Ну, закончатся же когда-нибудь экзамены и
курсовые, какими бы бесконечными они ни казались! Наступят (я верю!)
дооолгожданные каникулы и dolce
far
niente – еще
слаще с увлекательной книжкой. Предлагаю краткий обзор недавно прочитанного,
выбирайте!
Начало романа Нацуо Кирино “Нежные щечки” озадачивает.
В стиле криминальной хроники читателю сообщается об исчезновении пятилетней
девочки из дачного поселка на Хоккайдо. Поисковая экспедиция не принесла результатов.
Ребенок словно растворился в пространстве. Читатель недоумевает, потому что
нарушена схема триллера: а как же саспенс, предощущение трагедии?
Смятение, однако, быстро улетучивается, как
только начинается рассказ. Мы вместе с автором словно листаем страницы назад:
за несколько месяцев, лет, часов до трагедии. Знакомство же с героями
разворачивается как их процесс самопознания, в который ты невольно втянут. Затягивают и ситуации. Как мать в плену своих
страстей мысленно выбирает между любовником и не семьей даже, а детьми! Что
чувствует смертельно больной, который знает, что его дни сочтены?
Нацуо Кирино пишет в жанре психологического
триллера, и здесь вновь, как и в “Гротеске”, доля самоанализа перевешивает событийность.
Тем не менее, книгу трудно выпустить из рук, интрига сохраняется вплоть до
финала, хотя он и несколько размыт.
Вторую книгу, о которой я хочу рассказать,
прочла на английском – “The
Sea
House” by Esther Freud. So, I switch into English. You don’t mind, do you?
What's it about? How in pursuit of our goal we sometimes lose something more
valuable and realize that we’ve been haunting a ghost. Do we really need what
we are striving for?
The
narration unfolds in alternate chapters, set in the same locality in two temporal
periods. A Suffolk village is the place where Max, a deaf painter, comes to
make a painting of Marsh End in 1953, and Lily to make her research, in 2000. Yet,
not only Steerborough serves as a plot connection. There’s also Lehmann, the
architect, whose letters Lily studies, and whose wife Elsa becomes for Max the
purport of life. And plenty of minor things, like children as an indicator of the
psychological state of the main characters or similar phases in their personal
life.
The
themes outlined in the story are numerous (art, houses, architecture, the sea
and its tides), as well as layers. Among the latter the most appealing are epistolary
fragments reminding how precious this heart to heart communication on paper may
be. Still, no elaborate structure can compensate for the lack of profoundness. That
is the main reason why I was not much impressed by the book. In my opinion, Esther
Freud cannot compete with her renowned compatriots Jane Austen or Iris Murdoch.
Though some passages make a lovely reading!
А напоследок советую роман Дидье ван
Ковеларта “Принцип Полины” – легкую, романтичную, пусть и непритязательную, историю в
элегантном французском исполнении.
Выбор за вами. А что скачать на e-reader мне?
О других романах Кирино Нацуо:
Хочу поделиться впечатлениями от рассказа Хэмингуэя "Старик и море". Должен сказать, что меня поразил характер главного героя, мало людей с таким упорством и такой стойкостью, желания добиться своего. Вспомнить хотя бы даже сцену, когда старик боролся на руках с негром в таверне. Они сидели целые сутки, и никто не хотел сдаваться, но в конце концов старик победил. Сутки, не сводя глаз с противника! Я впечатлен. Более того, хотя старик и говорит, что не верит в Бога, тем не менее он читает молитвы в море, прося Его о помощи...даже свою неудачу герой принимает с чисто христианским смирением..."Старик и море" - сильный рассказ о сильном человеке!
ОтветитьУдалитьЧитать о впечатлениях от книг куда интереснее, чем семестровые работы! Спасибо за паузу))
УдалитьВыразить не могу, как я рада! Хемингуэевский слог проникает не в каждую душу. Оставьте себе напоминалку: взять в лагерь “Прощай, оружие!” и прочитать пост в этом блоге ” A Tribute to Hemingway” (might be a challenge!)
