Maybe God has a bigger plan for me than I had for myself. Like this journey never ends. Like you were sent to me because I'm sick. To help me through all this. You're my angel.
These words are written in his 1999 novel, “A Walk to Remember”. It is a story of love and friendship that endures all despite the disparity of their personality.
It was published in the fall of 1999 although it just was written in the summer of 1998 and its story was inspired by Sparks’ sister. The novel had a movie adaptation, which is set in the 1990’s with Mandy Moore as Jaime Sullivan. . It spent nearly six months on the best-seller list in hardcover, and an additional four months on the paperback best-seller list.
The story reminiscence of a certain Landon Carter back when he was just seventeen years old. He tells of the story of a certain Hegbert Sullivan, a minister that only the person he will find out as the closest person to someone he will love. He support his only daughter Jaime by writing a play called “The Christmas Angel” which tells of the story of a father sacrificing his whole self for his daughter.
Landon sees Jaime as beautiful one although she’s always been simple but later this part he knew why he really appreciate Jaime that much.
It was a homecoming dance due to running out of choices Landon asked Jaime and she agreed but in just one condition he must not fall in love with her. It’s quite funny to tell it directly to a guy but she did it. They had a great dance but after it was not the end. Jaime thanks London for inviting her for it was her first time and she asked a favor that he must play the role of Tom Thornton and plays it for the orphans which she’s taking care of.
Once they talk about what they want in the near future. Jaime has a simplest wish only… that is to be married.
The outcome of the play was success. He did his best due for being inspired by Jaime. He also did his promised to her he collected donation cans for the orphanage.
Everything seems alright, they do exchange gifts and Jaime gave her Bible… a greatest gift that Landon ever received. But then, it all turn out for Jaime diagnosed to have Leukemia. Because of it Landon tried to make her feel the best or very special as possible. They read Bible often. He made the wish of Jaime come true… they married and even if it was forty years ago, nothing has changed it was just like when he was seventeen years old.
Nicholas Sparks’ style was plain or easy to understand but it could touch ones heart. It was realistic and spiritual for the reason that the role of Jaime was modest. Love also made the story revolves for it made things possible to happened, transforms everything to happiness.
Love can conquer the hearts. For the book show the great meaning of true and pure love. It will surely leave a legacy to someone who could read it especially to the youth whose that not open-minded it the terms of love.
I can relate to story for once it touches my heart as for how love can change everything. How it made me believe that there are lots of steps to make in our life that indeed... some walks to remember.
Juancho Tisoy Grajo
IV - Curie
Sunday, March 15, 2009
I. Introduction
Love is not a thing you can find sprawling around. It is the deepest, most meaningful thing that could ever happen in your life. Memories come by, but you try to bear with them all in all.
This is what Nicholas Sparks wants to tell us. This can be found in one of his 14 published novels, A Walk to Remember (October 1999). This novel is inspired by his sister, Danielle Sparks- Lewis, who died of cancer in June 2000.Certain parts of this story were based on the real experiences. An example of this is when her sister’s husband, proposed to her despite her sickness. He said “I suppose I wrote this novel not only so that you could get to know my sister, but so that you would know what a wonderful thing it was that her husband once did for her."
It is a story of Love and Friendship that surpasses all. This tells us how faith can create miracles.
II. Summary, Theme, Characters
The story is set in the 1950’s. It tells the reminiscence of a certain Landon Carter, back when he was just seventeen years old. He tells of the story of a certain Hegbert Sullivan, a person he will find out as the closest person to someone he will love. Hegbert is a minister. On one occasion, he wrote a play called “The Christmas Angel” which tells of the story of a father sacrificing his whole self for his daughter. It is quite the same as his own story, because he supports his only daughter Jaime by himself.
Landon also tells the story of his father, who is a congress man. His relationship with him doesn’t work well, mainly because of his present absence. He also tells of a drama class, of which he is one of the only two boys attending it. Miss Garber, the teacher, tells of a rendition of Hegbert’s play, of which his daughter Jaime as the Angel. Though most of the time she is very simple, during that moment, he sees her beautiful. It wasn’t until later that he would know the reason why he appreciates Jaime.
As the homecoming dance approaches, Landon finds it hard to find a date. Running out of choices, he approaches Jaime. It seems weird, but it is his only chance to have one. Jaime agrees, but says that he must not fall in love with her. They end up dancing with each other, but then the night doesn’t end up quite nicely because the two of them also end up cleaning his ex-girlfriend Angela’s vomit.
After the dance, Jaime thanks Landon for inviting her. It is probably her first time, but indeed something to remember. The she asks a favor, of which Landon approves of. He has the lead role of Tom Thornton. In addition to it, she also has the idea of playing it for the orphans whom she takes care of.
Landon brings Jaime to his house before going to the orphanage. She is amazed of Landon’s house and tells that he is very lucky with his mom. They also talk about the future. She tells him the simplest wish she has, and that is to get married. Then they go to the orphanage, only to get quite disappointed because they cannot perform for the children.
The day of the play approaches. And at the end of every rehearsal, they Landon walk Jaime home with an unexplainable feeling every time. They talk about almost anything that comes in mind. But one day, Landon walks her home in a very bad mood, causing him to burst his emotions, making Jaime feel sad.
The play comes, and it is a success, due to Landon being inspired by Jaime. He nails all lines, especially the one when he needs to tell her that she’s beautiful.
As Landon promises to make it up to Jaime, she tells a way to do it. He is asked to collect donation cans for the orphanage. He is disappointed with the outcome, but secretly adds something to it.
They hold the program for the children, and everyone ends up happy. After this, they exchange gifts, and this leaves Landon speechless. It is Jaime’s bible, the greatest gift ever. He is in love with her. And the most unforgettable day comes, the day they first kissed.
But then, when all is good and happy, the worst thing that could ever happen comes. Jaime’s secret is out, and it is the worst secret ever. She is diagnosed with leukemia, the rarest form of it. Landon tries everything to make her feel the best way as possible. Every time he comes to her house, they read the Bible and talk, all in the Lord’s plan. Then he comes to the idea of making Jaime’s wish come true.
They married. And forty years later, Landon still feels that day. When he is 17, his life changed forever. Thus, he now believes that miracles can indeed happen.
The plot is the key element to make the story as much real as possible. It proves to be very effective in creating the atmosphere of the usual teenage story made special. It is the most important element for it has all the content and essence of Landon’s memoir.
The theme of the story is the beauty, power, and innocence of true love. It is indeed shown; therefore, the whole novel proves to be in accordance to it.
The characters are as real as possible. Landon is indeed the rascal teenage boy, Jaime the divine, ethereal girl, Hegbert the overly caring and protective father, Eric the supportive best friend, and Landon’s family the usual rich, American household. They are very effective in showing the true spirit of a good love story.
III. Analysis
Nicholas Spark is a very good writer. He did not use complicated words that made his novel understandable to all audience. These simple words that he used made his story expectable. But the story is indeed realistic. The scenes are not far from everyday life. The character of Jamie is spiritual. This was showed through bible which she always brings to her everywhere she goes.
The story, actually, made my tears fall. I just want to read this book again…
IV .Evaluation
The strength of the story is that it is very simple yet very touching. The story may make the readers fall in love. Again, the story is very realistic.
There are no other weaknesses except that the simplicity makes the story quite expectable.
The book left a mark in my mind and heart. This proved that Love will conquer all. It will make your tears fall. And make your heart love…
I can somehow relate to the story. The story of “True Love”. London did not fail in making a mark in my whole personality. It is truly a Walk to Remember…
Book Review:
“A Walk To Remember”
John Michell Lucena Hundana
IV- Madame Marie Sklodowska Curie
Love is not a thing you can find sprawling around. It is the deepest, most meaningful thing that could ever happen in your life. Memories come by, but you try to bear with them all in all.
This is what Nicholas Sparks wants to tell us. This can be found in one of his 14 published novels, A Walk to Remember (October 1999). This novel is inspired by his sister, Danielle Sparks- Lewis, who died of cancer in June 2000.Certain parts of this story were based on the real experiences. An example of this is when her sister’s husband, proposed to her despite her sickness. He said “I suppose I wrote this novel not only so that you could get to know my sister, but so that you would know what a wonderful thing it was that her husband once did for her."
It is a story of Love and Friendship that surpasses all. This tells us how faith can create miracles.
II. Summary, Theme, Characters
The story is set in the 1950’s. It tells the reminiscence of a certain Landon Carter, back when he was just seventeen years old. He tells of the story of a certain Hegbert Sullivan, a person he will find out as the closest person to someone he will love. Hegbert is a minister. On one occasion, he wrote a play called “The Christmas Angel” which tells of the story of a father sacrificing his whole self for his daughter. It is quite the same as his own story, because he supports his only daughter Jaime by himself.
