Monday, October 28, 2013

Review of Valerie Martin's The Ghost of the Mary Celeste

I've read and enjoyed Valerie Martin's novels Italian Fever and Mary Reilly.   I find she has a unique and sensitive way of approaching her subjects.  I knew I wanted to read this novel as soon as I heard the title; I have always been intrigued by the mystery of the Mary Celeste. Martin has done a masterful job in telling her own version of this many faceted story.

The book has several main characters, but all are connected by the ship, found drifting, empty of any living souls. Martin approaches the subject matter with respect. Martin uses the actual names of the captain and his family on the ship, and an actual story written by Arthur C Doyle, to expand and create an aura of mystery and intrigue.  Injecting Doyle into the story allows for an expansion into a plot involving the spiritualist movement of that flourished from the mid 1800's through the 1920's.

In this setting, Martin masterfully weaves an intriguing plot with fascinating characters who don't quite say what they are really thinking, which is fine, since Martin let's us know exactly what is going on, as far as their thoughts. The books spans decades, and we see one character in particular grow and change the most. I love a book like this, that takes a  mix of real characters and imagined ones, and has them interact and say things to each other that are totally believable and advance the plot.

Violet Petra is a medium of extraordinary powers. She is sought out by many, but her own life is shrouded in mystery. Her revelations to a journalist, and to the creator of Sherlock Holmes become turning points in her life.  You will want to know Violet, why she knows what she does, and how she became the fascinating woman she is.  Martin's way with a story is charming and complicated, like a beautiful and inscrutable woman. This is an excellent novel, fun to read, and a page turner.

5 stars

A review of Valerie Martin's The Ghost of the Mary Celeste

I enjoyed Valerie Martin's books Mary Reilly and Italian Fever.  When I saw the title of her latest book (due out January 28, 2014), I knew I had to read it; the mystery of the Mary Celeste is an enduring mystery that has always fascinated me.  As usual, Ms. Martin's prose and handling of the subject matter doesn't disappoint.

The book has several main characters, but all are connected by the ship, found drifting, empty of any living souls. Martin approaches the subject matter with respect. Martin uses the actual names of the captain and his family on the ship, and an actual story written by Arthur C Doyle, to expand and create an aura of mystery and intrigue.  Injecting Doyle into the story allows for an expansion into a plot involving the spiritualist movement of that flourished from the mid 1800's through the 1920's.  

In this setting, Martin masterfully weaves an intriguing plot with fascinating characters who don't quite say what they are really thinking, which is fine, since Martin let's us know exactly what is going on, as far as their thoughts. The books spans decades, and we see one character in particular grow and change the most. I love a book like this, that takes a  mix of real characters and imagined ones, and has them interact and say things to each other that are totally believable and advance the plot.

Violet Petra is a medium of extraordinary powers. She is sought out by many, but her own life is shrouded in mystery. Her revelations to a journalist, and to the creator of Sherlock Holmes become turning points in her life.  You will want to know Violet, why she knows what she does, and how she became the fascinating woman she is.  Martin's way with a story is charming and complicated, like a beautiful and inscrutable woman. This is an excellent novel, fun to read, and a page turner.

5 stars

Friday, October 11, 2013

Review: "A Little History of Literature" by John Sutherland (Digital ARC from NetGalley)

I'm a big fan of the Little Histories books from Yale Press: my son and I used EH Gombrich's A Little History of the World for homeschool.  This one is a short survey of Literature, by John Sutherland. The book is geared to younger readers, but I'd say age 12 and up would be the appropriate age--any adult will enjoy this work as well.

As an English major myself, I felt Sutherland did a pretty good job of being comprehensive, as a far as covering most of the major literary movements. Of course, one cannot talk about every author that ever set quill to papyrus!  He covers the classics of world literature, English literature, and American lit as well, and does a pretty good job of touching on the important highlights. He starts with a rudimentary explanation of myth,  "Myth always contains a truth,which we understand before we can clearly see it or explain it."  I felt throughout the book, Sutherland makes simple statements about whatever is being explored; he makes these observations himself, or quotes other experts and authors. This is the kind of book that will lead readers to other works, both of literature and of criticism. It is so important for kids to read and understand what true criticism is about these days. The idea of criticism has becomes so pejorative.

I didn't necessarily agree with every single thought the author has (Mr. Knightley, dull?! Never!), but overall, I enjoyed his style of writing, and he makes it clear that he is also a reader with opinions. He even addresses the EL James 50 Shades of Grey phenom: a "bonkbuster"), and popular lit vs prize winners.  Other noteworthy topics: the Sagas, Anglo-Saxon literature, interactive literature, digital books, and poetry.

The author, John Sutherland, is a professor in London, and there were a few words that were clearly regional to England. This would be a great book for a middle school age child who is truly interested in reading and literature to read and discuss with an adult. I plan on giving it to my son to read as well. He is almost 13. It is not a difficult read, the prose style is conversational and often humorous.  This could give anyone adult or teen, a leg up in English classes, or at a cocktail party!

5 stars!