Знаете, я вам ужасно завидую! Вы впервые открываете потрясающие книги. Можно, конечно, пуститься заново в путешествие с Джимом на Эспаньоле или перечитать байроновского Каина вслед за библейским. Но первый раз ни с чем не сравнить!!!
And now back to your works:)
Dear Irina - It would not be exaggerated to say that no female authors surpass Jane Austen to me. As to my recent book Dear Life by Alice Munro, the first story of the book “Reaching Japan” was not my cup of tea because I am not on the side of the protagonist Greta who looks dependent (to me) . I haven’t read Iris Murdoch, but the name rang a bell. I remembered “You taught me how to love you. Now teach me to forget.”
ОтветитьУдалитьI haven’t emailed you for long, as my computer time is limited but I think I was constantly in touch with you by visiting each other’s blog. I always enjoy reading your comments…, about the moon you saw from time to time or the nostalgia like dandelions to you, milk vetches to me. You must be busy at the university, but as long as you are healthy, being busy is not bad at all. The same to me; I’m happily busy keeping house and tending grandchildren. Being in the same time zone, I wonder what you're doing now. After I finish writing this, I'll have a bath. Have happy days ahead.
Yoko
Dear Yoko,
УдалитьWhat I was doing yesterday? Checking students’ works for today’s exam. So busy that couldn’t respond at once.
Regarding Jane Austen, I’d agree, she is on top of female British authors list. Sharing this position with Virginia Woolf and Iris Murdoch! The trio can outshine legions of contemporary writers. If you ever feel like trying Murdoch, I’d be delighted to hear your impressions. I published a post on her birthday, entitled Макушка лета.
As to Alice Munro, I feel the same – not my author!
Say hello to deer from me, will you?
And please take care!
Irina
Хотелось бы поделиться своими впечатлениями о книге «Приключения Робинзона Крузо», написанной замечательным автором, Даниэлям Дефо.
ОтветитьУдалитьНе буду скрывать, что историю эту я слышал десятки раз, смотрел фильм, снятый по этой книге, и, в целом, имел представление о сюжете. Поначалу, я сомневался, а стоит ли читать, если уже все равно я достаточно осведомлен и, в принципе, этой информации вполне достаточно.
Но, когда я начал ее читать, я осознал, что сомнения были напрасны и что книга-это великий инструмент, потому что я не только пережил эмоции, которые испытывал главный герой, но еще смог себе представить картину намного красочнее, чем можно увидеть в фильме. К тому же, мне было очень интересно наблюдать, как человек приспосабливается к диким условиям, как у главного героя рождаются различные идеи о том как выжить, как создать для себя более удобные условия жизни на этом диком острове где нет ни души.
Очень рекомендую эту книгу всем детям и тем взрослым кто еще не читал этот шедевр!
I equally fully agree with you, Irina Aleksandrovna, the most splendid thing about The Sea House is the letters, written by Klaus Lehmann to his wife Elsa. I couldn't help smiling and admiring them when reading the epistolary fragments. From time to time I even envied Elsa that she could receive such tender and full-of-love letters. I envied Lily as well, because she could see the handwriting, you know swirls make all the difference
ОтветитьУдалитьBesides, I wish I could produce something that could compare with Lehnman's letters, or at least imitate his manner and style of writing. I guess there is hardly a single lady in the world who will stay indifferent to such a method of expressing love
P. S. Some days ago I occasionally came across the webpage referring the topic of love letters, can you guess the title of the book which occurred to me at once?
Here is the link to the page http://indy100.independent.co.uk/article/the-10-greatest-love-letters-of-all-time--x1sKxgmB3g
The Sea House impressed me as well. The plot is very interesting and catching. But, to be frank, when reading the beginning of the book it seemed to me complicated enough due to two different periods described in turns. This book is filled with art and love. The character which I like the most is Max. Without doubt it was really hard time for him and his family. The war and genocide of Jews made him leave his town and suffer a lot. Nevertheless he coped with all the problems well. There also was Gertrude who took care of Max. She was a very kind and wise woman. You see after meeting Elsa Max’s live turned upside down. The author keeps the intrigue from up to the end. As for other characters, Lehman was Elsa’s husband who sent her amazing letters. Unfortunately he died after he had helped Elsa during flood. Lily always hesitated in her feelings to Nick. From time to time she fled herself in order to understand what she wanted indeed. She had affair with robust man, Grea. But in the long run Lily stayed with Nick.