Landon also tells the story of his father, who is a congress man. His relationship with him doesn’t work well, mainly because of his present absence. He also tells of a drama class, of which he is one of the only two boys attending it. Miss Garber, the teacher, tells of a rendition of Hegbert’s play, of which his daughter Jaime as the Angel. Though most of the time she is very simple, during that moment, he sees her beautiful. It wasn’t until later that he would know the reason why he appreciates Jaime.
As the homecoming dance approaches, Landon finds it hard to find a date. Running out of choices, he approaches Jaime. It seems weird, but it is his only chance to have one. Jaime agrees, but says that he must not fall in love with her. They end up dancing with each other, but then the night doesn’t end up quite nicely because the two of them also end up cleaning his ex-girlfriend Angela’s vomit.
After the dance, Jaime thanks Landon for inviting her. It is probably her first time, but indeed something to remember. The she asks a favor, of which Landon approves of. He has the lead role of Tom Thornton. In addition to it, she also has the idea of playing it for the orphans whom she takes care of.
Landon brings Jaime to his house before going to the orphanage. She is amazed of Landon’s house and tells that he is very lucky with his mom. They also talk about the future. She tells him the simplest wish she has, and that is to get married. Then they go to the orphanage, only to get quite disappointed because they cannot perform for the children.
The day of the play approaches. And at the end of every rehearsal, they Landon walk Jaime home with an unexplainable feeling every time. They talk about almost anything that comes in mind. But one day, Landon walks her home in a very bad mood, causing him to burst his emotions, making Jaime feel sad.
The play comes, and it is a success, due to Landon being inspired by Jaime. He nails all lines, especially the one when he needs to tell her that she’s beautiful.
As Landon promises to make it up to Jaime, she tells a way to do it. He is asked to collect donation cans for the orphanage. He is disappointed with the outcome, but secretly adds something to it.
They hold the program for the children, and everyone ends up happy. After this, they exchange gifts, and this leaves Landon speechless. It is Jaime’s bible, the greatest gift ever. He is in love with her. And the most unforgettable day comes, the day they first kissed.
But then, when all is good and happy, the worst thing that could ever happen comes. Jaime’s secret is out, and it is the worst secret ever. She is diagnosed with leukemia, the rarest form of it. Landon tries everything to make her feel the best way as possible. Every time he comes to her house, they read the Bible and talk, all in the Lord’s plan. Then he comes to the idea of making Jaime’s wish come true.
They married. And forty years later, Landon still feels that day. When he is 17, his life changed forever. Thus, he now believes that miracles can indeed happen.
The plot is the key element to make the story as much real as possible. It proves to be very effective in creating the atmosphere of the usual teenage story made special. It is the most important element for it has all the content and essence of Landon’s memoir.
The theme of the story is the beauty, power, and innocence of true love. It is indeed shown; therefore, the whole novel proves to be in accordance to it.
The characters are as real as possible. Landon is indeed the rascal teenage boy, Jaime the divine, ethereal girl, Hegbert the overly caring and protective father, Eric the supportive best friend, and Landon’s family the usual rich, American household. They are very effective in showing the true spirit of a good love story.
III. Analysis
Nicholas Spark is a very good writer. He did not use complicated words that made his novel understandable to all audience. These simple words that he used made his story expectable. But the story is indeed realistic. The scenes are not far from everyday life. The character of Jamie is spiritual. This was showed through bible which she always brings to her everywhere she goes.
The story, actually, made my tears fall. I just want to read this book again…
IV .Evaluation
The strength of the story is that it is very simple yet very touching. The story may make the readers fall in love. Again, the story is very realistic.
There are no other weaknesses except that the simplicity makes the story quite expectable.
The book left a mark in my mind and heart. This proved that Love will conquer all. It will make your tears fall. And make your heart love…
I can somehow relate to the story. The story of “True Love”. London did not fail in making a mark in my whole personality. It is truly a Walk to Remember…
Book Review:
“A Walk To Remember”
John Michell Lucena Hundana
IV- Madame Marie Sklodowska Curie
GIANAN book review
A GLIMPSE ON AN EVERLASTING LOVE STORY I’VE EVER READ
A Book Review on Nicholas Spark’s A Walk to Remember
Upon reading once again the story that pertains to two lovers to face an unusual condition to test the strength of their relationship, I felt to be much overwhelmed for this story is rarely different from that of the previous ones that I had before not even anew sophisticated Romeo and Juliet or any other remarkable film. I relieve that year often in my mind, bringing it back to life, and I realize that when I do, I always feel a strange combination of sadness and joy.
Behind the greatness of the author lies a life of having a wife and three sons. During that time the book was written, he was living in North Carolina. The author made already remarkable expertise in authoring New York Times bestseller books such as The Notebook, Message in a Bottle, and The Rescue and also a co-author of Wonkini: A Lakota Journey to Happiness and Self-Understanding. He has shown passion and focus in his works and to coincide with that was his timeless inspiration from his sister whom he promised would be remembered through her life and courage. An inspiration that would somehow parallel to some writers’ reason of why they resulted to write great novels.
The setting took place in Beaufort, North Carolina in 1958, wherein he was 17, a time wherein teenagers seek a life of adventure and happiness. He met Rev Hegbert Sullivan, the Southern Baptist minister of the town. After some time, he encountered a major turn in his life that began in his portrayal in a Christmas stage play. His feelings toward Jamie Sullivan, the shy daughter of the minister, began to develop through the times they did things together, enabling Landon to be more matured that what he was. A time came when a dilemma came across their life. Jamie suffered under leukemia until the day came that their wishes came true through their wedding. Henceforth, ironically accepting the death of Jamie, Landon realized that even if Jamie died, all the memories that were left with him were worth treasuring after four decades and would still remain forever.
A story that is full of different themes of profound love, trust, faithfulness and fortitude that happened throughout the story. A story that will surely make your heart pumped fast and be overwhelmed. This story can be a plot of all the memories of the year.
The story was written by the author in an omniscient point of view. He presented the story with himself as Landon narrating his life through the different flashbacks and its further explanation of the story, thus revealing good elements.
Simplicity is one edge of the book. Though, it does not mean that every thing is too literal when the reader sees it. There are some parts that were given some touch of depth in terms of language. However, the author has a good sense of words that may not get the reader into topsy-turvy paths of vocabulary. Some parts that need further clarification are also written well. Through simple vocabulary, the events are given justice from misunderstanding of the readers. And a good edge of it is imagery. Some scenes might just be pictured by the reader upon a glance.
By the simplicity, clarity is induced. Simple words make the reader understand the story further and faster. Reading between the lines can be done also upon the happenings that the reader needs not to think deeper.
The theme presented through the different things mentioned above also keeps a person to continue reading the book. It might have been talking something that has been beyond what is teenage romance because of their activities. However, it makes such great persuasion through kisses and different things that are still wholesome. Without the use of any obscene elements, such sweet love that can happen by that time is well-presented.
And most of all, the logic of the story is outstanding. The serial events show many interrelations with all the other events, the characters, even with the theme. Explanations are somehow given justice except when the narrator says “don’t ask me why” instead of saying it in a more gentle way. Thoughts and arguments presented throughout the story may also amaze the readers because something done might be far from what is possible.
Upon the touching of emotions, it talks about romance. As said earlier, the kind of romance presented is wholesome that the parents of the young readers have nothing to worry. It just touches the touches the feelings of the readers through the different events that show the legacy of their love through the ordeals and through the years of solitude. It also keeps the reader on track especially when the lead characters talk as couples.
There are some events that tackle humor in such a way that it does not raise too many eyebrows. Good examples of these are the eating of peanuts in the graveyard and the calling of Landon to the minister directly through his name. These hilarious deeds then make the reader smile even a little.
A different form of tragedy is also a touching quality in the story. His wife may have died already but one will see that throughout her life, every thing was done at the right time. These then makes the story bittersweet, touching the reader further as the narrator summarizes all of it after four decades.
After all the analysis, it is clear that the book suggests that in any walk of life, a person may see another side of a negative thing and its best way is through the heart, making him mature further than what he is. This then leaves everyone to accept that a loss that uplifted someone else shall remain living forever even in the memories.
All of these then leave out almost all points convincing. Some might not be. But those are too little to find out because one reader will relate to the novel one way or another. A good example is the love from my friends and my families, who might be far away from me in the soon future. But it will leave such beautiful memories worth watching because it became the secret construction material to make such good structure of my personality.
It’s hard to find something beautiful these days. This movie makes me want to be a better person. I don’t just look at it as a love story more as a way of viewing life. I think we would all be lucky to have the chance to show the love and compassion that Jamie and Landon shared, as far as the differences between the book and the movie goes...there were things that were changed...they left out some things in the book that were nice and romantic...but they also added they're own...for instance; the star Landon named for Jamie. The first time Landon kisses Jamie in the book is at her house while she greets him at the front door...to get the best of both worlds. I would suggest reading the book and watching the movie. It’s only 206 pages. It’s something you could finish reading in one Sunday
.
