1000 Books Project - Kristin Lavransdatter Discussion Three (Final Discussion)

Spoilers ahead...do not read if you haven't read the book and/or if spoilers bother you.

I finished the book on Sunday and found myself having to step away for several days before I could come to terms with my feelings. This third book of the trilogy, The Cross, pretty much wrecked me.

Having two sons myself, and struggling through empty-nest-syndrome for the past several years, once again I found myself relating to Kristin and what she was experiencing with her sons. Even with the hundreds of years separating modern times from medieval times, I think it is a relatable experience with mothers, particularly mothers of sons. Sons do not cling so steadfastly to their mothers as daughters do. It's a sad trait of our society...that being a "momma's boy" is a bad thing and makes you less of a man. Unfortunately, no matter how hard you work raising them to know it's okay to feel and express emotions, that they don't have to act a certain way just because they were born boys, somehow the societal pressures seep in. 

I flagged some passages that really resonated with me and the connection I felt to Kristin and her motherly strife...

And was she now to see her strife end thus? -- Had she but reared a brood of restless eyases (young falcons), who lay in her nest impatiently waiting the hour when their wings would bear them out over the farthest blue fells -- ? And their father clapped his hands together and laughed -- fly, fly, my young birds --

Bloody fibres from her heart's roots would they drag with them when they took flight, and they would know naught of it. And she would be left behind to sit alone, and all the heart-strings which once bound her to this old home of hers she herself had torn asunder long ago --Surely 'twould be such a life as is neither life nor death. (pp. 790 - 791) 

 ......

Her eyes had been opened now to see that, after the young mother's pains and travail are over, there comes for the ageing mother fears and woe of a new kind. -- His careless talk of having no fear for the fortunes of their sons had goaded her till she was like a wild mother-bear -- or like a bitch with whelps; she cared not if Erlend likened her to a bitch in all that touched her children. For them would she be watchful and unsleeping as a mother-bitch, so long as life abode in her. (p. 800)

Speaking of Erlend, was there no end to the strife he caused throughout the book? To up and leave as he did, putting the reputation of Kristin and her sons even more at jeopardy. And then not coming to Kristin when their last son is born, or even acknowledging the child...what else were people to think than that she conceived the child with Ulf (of course, his wife didn't help matters). Erlend's actions led to false accusations, violence, and eventually led to his death. Yes, I believe he loved Kristin, but pride was a factor with him and he didn't get involved until his pride was being attacked, and by then it was too late. Still though, his death was very sad and I felt such anguish for Nikolaus when Kristin would not allow him by his father's deathbed. By this time, it was obvious that Kristin no longer loved him in the way she had before, but she still cared about him and his immortal soul. 

When Kristin is displaced by the marriage of Gaute and Jofrid, it was obvious she felt she no longer had a purpose which led to her decision to make the pilgrimage to Nidaros. Her apprehension over meeting her two older sons was easy to understand since she had strongly felt that Nikolaus was not meant to take the robe. Yet she is determined to once and for all let her sons live their lives as their destinies planned, though it was hard for her.

And if now she obeyed the call without too ill a grace, she knew 'twas because she saw that Gaute would thrive better when she was gone from the Manor. She had bent fate to her will, she had had the lot of her own choice -- but her sons she could not fashion after her will; they were as God had fashioned them, and their natures drove them on; striving with them she must be worsted. (p. 997)

The depiction of the Black Death was frightening, as it always is when I read books set in medieval times. The attempted sacrifice of the young boy and the courage of Kristin and the nuns to rescue him was astounding. When I had first read about this trilogy of novels, I guess I assumed that Kristin would live to an older age. I was not prepared for her quick death from the plague. I cried and felt such regret that she only was able to see Nikolaus, Bjorgulf, and Skule again before she died. Being a devout Christian, I realize she knew she would see the ones who passed before again, including her sons who had died young. It was still hard to read nonetheless. Kristin was such a brave and steadfast character. This depiction of a medieval woman's hopes, sorrows, and struggles will stay with me, and remind me once again how strong women must be to be mothers to their children. 

Once she saw Munan's face -- her little son peeped in at her through a half-open door. Then he drew back his head, and the mother lay gazing at the door -- if perchance the boy might peep out again. But instead came Lady Ragnhild and wiped her face with a wet cloth; and that too was good -- Then all things were lost in a dark red mist, and a roar, that first grew fearsomely; but then it died away little by little, and the red mist grew thinner and lighter, and at last 'twas like a fair morning mist ere the sun breaks through, and all sound ceased, and she knew now she was dying -- (p. 1046)

What are your thoughts on book three, The Cross? Share any and all thoughts in the comments.

I hope you enjoyed this year's 1000 Books selection. Thank you for reading along and discussing. 

I have plans for the next few years of our "projects" and I will be sharing our 2026 selection(s) earlier this year...probably in early October. Stay tuned!

1000 Books Project - Kristin Lavransdatter Discussion Two

Spoilers ahead...do not read if you haven't read the book and/or if spoilers bother you.

