion was short and was at or above the mean.
Next up is GB Edwards’ The Book of Ebenezer Le Page, and the meeting is tentatively scheduled for Monday, March 29.
(Parenthetical comments are mine. JP)
Respectfully submitted,
Doc
Six Apes participated; Clark, Tim, Ed, John, Phil and Doc were there. Till We Have Faces is Lewis’ re-telling of the story of Psyche and Cupid though the experience of Orual, Psyche’s older ugly sister. It is full of Lewis’ imaginative characters and places. The discussion was spirited. Most of us panned this effort at interpreting Greek mythology, although Clark perked up considerably as he got to shine with insights the rest of us lacked about the spiritual undertones in Faces. (These undertones may have been behind Chad’s choosing the novel.) While Lewis doesn’t directly speak of Christianity in Faces, many Christian themes underlie the story (see Clark’s post, too.) References to Corinthians, the Garden of Eden, spiritual sacrifice and the thought that people cannot possibly know the intent of a supreme being until it’s chosen to be revealed was discussed.
Faces may well be the first book told entirely from the female perspective that the Apes have read. This, of course, caused the assembled members to question Lewis’ sexuality until someone mentioned the Lewis was British, as if that explains everything. (Good humor, boys!!) Others mentioned symbolism/imagery peppered throughout the book; the veil, ugliness, believer vs. non-believer, the fox as tempter.
One common question at our meetings is where a particular book fits relative to the mean of our selections. From a literary perspective, most of us felt that Lewis’ novel fell below the mean. Our discussion was short and was at or above the mean.
Next up is GB Edwards’ The Book of Ebenezer Le Page, and the meeting is tentatively scheduled for Monday, March 29.
(Parenthetical comments are mine. JP)
Respectfully submitted,
Doc
Clark's Thoughts on Faces - NOT Facebook
I thought I'd summarize my thoughts. Here are the themes I saw in the book:
1. There's the notion of a perfect sacrifice to rid the world of it's problems. This book was written in the context of a pagan culture, but nonetheless, the god requires a spotless sacrifice. I'm not a student of ancient pagan culture, so I don't know if that's a common thread in those religions. Obviously in the context of Christianity, the parallel between Psyche and Christ is obvious. The question is, "Why does it have to be so?". It's not clear to me at all there's an answer beyond, "Because.". There's lots of stuff I don't understand.... see theme (6.) below...
2. A big theme was the contrast between a believer's view of reality and an unbeliever's view. When Orual meets Psyche after her sacrifice, she can't see any of Psyche's new reality. An unbeliever talking to a believer produces a similar reaction, ranging from "I don't see it; to you're crazy; to this is dangerous, we have to get you out of this".
3. The image of the sacrifice being tied to a tree to die on top of a mountain has an obvious parallel to the crucifixion - one of the few obvious images in the book.
4. Orual's insistence on revealing the monster/criminal/god is very parallel to the eating of the fruit in the Genesis account of Adam and Eve. Once the knowledge/revelation has taken place, the paradise is lost and the communion with God/god is broken. I'm not sure why that is, again beyond "Because". It certainly was not Orual or Eve's desire to screw things up, but more of a desire to be intellectually correct. Come to think of it, being right can lead to lots of relationship problems.
5. Orual's love for the people in her life has the undesired effect of being quite destructive. Her love for Psyche leads to breaking her communion with her husband/god. Even though her work as queen is very positive for the kingdom and nearly all the subjects, resulting in great prosperity; she basically unwittingly uses up Bardia, leaving him nothing for his own life and family. She does not provide any examples of redemption or forgiveness, but rather righteousness and justice - hanging the dirtbag servant.
6. The title "Till We Have Faces" is a takeoff on I Cor 13:12 - "Now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face" In my mind this emphasizes the mystery of a relationship with God and how there are many things we will never understand - Deal with it.
