Michael Rosenheim is in Florida visiting his father, Heshel Rosenheim, who is dying. Heshel is a holocaust survivor as well as a recipient of many awards and recognitions for his volunteer work. Heshel has done a lot of work on behalf Jews, which is an important detail. One day Michael receives a box of journals that detail a story in which a German officer, Heinrich Mueller, assumes the identity of a prisoner at a concentration camp. The name this Mueller assumes is Heshel Rosenheim. The journals tell how the officer, Heinrich Mueller, stole the identity of the prisoner and then how he goes on to be war hero for the Jews as the State of Israel is established. Much of the book deals with Michael trying to discover if the story from the journals is true, or a work of fiction made up by his father.
The main theme in this story is atonement. Is it possible for someone to atone for their sins, no matter how heinous the sins? For example, if a German officer, guilty of participating in genocide, steals the identity of a victim of the concentration camp in which he works, but then goes on to do a nearly countless number of amazing things for the benefit of the Jewish people. Does that person atone for what they have done?
Certainly Heshel Rosenheim would like to think so. Repentance is mentioned in the book, the idea that one turns completely from an old way of life and into a new one. Heshel converts to Judaism, and takes his faith very seriously. He fights bravely for Israel in their conflict against Egypt. He raises a lot of money for the Jews. He rescues many children who were orphaned by the Holocaust, etc. Does any of this absolve him? Lavigne leaves it up to the reader to decide.
Another theme in the novel is deception. Yes, Heshel has done many things, perhaps enough things to atone for his previous actions. However, part of atonement is confession. Heshel continually deceives those around him as to who he is and what he has done. Like so many other Germans from that time period, Heshel lies to cover up the truth, and his role in it. One could almost say, if Heshel is truly sorry for his actions he would be honest about them, he would not lie about them.
Michael is searching for answers. He does not know what to believe at first though in the end he finds the answers he is looking for. In the end he decided to forgive his father. At least, that is the impression with which the reader is left. His search for answers is something with which the reader can truly sympathize. Of course he wants to know what happened. Heshel is his father. The reader cheers for Michael, in a sense, because the reader wants Michael to have that peace from closure.
Michael, I think, is what makes the book work. Because he is personally very connected to the story that makes it all the more necessary for the answers to become clear. If Michael were, say, just a reporter, his search for answers would be less sympathetic. However, because Michael wants to know who his father is and what his father has done, so he can figure out who he is and what his life means, the reader can willingly follow Michael as he digs for the truth.
This book, like so many other Holocaust literature, is important because it reminds the world of one of the darkest times in history. Due to what happened in Europe in the 1930s and 1940s not very many people want to talk about it. The world needs to be reminded, so that the same kinds of things do not happen again.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Friday, August 7, 2009
Empire Falls, by Richard Russo * * * *
'Empire Falls' tells the story of Miles Roby, who runs the Empire Grill, one of the eating establishments of the town of Empire Falls. He is kept in this job by the promise of Mrs. Whiting, current owner of the restaurant, as well as most of the town, that he will one day own the Empire Grill. Miles' daughter, Tick, features prominently in the novel as she tries to befriend John Voss, the victim of many school bullies. Miles' ex-wife, Janine, also appears often; she is preparing to get married to Walt Comeau, who is a regular at Miles' restaurant. Most of the book deals with Miles as he deals with the things going on around him, as well as his search into his own, and his mother's past. The book also deals with a school-shooting, and the impact it has one people in the town, especially Tick.
More than anything this book is about the collapse of 20th century America. Empire Falls used to be a budding town, having several textile factories. When it is discovered the products can be made in Mexico for half the price the company is sold, the workers laid off. What was previously a blue-collar town with a good population has now turned into a ghost-town, a victim of greed.
Empire Falls, though a fictitious town, is a symbol for many American towns, and citizens. It is not only the loss of jobs, it is a loss of spirit. The citizens of Empire Falls remember what the town used to be and have given up hope that it will ever return to that. Many have lost their job, some their homes, all their way of life. Empire Falls has fallen hard, symbolizing how America, in real life, has fallen in some ways.
Another theme in this book is vengeance. Mrs. Whiting keeps Miles exactly where he is, managing the Empire Grill when he could be doing something else, as punishment for her husband's infidelity. Miles, of course, is innocent in all of this, but he is, nonetheless, victim to Mrs. Whiting's anger and bitterness. Mrs. Whiting claims to love Miles, but that is hard to believe considering she will not lift a finger to make the Empire Grill flourish. Nor will she let Miles to anything to improve upon his situation in life.