One week late with this discussion post. I apologize profusely. We readers know first hand how sometimes real life gets in the way of our reading. I can only strive to do better for our next (and final discussion). 

This will probably be a fairly lengthy post. I have many page flags poking out throughout The Mistress of Husaby. 

I first would like to touch on when Erlend discovers that Kristin was pregnant when they married. I was not happy with his reaction. What did he expect her to do, with her already feeling full of shame? She was trying, in her youthful, unwise way, to not make things worse. And Erlend should have kept in mind her youth, and that it takes two to tango. Imagine how she felt, enduring almost the entire pregnancy alone. It speaks volumes to me that she is indeed more an adult than her older husband.

I stayed angry with Erlend for most of this second book. When Kristin tells him she is with child again, their second child, he says: "Methoughts when once you were mine--'twould be like drinking Yule-tide every day. But it looks as though most of the time would be long fasts." 

Really? What did you think marriage was going to be like, Erlend? In the times before birth control, especially way back in history as this story is, when you had sex, you would most likely get pregnant. Women had very little choice on how many children they had, and each time they went into labor, it was like staring death in the face. But back to his flippant words above. So, since Kristin was so young and beautiful it was just going to be all fun and no duty? Sorry to say, Erlend...in your time marriage meant child after child and with that great responsibility. (Don't even get me started on him hitting Kristin...infuriating!)

After the second child Bjorgulf is born, once again Erlend is lamenting the responsibility and how sickly Kristin is. "Kristin lulled the child softly. The thin small tones of her voice irked him." Then a few minutes later..."He longed to leave her!" Granted, he is afraid of what she will go through with the next birth, but he is also overwhelmed by it all. He loves her, but he's also selfish in his thinking that having married her, "all evil would be wiped away from his life so wholly that he would forget it had ever been." But you can't expect another person to miraculously heal what you yourself have wrought. It speaks to Erlend's childish and reckless nature, which Kristin is learning more of every day.

Amidst the anger felt with this first book was also immense sadness. When Kristin realizes that Lavrans is not long for the world, it is such a heart wrenching scene between father and daughter. It hit home for me, as I was always close with my dad, but over the past 15 years or so, something has driven a wedge between us (you might guess what it is). I still speak to him on a regular basis, but it's not the same. He is 78 now and I feel such sadness that things are this way so close to the end of his life. I sobbed when I read the above scene, and I'm sobbing now. 

I know death is something we all face when our parents become aged. My mom is my best friend. We have always been close and we have lived together for 13 years. She will be 75 in August so I find myself dreading the inevitable. I'm sorry if this seems off topic, but I promise I'm going somewhere with this. When Kristin goes to the chapel to pray over her stepson's grave (Orm...I was so devastated when he died), her thoughts go..."She thought upon her beloved dead--their looks and their voices and smiles and ways and bearing--now that they themselves were gone away to yonder other country, to think on their shapes was sore; 'twas like remembering one's home when one knew that it stood desolate, and the rotting timbers were sinking into the soil." More sobbing on my part. It is part of life that we must endure this, but it's just so unfair that life is so short and we must eventually say goodbye to the ones we love.

Now touching on Erlend and Kristin's marital strife again. Erlend likes to play the blame game. Implying that much of what transpired with his daughter was her fault, when she could never say anything to the girl without Erlend telling her to let Margret be. It was during this heated exchange, where much was said about present and past events, that Erlend struck Kristin again. He professes to apologize, but what does he expect...her not to be angry? More heated words and then Erlend leaves, his final thought being..."Troll she was--and so fair, too--if only he could beat her until she grew good again..." WHAT?! So what does he do? Goes and sleeps with another woman. Typical. This will come back and bite him later, as we find out.

But a man committing adultery, it's never their fault. Erlend: "Since he had broken his troth to Kristin already--and she herself had brought it about, by her hateful and unjust ways towards him--" 

Motherhood. I'm glad that Kristin finds some peace and contentment because of her children. All those boys! As a boy mom myself, I can relate (though I only have two). This one hit home for me too, having not very long ago dealt with the emptying nest.

"Over again and over again had joy in them quickened the beating of her heart, fear for them pierced it--they were her children, these great lads with their lean angular boys' bodies, as they had been when they were so small and plump they could scarce hurt themselves when they tumbled in their journeys between the bench and her knee. They were hers, even as they had been when, as she would lift one of them from the cradle up to her breast for milk, she had to hold up its head , because it nodded on the slender neck as a bluebell nods on its stalk. Wherever they might wander out in the world, whithersoever they might fare, forgetful of their mother, she felt as though for her their life must still be an action of her life, they must still be as one with herself as they had been when she alone in all the world knew of the new life which lay hidden within and drank of her blood and made her cheeks pale." 

SOB! Another life event we must endure, those of us who have children. The inevitable flying from the nest, but they never truly leave us.

