Elle & Lui (2015)

 

Author: Marc Levy

This may be only the third French book I've read from cover to cover, but I've already noticed some similarities that modern Francophonic authors share. The ease and directness of the story are what makes these novels stand out from the rest of the pack, and accordingly, win the hearts of numerous book lovers. The author doesn't go too deep into the complexities of the characters and their emotions, yet he gives the readers enough to feel what the protogonists feel and to try to guess what their next moves might be. Likewise, the book is easy to read, and structured in a way (many short sub-chapters) that keeps you going and reading further. It's difficult to say, however, if the above-mentioned features are a good thing, especially if you're a fastidious reader and prefer classics.

Kafka on the Shore (2002)

Author: Haruki Murakami

Usually, this place is reserved for expressing one's opinion on the particular book, but I would like to devote this review to Murakami himself, the magnificent writer that he truly is.

Some experts say Marukami ir a genius, but I believe he is a virtuoso, a literary wizard because no other writer ever has written a single story that speaks to me as much as all the Murakami's books I've read do. So far, I've become acquainted to (just) 4 of his novels, and each of them has influenced me in some way. It seems like each of these 4 books has been written to me personally. As if the author was familiar with my problems, struggles, goals, and knew I would read those stories some day when he wrote them. Not only are these novels engaging and a great amusement, but I've also learnt from them a lot about myself, the reasons behind other people's behaviour in different situations, and about the world as such.

Dora Bruder (1997)

Author: Patrick Modiano

Before I even began to read "Dora Bruder", I knew that this book would be something special. Partly because the author had won a Nobel Prize a year ago (and that means something), but mainly due to the fact that it would be my first novel in French that I would read entirely, from start to finish.

The novel is told by Modiano himself. In the late 80s, the author finds an old ad from 1941 saying that some young Jewish girl named Dora Bruder is missing. From that time on, Modiano tries to obtain as much information as possible to understand: a) why the girl went missing; b) what happened with the girl afterwards. It is a story that tells about yet another person whose life was destroyed because of one simple fact - she was a Jew during the time when being one was the biggest crime you could ever imagine. And as far as I understand this is not a fiction; all the characters are real and they actually lived during the twentieth century, which makes the story even more appealing.

The Grapes of Wrath (1939)

 

 Author: John Steinbeck

People without work are useless and miserable. They cannot make money; thus, they cannot buy food. They cannot buy food; thus, they are hungry and weak and have no strength to do the simplest job. It's a vicious circle that the previously happy and prosperous Joad family got themselves into because of the Great Depression and the malicious government actions. The economic crises tore numerous families apart and made people do things they otherwise would have never done. It made people go mad and create a whole different way of living - always on the road, no permanent house, no safety, no positive expectations. But how can you not become someone like this if there are only 4 potatoes left and 8 mouths to feed.

"The Grapes of Wrath" is a novel about the crushed dreams and destroyed lives of all those people affected by the Great Depression who drove to California having lost their houses due to debts and believing that life on the West Coast should be easy and pleasant. Hey, there were tons of workers needed in numerous farms after all. But little did they know that for every workplace there were 5 hungry people reaching after it, and those who already lived in California did not want any Okies taking jobs from them and make a mess. 

Yet again, Steinbeck proves what a great writer he is and how well he understands other human beings, and the South American English give the story a special touch and authenticity. Strong, diverse characters, a wide range of emotions, unexpected turns of events and the ending that makes you wonder what will happen next and why it ended like this - "The Grapes of Wrath" comprises the best features of a historical fiction and it is a must-read for everyone who thinks he/ she lives a crappy life. Better think again. Joad family lost their house, but they did not lose their spirit, and never did they stop fighting for a new beginning.

Fifty Shades of Grey (2011)

 

Author: Erika Leonard James

Two years. Two years I had stood firm against the world sensation called "Fifty Shades of Grey", I had not read the Twilight sage, nor been the participant of Hunger Games or Games of Thrones. I've always been quite skeptical of works which are their author's first attempt in writing and have received incredible popularity among readers within a short period of time. This time it was different. I saw the trailer of the upcoming film, and I simply had to read the book.