One can also clearly see vengeance in the actions of John Voss. In seeking vengeance for being bullied, as well as being abused as a child, John brings a gun to school and kills three people. It is hard to imagine the pain he is feeling inside, a pain strong enough to carry out such a horrific act.
Finally, vengeance can be seen in the act of Janine marrying Walt. It is clear, at times, that Janine does not truly love Walt. She is marrying him as much to get back at Miles as anything else.
What is evident in all three of these cases is that the vengeance is not entirely justified. Miles does nothing to Mrs. Whiting, and yet she punishes him. John Voss kills three people, none of whom hurt him in any way. Miles is partially responsible for the break up of his marriage, but he is not an evil person. And yet, Janine feels the need to punish him to making her life miserable.
This book is very good. I think Russo captures perfectly the struggles of Small Town USA, as well as the anger and pain we all feel from the way others have treated us.
More than anything this book is about the collapse of 20th century America. Empire Falls used to be a budding town, having several textile factories. When it is discovered the products can be made in Mexico for half the price the company is sold, the workers laid off. What was previously a blue-collar town with a good population has now turned into a ghost-town, a victim of greed.
Empire Falls, though a fictitious town, is a symbol for many American towns, and citizens. It is not only the loss of jobs, it is a loss of spirit. The citizens of Empire Falls remember what the town used to be and have given up hope that it will ever return to that. Many have lost their job, some their homes, all their way of life. Empire Falls has fallen hard, symbolizing how America, in real life, has fallen in some ways.
Another theme in this book is vengeance. Mrs. Whiting keeps Miles exactly where he is, managing the Empire Grill when he could be doing something else, as punishment for her husband's infidelity. Miles, of course, is innocent in all of this, but he is, nonetheless, victim to Mrs. Whiting's anger and bitterness. Mrs. Whiting claims to love Miles, but that is hard to believe considering she will not lift a finger to make the Empire Grill flourish. Nor will she let Miles to anything to improve upon his situation in life.
One can also clearly see vengeance in the actions of John Voss. In seeking vengeance for being bullied, as well as being abused as a child, John brings a gun to school and kills three people. It is hard to imagine the pain he is feeling inside, a pain strong enough to carry out such a horrific act.
Finally, vengeance can be seen in the act of Janine marrying Walt. It is clear, at times, that Janine does not truly love Walt. She is marrying him as much to get back at Miles as anything else.
What is evident in all three of these cases is that the vengeance is not entirely justified. Miles does nothing to Mrs. Whiting, and yet she punishes him. John Voss kills three people, none of whom hurt him in any way. Miles is partially responsible for the break up of his marriage, but he is not an evil person. And yet, Janine feels the need to punish him to making her life miserable.
This book is very good. I think Russo captures perfectly the struggles of Small Town USA, as well as the anger and pain we all feel from the way others have treated us.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Abide With Me, by Elizabeth Strout * * * *
Tyler Caskey is a minister in Maine. He has two daughters, and his wife has recently died. That is the premise of this moving novel by Elizabeth Strout. There is not much plot to speak of, in the sense that there are very few big events in the novel, other than Tyler's wife dying, which is revisited several times in the book.
Strout describes well the life of a minister in relation to the congregation. There are certain expectations, and when those expectations are not met there can be trouble for the minister. Tyler, in the eyes of his congregation, is not meeting those expectations. I think the congregation, as presented in this novel, is incredibly selfish. It is almost as if they refuse to recognize Tyler's grief at the loss of his wife, as well as the struggle he is facing in raising one daughter alone (the youngest is living with her grandmother). Yes, Tyler is letting some of his responsibilities fall through the cracks. Yes, he is no longer the preacher he used to be. But he is grieving his wife. The sad thing is that this is a pretty accurate picture of some congregations. The minister is not always given the understanding that he/she deserves or needs.
This is not to mention that several members of the congregation behave worse than Tyler. One member is having an affair with a woman. In this sense the congregation fails to live up to its own standards it sets for its minister.
There is a switch in the book. In the beginning it seems as though Tyler is doing okay. Sad, yes, but managing to function. Most of the focus is on his daughter, who refuses to speak, is disruptive in school, etc. Obviously, she is grieving for her mother. By the end of the book it is obvious Tyler is grieving, in a very hard and serious way. By the end of the story he is no longer able to function. His sadness and inability to move on almost seems to creep up on him slowly until he has a complete breakdown and almost loses his congregation.