Erlend's arrest and Simon's goodness. Though Erlend did what he did for the good of Norway, he was also very careless, which we have learned is his nature in this second book. His dealings with Lady Sunniva got him more than he bargained for. She wasn't so stupid as he thought. Definitely a man who does not carefully consider before acting. Yet this is where we learn how truly Kristin loves him still, and he her. Marriage is complicated and it seemed even more so in their time. Simon, who we learn is just a downright good person, goes above and beyond to help save Erlend. When he confronts Sir Erling about what happened with Halfrid (bargaining chip, bribery?), it is out of character for him, and he regrets it, but it shows how much he truly cares for Kristin and even Erlend. Sir Erling angrily brings up what happened between Kristin and Erlend and how she broke her promise of marriage to another. Simon selflessly admits it was him who was wronged. It could not have been easy for him to admit this, but this is what changes Sir Erling's mind on helping Erlend when he sees what Simon is willing to do for his family. 

And so, they go to the king and Sir Erling's son diabolically alludes to King Magnus's secret...and that's the end of it. Erland is free. Side note: King Magnus was king of Norway and Sweden from 1319 - 1364. There were actually rumors of homosexuality and other "erotic escapades" during his reign. 

The Mistress of Husaby is my favorite of the three so far. Undset did an excellent job of depicting life in medieval Norway, touching masterfully on themes of marriage, motherhood, faith, adultery, kinship, and loyalty. I'm looking forward to reading the concluding third book.

What are your thoughts on book two, The Mistress of Husaby (or The Wife)? Share any and all thoughts in the comments.

Here is the reading schedule if you need to reference it again. (Click link and scroll down)

I'll be back on August 31 with the discussion post on book three, The Cross.

1000 Books Project - Kristin Lavransdatter Discussion One

Spoilers ahead...do not read if you haven't read the book and/or if spoilers bother you.

I apologize profoundly for how late I am with this first discussion post. I planned my reading very poorly and found myself way behind. For the second leg of our reading, I will try to stay better on track. Thank you for bearing with me!

I'll admit I was worried that this novel might be dry...boring...though I had been told by my good friend Lucy that it was an excellent read. She was not wrong (not that I ever doubted her). I have thoroughly enjoyed our first section, The Bridal Wreath (The Wreath). 

First, a quick question on what version you are reading? My edition, as mentioned in the announcement post, is Abacus (January 1, 1995) - Paperback, 1072 pages. This is a republish of the original translation by Charles Archer and J.S. Scott. This translation was criticized for its use of archaic language (reflecting the novel's 14th century setting) and also for expurgations, as some scenes, particularly sexually explicit ones, had been omitted or edited. Apparently, the newer Penguin Classics translation by Tina Nunnally has been praised for its clarity and does not make the expurgations as in the earlier translation. (Source)

Personally, I'm not having a problem with the language in my edition. I have read historical fiction extensively, and many classics which use archaic language, so that has not been a deal breaker for me. I'm also not upset about the purged sexually explicit scenes. It's easy enough to put two and two together without having it described explicitly. If you are reading the newer translation, let me know your thoughts.

I first want to briefly touch on Lady Aashild. When she is called upon to help heal Ulvhild, we learn that she has been rumored to be a witch. The age old suspicion when a woman knows about healing...well, she must be a witch. I liked Lady Aashild and her being sort of a mentor to Kristin. 

I have never been fond of the tradition of arranged marriages. It was obvious that Kristin was not thrilled with the idea of Simon as her betrothed. At that point, I think her father's happiness was utmost in her mind. When she learns that Arne truly loved her and would have had her to wife (barred by their social standing it seemed), and then the dreadful experience with Bentein, I think she truly starts to consider herself and her own feelings. Then we know she is having serious doubts about the bethrothal. Though she is clearly devastated by Arne's death, I think her desire to go to the nunnery for a year was also a way for her to delay the marriage and perhaps figure a way out of it...though I don't think she quite anticipated it happening the way it did. 

The meeting of Erlend was a great example of the chivalry of the time. The damsel(s) in distress and the dashing knight who comes to the rescue. Not surprising that a girl of 17 would be so impressed and fall so easily for him. I guess I'm not very romantic because I kind of thought of Erlend as taking advantage of Kristin's young age and her naivete. Then the unthinkable happens...sexual relations outside of marriage. Egads! But for the time, it was scandalous for a maiden of high breeding (or any maiden, for that matter) to have relations with a man she was not wed to. Setting aside the romantic, I'll admit to feeling a bit on the edge of my seat on what would happen next with Erlend and Kristin. Would they be found out? Is she pregnant? Is Erlend really a cad, and will he end up leaving her in the dust? I never thought her father would approve the marriage so when they make their plan to run off together via Lady Aashild's home, it was getting exciting...and then Eline shows up! Somehow I knew that was going to happen. I was shocked when she tried to poison Kristin and being still such a naive girl, she almost drank it! Luckily, Erlend walked in when he did. What an awful thing to have forced Eline to drink the poison. However deserving she was or not, I feel like that occurrence added a heaviness to their courtship that was not there previously. 