A Book Review on Nicholas Spark’s A Walk to Remember
Upon reading once again the story that pertains to two lovers to face an unusual condition to test the strength of their relationship, I felt to be much overwhelmed for this story is rarely different from that of the previous ones that I had before not even anew sophisticated Romeo and Juliet or any other remarkable film. I relieve that year often in my mind, bringing it back to life, and I realize that when I do, I always feel a strange combination of sadness and joy.
Behind the greatness of the author lies a life of having a wife and three sons. During that time the book was written, he was living in North Carolina. The author made already remarkable expertise in authoring New York Times bestseller books such as The Notebook, Message in a Bottle, and The Rescue and also a co-author of Wonkini: A Lakota Journey to Happiness and Self-Understanding. He has shown passion and focus in his works and to coincide with that was his timeless inspiration from his sister whom he promised would be remembered through her life and courage. An inspiration that would somehow parallel to some writers’ reason of why they resulted to write great novels.
The setting took place in Beaufort, North Carolina in 1958, wherein he was 17, a time wherein teenagers seek a life of adventure and happiness. He met Rev Hegbert Sullivan, the Southern Baptist minister of the town. After some time, he encountered a major turn in his life that began in his portrayal in a Christmas stage play. His feelings toward Jamie Sullivan, the shy daughter of the minister, began to develop through the times they did things together, enabling Landon to be more matured that what he was. A time came when a dilemma came across their life. Jamie suffered under leukemia until the day came that their wishes came true through their wedding. Henceforth, ironically accepting the death of Jamie, Landon realized that even if Jamie died, all the memories that were left with him were worth treasuring after four decades and would still remain forever.
A story that is full of different themes of profound love, trust, faithfulness and fortitude that happened throughout the story. A story that will surely make your heart pumped fast and be overwhelmed. This story can be a plot of all the memories of the year.
The story was written by the author in an omniscient point of view. He presented the story with himself as Landon narrating his life through the different flashbacks and its further explanation of the story, thus revealing good elements.
Simplicity is one edge of the book. Though, it does not mean that every thing is too literal when the reader sees it. There are some parts that were given some touch of depth in terms of language. However, the author has a good sense of words that may not get the reader into topsy-turvy paths of vocabulary. Some parts that need further clarification are also written well. Through simple vocabulary, the events are given justice from misunderstanding of the readers. And a good edge of it is imagery. Some scenes might just be pictured by the reader upon a glance.
By the simplicity, clarity is induced. Simple words make the reader understand the story further and faster. Reading between the lines can be done also upon the happenings that the reader needs not to think deeper.
The theme presented through the different things mentioned above also keeps a person to continue reading the book. It might have been talking something that has been beyond what is teenage romance because of their activities. However, it makes such great persuasion through kisses and different things that are still wholesome. Without the use of any obscene elements, such sweet love that can happen by that time is well-presented.
And most of all, the logic of the story is outstanding. The serial events show many interrelations with all the other events, the characters, even with the theme. Explanations are somehow given justice except when the narrator says “don’t ask me why” instead of saying it in a more gentle way. Thoughts and arguments presented throughout the story may also amaze the readers because something done might be far from what is possible.
Upon the touching of emotions, it talks about romance. As said earlier, the kind of romance presented is wholesome that the parents of the young readers have nothing to worry. It just touches the touches the feelings of the readers through the different events that show the legacy of their love through the ordeals and through the years of solitude. It also keeps the reader on track especially when the lead characters talk as couples.
There are some events that tackle humor in such a way that it does not raise too many eyebrows. Good examples of these are the eating of peanuts in the graveyard and the calling of Landon to the minister directly through his name. These hilarious deeds then make the reader smile even a little.
A different form of tragedy is also a touching quality in the story. His wife may have died already but one will see that throughout her life, every thing was done at the right time. These then makes the story bittersweet, touching the reader further as the narrator summarizes all of it after four decades.
After all the analysis, it is clear that the book suggests that in any walk of life, a person may see another side of a negative thing and its best way is through the heart, making him mature further than what he is. This then leaves everyone to accept that a loss that uplifted someone else shall remain living forever even in the memories.
All of these then leave out almost all points convincing. Some might not be. But those are too little to find out because one reader will relate to the novel one way or another. A good example is the love from my friends and my families, who might be far away from me in the soon future. But it will leave such beautiful memories worth watching because it became the secret construction material to make such good structure of my personality.
It’s hard to find something beautiful these days. This movie makes me want to be a better person. I don’t just look at it as a love story more as a way of viewing life. I think we would all be lucky to have the chance to show the love and compassion that Jamie and Landon shared, as far as the differences between the book and the movie goes...there were things that were changed...they left out some things in the book that were nice and romantic...but they also added they're own...for instance; the star Landon named for Jamie. The first time Landon kisses Jamie in the book is at her house while she greets him at the front door...to get the best of both worlds. I would suggest reading the book and watching the movie. It’s only 206 pages. It’s something you could finish reading in one Sunday
.
The Search for A Dog that Headed for a Star: A Book Review on Henning Mankell’s A Bridge to the Stars
The Search for A Dog that Headed for a Star: A Book Review on Henning Mankell’s A Bridge to the Stars
submitted by: Renz Danielle Dugenia
Henning Mankell was born in 1948 in Stockholm, Sweden. The Swedish author of a series of adult mystery novels featuring Inspector Kurt Wallander, Mankell has been very much popular in Europe for a number of years. A BRIDGE TO THE STARS, written in 1990 and published in October, 2005 by Andersen Press, the first of Mankell's novels for young adults, which, although very different from his Wallander series of police procedurals, nevertheless are worthwhile for younger audiences to discover as well.
Mankell has received international literary awards for his books, plays, films, and television adaptations. Dividing his time between Sweden and Africa, Mankell is devoted to working with AIDS charities. He is also the director of Teatro Avenida in Maputo, Mozambique.
Joel Gustafson finds two things in life hard to cope with: 'not knowing why, and not being able to do anything about it', in an adult world he doesn't quite understand, and dreams of entering.
Twelve-year-old Joel sometimes feels like his life is just one big mystery. Why does his father, a former sailor who loves to tell stories of exotic places and longs for the sea, now work as a lumberjack in far northern Sweden, about as far from the sea as one can get? "How could he find any satisfaction in going into the forest every day to chop down trees when he'd never succeed in felling enough for him to be able to glimpse the open sea beyond?" Joel asks.
Most of all, Joel wonders about his mother, Jenny, who disappeared when he was a baby, leaving Joel's father moody and Joel to feel "like a mother to myself." Joel’s father keeps a single photograph of Jenny but refuses to talk about her, and Joel wonders why his mother abandoned them so long ago. Now, as his father keeps company with their small town's barmaid, Joel grows increasingly concerned that he is about to be abandoned for a second time.
It is then that Joel forms a Secret Society, with a specific mission - he keeps a logbook of each day's events, hidden under his father's glass-covered model ship, the Celestine.
Joel’s secret place is the rock that splits into two. Here he could alter reality to his wishes. During night excursions, Joel makes the acquaintance of colorful local folks - Simon Windstorm, confined in an institution for ten years, who drives about in his lorry under the night sky; and Gertrud No-Nose, who wears a handkerchief where her nose used to be. Walking to his secret split rock, Joel meets a newcomer to town named Ture, who announces to Joel that he'll be running away from home in a few weeks. Joel invites Ture to join the Secret Society. Joel shows Ture around town at night, believing that he is the leader. But Ture plans pranks that make Joel doubt his new friend's character and intentions. To prove to Ture that he's not a coward, Joel takes a life-threatening dare, discovering in the process his father's real love and the concern of friends.
Imaginative Joel is a private fantasist; this is the source of his creativity. Ture is an activist - he has no imagination. "The purpose of a secret society is to create fear," he says, and sets about inveigling Joel into tormenting one of his neighbors, one of those things he does not want to do but seems powerless to resist - but already he can see through Ture's superficial glamour. The other boy may be a whole year older than Joel, but Joel's nature and circumstances have made him a faster developer. He is beginning to appreciate the company of others on the fringes of society, an area where he places himself.
The greater part of this loosely autobiographical novel takes place during the long, dark winter and slow spring of 1956, beginning one starry night when Joel looks out of a window and sees a dog running in the street. He encounters it only once more but it haunts his memory and he tries to coax it into his dreams. The secret society is dedicated to "The Search for A Dog that Headed for a Star". He knows that it is a childish notion but he also knows that his childhood is ending - not with regret but with anticipation - and Samuel has promised that when Joel leaves school they will go back to live near the sea. His silly revenge fantasies of wandering into the forest to freeze (you'll be sorry when I'm dead) are terminated by the accident that kills one of Samuel's workmates. Death, he decides, is not an awfully big adventure, but life can be, and the book ends as Joel's winter of discontent is about to burst into glorious summer.