7. The Fox is symbolic of the rational approach to everything. He was a real likeable character and seemed in most cases to be quite wise and a good counselor. In the case of his counsel to Orual regarding Psyche's "marriage" to the Shadowbrute/Cupid; his counsel was disastrous, leading to the destruction of Psyche's "marriage" and doing no small amount of permanent damage to Orual. Seems like the intellectual approach to life can only take you so far, particularly where relationships are concerned and doubly so when the relationship is with God/god.
A good question Ed asked in the discussion was "Why did Orual have to wear a veil?". The more I think about it, she literally did not have a face with a veil on. Maybe a bigger theme in the book than those I noted above is that Orual's love and relationships were flawed due to her jealousy and self centered nature (human nature). The veil is a physical manifestation of the brokenness of her relationships.
My two bits, for whatever it's worth. I liked the book a lot - yet further evidence of my inability to fit in in life/unique perspective.
1. There's the notion of a perfect sacrifice to rid the world of it's problems. This book was written in the context of a pagan culture, but nonetheless, the god requires a spotless sacrifice. I'm not a student of ancient pagan culture, so I don't know if that's a common thread in those religions. Obviously in the context of Christianity, the parallel between Psyche and Christ is obvious. The question is, "Why does it have to be so?". It's not clear to me at all there's an answer beyond, "Because.". There's lots of stuff I don't understand.... see theme (6.) below...
2. A big theme was the contrast between a believer's view of reality and an unbeliever's view. When Orual meets Psyche after her sacrifice, she can't see any of Psyche's new reality. An unbeliever talking to a believer produces a similar reaction, ranging from "I don't see it; to you're crazy; to this is dangerous, we have to get you out of this".
3. The image of the sacrifice being tied to a tree to die on top of a mountain has an obvious parallel to the crucifixion - one of the few obvious images in the book.
4. Orual's insistence on revealing the monster/criminal/god is very parallel to the eating of the fruit in the Genesis account of Adam and Eve. Once the knowledge/revelation has taken place, the paradise is lost and the communion with God/god is broken. I'm not sure why that is, again beyond "Because". It certainly was not Orual or Eve's desire to screw things up, but more of a desire to be intellectually correct. Come to think of it, being right can lead to lots of relationship problems.
5. Orual's love for the people in her life has the undesired effect of being quite destructive. Her love for Psyche leads to breaking her communion with her husband/god. Even though her work as queen is very positive for the kingdom and nearly all the subjects, resulting in great prosperity; she basically unwittingly uses up Bardia, leaving him nothing for his own life and family. She does not provide any examples of redemption or forgiveness, but rather righteousness and justice - hanging the dirtbag servant.
6. The title "Till We Have Faces" is a takeoff on I Cor 13:12 - "Now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face" In my mind this emphasizes the mystery of a relationship with God and how there are many things we will never understand - Deal with it.
7. The Fox is symbolic of the rational approach to everything. He was a real likeable character and seemed in most cases to be quite wise and a good counselor. In the case of his counsel to Orual regarding Psyche's "marriage" to the Shadowbrute/Cupid; his counsel was disastrous, leading to the destruction of Psyche's "marriage" and doing no small amount of permanent damage to Orual. Seems like the intellectual approach to life can only take you so far, particularly where relationships are concerned and doubly so when the relationship is with God/god.
A good question Ed asked in the discussion was "Why did Orual have to wear a veil?". The more I think about it, she literally did not have a face with a veil on. Maybe a bigger theme in the book than those I noted above is that Orual's love and relationships were flawed due to her jealousy and self centered nature (human nature). The veil is a physical manifestation of the brokenness of her relationships.
My two bits, for whatever it's worth. I liked the book a lot - yet further evidence of my inability to fit in in life/unique perspective.
Jan 22, 2010
Clark's Pick for March
I'm always a bit intimidated by picking books, so I've read a couple in preparation. I read "Disgrace" by Coetzee, a Nobel or somethingorother prize winner. I thought it would have been a good choice, but I'm mostly through the next one, "The Book of Ebenezer Lepage" by GB Edwards and have settled on this one. The book is a bit of a load, nearly 400 full pages in hardback from the library. I found if I slowed down and read it and allowed myself to absorb the story, I was pretty captivated. I expect there will be some criticism (what book isn't criticized by this bunch?), but I think it's a pretty worthwhile read.