 The story as such is quite predictable though rather unrealistic. How often do you see situations in real life where handsome, sexy millionaire goes crazy for innocent, middle-class girl with no sex appeal and previous experience whatsoever? It's like the modern version of the classic love stories, a mix of Beauty and the Beast and Cinderella, just with more sex, pain and less love and modesty. Without doubt, James has created an interesting story that makes you want to read the next chapter and the one after that as fast as possible, but that's it. From the point of view of emotions and thoughts triggered by the story, most of the things are spread out before you and there's not much to think and left for imagination. Though the author tries to evoke sympathy in the reader by the mysterious and seemingly painful past/ childhood of Grey, it lacks deeper emotions. In places where additional details and a more thorough explanation would be necessary, James crosses them very fast, but then again the bedroom scenes are sometimes more explicit than preferable. Some traits of the other main character, Anastasia Steele, are quite annoying too, for instance, the constant complaining (girl, you chose your fate yourself, nobody forced you, so stop groaning). Her ability to master the art of sex so fast given she had no previous experience is quite unbelievable as well.

On the Road (1957)

 

Author: Jack Kerouac

Few months ago, I decided to create a list of about 30 books I definitely must read. From such literature giants as Joyce's "Ulysses" to modern bestsellers as Stockett's "The Help", I thought I had covered everything, but then, I watched "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" and that's where I heard about the novel "On the Road" for the first time. Most probably, I would've never stumbled upon this book if not the film and my unquenchable thirst for getting acquainted with new genres of literature.

"On the Road" is a classic Beat generation novel that focuses on Sal Paradise and his friends' travels across America. If you don't know what "Beat generation" is ('cause I didn't), then, in short, it's a group of American post-World War II writers (including Jack Kerouac himself) who lived a bohemian lifestyle, rejected the established standards, had an interest in religion though experimented with drugs, and that's all on the backdrop of jazz (bebop, specifically) and poetry. This movement was also called 'Beatniks'. I'd have to be crazy to say that I live a somewhat similar lifestyle to the beat generation's one. Well, I do like to travel, but in a whole different fashion. 

Little Women (1868)

 

Author: Louisa May Alcott

When I first heard about this American classic in one of the "Friends" episodes about a year ago, I immediately searched the Internet to find out why "Little Women" was and still is so popular. I was a bit disappointed when I read that this novel follows events in the lives of four teenage girls because I thought that I was too mature to read it now and I'd missed my chance. Since then, I'd thought about the book several times when I went to the library to get another reading material, but I somehow always hesitated to borrow Alcott's novel. Last time, I finally came home with "Little Women". Even the fact that the book was placed on the children's literature bookshelf did not hold me back.

"Little Women" is indeed a story about the lives of four sisters, Meg, Jo, Amy, and Beth, how they grow up, realize the true values, find love and their place in the world. This is sort of a handbook for young girls, though I find some things that Mrs March teaches her daughters relevant to me as well even though I live in a completely different world. The story is interesting, but the characters are too innocent and naive from time to time. Honestly, I think that Jo is the only logically-thinking personage who seems like a real human being; other girls are just too good to be true, it looks like these sisters have no considerable flaws, are basically perfect, and every one of them have a different talent. I can guarantee that it's not possible that all family members are gifted, there's got be at least one who struggles and somehow lags behind.

Sophie's Choice (1979)

 

 Author: William Styron

To be honest, probably I would have never come to this book if not the TV show Friends. In one of the episodes someone said, "It's not a Sophie's choice." Back then, I didn't know what it meant, but I was sure I had to find that out.

I gave 5 stars to this novel not because it was well written (which of course it was, and sometimes humorous, as well), but mainly because of the knowledge I gained after finishing the book. I've always loved history, and I like to find out new mysteries and secrets. During my school years, I was a very attentive listener in the history classes; therefore, I thought I know pretty much about Nazism and the holocaust in Poland, but never had I realized how little my knowledge actually was. Lebensborn, Armia Krajowa, Birkenau - those were just some of the words I heard for the first time.

Birdsong (1993)

Author: Sebastian Faulks

They say that good things can leave you speechless. Well... this is one of them. How to write about a book that is so good that you can't even find appropriate words to describe it's greatness?  Of course, as you know, nothing in this world is perfect; however, some is quite close to perfection.