ОтветитьУдалитьThank you, gentlemen! Your comments helped to survive yesterday. The process of checking exam papers turned too long!
ОтветитьУдалитьTo Rasul: You have to be a good reader to notice Gertrude. Not a protagonist, with her own drama, she plays a special part in the story. As for Max, it seems that the suffering he has gone through made him that vulnerable.
To Anton: I don’t think you should imitate anyone’s manner or style of writing. I’m sure you will find your own words to express what you feel when you find your Elsa. Thanks for the link, enjoyable reading!
To Egor: You made me happy with your discovery of Robinson Crusoe. Did you love it? Which episodes did you read with bated breath? Making a boat? Footprints on the sand? BTW, I‘ve just used Shakespeare’s phrase! Accidentally))
My latest discovery was "Room" by Emma Donoghue, a story about a five-year old boy called Jack who's lived in a single locked room with his Ma since he was born. The book tells of their life in the Room, the daring escape from their captor, and the life after that, which proved to be even more difficult and challenging. I first watched the heart-breaking Oscar-nominated movie adaptation, shed tonnes of tears and for some reason decided to risk more heartacke and read the book as well. The movie is rather close to the book, but if the film is mostly focused on the mother, the whole story in the book is told by Jack, making it even more indearing and moving. Although there are some really awful things that happen in the book, on the whole it is surprisingly "fell-good" and full of light. Discovering the world with Jack will certainly make you appriciate what you have and look at your life differently. Check this out: "In the world I notice persons are nearly always stressed and have no time. [...] In Room me and Ma had time for everything. I guess the time gets spread very thin like butter over all the world, the roads and houses and playgrounds and stores, so there's only a a little smear of time on each place, then everyone has to hurry on to the next bit."
ОтветитьУдалитьThanks for the tip, Hellenka, will try to search in fb2 format. Though I am not sure that shedding tears is right for holidays. Is it well-written? You know how indispensable it is for a philologist!
УдалитьWell, I guess so - the book was shortlisted for several prizes) The narration is so dynamic you can't put it down. Shedding tears aside, I can't imagine anyone staying indifferent to this story)
УдалитьВ свою очередь готова порекомендовать автора,вопреки предвзятому мнению,интересного не только женской аудитории.Не случайно ведь Хичкок на основе ее книг создал два знаменитых фильма.Дафна Дю Морье.Писательница,которая исследует зыбкость границы между добром и злом и делает это в увлекательных декорациях готики,детектива,триллера,отчасти - розового романа.Писательница,которая настойчиво приглашает читателя к самопознанию.
ОтветитьУдалитьСпасибо автору и читателям блога за рекомендации и размышления,которые не только указывают путь к новому,но и позволяют по-другому взглянуть на уже прочитанное!
ОтветитьУдалить“The Sea House” is the book about two love stories in one village Steerborough but in different times. It is about love, art, architecture and memory.
ОтветитьУдалитьThe first story begins in 1953 with Max. He is German refugee and his aim is to keep a promise to his sister who died due to illness.
Another story is about Lily. She is an architecture student who rents a Fern Cottage in Steerborough. One of the most important things are letters. They were written by Klausr Lehmann - another German who fled the horrors of Nazi Germany. Lily through Lehmann’s letters confront parallels in her own life. In this book we discovered that Max was fell in love with Lehmann’s wife Elsa. While Lily was trying to sort out my relationship with Nick and trying make Steerborough her home because she considered herself a part of this place.
Another important thing of these two stories is sea. The author depicted the sea as a living being that showed the feelings and emotions of the characters.
In the end of these stories we can see that Max left the village and never returned when Lily improved her relationship with the boyfriend and stayed to live in Steerborough. All characters started living with a clean slate.