Faith, obviously, is a central theme in this book. Tyler never really loses his faith, or belief in God. What he loses in the end is his ability to rely on that faith to carry through his time of suffering. The faith of his congregation is at times doubtful because they are too concerned with gossip and power to concern themselves with actually having faith. Tyler's wife, Lauren, has a faith in which she blames God for her death. Strout describes well what happens to faith in times of sadness: faith that holds, but cannot be lived out, in times of struggle on the part of Tyler; and a faith that shatters when disaster strikes on the part of Lauren. There are more aspects of faith, yes. But between Tyler and Lauren I think one can see the two main reactions to suffering and death.
The only thing I do not like about this book is some of the language. This is especially true in the storyline of the church member who is having an affair. That storyline is important to the novel, but some of the vulgar language I find to be out of place and unnecessary.
Tyler is a very real character, going through a very real struggle. The same is true of his daughter. The novel is well written, and depicts well the pain we all sometimes feel when we lose someone we love.
Strout describes well the life of a minister in relation to the congregation. There are certain expectations, and when those expectations are not met there can be trouble for the minister. Tyler, in the eyes of his congregation, is not meeting those expectations. I think the congregation, as presented in this novel, is incredibly selfish. It is almost as if they refuse to recognize Tyler's grief at the loss of his wife, as well as the struggle he is facing in raising one daughter alone (the youngest is living with her grandmother). Yes, Tyler is letting some of his responsibilities fall through the cracks. Yes, he is no longer the preacher he used to be. But he is grieving his wife. The sad thing is that this is a pretty accurate picture of some congregations. The minister is not always given the understanding that he/she deserves or needs.
This is not to mention that several members of the congregation behave worse than Tyler. One member is having an affair with a woman. In this sense the congregation fails to live up to its own standards it sets for its minister.
There is a switch in the book. In the beginning it seems as though Tyler is doing okay. Sad, yes, but managing to function. Most of the focus is on his daughter, who refuses to speak, is disruptive in school, etc. Obviously, she is grieving for her mother. By the end of the book it is obvious Tyler is grieving, in a very hard and serious way. By the end of the story he is no longer able to function. His sadness and inability to move on almost seems to creep up on him slowly until he has a complete breakdown and almost loses his congregation.
Faith, obviously, is a central theme in this book. Tyler never really loses his faith, or belief in God. What he loses in the end is his ability to rely on that faith to carry through his time of suffering. The faith of his congregation is at times doubtful because they are too concerned with gossip and power to concern themselves with actually having faith. Tyler's wife, Lauren, has a faith in which she blames God for her death. Strout describes well what happens to faith in times of sadness: faith that holds, but cannot be lived out, in times of struggle on the part of Tyler; and a faith that shatters when disaster strikes on the part of Lauren. There are more aspects of faith, yes. But between Tyler and Lauren I think one can see the two main reactions to suffering and death.
The only thing I do not like about this book is some of the language. This is especially true in the storyline of the church member who is having an affair. That storyline is important to the novel, but some of the vulgar language I find to be out of place and unnecessary.
Tyler is a very real character, going through a very real struggle. The same is true of his daughter. The novel is well written, and depicts well the pain we all sometimes feel when we lose someone we love.
The Yiddish Policemen's Union, by Michael Chabon * * *
'The Yiddish Policemen's Union' takes place in Sitka, Alaska in an alternate version of history in which Jews from Nazi Europe are granted asylum in Sitka. As a result of this there are only two million deaths of Jews in the Holocaust, as opposed to the estimated six million in reality. The plot revolves around the murder of Mendel Spilman, the supposed Messiah for the Jewish people. Meyer Landsman, the novel's main character investigates this murder throughout the course of the book. This is not a typical 'who done it' book, but it is a mystery with a conclusion that, itself, ends up being quite convoluted.
The overall plot of the novel is a little too complicated. Granted, it is a mystery novel, which usually is not my taste, but I think there is sometimes far too much going on to really enjoy the plot of the book. There are a lot of characters and sub-plots to remember, making it difficult, sometimes, to keep up with the main plot of the book, who killed Spilman and why? At times the rich plot works out well, but for the most part I found it all too much to keep straight.