One of the things I've most enjoyed about Henning Mankell's A BRIDGE TO THE STARS is the way the author probes into the psyche and emotions of his protagonist. It is a very effective portrayal of a boy on the cusp of adolescence. Searching for independence on his nightly forays with his charismatic new friend, Joel nevertheless still longs for safety and security, as represented by his desire to remain close to his father and to discover more about his absent mother.
Like Joel, I, myself is also longing somebody’s presence, my father. I have not known my biological father since birth and I wanted to discover more about him. And I could say that somehow Joel’s story and mine to a certain extent is parallel. As Joel investigates his father’s mysterious absences and continues to search for the dog, he discovers his own inner strength and learns about adult disappointments and needs.
Joel is an attractive character, his adventures in his town at night will, I imagine, be highly interesting and slightly magical for children to read. As are Joel's discoveries about himself and his family.
It's written in a style ideal for its audience, has an excellent, slightly offbeat story, and Joel exhibits a kind of imagination that many children will find familiar. Not only that, but it says some rather touching and important things about growing up. This is a deep, serious story, written with the lightest of touches and no hint of condescension.
The blurb presented me with a book that seemed both interesting and mature. I read the first pages and was enraptured in the majestic world of the boy, a world which is both magical and incredibly touching.
I would recommend this book to anyone who's looking for something that is easy to read but still gives you a brilliant story with characters that give you insight into the complexities in mid 21st Century Europe and the horror that comes attached to losing your mother.
Joel's thoughtful story is enhanced not only by the boy's imaginative fancies and by Mankell's lyrical writing (capably translated into English by Laurie Thompson), but also by the array of memorable and eccentric characters who populate Joel's small town. Hopefully Mankell will expand his portrait of this northern Swedish village --- and further explore Joel's compelling character --- in his other books about Joel Gustafson.
The fundamental driving force of Henning Mankell as an author is to create a changing world we live in. It becomes worse and worse on every level. It is about exploitation, plundering and degrading. He has a small possibility to participate in the resistance. Most of the things that He does are part of a resistance, a form of solidarity work. He wishes that he could do more of value and that the world changes to a place of decency.
Of Love and Recipes: A Book Review on Laura Esquivel’s Like Water For Chocolate
Of Love and Recipes: A Book Review on Laura Esquivel’s Like Water For Chocolate
By Zatia Denise Danao Gammad
IV-Madame Marie Curie
“That afternoon, when the uproar had subsided and the water had been dried up by the sun, Nacha swept up the residue the tears had left on the red stone floor. There was enough salt to fill a ten pound sack—it was used for cooking and lasted a long time.”
Nothing is more exquisitely indulgent than culinary twists in the greatest gamble man can ever participate in. No creative literary touch can ever defeat the unique mix of emotional flavors in a cauldron of tradition, sorrows, remedies, and even prestidigitation. If one is the typical person who would pig out depression or delight, then divert to this 1989 Mexican adult fairy tale. Truly a mouthful for a title, Like Water For Chocolate – originally published as Como Agua Para Chocolate – is a compelling combination of novel and cookbook written by Laura Valdes Esquivel. The book has been a tremendous international success, being the number one best-selling book in Mexico United States , Like Water for Chocolate became one of the largest grossing foreign films ever released. Esquivel earned the Mexican Academy
Of Spanish heritage, Esquivel made an international entrance with Mexican culture laced around magical realism. It is a monthly installment of memories, each started off a traditional recipe. As the procedure is narrated, the suppressed emotions of Josefita “Tita” De La Garza, the main character, are gastronomically approached, thus, whipping up the story of a young lady having the kitchen as her domain. It is undeniably ethereal and sensual.
The novel takes place during the Mexican Revolution at the ranch near the Mexican-US border. As soon as she is brought to this world, Tita’s life becomes uneasy, as complemented by the great tide of tears that floods the kitchen floor. Unable to produce milk because of her husband’s shocking death, Mama Elena, Tita’s tyrannical widowed mother built on repression and bitterness, hands her premature daughter to Nacha, the ranch cook who from then on takes care of Tita. In spite of learning from Nacha the world according to food, Tita is having the greatest woes at an early age of fifteen. She is a very passionate girl who longs for the love of Pedro Muzquiz. But because of family tradition – that the youngest daughter in the family must dedicate her life in taking care of her aging mother – she is not allowed to be married, a command her mother firmly emphasized. Instead of her, Mama Elena insisted Rosaura, Tita’s older sister, for Pedro. He agrees to marry her for the purpose of being near Tita, which she is not yet aware of. Therefore, she takes revenge in which she allows her passions to surface through her cooking. Every person who comes in contact with the food she prepares experiences the sentiments an unjust society has buried deep inside her.
Each chapter starts with a recipe that relates to an episode in Tita’s life. In between the procedures to make Christmas Rolls, Chabela Wedding Cake, Quail in Rose Petal Sauce, Turkey Mole with Almond and Sesame Seeds, Northern-style Chorizo, and the rest, the narrator, Esperanza Muzquiz-Brown, tells us the misfortunes of Tita’s life, how those foods become the natural outcome of her emotions, and how it affects the society in a very strange and magical manner. For instance, the wedding reception of Rosaura and Pedro turns out to be a disaster. The guests wallow and mourn as they taste the Chabella Wedding Cake Tita had baked containing her tears, and they all feel an immense longing on their lost loves, except her. Also, when Tita makes Quails in Rose Petals after Pedro gives her a bouquet of roses in her first year anniversary as the ranch’s head cook. It serves as an aphrosidiac for Gertrudis, her eldest sister. Then, she begins to have lustful endeavors and goes away with Juan Alejandro, a soldier from the army.
It is a gripping tale of emotional suppression, self growth, and tradition. Basically, this novel deals with the shift from a traditional to a modern society and women’s liberation from the oppressive judgment of the society and the traditions that degrade them as well. At the beginning of the novel, Tita was a generally submissive young lady, humbly bowing to any of Mama Elena’s command. As the novel progresses, Tita learns to disobey the injustice of her mother and gradually becomes more and more adept at expressing her inner fire through various means. At first, cooking was her only outlet, but through self discovery, she learned to verbalize and actualize her feelings, and stand up to her despotic mother.
The author simply placed a signature that pioneered the world of culinary literature. Her writing style outshines every book placed beside hers. She formats her potentially weighty subjects, such as Mexican tradition, in a light-hearted manner that infuses humor and grief in every page. Simmered in a magical realism genre, the novel shows that Esquivel managed to alter her writing from sweet giggles to bitter acceptance with occasional surrealistic fantasy sequences interspersed between the commonplace goings. Thus, it accumulates persuasiveness and logic under an enchanting narration. Though fictional happenings are read, it extends to history and society, especially women who represent a distinct version of femininity. It is incidentally much more than hyperbole.
The way each chapter is introduced with a recipe containing both literal and figurative ingredients made this book irresistible. Each ingredient has its history and symbolism that are only understood when the food is finally cooked. It correlates to what is currently happening to Tita and the feelings she is undergoing. As a result, many of the characters complained about physical ailments, in which the metaphors of illnesses are impressive. The physical ailments represent emotional turbulence. They are either exceedingly humorous or grotesquely repulsive. For instance, there came a point in the novel in which Tita and Mama Elena’s relationship was almost completely abolished. Mama Elena could no longer eat Tita’s food because she believed that the food tasted as though it has been poisoned. She refused to eat and began to lose weight. The phenomena of food tasting like poison can be approached from the viewpoints of each of the women. From Tita’s point of view, it can be seen as if Tita placed poison in the food, not physically, but emotionally. Out of her sheer hatred for her mother, she was unable to cook for her out of the goodness of her heart, which resulted in the production of a poison-like flavor. On the other hand, it can also be seen that Mama Elena tasted the bitterness in the food due to her own emotions. Mama Elena was unable to expel her feelings of jealousy and loathing for Tita. This is the reason for the bitterness in the food. Mama Elena’s bitterness towards Tita led her to taste poison in everything she eats. Although she finally consented to let Tita prepare her meals, she secretly expelled the food from her body with syrup of ipecac, and eventually, died from vomiting.
For a passionate cook such as myself, to transmute feelings into cooking provides an enthralling feast for the senses and the soul. It is flawless for there is no novel and cookbook better than what Esquivel started. From the moment I received a copy of this book, I easily experienced what Tita had undergone. I know how it is to have cooking as an outlet of emotions, though not as distressed as hers. If one is a keen observer and has a vast knowledge of culinary procedures, he can see that every ingredient complements the other to be able to tell as story, from its presentation, to the fragrance, to the mouth-watering taste. Although contrary to her maternal relationship, it constantly reminds me of how my mother taught me the secrets behind great cooking. That no sweat and torn apron can ever express hard work if one cannot passionately start the fire.