Finally Kristin's father agrees to the marriage, though begrudgingly, and the preparations begin. Then...Kristin is pregnant?! Another nail biting part where I kept waiting for someone to notice and bring about yet another scandal. All the while, I can't help but notice how Erlend just does not take anything very seriously. But then, the wedding is done. Phew! In the final scene between Lavrans and Ragnfrid, we find out that Ragnfrid was also not a maid when she married Lavrans. I wondered why Ragnfrid, who always seemed the more strict parent toward Kristin, was not as mad and was more understanding of Kristin's situation than her father. Now we know why. 

My final thoughts: I feel like Undset's depiction of the consequences of adultery rang true to me. That it happened more frequently than is normally depicted in classic novels is my conclusion. When we talk of "love at first sight" maybe that should be more like "love at first attraction." Kristin was attracted to the chivalry and perhaps the excitement of their "courtship" though she also had trouble reconciling that with her religious beliefs and feelings of being sinful. I think she is going to find that Erlend is not quite all he seemed to be at first sight. Sadly, such is the way of many relationships as time wears on. 

What are your thoughts on our first section, The Bridal Wreath (or The Wreath)? Share any and all thoughts in the comments.

Here is the reading schedule if you need to reference it again. (Click link and scroll down)

I'll be back on May 31 with the discussion post on our next section, The Mistress of Husaby (or The Wife).

1000 Books Project - Nicholas Nickleby Final Discussion

Spoilers ahead...final thoughts...do not read if you haven't read the book and/or if spoilers bother you.

I finished! I feel like throwing a party! 😄

While this one was tough to get through due to the sheer breadth of it, I thoroughly enjoyed it. It helped that I was able to listen to some of it on Book Radio. That way I could listen while I was doing other things. 

What I love most about Dickens is his ability to tell a story with a large cross section of characters and somehow tying them together in the story. 

Nicholas is such an admirable character, despite his tendency to get extremely angry. I can't say I blame him though. So much outrage due to the poor treatment of Smike and his sister. Smike's death is so heartbreaking. What a hard life he had, and then he didn't even get to live a full life. At least his last years were spent in happiness with Nicholas and his family. 

As happens in many a Dickens novel, the "evil" characters get their comeuppance. What a shame that Ralph Nickleby was such a miserable person. He could have been happy if he could have seen past his greed. He needed visits from three spirits, but that's another story...

What are your final thoughts on the book? Share any and all thoughts in the comments.

If you joined in on the read-along, thank you! Hope to see you for our next 1000 Books Project!

I'm working on our book selection for 2025. I'm thinking we will do one book over the entire year, or for eight months. Stay tuned for the announcement.

1000 Books Project - Nicholas Nickleby Discussion Two

Spoilers ahead...do not read if you haven't read the book and/or if spoilers bother you.

I am seriously behind on this discussion post and I sincerely apologize. While I love reading Dickens, he can be long-winded at times...or perhaps not so much long-winded, as lofty in his introduction of characters. Honestly, I don't know how the man kept up with all of these characters. 

When he titled this The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby, he was not kidding. Nicholas has had so many experiences for such a young man. I loved the parts when he (and Smike) acted in Mr. Crummles' theater troupe. I can imagine him as quite the dashing leading man. His popularity with the audiences caused some jealousy within the company. I thought that scene was quite entertaining. Nicholas has a

temper. They truly don't know who they're messing with...which Ralph is getting ready to find out. Evil man. What he has caused to happen to poor Kate is horrifying. Now I see why they were so fussy back then for young women to have a chaperone. She clearly needed one in her situation. Of course, she, and her mother, did not suspect that her Uncle would be so cruel. I think they are finding out now just how morally bankrupt he really is. Greed is at the root of his antics. He does seem to have a soft spot for Kate, even though it seems impossible. But just when you think he might be redeemable after all, he says to himself about wishing Nicholas and their mother dead so Kate could live with him. Wow.

I'm not going to say much more at the moment. I'll just say that I am enjoying it, though it's slow going. I am considering listening to some of it on audio. One of the newsletters I subscribe to mentioned this public domain audio book site and I found Nicholas Nickleby on there. If you want to check it out, it's called Book Radio.

What did you think of the this section of our reading? Share any and all thoughts in the comments.

Here is the reading schedule if you need to reference it again. (Click link and scroll down)
I'll be back on August 31 (hopefully) with the next discussion post.

1000 Books Project - Nicholas Nickleby Discussion One

Spoilers ahead...do not read if you haven't read the book and/or if spoilers bother you.

Dickens was so good at portraying the less fortunate of his time. Children who had no rights and were often mistreated. Women, whose husbands have died, and are left destitute, thrown at the mercy of often unkind relatives. And his villains! Probably some of the most detestable in the history of literature. Ralph Nickleby and the Squeers. We have so far only had glimpses of the truly horrible nature of their uncle, but we know fully well just how despicable are the Squeers. Their treatment of the boys, and especially poor Smike, makes me so angry!

I have to mention also the introduction of all these side characters who are so entertaining and interesting. How Dickens kept up with all these characters...I don't know! The Kenwigs and Mr. Gregsbury. Regarding the latter, when he was describing the duties of the secretary job, I thought to myself it sounds like he would be doing your job for you. Luckily, Nicholas was smart enough not to take the job.