In "The Sea House", Esther Freud creates a rich narrative that explores the themes of memory, loss and the inexorable passage of time, all against a background of fascinatingly beautiful coastal landscapes. Comparing the fleeting past with the harshness of the present encourages readers to think about the complexities of family ties and the legacy that we inherit. As we traverse the shifting sands of the past and present, Freud artfully interweaves the lives of his characters, revealing their innermost vulnerabilities and desires. The rising water provokes the climax of both stories, and both Max and Lily's novels end sadly, although the author gives one of his main characters a timid second chance at love.
ОтветитьУдалитьThe most memorable character of this whole "storm" is Gertrude Gilks, who, having gone through a rather difficult path, takes Max into her house, cares for Alpha, who fell silent after the loss of his father, and also helps the villagers after the storm, and even at the end of the book cares about Elsa and does not forget to inform Max about their lives. Elsa raises many questions about her loyalty and love, since she is a married woman, but shares a bed with another man. Even through Klaus Lehmann's letters, you can see his trembling love for Elsa, but Elsa herself is a little silent next to him and treats him with a chill. Even Lily and Nick make you think about their relationship. Both are hesitant to admit, although it could have been done much earlier. But it's hard to understand why Lily tolerates Nick, her London boyfriend, who is obsessed with work. He is a selfish citizen, a slave to his mobile phone, a stupid wearer of white cream-colored trousers. He can't even write a good letter.
When starting to read a book, you can get confused in the narrative and the time interval, because the author does not present any prefaces. And in order to understand the intertwining of stories, you have to additionally read articles. Moreover, the plot develops slowly and fluidly, like water, there are too many descriptions of houses and local landscapes, which suggests the idea of closing plot holes. Perhaps these are psychological tricks of the author, but for me, after reading half of the book, it becomes boring to read about the same landscapes, bed scenes and the fact that the characters cannot figure out their relationships with each other because they beat around the bush.
Ultimately, "House by the Sea" is an amateur book, as they say - "there are no comrades for taste and color." However, you may be attracted by epistolary episodes in order to be filled with love, or rather to feel passionate, tender love, which can be envied.
It's well-known that tales of everyday people resonate with readers far more than others. "The Sea House" is one such narrative. It has the power to move, even with its flaws.
ОтветитьУдалитьFor a while, I struggled to grasp the unfolding events and the link between Max and Lily's stories. Just as my interest began to grow, the book came to an end.
On one hand, the distinct time periods of Max and Lily's narratives add a certain allure to the story; on the other hand, they complicate the overall understanding of the plot.
Nonetheless, I appreciated the book for its character relationships. The connection between Max and Elsa is particularly poignant, especially for those who have found themselves in Max's situation—realizing that their partner didn't share even a fraction of their feelings.
As for Lily and Nick’s storyline, I believe it's the most captivating aspect of the book. We witness their development throughout the narrative, evolving from emotional distance to a fulfilling conclusion. Each character's tragedy is palpable, and you can't help but empathize with them in different ways.
In conclusion, I believe this book is worth reading, despite its occasional superficiality.
In "The Sea House," British novelist Esther Freud masterfully intertwines two love stories that unfold in the picturesque seaside village of Steerborough, separated by half a century.
ОтветитьУдалитьAt its core, "The Sea House" presents a beautiful mosaic of a small village, illustrating how its landscape profoundly impacts individuals across different generations. The dual narratives are interconnected through themes of love, art, architecture, and memory.
The sea emerging as a central motif—representing escape, power, rebirth and even tragedy. The sea is depicted as a living entity with its own moods and characteristics, serving as a silent witness to the unfolding love stories. Freud’s evocative descriptions of the water element provide profound psychological insights into human nature, reflecting the characters' emotions and inner turmoil against the backdrop of the ever-present sea.