The Book of Ebenezer Le Page
By G.B. EdwardsIntroduction by John Fowles
Ebenezer Le Page, cantankerous, opinionated, and charming, is one of the most compelling literary creations of the late twentieth century. Eighty years old, Ebenezer has lived his whole life on the Channel Island of Guernsey, a stony speck of a place caught between the coasts of England and France yet a world apart from either. Ebenezer himself is fiercely independent, but as he reaches the end of his life he is determined to tell his own story and the stories of those he has known. He writes of family secrets and feuds, unforgettable friendships and friendships betrayed, love glimpsed and lost. The Book of Ebenezer Le Page is a beautifully detailed chronicle of a life, but it is equally an oblique reckoning with the traumas of the twentieth century, as Ebenezer recalls both the men lost to the Great War and the German Occupation of Guernsey during World War II, and looks with despair at the encroachments of commerce and tourism on his beloved island.
G. B. Edwards labored in obscurity all his life and completed The Book of Ebenezer Le Page shortly before his death. Published posthumously, the book is a triumph of the storyteller's art that conjures up the extraordinary voice of a living man.
The Book of Ebenezer Le Page
By G.B. EdwardsIntroduction by John Fowles
Ebenezer Le Page, cantankerous, opinionated, and charming, is one of the most compelling literary creations of the late twentieth century. Eighty years old, Ebenezer has lived his whole life on the Channel Island of Guernsey, a stony speck of a place caught between the coasts of England and France yet a world apart from either. Ebenezer himself is fiercely independent, but as he reaches the end of his life he is determined to tell his own story and the stories of those he has known. He writes of family secrets and feuds, unforgettable friendships and friendships betrayed, love glimpsed and lost. The Book of Ebenezer Le Page is a beautifully detailed chronicle of a life, but it is equally an oblique reckoning with the traumas of the twentieth century, as Ebenezer recalls both the men lost to the Great War and the German Occupation of Guernsey during World War II, and looks with despair at the encroachments of commerce and tourism on his beloved island.
G. B. Edwards labored in obscurity all his life and completed The Book of Ebenezer Le Page shortly before his death. Published posthumously, the book is a triumph of the storyteller's art that conjures up the extraordinary voice of a living man.
Jan 14, 2010
Doc Provides the Details of the "Hippos" Discussion
On Monday, January, 11, the Great Apes Book Group held its monthly meeting in the back room of the Maya Cove Restaurant. The Maya Cove management was very accommodating in providing us with a quiet place to discuss And The Hippos Were Boiled in their Tanks by William Burroughs and Jack Kerouac.
The Maya Cove features a Caribbean menu. Lightly breaded fish, stir fry and Hawaiian pale ale were popular choices tonight. Steve, the manager, went out of his way to greet and thank us for coming in. The quiet atmosphere allowed us to discuss and “Hippos” without yelling and there were no televisions blaring sporting events. Our waitress was attentive. While no one would be fooled in believing we were basking in the tropics, with much snow on the ground and temperatures hovering in the 20s, the Maya Cove receives a thumbs-up as a fine venue for groups such as ours.
In attendance tonight were Clark, John, Mike, Phil, Glenn, Ed and Doc. Tim was at the airport picking up his wife. Jeff and Chad were again in suburban Chicago. Hal was traveling, I suppose.
The discussion “Hippos” was spirited. While we tended to agree that as a literary piece, the novel was not great, it merits consideration for its transformative elements.
“Hippos” was buried under floorboards for sixty years if the folklore is to be believed. Heirs of Burroughs and Kerouac waited until the principals were dead to shop the concept. The writing is rough. Chapters are alternately written by either Burroughs, writing as Will Dennison, or Kerouac, as Mike Ryko. The events surround the murder of David Kammerer by Lucien Carr. The characters in the book are only thinly veiled. This 1944 crime rattled the emerging Beats, embroiling Kerouac, Burroughs and others in legal wrangling that had a lasting impact on all involved. Biographers of Burroughs suggest that his lifelong struggle with heroin had its start with this event. Kerouac’s hasty marriage is almost certainly the result of his involvement.