I find the invasion scenario a little unlikely as well. I am referring to the idea that the United States government would back a plan in which a relatively small group of ultra-conservative Jews would invade the Holy Land and depose the millions of Arabs (who know a thing or two about holding off invaders) currently living there. I do not doubt that the United States would do something to that effect, only that they would do so with a very low chance of success.
The idea of Messiah is widely discussed in the book. The idea behind the invasion of the Holy Land is to hasten the coming of the Messiah. This is sad in the sense that it shows the Jews (of this novel, at least) have given up hope that the Messiah will come. This highlights, I think, the suffering the Jewish people have endured over the centuries. They have suffered so much that they no longer have faith in the promises God has made. Again, this refers only to the Jews in this novel. The novel highlights how the Jewish people have been pushed around and rejected to a few millenia now, and as a result of that they have no hope left. Altogether a sad commentary in and of itself.
Chabon also does a good job of showing the tension that sometimes exists between two cultural groups, in this case the Jews and the Tligit people (Alaskan Indians). The Jews think the land is theirs, the Tligit feel the same way. There is tension between the two groups who are both fighting to find, and keep, their place in the world. Both groups have been kicked out of their homes and resent anyone coming into the land they actually do have. The difference in culture, obviously, plays a role, but more than anything it is the fact that they both are looking for a home to call their own.
Landsman is a fascinating character. In one sense he is trying to escape everything around him. Through his drinking, leaving his wife, and rejecting the Jewish faith, he can be seen as trying to get away from it all. The ironic thing, though, is that he cannot. He tries to escape the guilt he feels about the loss of his child, but continually finds himself at his best friend's house, who has two children with one on the way. He tries to escape his ex-wife only to have her become his commanding officer. He tries to escape the conservative Jews living in Sitka only to find himself surrounded by them as he investigates the murder of Mendel Spliman. In a sense, I think Chabon is telling us no matter how hard we try we cannot fully escape the things from which we want to escape. They remain with us, or near us.
The conclusion, I think, has something to be desired. Spilman's killer is Landsman's uncle, Hertz. Hertz killed Spilman because he did not want him to be exploited as the supposed Messiah. He does this with Spilman's consent. Meanwhile, the plan to invade the Holy Land begins and, so far, is working. Both 'payoffs' did not quite do it for me. Spilman has gone into hiding and could do so again. We are told he is tired of hiding, but I feel like hiding is preferable to death. And, again, I find myself doubting the validity of the 'invasion plan.'
Despite the end, though I think this is a very enjoyable read. It has humor, but also has the mysterious aspect, enough of which to engage the reader. Chabon, who also wrote 'The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay,' is a very talented author who has a knack for making the reader want more.
The overall plot of the novel is a little too complicated. Granted, it is a mystery novel, which usually is not my taste, but I think there is sometimes far too much going on to really enjoy the plot of the book. There are a lot of characters and sub-plots to remember, making it difficult, sometimes, to keep up with the main plot of the book, who killed Spilman and why? At times the rich plot works out well, but for the most part I found it all too much to keep straight.
I find the invasion scenario a little unlikely as well. I am referring to the idea that the United States government would back a plan in which a relatively small group of ultra-conservative Jews would invade the Holy Land and depose the millions of Arabs (who know a thing or two about holding off invaders) currently living there. I do not doubt that the United States would do something to that effect, only that they would do so with a very low chance of success.
The idea of Messiah is widely discussed in the book. The idea behind the invasion of the Holy Land is to hasten the coming of the Messiah. This is sad in the sense that it shows the Jews (of this novel, at least) have given up hope that the Messiah will come. This highlights, I think, the suffering the Jewish people have endured over the centuries. They have suffered so much that they no longer have faith in the promises God has made. Again, this refers only to the Jews in this novel. The novel highlights how the Jewish people have been pushed around and rejected to a few millenia now, and as a result of that they have no hope left. Altogether a sad commentary in and of itself.
Chabon also does a good job of showing the tension that sometimes exists between two cultural groups, in this case the Jews and the Tligit people (Alaskan Indians). The Jews think the land is theirs, the Tligit feel the same way. There is tension between the two groups who are both fighting to find, and keep, their place in the world. Both groups have been kicked out of their homes and resent anyone coming into the land they actually do have. The difference in culture, obviously, plays a role, but more than anything it is the fact that they both are looking for a home to call their own.