The narrative begins in 1953 with Max, a German refugee grappling with his sense of purpose after the loss of his sister. Fast forward fifty years, and we meet Lily, an architecture student who rents a cottage in Steerborough to delve into the life and work of Klaus Lehmann—another German who fled the horrors of Nazi Germany. As the narratives unfold in a neatly parallel fashion, we discover that Max once fell in love with Klaus's wife, Elsa. Meanwhile, Lily navigates her tumultuous relationship with Nick, her ambitious boyfriend, as she contemplates making Steerborough her permanent home. Lily's journey of discovery through Klaus's letters allows her to confront parallels in her own life, enriching the narrative's emotional resonance.
The rising tides serve as a powerful metaphor for the climax of both stories, leading to bittersweet endings.
"The Sea House" Эсфир Фрейд — это глубокий и трогательный роман, который исследует темы памяти, утраты и поиска идентичности. В центре сюжета находится дом у моря, который становится символом как физического, так и эмоционального пространства для героев.
ОтветитьУдалитьСтиль Фрейд изысканный и поэтичный, она мастерски создает атмосферу, погружая читателя в мир своей истории. Описание природы и моря наполняет текст живыми образами, позволяя читателю почувствовать связь с окружающим миром. Персонажи многослойные и реалистичные, их внутренние конфликты и переживания вызывают сочувствие и понимание.
Книга затрагивает важные вопросы о семье, наследии и том, как прошлое формирует наше настоящее. Фрейд умело переплетает линии времени, позволяя читателю увидеть, как события из прошлого влияют на жизнь героев в настоящем. Это создает ощущение глубокой эмоциональной связи с персонажами и их историями.
В целом, "The Sea House" — это не просто история, а размышление о жизни, любви и утрате, которое оставляет после себя сильное впечатление и заставляет задуматься о собственных воспоминаниях и связях с местами, которые мы называем домом.
At the beginning of reading the book, it was really hard for me because of the huge number of descriptions of landscapes, houses, and every small action. I thought it was strange to describe even the smell of any thing. Probably this is due to reading in English, because it's banal not knowing so many adjectives and other words, I constantly had to turn to the dictionary, but then I got involved, getting to know the characters better and better. The reader understands some characters even without a direct description of his character, but catches his character between the lines. And the huge description has now become a real source for imagining the picture in your head, completely immersing you in the story. The plot of the story is very realistic, not every love, even the most beautiful and passionate one, does not always end in a happy ending. But, unfortunately, I could not understand all the feelings and reasons for some of the actions of the main characters of the story. For me, cheating is the scariest thing that can happen in human relationships. And just the realization that the hero you liked so much in the beginning was cheating on such a wonderful husband as Klaus Lehman. As I believe, she simply succumbed to a momentary weakness and destroyed the dreams not only of Max, but also of herself, while her husband, who sincerely loved, cherished and adored her, sent her letters, constantly thought and cared about her, I just feel humanly sorry for him, I would not wish this to anyone.
ОтветитьУдалитьIt's the same with Lily, I think no matter how bad a person is, you shouldn't lie to him, much less cheat on him. It's better to just break off a relationship with him, and then easily build your personal life. Anyway, in the end, she stayed with Nick, and how will she live with the understanding that most likely her heart belongs to Gray, not Nick. And if Nick finds out? In fact, this is an advantage of the book, life is not perfect and even positive characters can make mistakes and not understand their feelings. The end of the story really struck me, I expected that Grae and Lily would stay together, and Elsa, in turn, would stay with Max, although maybe this would be too banal a coincidence
The Sea House has a subtle depth to it that is not readily apparent in the first several pages. I was slowly but surely drawn into the story. The characters are well developed and there are unexpected and interesting plots twists throughout. Freud devotes considerable attention to the geography and weather conditions of Steerborough, which gives the reader a good sense of life in the quiet, seaside village. I recommend the novel as a compelling story about love and relationships, art and landscapes.
When we judge heroes as if they were next door neighbours, (dis)approve of their actions, say "How could she have done that?", it means the author did a good job. Thank you, Dari, for verbalizing your impressions with thought and detail. It is interesting to see how your attitude changed in the course of reading. If you look for a book that provokes thoughts and feelings, you know who to ask:)
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