The Apes mostly saw “Hippos” as a literary artifact and an entertaining read. The novel paints a picture of the atmosphere of this part of New York City at the close of World War II. Questions came up regarding the relative worth/contribution of the Beats to society in general and to literature specifically. Others talked of that transformative quality that was occurring in the ‘30s and ‘40s. The Beats included Kerouac, Burroughs, Ginsberg, Holmes, Corso and others. How they influenced other generations is the subject for minds more attuned to such things, but one must ask whether Kesey, Dylan, Bukowski, Brautigan and others might have developed in the ways they did without the Beats’ influence. The Lost Generation of writers and artists from the ‘20s had similar followers and were also transformative. It is interesting that both the Beats and Lost Generation followed World Wars; can a similar case be made for the writers following Viet Nam?
Nota Bene: It is helpful for the uninitiated to read the lengthy “Afterword” prior to starting the novel.
Respectfully submitted,
Doc
The Maya Cove features a Caribbean menu. Lightly breaded fish, stir fry and Hawaiian pale ale were popular choices tonight. Steve, the manager, went out of his way to greet and thank us for coming in. The quiet atmosphere allowed us to discuss and “Hippos” without yelling and there were no televisions blaring sporting events. Our waitress was attentive. While no one would be fooled in believing we were basking in the tropics, with much snow on the ground and temperatures hovering in the 20s, the Maya Cove receives a thumbs-up as a fine venue for groups such as ours.
In attendance tonight were Clark, John, Mike, Phil, Glenn, Ed and Doc. Tim was at the airport picking up his wife. Jeff and Chad were again in suburban Chicago. Hal was traveling, I suppose.
The discussion “Hippos” was spirited. While we tended to agree that as a literary piece, the novel was not great, it merits consideration for its transformative elements.
“Hippos” was buried under floorboards for sixty years if the folklore is to be believed. Heirs of Burroughs and Kerouac waited until the principals were dead to shop the concept. The writing is rough. Chapters are alternately written by either Burroughs, writing as Will Dennison, or Kerouac, as Mike Ryko. The events surround the murder of David Kammerer by Lucien Carr. The characters in the book are only thinly veiled. This 1944 crime rattled the emerging Beats, embroiling Kerouac, Burroughs and others in legal wrangling that had a lasting impact on all involved. Biographers of Burroughs suggest that his lifelong struggle with heroin had its start with this event. Kerouac’s hasty marriage is almost certainly the result of his involvement.
The Apes mostly saw “Hippos” as a literary artifact and an entertaining read. The novel paints a picture of the atmosphere of this part of New York City at the close of World War II. Questions came up regarding the relative worth/contribution of the Beats to society in general and to literature specifically. Others talked of that transformative quality that was occurring in the ‘30s and ‘40s. The Beats included Kerouac, Burroughs, Ginsberg, Holmes, Corso and others. How they influenced other generations is the subject for minds more attuned to such things, but one must ask whether Kesey, Dylan, Bukowski, Brautigan and others might have developed in the ways they did without the Beats’ influence. The Lost Generation of writers and artists from the ‘20s had similar followers and were also transformative. It is interesting that both the Beats and Lost Generation followed World Wars; can a similar case be made for the writers following Viet Nam?
Nota Bene: It is helpful for the uninitiated to read the lengthy “Afterword” prior to starting the novel.
Respectfully submitted,
Doc
Jan 10, 2010
Kickin' Off the "and the Hippos . . ." Discussion
Let me start by saying that I'd had this novel in my hand a time or two at a bookstore before Mike picked it for our January read, so I was definitely intrigued by the book, the backstory, the glimpse into Kerouac and Burroughs before they were twentieth century literary giants, among other draws.