Landsman is a fascinating character. In one sense he is trying to escape everything around him. Through his drinking, leaving his wife, and rejecting the Jewish faith, he can be seen as trying to get away from it all. The ironic thing, though, is that he cannot. He tries to escape the guilt he feels about the loss of his child, but continually finds himself at his best friend's house, who has two children with one on the way. He tries to escape his ex-wife only to have her become his commanding officer. He tries to escape the conservative Jews living in Sitka only to find himself surrounded by them as he investigates the murder of Mendel Spliman. In a sense, I think Chabon is telling us no matter how hard we try we cannot fully escape the things from which we want to escape. They remain with us, or near us.
The conclusion, I think, has something to be desired. Spilman's killer is Landsman's uncle, Hertz. Hertz killed Spilman because he did not want him to be exploited as the supposed Messiah. He does this with Spilman's consent. Meanwhile, the plan to invade the Holy Land begins and, so far, is working. Both 'payoffs' did not quite do it for me. Spilman has gone into hiding and could do so again. We are told he is tired of hiding, but I feel like hiding is preferable to death. And, again, I find myself doubting the validity of the 'invasion plan.'
Despite the end, though I think this is a very enjoyable read. It has humor, but also has the mysterious aspect, enough of which to engage the reader. Chabon, who also wrote 'The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay,' is a very talented author who has a knack for making the reader want more.
Sarah's Key, by Tatiana de Rosnay * * *
In 'Sarah's Key,' the main character, Julia, a journalist, is given an assignment by her boss to write a piece on the Rafle du Vel' d'Hiv, an operation carried out by French police in which thousands of Jews in and around Paris were rounded up and sent away to concentration camps. In her research, Julia becomes attached to one family in particular, the Starzynski family. She soon discovers a connection between the daughter of that family, Sarah, and her own in-laws, a connection that no one wants to remember or explore.
I enjoyed, as much as one can, the part about Sarah and the roundup. I found those sections of the novel to be very moving. It never ceases to amaze me what humanity is capable of. Sarah endures things most of us do not even dream about. De Rosnay does a wonderful job capturing the horror and the fear that dominated Nazi Europe. Stories like Sarah's need to be told to remind us of what has happened in order to keep the same things from happening again. Again, I think de Rosnay tells this part of the story perfectly. She paints for the reader an accurate picture of what Jews went through during WWII.
However, I simply could not get on board with Julia. One, I think there is too much emphasis on her personal life, her love life specifically. Yes, the emotional impact of the Holocaust is important, but I think de Rosnay spends too much time in Julia's when she could have spent more time on Sarah, the real victim in, and center of, the story.
I also think Julia acts on entirely selfish reasons. Her in-laws make it abundantly clear they have no interest in finding out about the Starzynsky family. Julia blatantly disregards this to satisfy her own curiosity. That is the key in all of this. If Julia is seeking this information to help her in-laws in some way, that would be okay, but that is not what she is doing. The novel continues to come back to, 'I have to know.' Julia is curious about this story and shows no regard for the feelings of those around her in her pursuit to satisfy that curiosity.
Julia's selfishness is also revealed in her encounter(s) with William, Sarah's son. When they meet in the end she finally has a chance to ask him what she has been dying to know for some time, 'do you hate me.' Her question is not, 'how are you handling this new-found history of your mother's life,' it is 'do you hate me for telling you.'
This novel is, essentially, two stories. Sarah's story is deep, emotional, and gut-wrenching. Julia's story is not. Her search for answers appears noble, but in the end comes down to her own desire to have answers for herself.
I enjoyed, as much as one can, the part about Sarah and the roundup. I found those sections of the novel to be very moving. It never ceases to amaze me what humanity is capable of. Sarah endures things most of us do not even dream about. De Rosnay does a wonderful job capturing the horror and the fear that dominated Nazi Europe. Stories like Sarah's need to be told to remind us of what has happened in order to keep the same things from happening again. Again, I think de Rosnay tells this part of the story perfectly. She paints for the reader an accurate picture of what Jews went through during WWII.
However, I simply could not get on board with Julia. One, I think there is too much emphasis on her personal life, her love life specifically. Yes, the emotional impact of the Holocaust is important, but I think de Rosnay spends too much time in Julia's when she could have spent more time on Sarah, the real victim in, and center of, the story.