Looking forward to moving on to the next reading section to see what's next for young Mr. Nickleby.

I watched the 2002 film again the other night. I have seen it many times. I really love it. I usually wait until I've finished the book to rewatch the film, but I was compelled to watch it at the beginning of the book instead. It is a very well-done film, with great performances. It seems to stay fairly close to the book, though I won't know for sure until I've read the whole book. Anyway, I recommend the film. You can watch it for free on Tubi. I noticed there are other adaptations so I may seek them out as well.

What did you think of the this section of our reading? Share any and all thoughts in the comments.

Here is the reading schedule if you need to reference it again. (Click link and scroll down)
I'll be back on July 31 with the next discussion post.

1000 Books Project 2024 - The Moonstone Final Discussion

If you have not been reading along, be aware of potential spoilers ahead.

I really enjoyed this book! I think I'm liking Collins' books almost as much as Dickens. 

The conclusion was quite satisfying, especially since I suspected Godfrey Ablewhite, and before he was revealed as the dead sailor, I knew it was him. Not sure why...he just rubbed me the wrong way. Goody two shoes, gold digger. Ha!

I was impressed with how Collins dealt with such kindness to characters like Ezra Jennings and Gooseberry. He illustrated that smarts, usefulness, and merit are not solely attributes of those who look normal. Ezra Jennings' story was particularly heartbreaking. His selflessness in not bringing a shadow into Franklin Blake's happiness because of his death was remarkable. Such a sad passing that was.

This was a first class mystery with no real murder until the end. It was fun reading the techniques that were adopted to find out the truth behind the stealing of the diamond.

What did you think of the book? Share any and all thoughts in the comments.

Next up...

The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby by Charles Dickens. Because he is Dickens after all, Mustich does not focus on just one book by the prolific author. His write up about Dickens in 1000 Books can be found on pages 215 - 222, with commentary on Nicholas Nickleby on page 218. He refers to the book as "Pure Storytelling Bliss." (This text is from the introduction/sign-up post for this year's project.)

This read-along will run from June to September. I will post the reading schedule in May.

1000 Books Project 2024 - The Moonstone Discussion Three

If you are not reading along, be aware of potential spoilers ahead.

What started off as a seemingly boring reading section quickly turned into quite the labyrinth! The revelations from Rosanna Spearman's letter, which seemed to obviously point to the fact that it was she, in her jealousy of Rachel and Franklin's relationship, who showed Franklin's dressing gown to Rachel. Thus, causing Rachel to believe that he had taken the diamond. Diabolically, we find that this is not the case and that, in fact, Rachel actually witnessed Franklin enter her sitting room and take the diamond from her Indian cabinet. 

I quickly started thinking that perhaps someone had hypnotized Franklin unbeknownst to him, and to us, the readers. However, I couldn't quite come up with how that could have occurred, except by some mysterious Hindu magic. But when could this have occurred, and where? Thankfully, enter Dr. Candy and his assistant, Ezra Jennings, and now perhaps we have the answer. 

How they will bring about the reenactment of the circumstances of that night is yet to be seen. In my own mind, I am utterly convinced of Franklin's innocence, though certain twists have been known to come about in mysteries such as this. We shall see how it all plays out. I'm excited to get to the bottom of it!

What did you think of the this section of our reading? Share any and all thoughts in the comments.

Here is the reading schedule if you need to reference it again. (Click link and scroll down)
I'll be back on April 30 with the final discussion post.

1000 Books Project 2024 - The Moonstone Discussion Two

If you are not reading along, be aware of potential spoilers ahead.

To begin, can we rename Second Period, First Narrative to Second Period, The Tiresome Miss Clack? Asking for a friend. 

I am quite stumped as to why Collins chose Clack to narrate. I'm reminded of the Tom Bombadil part in The Fellowship of the Ring, which I felt was quite tedious and unnecessary. Yes, Clack's narrative did advance the story, but I'm wondering if it was meant as comic relief, or was it a way for Collins to show his disdain for Christianity? I did read that adding this narrative was a way to show the opposing forces of Christianity and Hinduism. Collins professed himself a Christian, but he was also a freethinker, and he did oppose dogmas and creeds because he felt they led to persecution and war. As a non-religious freethinker myself, I just found Clack to be tiresome (as noted above). I was also reminded of Ichabod Crane, who is written as comic relief in The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Clack's self-awareness (even though she would deny it) is very much like Ichabod's. Yet, where his inflated perception of himself falls to more secular leaning (a singer with a talent like no other, intellectual superiority due to his education), Clack's inflated self-perception comes from her thinking she is beyond reproach because she is a Christian. Honestly, some of the things she thought and said brought to mind a certain subset of Christians in this country who use their Christian status to declare superiority, but to also state quite publicly that Christians are persecuted. Oh, and I forgot to mention...don't get me started on her proselytizing. She is relentless!!

Here are the passages I highlighted...

"...the true Christian never yields. Neither public nor private influences produce the slightest effect on us, when we have once got our mission."