And I'm not disappointed that I read it, but I just don't think it holds up sixty years after it was written. I couldn't get the question "had it not been written by young Kerouac and young Burroughs, would it have been published at all?" out of my head as I read. The writing is passable, but the story and characters simply not all that compelling. Of course, we can see the early seeds of ideas and the early prose style of both writers, but is revisiting the mid 1940s Greenwich Village pre-hippie lifestyle rewarding? It's not really the murder mystery ala Hammett that it is blurbed as. I guess I was most distressed that Allen had to die at all. Couldn't Philip have just said no to Allen's advances (which I don't think were completely unrequited), or caught another ship, or moved away? Of course, since it's a re-telling of a true story, my suggested options for Allen are moot. Philip must felt trapped and needed Allen (who was pretty annoying in a lost dog way) out of his life once and for all.
I found the backstory as detailed in the Afterword more interesting than the novel itself, especially the fact that upon his release from prison Philip/Lucien goes on to a solid, well-respected career. I like how the custodian of the manuscript honored his word to Philip/Lucien and didn't allow its publication until after his death. I don't see that happening today as bodies are barely cool before "true novels" or "true stories" are on the shelves earning authors quick bucks on others' misfortunes.
As always, I welcome and all criticism, agreement, disagreement with my take. I am interested on what you think and look forward to hearing from you. Enjoy the meeting. Read on!
And I'm not disappointed that I read it, but I just don't think it holds up sixty years after it was written. I couldn't get the question "had it not been written by young Kerouac and young Burroughs, would it have been published at all?" out of my head as I read. The writing is passable, but the story and characters simply not all that compelling. Of course, we can see the early seeds of ideas and the early prose style of both writers, but is revisiting the mid 1940s Greenwich Village pre-hippie lifestyle rewarding? It's not really the murder mystery ala Hammett that it is blurbed as. I guess I was most distressed that Allen had to die at all. Couldn't Philip have just said no to Allen's advances (which I don't think were completely unrequited), or caught another ship, or moved away? Of course, since it's a re-telling of a true story, my suggested options for Allen are moot. Philip must felt trapped and needed Allen (who was pretty annoying in a lost dog way) out of his life once and for all.
I found the backstory as detailed in the Afterword more interesting than the novel itself, especially the fact that upon his release from prison Philip/Lucien goes on to a solid, well-respected career. I like how the custodian of the manuscript honored his word to Philip/Lucien and didn't allow its publication until after his death. I don't see that happening today as bodies are barely cool before "true novels" or "true stories" are on the shelves earning authors quick bucks on others' misfortunes.
As always, I welcome and all criticism, agreement, disagreement with my take. I am interested on what you think and look forward to hearing from you. Enjoy the meeting. Read on!
Jan 2, 2010
Chad's February Pick
Happy New Year to All!
As our February book, I have selected the quasi-modern myth, Till We Have Faces by CS Lewis. No Lewis nor any other Inkling writers have yet been read and discussed by the Apes. I just reread it last week and this Christian re-telling of the Cupid and Psyche myth has stuck with me, hauntingly so, the last few days.
The Inkling writers were an informal Oxford College literary discussion group that included Lewis, JRR Tolkien, Dorothy Sayers, et al; during the '30s - '50s they often met at the Eagle and Child, commonly referred to as "Bird and Baby," Pub!
Also, since JP and I won't be able to make the February meeting due to coaching track and gymnastics, respectively, I would like to request some blog postings on the novel by individual Great Apes. I am really interested in all of your takes on this unique novel as I've never had a chance to discuss it with anyone.
Read on!
As our February book, I have selected the quasi-modern myth, Till We Have Faces by CS Lewis. No Lewis nor any other Inkling writers have yet been read and discussed by the Apes. I just reread it last week and this Christian re-telling of the Cupid and Psyche myth has stuck with me, hauntingly so, the last few days.