With its winning blend of poignant romance and bittersweet wit, Like Water For Chocolate earned her a title of “Princess of Modern Latin Literature.” Esquivel basted a gustatory judgment in mound of suppressed emotions that made her book a best-selling phenomenon. The various recipes that introduce each chapter hide within themselves a story. Behind the story are people, events, and traditions. The recipes are passed through the generations, which is in fact a crypt within a crypt. Each generation adds a new layer through the events experienced in their lives, and each time a relative cooks one of the family recipes, a story is being told, a memory is being recalled. Overall, it is a 241-page cookbook narrated to a thousand-page of stories.
Book Review: "A Walk To Remember" by tristan^^
Book Review by
Mark Tristan Angelo Morena Cabatac
IV- Madame Marie Curie
I. Introduction
A Walk To Remember by Nicholas Sparks. He was born on December 31, 1965. He is an internationally best selling American author. He writes novels with themes that include Christianity, love, tragedy, and fate. He is currently the author of 12 published novels; including: Message in a Bottle, A Walk to Remember, and The Notebook. He lives in New Bern, North Carolina with his wife Catherine and their five children.
It is inspired by his sister’s life and courage. The story takes place in the real-life city of Beaufort, North Carolina, in 1958 and 1959. Beaufort is a small coastal port city that was established in 1722. The story is about love that conquers all. It shows how love and faith can change a person. The novel was written in 1998 and it spent almost six months for the best-seller hardcover and four months on the paperback best-seller list. When you read it, you will laugh… but then you will cry…
II. Summary, Theme, Characters
Nicholas Sparks writes about a young man and woman in 1958 on the coast in Morehead City in Beaufort, North Carolina. This is the story of their first love. Morehead City is the type of town where the kids walk around barefoot from April through October and the townspeople wave hello from their cars whether they know the person or not. Landon Carter is a seventeen-year-old high school senior whose father is a United States congressman. He and his father are strangers --- his father is on the road quite a bit of the time and he spends the majority of time being raised by his mother. His father insists that he needs to run for student body president to increase his chances of getting into a good college. His father believes that "We Carters always win" and he wants to mold Landon into a miniature version of himself.
Landon wins the election and one of his responsibilities is attending the homecoming dance. Due to the fact he has just broken up with his girlfriend, he doesn't have a date and in a panic, he pulls out his yearbook and scans the pages for someone available. He finally decides on Jamie Sullivan, a junior, who is the minister's daughter, knowing that nobody else will ask her to the dance. Jamie wears old sweaters, plaid skirts and her hair up in a bun. She carries the Bible wherever she goes and believes that whatever happens in life is according to the Lord's plan. She is obviously not your typical high school student and not someone in whom Landon or his friends would be interested.
Both Landon and Jamie star in the school Christmas play that Jamie's father has written. The play details the personal story of his life after his wife's death and his search for love and the meaning of life within his daughter. Jamie plays the angel and Landon, the lead male role. Over time, in rehearsals and occasional talks together on her front porch, Landon starts to like Jamie. As a result, he becomes a better person, helping her do good deeds and accompanying her to the orphanage. The opening night of the play, he is amazed when he first sees her walk on the stage dressed as an angel, with her hair loose and flowing down her back. She glitters onstage and he falls for her true beauty.
After many dates, Landon finally learns that Jamie had terminal leukemia and has stopped responding to treatment. Landon wants to fulfill Jamie’s wish list example by building a telescope so she can see a comet. Through this process, Landon and Jamie learn more about the nature of love. The book ends with Jamie's death, but only after the couple are married in the same chapel as was Jamie's deceased mother, the event that topped Jamie's wish list.
There are many themes that revolves around the novel and these are love conquers all, God’s plan, change, and faith.
The characters are Landon Carter, a 57 year old man who narrates the story of his seventeenth year, Jaime Sullivan, a daughter of a Baptist minister and changed the life of Landon, Hegbert, the father of Jaime who tries to discourage the couple being together, Worth Carter, Landon’s Father and a local congressman, Eric Hunter, Landon’s very supportive best friend.
III. Analysis
His writing style manages to both pull in the reader and touch their heart. An example of this would be how he introduces you to each of the characters so you get to know them in-depth. He writes with deep emotion and really knows how to express feelings in an array of situations. As you start to get into the book you learn to love the characters and feel as if they are real people by the way Sparks writes. Something I could learn from this author could be to have a more positive outlook on life and to live it to the fullest because you never know when it will end.
I believe his purpose for writing this piece was to show how opinions and special feelings for certain people can change in a short period of time. I think this because we seem to judge people before getting to know them. From reading this book it has shown me to not judge people from what they look like on the outside because they can turn out to be the complete opposite of what you imagined them as.
IV. Evaluation
The strength of the novel is its very emotional scheme. And when you it, you’ll never regret reading it. The themes are applicable to everyone.
For the novel’s weakness, there’s not much of it maybe it’s just the simplicity of the story and the events are easily predictable.
The book left an inspiration to the youth and to everyone. It gives a great idea to change a person and it shows how miracle happens.
I can relate to the story, because there are events that occurred in my own life. I am just a quite person and an anti-social one but she changed me to a more sociable person. But it turned out that she didn’t change at all. She’s still lazy and she always comes to school late. And now we broke up I hope someone will change her into a better one.
Some walk to go away and some walk to enter our lives. But either way, if we walk to remember, we will see ourselves of how we do in our own lives. We can see what great things we’ve done to change a person’s life even your time ended so soon.
Mark Tristan Angelo Morena Cabatac
IV- Madame Marie Curie
A Walk To Remember
I. Introduction
A Walk To Remember by Nicholas Sparks. He was born on December 31, 1965. He is an internationally best selling American author. He writes novels with themes that include Christianity, love, tragedy, and fate. He is currently the author of 12 published novels; including: Message in a Bottle, A Walk to Remember, and The Notebook. He lives in New Bern, North Carolina with his wife Catherine and their five children.
It is inspired by his sister’s life and courage. The story takes place in the real-life city of Beaufort, North Carolina, in 1958 and 1959. Beaufort is a small coastal port city that was established in 1722. The story is about love that conquers all. It shows how love and faith can change a person. The novel was written in 1998 and it spent almost six months for the best-seller hardcover and four months on the paperback best-seller list. When you read it, you will laugh… but then you will cry…
II. Summary, Theme, Characters
Nicholas Sparks writes about a young man and woman in 1958 on the coast in Morehead City in Beaufort, North Carolina. This is the story of their first love. Morehead City is the type of town where the kids walk around barefoot from April through October and the townspeople wave hello from their cars whether they know the person or not. Landon Carter is a seventeen-year-old high school senior whose father is a United States congressman. He and his father are strangers --- his father is on the road quite a bit of the time and he spends the majority of time being raised by his mother. His father insists that he needs to run for student body president to increase his chances of getting into a good college. His father believes that "We Carters always win" and he wants to mold Landon into a miniature version of himself.
Landon wins the election and one of his responsibilities is attending the homecoming dance. Due to the fact he has just broken up with his girlfriend, he doesn't have a date and in a panic, he pulls out his yearbook and scans the pages for someone available. He finally decides on Jamie Sullivan, a junior, who is the minister's daughter, knowing that nobody else will ask her to the dance. Jamie wears old sweaters, plaid skirts and her hair up in a bun. She carries the Bible wherever she goes and believes that whatever happens in life is according to the Lord's plan. She is obviously not your typical high school student and not someone in whom Landon or his friends would be interested.
Both Landon and Jamie star in the school Christmas play that Jamie's father has written. The play details the personal story of his life after his wife's death and his search for love and the meaning of life within his daughter. Jamie plays the angel and Landon, the lead male role. Over time, in rehearsals and occasional talks together on her front porch, Landon starts to like Jamie. As a result, he becomes a better person, helping her do good deeds and accompanying her to the orphanage. The opening night of the play, he is amazed when he first sees her walk on the stage dressed as an angel, with her hair loose and flowing down her back. She glitters onstage and he falls for her true beauty.
After many dates, Landon finally learns that Jamie had terminal leukemia and has stopped responding to treatment. Landon wants to fulfill Jamie’s wish list example by building a telescope so she can see a comet. Through this process, Landon and Jamie learn more about the nature of love. The book ends with Jamie's death, but only after the couple are married in the same chapel as was Jamie's deceased mother, the event that topped Jamie's wish list.
There are many themes that revolves around the novel and these are love conquers all, God’s plan, change, and faith.
The characters are Landon Carter, a 57 year old man who narrates the story of his seventeenth year, Jaime Sullivan, a daughter of a Baptist minister and changed the life of Landon, Hegbert, the father of Jaime who tries to discourage the couple being together, Worth Carter, Landon’s Father and a local congressman, Eric Hunter, Landon’s very supportive best friend.