I also think Julia acts on entirely selfish reasons. Her in-laws make it abundantly clear they have no interest in finding out about the Starzynsky family. Julia blatantly disregards this to satisfy her own curiosity. That is the key in all of this. If Julia is seeking this information to help her in-laws in some way, that would be okay, but that is not what she is doing. The novel continues to come back to, 'I have to know.' Julia is curious about this story and shows no regard for the feelings of those around her in her pursuit to satisfy that curiosity.
Julia's selfishness is also revealed in her encounter(s) with William, Sarah's son. When they meet in the end she finally has a chance to ask him what she has been dying to know for some time, 'do you hate me.' Her question is not, 'how are you handling this new-found history of your mother's life,' it is 'do you hate me for telling you.'
This novel is, essentially, two stories. Sarah's story is deep, emotional, and gut-wrenching. Julia's story is not. Her search for answers appears noble, but in the end comes down to her own desire to have answers for herself.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Saint Maybe, by Anne Tyler * * * * *
"Saint Maybe" centers around Ian Bedloe, the youngest of three children. Ian's brother, Danny, marries Lucy, and shortly thereafter Ian suspects Lucy is having an affair. Ian shares this information with his brother who then committs suicide. Ian's life begins to spiral downward even further when Lucy also committs suicide. One day, after these events, Ian stumbles into The Church of the Second Chance, and from then on he begins the process of atoning for his percieved sins. He drops out of college and moves back home with his parents to take care of Danny and Lucy's children, Agatha, Thomas, and Daphne. Throughout the novel Ian struggles with his sacrifice, as well as the guilt he carries in his heart.
Like almost all of Anne Tyler's novels this particular story is driven by the characters, most notably Ian Bedloe. In Ian one can see that there is a very fine line between guilt and compassion. Ian makes the decision to care for the children because he feels guilty about Danny's death. However, there is no doubt in the novel that Ian truly does love Agatha, Thomas, and Daphne. Both emotions seem to drive the character.
One of the other things I really appreciate about Ian is his faith. Being a minister I enjoy the faith aspect of this book. Ian manages to live his faith without throwing it in the face of those around him. To be sure he lives his faith and encourages others to do the same. However, he does not force his faith on anyone, which especially evident when he 'allows' Agatha to stop attending church.
Tyler is a master of the novel. She manages, perfectly, to capture real life situations and people and put them on the page. This novel, in particular, fits that description. It is human nature to sometimes feel guilt and to allow that guilt to be a driving force in life. It is also in human nature to feel compassion, to reach out to those in need. Ian Bedloe is a real person, and his story is real as well, which is one of the things that makes 'Saint Maybe' so touching.
Like almost all of Anne Tyler's novels this particular story is driven by the characters, most notably Ian Bedloe. In Ian one can see that there is a very fine line between guilt and compassion. Ian makes the decision to care for the children because he feels guilty about Danny's death. However, there is no doubt in the novel that Ian truly does love Agatha, Thomas, and Daphne. Both emotions seem to drive the character.
One of the other things I really appreciate about Ian is his faith. Being a minister I enjoy the faith aspect of this book. Ian manages to live his faith without throwing it in the face of those around him. To be sure he lives his faith and encourages others to do the same. However, he does not force his faith on anyone, which especially evident when he 'allows' Agatha to stop attending church.
Tyler is a master of the novel. She manages, perfectly, to capture real life situations and people and put them on the page. This novel, in particular, fits that description. It is human nature to sometimes feel guilt and to allow that guilt to be a driving force in life. It is also in human nature to feel compassion, to reach out to those in need. Ian Bedloe is a real person, and his story is real as well, which is one of the things that makes 'Saint Maybe' so touching.
The Novel
The novel is an opportunity for adventure. A well crafted plot can take the reader places that only exist in a dream. The novel is an opportunty to meet someone new. A well developed character can impact the reader in a powerful way. The novel is an opportunity to live, very briefly, outside of one's own life. For centuries people have enjoyed reading novels, being taken somewhere else, being introduced to other people.
Reading the novel is a wonderful thing, as is discussing it. Sharing what one gets out of a book is half the fun. Discussing the plot, what happened; discussing the characters, to whom did it happen; discussing the symbolism, what does it mean. All of these things, and so much more, are what make the novel so great.
Reading the novel is a wonderful thing, as is discussing it. Sharing what one gets out of a book is half the fun. Discussing the plot, what happened; discussing the characters, to whom did it happen; discussing the symbolism, what does it mean. All of these things, and so much more, are what make the novel so great.
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