"We are above reason; we are beyond ridicule; we see with nobody's eyes, we hear with nobody's ears, we feel with nobody's hearts, but our own. Glorious, glorious privilege! And how is it earned: Ah, my friends, you may spare yourselves the useless inquiry! We are the only people who can earn it--for we are the only people who are always right." 

"Oh, Rachel! Rachel!...Haven't you seen yet, that my heart yearns to make a Christian of you? Has no inner voice told you that I am trying to do for you, what I was trying to do for your dear mother when death snatched her out of my hands? I don't understand your reference to my mother," [Rachel] said. "Miss Clack, will you have the goodness to explain yourself?"

"...I stated the view with which sound doctrines does not scruple to regard the awful calamity of dying unprepared. Rachel started back from me...with a scream of horror. [Rachel said] "Come away, for God's sake, before that woman can say any more! Oh, think of my poor mother's harmless, useful, beautiful life! You were at the funeral, Mr. Bruff; you saw how everybody loved her; you saw the poor helpless people crying at her grave over the loss of their best friend. And that wretch stands there, and tries to make me doubt that my mother, who was an angel on earth, is an angel in heaven now! Don't stop to talk about it! Come away! It stifles me to breathe the same air with her! It frightens me to feel that we are in the same room together!"

[Clack] 

"Is there more to be added to this plain statement of facts--to this touching picture of a Christian persecuted by the world?"  

"And when I die--to complete the return on my part of good for evil--she will have the LIFE, LETTERS, AND LABOURS OF MISS JANE ANN STAMPER left her as a legacy by my will."

My goodness...to say to a person that has just lost a loved one, to imply that said person is going to hell. That is not Christian goodness. We also see that she plans to proselytize even beyond death. Relentless woman! 

So, we are past this "tiresome" narrative. Whatever the true reasoning Collins had in presenting this part of the narrative in such a way, I can only imagine the discussions it has provoked over the many years since it was written. 

From this narrative, we now know that Rachel was set to marry Franklin Blake, but had discovered something about him that makes her not want to be with him, but she also feels she cannot be with anyone else. I'm sure we will see what Blake has done to warrant Rachel's decision as we continue on in the story. 

What did you think of the this section of our reading? Share any and all thoughts in the comments.

Here is the reading schedule if you need to reference it again. (Click link and scroll down)

I'll be back on March 31 with the next discussion post.

1000 Books Project 2024 - The Moonstone Discussion One

If you are not reading along, be aware of potential spoilers ahead.

I wasn't sure what to expect upon beginning this book. I have read The Woman in White, which I loved. But this book takes an entirely different tone. I'm reminded of Agatha Christie and other similar mystery authors. I can easily see that Collins could have been influential for many mystery authors. Sergeant Cuff reminded me of a Hercule Poirot/Detective Columbo mashup. His whistling of "The Last Rose of Summer" reminded me of a tactic used by many a detective to "throw them off the scent" so to speak, though Mr. Betteredge seems to have thought of it as more of a tell, indicating that Cuff has had a breakthrough. Maybe it was that too.

I have to mention a couple of passages that make this very indicative of the time it was written. 

In Chapter IV, Mr. Betteredge is speaking with Rosanna and, as she was sitting beside him, his thought was "When you want to comfort a woman by the shortest way, take her on your knee. I thought of this golden rule." Um, that certainly wouldn't fly in this day and age. I know he's a kindly older gentleman, but still. It seems it would be odd to have someone sit on your lap that was not your daughter. As I said, a sign of the time this book was written.

This one was a doozy. In Chapter XVII, Penelope asks her father (Betteredge) to speak with Rosanna. His inner thought again..."But it is a maxim of mine that men (being superior creatures) are bound to improve women..if they can. When a woman wants me to do anything (my daughter, or not, it doesn't matter), I always insist on knowing why. The oftener you make them rummage their own minds for a reason, the more manageable you will find them in all the relations of life. It isn't their fault (poor wretches!) that they act first and think afterwards; it's the fault of the fools who humour them." In my experience, men act first and think afterwards, but I digress. No wonder it took so long to get the right to vote when men had this kind of attitude toward us. Sadly, there are some who would love to go back to this (and some women who wouldn't even care..egads!). Poor wretches indeed! Ugh.

Now that my outrage is out of the way. Ha! I will just say that this is a first rate mystery and I can't wait to read the next section. 

What did you think of the first section? Share any and all thoughts in the comments.

Here is the reading schedule if you need to reference it again. (Click link and scroll down)

I'll be back on February 29 with the next discussion post.

1000 Books Project - Beloved Discussion

Yes, I missed the first discussion (doing this during the holidays is not a great idea...next year's challenge will avoid that), and I finished the book early. Just getting around to posting this. I won't say much because I have tons of stuff to get done before New Year's (our family Christmas is on New Year's Day). Also, to those who celebrate, I hope you had a great Christmas!

Books about slavery are always a hard read for me. Ever since I was a child, when my parents let me watch Roots, it is a subject that has affected me deeply. No matter how long I live in this world, I still cannot wrap my head around the horrific treatment of fellow human beings. 