III. Analysis
His writing style manages to both pull in the reader and touch their heart. An example of this would be how he introduces you to each of the characters so you get to know them in-depth. He writes with deep emotion and really knows how to express feelings in an array of situations. As you start to get into the book you learn to love the characters and feel as if they are real people by the way Sparks writes. Something I could learn from this author could be to have a more positive outlook on life and to live it to the fullest because you never know when it will end.
I believe his purpose for writing this piece was to show how opinions and special feelings for certain people can change in a short period of time. I think this because we seem to judge people before getting to know them. From reading this book it has shown me to not judge people from what they look like on the outside because they can turn out to be the complete opposite of what you imagined them as.
IV. Evaluation
The strength of the novel is its very emotional scheme. And when you it, you’ll never regret reading it. The themes are applicable to everyone.
For the novel’s weakness, there’s not much of it maybe it’s just the simplicity of the story and the events are easily predictable.
The book left an inspiration to the youth and to everyone. It gives a great idea to change a person and it shows how miracle happens.
I can relate to the story, because there are events that occurred in my own life. I am just a quite person and an anti-social one but she changed me to a more sociable person. But it turned out that she didn’t change at all. She’s still lazy and she always comes to school late. And now we broke up I hope someone will change her into a better one.
Some walk to go away and some walk to enter our lives. But either way, if we walk to remember, we will see ourselves of how we do in our own lives. We can see what great things we’ve done to change a person’s life even your time ended so soon.
Genji Monogatari Book Review by Kevin Ross Nera
GENJI MONOGATARI
THE TALE OF GENJI
Kevin Ross D. nera
Iv - curie
“The moon I love has left the sky,
And where ‘tis hid I cannot tell;
I search in vain, in vain I try
To find the spot where it may dwell.”
I. Introduction
Considered as one of the greatest classics of all time, it is deemed as Japan’s magnus opus of prose narrative. Written nearly 1000 years ago by no other than Murasaki Shikibu, this 54 chapter long romance is set within the Heian period of Japan. It is written in pure Japanese thereby serving as a testament to the rich, unique culture of Medieval Japan. Several translations of the book are published but so far Edward G. Seidensticker's work has been considered the best and even required two volumes due the length of this timeless romance. Critics and scholars worldwide label it as perhaps the earliest true novel in the history of the world. As a testament to this, the novelist Yasunari Kawabata said in his Nobel Prize acceptance speech: "The Tale of Genji in particular is the highest pinnacle of Japanese literature. Even down to our day there has not been a piece of fiction to compare with it".
Murasaki Shikibu was a Japanese novelist, poet, and a maid of honor of the imperial court during the Heian period. She is best known as the author of The Tale of Genji, written in Japanese between about 1000 and 1008, one of the earliest novels in human history.
"Murasaki Shikibu" was not her real name, which is unknown. Some scholars have postulated that her given name might have been Fujiwara Takako, recorded as a name of a lady-in-waiting ranked shōji on the 29th day of the 1st month, Kankō 4 (February 19, 1007) according to Midō Kampaku Ki, a diary written by Fujiwara no Michinaga. Her own diary, The Murasaki Shikibu Diary, states that she was nicknamed "Murasaki" ("purple wisteria blossom") at court, after a character in The Tale of Genji. "Shikibu" refers to her father's position in the Bureau of Ceremony (shikibu-shō).
It was the custom among aristocrats in those days to call a court lady by a combined appellative taken from a) her clan name and b) some court office belonging either to her or some close relative.
Lady Murasaki Shikibu was born about 973 in Kyoto, Japan. She was born in a family of minor nobility and a member of the northern branch of the Fujiwara clan.
Murasaki's mother died while she was a child, so Murasaki was raised, contrary to customs of the time, by her father Fujiwara no Tametoki, a scholar and officer of the imperial court. During Heian-era Japan, couples lived separately and children were raised by the mother and her family. Also contrary to customs of the time, her father gave her a male education. Men were taught kanji and classical Chinese literature as the requisite culture, while women were taught kana and poetry. Her father praised her intelligence and ability, but lamented that she was "born a woman". She was married in her early 20s and had one child, Daini no Sanmi, who was a poet in her own right and believed to have written the latter parts of the romance.
At the royal court, she was the lady-in-waiting for Empress Shoshi (Akiko) and may have been hired by Fujiwara no Michinaga to serve the Empress.
Murasaki died either in 1014, when records show that her father suddenly returned to Kyoto from his governor's mansion, or between 1025 and 1031, when she would have been in her mid-50s, fairly old by Heian standards.
The only other writer which could have rivaled her work during the Heian period would be Sei Shōnagon, the author of The Pillow Book, a collection of lists, gossip, poetry, observations, complaints and anything else she found of interest during her years in the court. Murasaki Shikibu wrote about Shōnagon in her diary, The Murasaki Shikibu Diary.
II. Summary of Content
The tale of Genji is roughly divided into three parts.
Genji's rise and fall
Youth, chapters 1–33: Love, romance, and exile
Success and setbacks, chapters 34–41: A taste of power and the death of his beloved wife
The transition (chapters 42–44): Very short episodes following Genji's death
Uji, chapters 45–54: Genji's official and secret descendants, Niou and Kaoru
Summary: Genji’s rise and fall
Genji, the hero of the tale, is an Emperor's son by an Intimate who has lost her father and so has no support of any kind beyond the Emperor's personal devotion to her. It is not enough. The Emperor longs to appoint Genji Heir Apparent over his firstborn, who is the son of a Consort, but he knows that the court would never stand for it. He therefore decides to remove Genji entirely from the imperial family by giving him a surname (the Japanese Emperors have none), so that he can serve the realm as a commoner and a senior government official.
Genji is married to the daughter of a particularly powerful courtier. He and his wife continue to live separately as was the custom during their time. He has no recollection of her mother but he hears that his father's future Empress (Fujitsubo) resembles her closely, and in his earliest adolescence he comes to adore her.
Due to the disparity of their age, he finds another woman. He finds Murasaki, who is Fujitsubo's niece and resembles her, is about ten when he first sees her. He brings her up personally, and when she is old enough he marries her.
In chapter 2 ("The Broom Tree") the teenage Genji listens while three young men share the secrets of their love lives. Later in the same chapter he goes exploring, and in several succeeding ones he begins more affairs. However, the narrator insists several times that Genji never forgot any woman he had once known, and the tale bears this out.
Genji possesses such wonderful traits that entice women to him. He is devastatingly handsome, charming, and eloquent combined with such wit in dealing with women. As time goes by, he increases in rank and political opposition increases against him. Being himself, he cannot resist making love to one of the daughters (Oborozukiyo) of his chief political enemy, and disaster strikes when the gentleman finds him in bed with her. Unfortunately, the girl's older sister (the Heir Apparent's mother) is not only powerful but evil tempered. In her outrage she sets out immediately to destroy Genji, and he has to retreat into self-exile.
He goes to Suma, a stretch of shore on the Inland Sea that is now within the city limits of Kobe, and since he is in disgrace he must leave Murasaki, his true love, behind. The narrative dwells at length on the poignancy of his suffering as he languishes in the wilds. Then a great storm threatens his very life. He has strange dreams of his late father and of other supernatural beings. As soon as the storm begins to subside, an eccentric and wealthy gentleman (the Akashi Novice) arrives by boat to invite him to be his guest at a place called Akashi which Genji accepts.
At Akashi, Genji comes to know the gentleman's daughter (the lady from Akashi), who is pregnant when at last he is called back to the City. He already has a son (Yugiri) by his first wife, who died some years ago, and of course there is also his secret son by Fujitsubo, the future Emperor Reizei. This new child, his last, is a girl, and in time, after Reizei's long reign, she will be the Empress. It is she who will lift Genji toward the supreme good fortune of a ranking non-imperial noble: that of being the grandfather of an Emperor.
After his triumphant return from exile, Genji becomes a man of power. Although still susceptible to the charms of certain women, he does not commit any new affairs.
Genji's only serious courtship between chapters 14 and 33 is addressed to a Princess (Asagao), with whom he clearly had some sort of relationship as a very young man which does not last long, and is a complete failure.
By chapter 33 ("New Wisteria Leaves") Genji has risen to extraordinary heights. He has built a magnificent complex of four interconnected mansions, each linked with one of the four seasons and housing a lady important to him, on land that seems to have passed to him from an extremely distinguished lover, the Rokujo Haven (Rokujo no Miyasudokoro, now deceased). This is his incomparable Rokujo ("Sixth Avenue") estate. More remarkably, the Emperor, his secret son, has appointed him Honorary Retired Emperor.
Then, in chapter 34 ("Spring Shoots I") Genji responds to an appeal from his half brother, Retired Emperor Suzaku who wants Genji to marry his favorite daughter which Genji agrees to. However, she lacks the rank that would allow her to be a wife even for an Honorary Retired Emperor.