The Inkling writers were an informal Oxford College literary discussion group that included Lewis, JRR Tolkien, Dorothy Sayers, et al; during the '30s - '50s they often met at the Eagle and Child, commonly referred to as "Bird and Baby," Pub!
Also, since JP and I won't be able to make the February meeting due to coaching track and gymnastics, respectively, I would like to request some blog postings on the novel by individual Great Apes. I am really interested in all of your takes on this unique novel as I've never had a chance to discuss it with anyone.
Read on!
Dec 23, 2009
Huck Finn Proves a Worthy Pick for the 150th Meeting!
On the cool and rainy evening of Saturday, September 12, the complete shewdness gathered at Dr Karb's to mark our milestone 150th meeting. The evening began by donning the commemorative "150th Book" vests and signing a card for Doc's wife, Beth. Johnny Cash's "Big River" played in the background as beers were cracked, photos shot (thanks, Julie!), friendships rekindled, and some preliminary Twain comments and insights were offered. I personally enjoyed a St. Lupulin Extra Pale Ale while Hood River Full Sail IPA was also a popular choice.
As always, we ate and drank very well. Appetizers included figs stuffed with Maytag (sp) bleu cheese and a sumptuous bruschetta. To complement the grilled flesh of our choice, a pasta with garden ripe tomatoes and basil, as well as a squash with sweet corn, tomatoes, and basil side dish were provided. Dessert was a peach pie and a wee dram of Glenlivet 12 year.
Before the meal, John intoned an inspired reading of Seamus Haney's poem, "Betweem my finger and thumb. . ." Then, we dove into Mark Twain's The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn in earnest. I'd have to say this American classic received "thumbs up" all around from those of us who've shared Huck and Jim's river journey countless times in the classroom and those who were re-reading it years later, or reading it for the first time.
We could appreciate how Twain wrote out of what he saw, what he lived, and what he believed. We liked all of the social commentary, the humor, and the adventure story aspects. Tim shared biographical highlights of Twain's life that helped inform our reading and discussion.
We liked the nuances of Jim and appreciated him as the heart and soul of the novel. Points of comparison were raised between McCarthy's Blood Meridian and Huck Finn as both "true tellings" of American history. Huck takes Colonel Sherburne's "the average man's a coward" speech to heart and ACTS after Jim is sold by the King and the Duke. Huck's act mirrors Twain's view toward blacks and he too would "go to hell" for them.
I appreciated talking about the book and not having to teach it for a change. It may be trite to even say it, but a good time was had by all, and Twain's novel was indeed worthy of the milestone.
On to year sixteen and book 175!
As always, we ate and drank very well. Appetizers included figs stuffed with Maytag (sp) bleu cheese and a sumptuous bruschetta. To complement the grilled flesh of our choice, a pasta with garden ripe tomatoes and basil, as well as a squash with sweet corn, tomatoes, and basil side dish were provided. Dessert was a peach pie and a wee dram of Glenlivet 12 year.
Before the meal, John intoned an inspired reading of Seamus Haney's poem, "Betweem my finger and thumb. . ." Then, we dove into Mark Twain's The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn in earnest. I'd have to say this American classic received "thumbs up" all around from those of us who've shared Huck and Jim's river journey countless times in the classroom and those who were re-reading it years later, or reading it for the first time.
We could appreciate how Twain wrote out of what he saw, what he lived, and what he believed. We liked all of the social commentary, the humor, and the adventure story aspects. Tim shared biographical highlights of Twain's life that helped inform our reading and discussion.
We liked the nuances of Jim and appreciated him as the heart and soul of the novel. Points of comparison were raised between McCarthy's Blood Meridian and Huck Finn as both "true tellings" of American history. Huck takes Colonel Sherburne's "the average man's a coward" speech to heart and ACTS after Jim is sold by the King and the Duke. Huck's act mirrors Twain's view toward blacks and he too would "go to hell" for them.
I appreciated talking about the book and not having to teach it for a change. It may be trite to even say it, but a good time was had by all, and Twain's novel was indeed worthy of the milestone.
On to year sixteen and book 175!
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