What Sethe feels she must do to keep her children from being taken back to slavery is both horrifying and understandable at the same time. Imagine thinking death would be better for them than living as slaves. I imagine many former slaves had post-traumatic stress disorder, something I think Sethe suffers from. 

The supernatural aspect of the book...Beloved. She is so disturbing. When Sethe finally comes to the realization of who she really is, the story becomes even more disquieting. My theory is that Beloved is the physical incarnation of Sethe's guilt, and it almost ends up killing her. It's a statement on what a person's guilt can do to them. In those days, there was little to no help for the mentally ill, and probably highly doubtful for former slaves. As shown at the end of the book, it's community that these people relied on to get them through tough times. That was a truly heartening aspect of the book. 

Despite the difficult subject matter, I thought this book was excellent. Yet another testament to Toni Morrison's brilliance.

If you joined me for the read-along, I'd like to thank you. Please share any final thoughts you had on the book in the comments.

I'll be announcing the 2024 1000 Books Project this week so stay tuned!

1000 Books Project - The House of the Spirits Discussion Two (Final)

I apologize for delaying and combining the final two discussions into one. I'll admit I struggled with the middle section of the book. While I enjoyed the magical realism, I sometimes felt Allende went into too much detail. 

Frankly, I was horrified when it came down to the coup d'etat with the government and military. The warnings early on of what was probably going to happen, with the left and the right constantly at odds, and the right not giving a shit about the poor. Sound familiar? I can only hope that our country never comes to that, but I'm certainly not going to say it could never happen because the sad reality is...it could. 

I did a Google search to see if there was any historical context regarding the political upheavals in the book (which I figured there was some basis in fact). Turns out...

HOS could be considered a fictional version of the history of Chile from the 1930s to the 1970s leading up to the military coup d’état led by General Pinochet. In fact, politics is a major theme throughout the novel, as there is constant conflict between the socialists and conservatives. The characters in the novel resemble known characters during the Chilean revolution. For example, Pedro Tercero parallels the tale of Victor Jara. Both were musicians and used songwriting to express their revolutionary ideas. Unlike how Jara was murdered, Tercero was simply kicked out of the Tres Marias and eventually runs away to Canada with Blanca. Other parallels include the novel's the Poet and real life, famous Pablo Neruda, whose real death came twelve days after the coup d’état. The Poet’s funeral was somberly described in the final pages of the novel. Another parallel was the fictional character, the President, in conjunction with real life Salvador Allende, who was assassinated very accurately described in the novel. The behind-the-scenes drama of left versus right and super power USA versus USSR was also dramatically brought to life in this novel.

Most importantly, General Hertado correlates with the persona of Augusto Pinochet. Both yearned for power and money. Similar to how Pinochet overthrew socialist President, Allende, Trueba dedicated all his work to support the right-wing government. Ultimately, Pinochet became president and Trueba became disenchanted, isolated, and ignored by the military rulers. The 1970-1980s were the saddest period in Chilean history where a “brain-drain” where the talented and well-educated fled the country and stripped the nation of its best and brightest for a generation including Miss Allende.  

Source: The House of the Spirits - Historical Context

What befell Alba during the upheaval was horrific. It was heartening to learn that Trueba had worked with Miguel to find her. I think in the end Trueba finally realized how wrong he had been about everything. His political ideology had harmed his family, and I feel family, above all, was ultimately the most important thing to him. Clara, with her clairvoyance, never truly abandoned him because I think she knew deep down the truth about him. 

At the end, I was teary-eyed. The quote below really got me at the end. The older I get the more I think back and try to remember things that happened in my life, particularly having to do with my sons. I wish I had written down more, kept notebooks, as Clara did. My mom has always kept a journal so I know when she finally leaves this world it will be sad to read them, but also a blessing to have all those memories captured for all time. Personally, I have started thinking back and writing things down because I feel it's never too late. 

"I write, she wrote, that memory is fragile and the space of a single life is brief, passing so quickly that we never get a chance to see the relationship between events; we cannot gauge the consequences of our acts, and we believe in the fiction of past, present, and future, but it may also be true that everything happens simultaneously--as the three Mora sisters said, who could see the spirits of all eras mingled in space. That's why my Grandmother Clara wrote in her notebooks, in order to see things in their true dimension and to defy her own poor memory."

If you joined me for the read-along, I'd like to thank you. Please share any final thoughts you had on the book in the comments.

I did a more extensive write-up about this book for Banned Books Week at my main site, True Book Addict. You can read that here.

Our next book for the 1000 Books Project is Beloved by Toni Morrison which we will read in November. I will post the reading schedule by the end of October.  

1000 Books Project - Update on The House of the Spirits read-along and plans for the Beloved read-along

Just wanted to post a quick update on The House of the Spirits. I had intended on posting the next discussion on September 16th. Clearly that didn't happen. I will post the final discussion, over the second half of the book on Sunday, October 1st. If you missed the discussion over the first half of the book, you can check that out here.

I've decided to move the Beloved (Toni Morrison) read-along to November. I have way too much reading on my plate in October (because...spooky season) so November will work better for me. Hope that's okay for everyone who is reading along. I'll post the reading schedule sometime in October.