When Murasaki becomes ill, Genji looks for her while a young man secretly makes love to Suzaku’s daughter. Genji soon finds out, and he is furious. She then bears a son named Kaoru and soon thereafter the lover dies of guilt and shame.
Murasaki dies two or three years later, in her early forties. Genji, then in his early fifties, survives her as a mere shell of his former self. It appears that after the reader sees him for the last time, he leaves the world, retires to a temple, and dies within a year or two.
III. Analysis of Text
Based from the translation of Kencho Suematsu, I would say that the writer’s style is more of realistic than anything. It is a mixture of the rich Japanese culture, the predominant Heian Court lifestyle and a revelation of society’s actions during their period. The focus on Genji, rather, on his innumerable love affairs, implies the state of discrimination between women and men at that time. The numerous mentions of concubines also serve as a testament to this. However, this sense of realism stems from the fact that the plot is not the mutual focus of this tale. It actually develops rather slowly because the focus lies on the individual character’s development and their emotions. This leads to a great development of all the dramatis personae. The realism also occurs as the events occur with such consistency especially with regards to character development despite the multitude o f characters. It almost seems as though it were a multiple biography. Genji’s love affairs, may also be described as a man’s weakness in finding the closest resemblance to one’s true love albeit, causing harm to others. This particular style of writing is elevated to greater heights due the fact that the writer is a woman. This is because this style and writing prowess is not attributed to women of their time because of the cultural aspects that are being taught to the different genders. Her raising by her father, seems to account for her foundations, which in turn is richly developed as she progresses in age and experience. However, I find her writing style as not being simple at all. Yes, it is extremely detailed but the length of the chapters and the text itself is probably due to the fact that some of the descriptions are rather superfluous as was stated by the emissions of some parts of the text by the translator.
I find that the style of writing is interesting as it goes deep within the emotional recesses of the characters as each unfolds their own share of experience and the amount of variety just goes to show the amount of creativity and the vast well of inspiration that the author draws from. I personally find Genji’s eloquence in dealing with all sorts of women as humorous and true to life that such sweet-talkers really do exist. The women of this tale also reflect the different types of character which can be found in them even up to this date.
The Heian culture is also well expressed due to the amount of poetry found within the regular conversations in order to convey their emotions. These poems include within them a great deal of the Japanese culture and without the footnotes, a normal reader unknowledgable of the culture would definitely be missing out on a lot of its essence. These four line poems, called Waka, earned it a place in the study of poetry.
In addition to this, the text contains a vast amount of allusions which are, thankfully, pointed out. Save from these points, it also contains a great deal of information regarding prior literature, mythological and fictional characters, Religion, Japanese beliefs and customs as well as other literary devices. It is by all means, a masterful classic written in pure Japanese language which proves the amount of talent that the writer has.
IV. Evaluation of the Text
The book, being written in pure Japanese, poses a great difficulty in translating. As such, when I have read it, it is evident that the structure of the sentences is different from the literature that I am familiar with. I also found great difficulty keeping track of all the characters as they are not in possession of their real names. The usage of titles, which was common among the aristocracy of their time, had been out of my palate due to the length and unfamiliarity of such terminologies to me. Aside from this, the descriptions which are truly vivid and depict real life also seem excessive in some parts which could tire out the impatient reader. In here, I am speaking for myself. It also contained some words which I did readily know the meaning. Some of which I understood through the use of context while others I just left out.
However, the main thing I liked about this text is the fact that it is a narration of experience. It is very easy to relate to and one can just put himself in the situation of the character. It’s apparent realism reflects the strengths and weaknesses of the human being. It is a great love story made complicated by the numerous affairs which Genji had wrought upon himself. What also interested me is the Chapter in which Genji supposedly dies. It is only a title Chapter with nothing as its content. Such ingenuity stimulates my mind although it also poses a few questions to me.
Was it really the way that the author had ended the story to end? Is it a reflection of the author’s life experiences? I am well aware that the author is greatly represented by one of the characterers, lady Violet. The usage of such a device to represent one’s self and personal experiences in one’s work is truly brilliant and served as a basis for works that came thereafter. The best thing about this work is the fact that it was written in the 10th to 11th century yet it remains as something one could relate to even if I live in the 21st century. The disparity of 1000 years or so is made negligible by the author’s writing prowess and the amount of human nature as is implied in the whole text.
The book has left out a little background on some of the characters as some just appear suddenly and become vital to the plot. The first chapter is a vivid description of the history and origins of Genji and I guess this had set the standards for the other characters as well.
The latter part of the text also becomes a subject of much debate as to the authorship as the inconsistencies also become more apparent as compared with the earlier parts. It is highly believed that the authorship passed down from Mother to daughter. However, this remains as a debatable notion subject for further discussions.
I have read only a very few books in my life which included the novels of Warcraft, the novels of Rizal, Greek Mythology and Bob Ong’s works. Therefore, I am no literary expert and usually take more time to realize and appreciate reading such works. However, I would say that The Tale of Genji interested me because I thought it was similar to Samurai X or some other Japanese Meiji Era war period text. Instead, I found myself with such a rich historical romance which in no way disappointed me.
THE TALE OF GENJI
Kevin Ross D. nera
Iv - curie
“The moon I love has left the sky,
And where ‘tis hid I cannot tell;
I search in vain, in vain I try
To find the spot where it may dwell.”
I. Introduction
Considered as one of the greatest classics of all time, it is deemed as Japan’s magnus opus of prose narrative. Written nearly 1000 years ago by no other than Murasaki Shikibu, this 54 chapter long romance is set within the Heian period of Japan. It is written in pure Japanese thereby serving as a testament to the rich, unique culture of Medieval Japan. Several translations of the book are published but so far Edward G. Seidensticker's work has been considered the best and even required two volumes due the length of this timeless romance. Critics and scholars worldwide label it as perhaps the earliest true novel in the history of the world. As a testament to this, the novelist Yasunari Kawabata said in his Nobel Prize acceptance speech: "The Tale of Genji in particular is the highest pinnacle of Japanese literature. Even down to our day there has not been a piece of fiction to compare with it".
Murasaki Shikibu was a Japanese novelist, poet, and a maid of honor of the imperial court during the Heian period. She is best known as the author of The Tale of Genji, written in Japanese between about 1000 and 1008, one of the earliest novels in human history.
"Murasaki Shikibu" was not her real name, which is unknown. Some scholars have postulated that her given name might have been Fujiwara Takako, recorded as a name of a lady-in-waiting ranked shōji on the 29th day of the 1st month, Kankō 4 (February 19, 1007) according to Midō Kampaku Ki, a diary written by Fujiwara no Michinaga. Her own diary, The Murasaki Shikibu Diary, states that she was nicknamed "Murasaki" ("purple wisteria blossom") at court, after a character in The Tale of Genji. "Shikibu" refers to her father's position in the Bureau of Ceremony (shikibu-shō).
It was the custom among aristocrats in those days to call a court lady by a combined appellative taken from a) her clan name and b) some court office belonging either to her or some close relative.
Lady Murasaki Shikibu was born about 973 in Kyoto, Japan. She was born in a family of minor nobility and a member of the northern branch of the Fujiwara clan.
Murasaki's mother died while she was a child, so Murasaki was raised, contrary to customs of the time, by her father Fujiwara no Tametoki, a scholar and officer of the imperial court. During Heian-era Japan, couples lived separately and children were raised by the mother and her family. Also contrary to customs of the time, her father gave her a male education. Men were taught kanji and classical Chinese literature as the requisite culture, while women were taught kana and poetry. Her father praised her intelligence and ability, but lamented that she was "born a woman". She was married in her early 20s and had one child, Daini no Sanmi, who was a poet in her own right and believed to have written the latter parts of the romance.
At the royal court, she was the lady-in-waiting for Empress Shoshi (Akiko) and may have been hired by Fujiwara no Michinaga to serve the Empress.
Murasaki died either in 1014, when records show that her father suddenly returned to Kyoto from his governor's mansion, or between 1025 and 1031, when she would have been in her mid-50s, fairly old by Heian standards.
The only other writer which could have rivaled her work during the Heian period would be Sei Shōnagon, the author of The Pillow Book, a collection of lists, gossip, poetry, observations, complaints and anything else she found of interest during her years in the court. Murasaki Shikibu wrote about Shōnagon in her diary, The Murasaki Shikibu Diary.
II. Summary of Content
The tale of Genji is roughly divided into three parts.