Prior to reading this book, I've never heard about Sebastian Faulks before, and that's why I was so intrigued to find out what this noted author is all about. Frankly speaking, I was very happy to make this acquaintance, as I'm now very much looking forward to reading another work by Mr. Faulks. But now let's get back to business and talk about "Birdsong". I guess, you may not call it a typical novel, and I wasn't in love with it at first, but in the course of time, I've grown to like it a lot. The story could be divided into 3 parts where the actions take place - before the World War I, during the war and in the late 70s. These three periods are completely different in their atmosphere and the emotional experiences of the characters. 

Great Expectations (1861)

 

Author: Charles Dickens
 

I must say Charles Dickens is one smart man. At first, he send the reader to sleep, but then suddenly boom boom pow, and everything starts to happen - someone dies, someone finds his/her real parents, someone falls in love. And this happens every time I read one of Charles Dickens novels (same in "The Bleak House"). Every single time. I don't say it's bad because at one point, I really couldn't take my eyes off of it, but overall, I don't think it's a good idea to play tricks on your readers. Honestly, at the beginning, I thought, 'What have I done, I don't want to read this book, it's boring.' But after a while, I became more and more interested in going on reading "Great Expectations".

What you should understand is that this is not a love story, it's not even a story about love. Alright, it is, but about unilateral love. Estella is a fool, but Pip is even a bigger blockhead. How can you not understand what are the real values in your life for so long? How can you be so ungrateful and as tough as old boots? Frankly speaking, I wanted to punch Pip several times and ask 'What the hell are you doing? Are you blind?' Yes, so emotional and nerve-wracking this story is.

Persuasion (1816)

Author: Jane Austen

Those of you who follow my blog and read everything (or at least part of everything) I write might have noticed that I'm a Jane Austen's book lover. It's hard to explain where this love comes from, but maybe it's because every story of hers has a happy ending and they're all about love, and I like romance. Yet until now there has been only one book I've read from cover to cover, and it's "Pride and Prejudice". Others like "Emma" and "Sense and sensibility" I've seen on TV, and their time will come some day.

So what is this book about, why it is so special? The main thing that this novel teaches you is the generally known truth that money can't buy you happiness. The protagonist Anne is the middle sister in her family, though often ignored, especially when it comes to her feelings. Once she lost her love due to the pressure of her family and closest friends, now Anne is ready to come back and fight for her happiness. This is story about forgiveness and a warm heart which is accompanied by strong determination. If you are good to other people, good things will eventually happen to you as well, just remember that money can't be the most important thing in your life.

Agnes Grey (1847)

Author: Anne Brontë

Once upon a time I read a book "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Bronte, later I found out that there was another Bronte - Emily and I just could not resist reading her most famous work - "Wuthering heights" (although I did not finish it - not my type). It was at the end of 2012 when I was at the local library looking for another "victim" and I suddenly stumbled upon Anna Bronte's "Agnes Grey". Three years ago I did not know Charlotte had any sister but now she had even two of them. I was surprised and intrigued. I had to read this book maybe because it carried my name on its cover, but mostly because I wanted to compare skills of all three sisters.

All in all, I must say that I was amazed how flowing and rather simple but emotional the language of "Agnes Grey" was. It was nothing superhuman but did bring the right mood. Before reading the book, I had acquainted myself with other reviews and they were saying that this work was far behind the sisters' novels. It did not frighten me away, on the contrary, I was even more interested in reading the up to now undervalued.

The story is told from the eyes of innocent and sensitive Agnes Grey who by seeing her family slowly going bankrupt, decides to face a challenge and becomes a governess. Her job is a hard nut to crack.  Agnes does not know what lies ahead and that eventually she will go through a series of emotional storms just to be happy and to get what Agnes truly deserves.

With that being said, the truth is "Agnes Grey" is not the novel of the lifetime, nor the best work I have ever read or that has ever been written. But... After finishing such a serious and heavy novel as "Les Miserables" by Victor Hugo, "Agnes Grey" does seem as a piece of cake and the right work to continue with. Something light, simple, where there is nothing to worry about, just to enjoy the wonderful process of reading.



Les Misérables (1862)

Author: Victor Hugo

I am usually hopeless at writing the book reviews. Each time when I have finished reading the book and I am ready to give my opinion I am completely lost. I don't know what to write and what not. I don't want it be a spoiler but at the same time I have to give at least a small insight into the theme of the book because otherwise it is useless and what am I really doing here?