1000 Books Project - The House of the Spirits Discussion One

Yes, I realize I am totally off schedule with the first two reading sections. I apologize. I can't explain what happened in August. I'll just say it wasn't pretty. lol

This book is truly wonderful. It's loaded with magical realism which I love. But it also takes a good look at class differences in 20th century South America. The politics spoken about, and the mention of Socialism, made me think of current murmurings in American politics. Esteban Trueba is a right bastard. It has been a while since I've disliked a character this much. His treatment of the women in and around Tres Marias, and his clear disdain for all women..."I didn't dare leave my house, where there was clearly need for a man among so many hysterical women" is almost unbearable to read. The earthquake was terrible. His beating of Blanca was horrible. He certainly deserved for Clara to never speak to him/have anything to do with him from that point on. We shall see what transpires in the second half of the book. 

I remember the film The House of the Spirits and I was looking at the cast online. How very white-washed. Jeremy Irons as Esteban. Meryl Streep as Clara. Winona Ryder as Blanca. Glenn Close as Ferula. The only Hispanic actors were Antonio Banderas as Pedro Tercero, Sarita Choudhury as Pancha, and a few others in supporting, and other minor, roles. I did enjoy the film, and plan a rewatch after finishing the book, but I can only hope that if this film was made in the present day, it would feature a far more diverse cast. 

One of the reasons we are reading this book is in honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month which runs from September 15 through October 15. And, of course, as a banned book...

Though the novel has never been officially banned, it has faced several challenges in schools since the time of its publication in 1982, often being characterized as “pornagraphic”, “immoral” and “defaming the Catholic faith”. The most recent, and perhaps most significant, challenge came about in 2013 when several parents at a North Carolina high school raised formal complaints to the school board regarding the book being a part of the English curriculum. The book was retained after three appeals and a defense letter from Isabel Allende herself. In the letter, the author writes:

“I find myself in the unusual and awkward position of having to “defend” my novel The House of the Spirits that risks being banned from a high school in Boone, North Carolina. Banning of books is a common practice in police states, like Cuba or North Korea, and by religious fundamentalist groups like the Taliban, but I did not expect it in our democracy…” Source

What did you think of the first half of the book? Share any and all thoughts in the comments.

I will make a concerted effort to post the next discussion on time, according to the reading schedule. Thank you for bearing with me. 

1000 Books Project - Brave New World Final Thoughts

I apologize for not having two discussions like I planned. The month got away from me, and I was having trouble getting into the book. I finally finished it today. 

I've heard a lot of great things about this book so I guess I was expecting to be wowed. I didn't hate it or anything (4 stars on Goodreads, but maybe closer to 3.5). It just had a lot of ups and downs for me. Just when it would start to get exciting, the long philosophical talks would start. But that's enough nitpicking. Let's talk about how appalling it would be if the world was to come to be as it is in this book. 

No families, no parents, a caste system decided by level of intelligence which is genetically engineered in every person. It's normal for seven year old children (and probably younger and older as well) to participate in erotic play (!). No books, meaning literature...no Shakespeare, etc. No one grows old because they're disposed of before they can even become elderly. Psychological manipulation and conditioning. The list goes on and on. It's such a generic society, it does border on hilarity. The way they talk, act. It would be a shock if you had not always lived like that so I completely understand John's (who they call the Savage) reaction. How else could someone who had grown up reading the beautiful words of Shakespeare act? 

Huxley was a visionary in a lot of this, as this was published in 1932. He writes about many of the things we are now capable of in our current society. Pretty scary. I hope I'm long gone off this earth if this kind of world ever comes to pass. Not a brave new world in my opinion.

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What did you think? Share any and all thoughts in the comments.

Our next book for the 1000 Books Project is The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende. We will read and discuss in August and September, with the latter month being Hispanic Heritage Month and Banned Books Week also falls in September. I will post the reading schedule before the end of July. 

1000 Books Project: Part Three of Elie Wiesel's Night Trilogy - Discussing The Accident

I'm sorry I am SO late with this post. I finished the last novel in the trilogy at the very beginning of April. Just haven't had a chance to get over here. 

I don't really know what to say about The Accident. It is what it is. What I will say is that the story in this novel really illustrates the guilt Holocaust survivors carry. That they survived while others didn't. Even to the point where, after surviving all of that, their will to live is not very strong. Is this character in The Accident autobiographically based on Elie's own experiences. I wonder. Perhaps he knew of other survivors who did have this mentality, this not being able to carry on a normal, happy life because of the memories. Having survived one of the most horrific and tragic events in history is something that would be very hard to reconcile with living a normal life. This is my opinion, of course. 

What did you think of The Accident? Share any and all thoughts in the comments.

Our next book for the 1000 Books Project is Brave New World by Aldous Huxley. Since the book is relatively short (my copy is 268 pages), we will be doing the read-along for this one in June, during my Sci-Fi Summer Readathon at Seasons of Reading. I will be inviting readathon participants to join us for the read-along. I will post the reading schedule in May.