Genji's rise and fall
Youth, chapters 1–33: Love, romance, and exile
Success and setbacks, chapters 34–41: A taste of power and the death of his beloved wife
The transition (chapters 42–44): Very short episodes following Genji's death
Uji, chapters 45–54: Genji's official and secret descendants, Niou and Kaoru
Summary: Genji’s rise and fall
Genji, the hero of the tale, is an Emperor's son by an Intimate who has lost her father and so has no support of any kind beyond the Emperor's personal devotion to her. It is not enough. The Emperor longs to appoint Genji Heir Apparent over his firstborn, who is the son of a Consort, but he knows that the court would never stand for it. He therefore decides to remove Genji entirely from the imperial family by giving him a surname (the Japanese Emperors have none), so that he can serve the realm as a commoner and a senior government official.
Genji is married to the daughter of a particularly powerful courtier. He and his wife continue to live separately as was the custom during their time. He has no recollection of her mother but he hears that his father's future Empress (Fujitsubo) resembles her closely, and in his earliest adolescence he comes to adore her.
Due to the disparity of their age, he finds another woman. He finds Murasaki, who is Fujitsubo's niece and resembles her, is about ten when he first sees her. He brings her up personally, and when she is old enough he marries her.
In chapter 2 ("The Broom Tree") the teenage Genji listens while three young men share the secrets of their love lives. Later in the same chapter he goes exploring, and in several succeeding ones he begins more affairs. However, the narrator insists several times that Genji never forgot any woman he had once known, and the tale bears this out.
Genji possesses such wonderful traits that entice women to him. He is devastatingly handsome, charming, and eloquent combined with such wit in dealing with women. As time goes by, he increases in rank and political opposition increases against him. Being himself, he cannot resist making love to one of the daughters (Oborozukiyo) of his chief political enemy, and disaster strikes when the gentleman finds him in bed with her. Unfortunately, the girl's older sister (the Heir Apparent's mother) is not only powerful but evil tempered. In her outrage she sets out immediately to destroy Genji, and he has to retreat into self-exile.
He goes to Suma, a stretch of shore on the Inland Sea that is now within the city limits of Kobe, and since he is in disgrace he must leave Murasaki, his true love, behind. The narrative dwells at length on the poignancy of his suffering as he languishes in the wilds. Then a great storm threatens his very life. He has strange dreams of his late father and of other supernatural beings. As soon as the storm begins to subside, an eccentric and wealthy gentleman (the Akashi Novice) arrives by boat to invite him to be his guest at a place called Akashi which Genji accepts.
At Akashi, Genji comes to know the gentleman's daughter (the lady from Akashi), who is pregnant when at last he is called back to the City. He already has a son (Yugiri) by his first wife, who died some years ago, and of course there is also his secret son by Fujitsubo, the future Emperor Reizei. This new child, his last, is a girl, and in time, after Reizei's long reign, she will be the Empress. It is she who will lift Genji toward the supreme good fortune of a ranking non-imperial noble: that of being the grandfather of an Emperor.
After his triumphant return from exile, Genji becomes a man of power. Although still susceptible to the charms of certain women, he does not commit any new affairs.
Genji's only serious courtship between chapters 14 and 33 is addressed to a Princess (Asagao), with whom he clearly had some sort of relationship as a very young man which does not last long, and is a complete failure.
By chapter 33 ("New Wisteria Leaves") Genji has risen to extraordinary heights. He has built a magnificent complex of four interconnected mansions, each linked with one of the four seasons and housing a lady important to him, on land that seems to have passed to him from an extremely distinguished lover, the Rokujo Haven (Rokujo no Miyasudokoro, now deceased). This is his incomparable Rokujo ("Sixth Avenue") estate. More remarkably, the Emperor, his secret son, has appointed him Honorary Retired Emperor.
Then, in chapter 34 ("Spring Shoots I") Genji responds to an appeal from his half brother, Retired Emperor Suzaku who wants Genji to marry his favorite daughter which Genji agrees to. However, she lacks the rank that would allow her to be a wife even for an Honorary Retired Emperor.
When Murasaki becomes ill, Genji looks for her while a young man secretly makes love to Suzaku’s daughter. Genji soon finds out, and he is furious. She then bears a son named Kaoru and soon thereafter the lover dies of guilt and shame.
Murasaki dies two or three years later, in her early forties. Genji, then in his early fifties, survives her as a mere shell of his former self. It appears that after the reader sees him for the last time, he leaves the world, retires to a temple, and dies within a year or two.
III. Analysis of Text
Based from the translation of Kencho Suematsu, I would say that the writer’s style is more of realistic than anything. It is a mixture of the rich Japanese culture, the predominant Heian Court lifestyle and a revelation of society’s actions during their period. The focus on Genji, rather, on his innumerable love affairs, implies the state of discrimination between women and men at that time. The numerous mentions of concubines also serve as a testament to this. However, this sense of realism stems from the fact that the plot is not the mutual focus of this tale. It actually develops rather slowly because the focus lies on the individual character’s development and their emotions. This leads to a great development of all the dramatis personae. The realism also occurs as the events occur with such consistency especially with regards to character development despite the multitude o f characters. It almost seems as though it were a multiple biography. Genji’s love affairs, may also be described as a man’s weakness in finding the closest resemblance to one’s true love albeit, causing harm to others. This particular style of writing is elevated to greater heights due the fact that the writer is a woman. This is because this style and writing prowess is not attributed to women of their time because of the cultural aspects that are being taught to the different genders. Her raising by her father, seems to account for her foundations, which in turn is richly developed as she progresses in age and experience. However, I find her writing style as not being simple at all. Yes, it is extremely detailed but the length of the chapters and the text itself is probably due to the fact that some of the descriptions are rather superfluous as was stated by the emissions of some parts of the text by the translator.
I find that the style of writing is interesting as it goes deep within the emotional recesses of the characters as each unfolds their own share of experience and the amount of variety just goes to show the amount of creativity and the vast well of inspiration that the author draws from. I personally find Genji’s eloquence in dealing with all sorts of women as humorous and true to life that such sweet-talkers really do exist. The women of this tale also reflect the different types of character which can be found in them even up to this date.
The Heian culture is also well expressed due to the amount of poetry found within the regular conversations in order to convey their emotions. These poems include within them a great deal of the Japanese culture and without the footnotes, a normal reader unknowledgable of the culture would definitely be missing out on a lot of its essence. These four line poems, called Waka, earned it a place in the study of poetry.
In addition to this, the text contains a vast amount of allusions which are, thankfully, pointed out. Save from these points, it also contains a great deal of information regarding prior literature, mythological and fictional characters, Religion, Japanese beliefs and customs as well as other literary devices. It is by all means, a masterful classic written in pure Japanese language which proves the amount of talent that the writer has.
IV. Evaluation of the Text
The book, being written in pure Japanese, poses a great difficulty in translating. As such, when I have read it, it is evident that the structure of the sentences is different from the literature that I am familiar with. I also found great difficulty keeping track of all the characters as they are not in possession of their real names. The usage of titles, which was common among the aristocracy of their time, had been out of my palate due to the length and unfamiliarity of such terminologies to me. Aside from this, the descriptions which are truly vivid and depict real life also seem excessive in some parts which could tire out the impatient reader. In here, I am speaking for myself. It also contained some words which I did readily know the meaning. Some of which I understood through the use of context while others I just left out.
However, the main thing I liked about this text is the fact that it is a narration of experience. It is very easy to relate to and one can just put himself in the situation of the character. It’s apparent realism reflects the strengths and weaknesses of the human being. It is a great love story made complicated by the numerous affairs which Genji had wrought upon himself. What also interested me is the Chapter in which Genji supposedly dies. It is only a title Chapter with nothing as its content. Such ingenuity stimulates my mind although it also poses a few questions to me.
Was it really the way that the author had ended the story to end? Is it a reflection of the author’s life experiences? I am well aware that the author is greatly represented by one of the characterers, lady Violet. The usage of such a device to represent one’s self and personal experiences in one’s work is truly brilliant and served as a basis for works that came thereafter. The best thing about this work is the fact that it was written in the 10th to 11th century yet it remains as something one could relate to even if I live in the 21st century. The disparity of 1000 years or so is made negligible by the author’s writing prowess and the amount of human nature as is implied in the whole text.
The book has left out a little background on some of the characters as some just appear suddenly and become vital to the plot. The first chapter is a vivid description of the history and origins of Genji and I guess this had set the standards for the other characters as well.
The latter part of the text also becomes a subject of much debate as to the authorship as the inconsistencies also become more apparent as compared with the earlier parts. It is highly believed that the authorship passed down from Mother to daughter. However, this remains as a debatable notion subject for further discussions.
I have read only a very few books in my life which included the novels of Warcraft, the novels of Rizal, Greek Mythology and Bob Ong’s works. Therefore, I am no literary expert and usually take more time to realize and appreciate reading such works. However, I would say that The Tale of Genji interested me because I thought it was similar to Samurai X or some other Japanese Meiji Era war period text. Instead, I found myself with such a rich historical romance which in no way disappointed me.
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