Les Miserables is the "biggest" (I hope you know what I mean) and the most deep-felt book I have ever read. It seems to me that nothing is going to be the same. Ever. The more I read, the bigger my claims on the books are. And from now on they are as high as never before.

But let's return to the book itself. The main character Jean Valjean deserved the forgiveness. Even though he was a convict, Jean tried to grow better and forget the past but, unfortunately, it always came back and never left him alone like a shadow in the middle of a sunny day. No matter what Jean did and how good he was, the criminal's ma, stamped by the society, followed him non-stop.

People do change. And so did Jean Valjean. Even the ruthless policeman Javert could not swallow that everything (the rooted opinions, the whole world) he had always believed in was suddenly falling apart. And that all because a former convict proved to be a kindhearted man. It was something the society of the 19th century would never imagine to happen.

I truly suggest reading "Les Miserables". It is one of those books that should be read before you die...because it is the world classic and it is too amazing to be left behind.(Alright I'll try to be as objective as possible.)...because its subtext, idea and language are nothing like the ones you can find in the books like "Twilight". Believe me.

The torrents of spring (1871)

 

 

 


Author: Ivan Turgenev

I have turned to classics as you may have guessed...

I have just read the book and cannot express how much the main character Sanin has filled me with disgust. He is not a man, ok, he is, but he does not deserve to be called so because Sanin's way of thinking is made for young boys not for grown ups. I do not think that any gentleman ever would leave his fiancée without saying a single word. Just disappear for no apparant reason... He is gone, that is it.

At first I was like - oh, how nice and sweet, and helpful Sanin is and he and Gemma, this young and beautiful Italian, would make a great couple. But...after reading the last chapter, I thought, thank God, it did not happen, Gemma should have felt very lucky and full of happiness.


Why did I change my mind? Go and find by yourself. "The torrents of spring" is definitely a book that is worth reading. Not only does it has a great language but also there are used many sayings and words from Italian, German and French. So it is a good way to learn many languages at the same time, to kill two birds with one stone ( reading with delight and learning).

Actually I chose to read "The torrents of spring" not because I had heard good reviews before but because I saw the book in the book store the other day, read the annotation and felt that this was for me. If you, just like me, like romantic novels with a little bit of melancholia (Not the one Lars von Trier talked about.) and a surprising ending, then "The torrents of spring" is a must for you.

Bleak house (1853)

Author: Charles Dickens

The last lines, the last words and I have finished. I have read the book I have never believed I would. About 900 pages is not something little. When I started reading, I really was not sure whether I chose the right book or not. I have always been a very romantic person, I like love stories with happy or sometimes unexpected endings, but this book "Bleak house" was something completely different from what I have read before. I am interested in history but did not know that the judiciary in England was so ridiculous and at the same time painful for so many people that were indrawn in it. 

This work can be divided into 2 parts (it is actually in two parts, but I will talk about something different) - 1. The story from Esther's point of view 2. The story from the author's point of view. The first one I loved more although in the beginning I thought that Esther was too naive and innocent (she did not change as the story went by) but as I was reading further and further, I used to that. Esther was a really good girl, a true friend that would never stab in the back, rather sacrifice her own wishes and feelings just to know that her beloved ones got all they wanted or needed. No wonders everyone loved her. She was the good spirit at the Bleak house and everywhere else. I know that I could never be like Esther as well as I do not believe that there is such a good, no, great person on Earth. She really deserved a good ending for her story and eventually got it. I honestly never thought that Esther would marry Mr. Jarndyce. That would be too weird without saying even more.

Talking about the second part, I have to admit that at first I was bored , I thought I would never finish this book because I had to push myself very hard to read even a single line. But, but...As there were more and more characters involved, I become interested in it, especially when the detective side of the plot brightened it. Then I just could not put the book away.

Amazing and old language is what will make you love "Bleak house", as well as the bright and colourful characters (each of them had his/her own special way of talking because of which you could not mistake him/her for somebody else).  After reading this novel I strongly believe that Charles Dickens is one of the greatest writers of all the time, let alone the ones whose works I have read.