Bleak House :: A Reader's Diary

This is not a review of Bleak House, per se, and it shouldn't be read like one. I've kept Reader's Diaries in the past when I'm reading classics that are 500 pages or more, just to kind of keep track of my impressions of the book as I go along. Since it's a classic, and the large majority of the population either knows or should know what the basic plot is, and as these types of books have been written about by hundreds of people who can critique the work better than myself, these diaries are more for me than anything else I might blog about. Mostly, I'm taking note of the fact that I read the book. That said, proceed with caution.

*****

Day 1, July 23rd: Read enthusiastic comments by xwroz on this post which made me feel less apprehensive about reading Bleak House. I decided to bravely launch into it that very afternoon. Five chapters later, with nary a confusing sentence, I found myself smirking at Dickens and being horrified by myself for feeling horrified by this book that very same morning.

These first five chapters came easily and threw me in a story which I found myself enjoying. I told Jonathan the same evening, "I have a confession to make. I think I like Dickens." He was surprised. And a bit amused. I expect that now he'll expect me to read A Tale of Two Cities. (That's one of his favorites.)

Day 2: Read Chapters 6-11.

I love Mr. Jarndyce. I particularly like this description of him which is tangled up in a description of Bleak House itself:

"Such, with its illuminated windows, softened here and there by shadows of curtains; shining out upon the starlight night; with its light and warmth, and comfort; with its hospitable jingle, at a distance, of preparations for dinner; with the face of its generous master brightening everything we saw; and just wind enough without to sound a low accompaniment to everything we heard; were our first impressions of Bleak House." (Chapter 6, Quite at Home)

As much as I like Jarndyce, I equally dislike Mr. Skimpole. When a man has come to arrest him for his very large debt, he thinks nothing of it. Everyone else being far more embarrassed than he, he goes about making light of the subject. When Esther is determining what to do, and Richard suggests that Mr. Skimpole ask for monetary relief from Jarndyce, Skimpole replies:

" . . . Jarndyce would readily do it again; but I have the epicure-like feeling that I would prefer a novelty; that I would rather, and he looked at Richard and me, "develop generosity in a new soil, and in a new form of flower." (Chapter 6, Quite at Home)

I also confess to having chortled with laughter over Mrs. Pardiggle's exclamations of her hard working character.

"Well! I freely admit it, I am a woman of business. I love hard work; I enjoy hard work. The excitement does me good. I am so accustomed and inured to hard work that I don't know what fatigue is."

And her son's reaction:

"If that dark-visaged eldest boy could look more malicious than he had already looked, this was the time when he did it. I observed that he doubled his right fist, and delivered a secret blow into the crown of his cap, which was under his left arm. (Chapter 8, Covering a Multitude of Sins)

Day 3: Took a break. On accident. I just didn't have time to get to the book!

Day 4: Read Chapters 12-15

Realized that Dickens is not a good author to take a break from. It's better to read even just one chapter a day than ignoring it completely. I had to re-read the last few pages from Chapter 11 to get back into the swing of things.

I think Dickens' writing style is very odd and unique. (Well, obviously...) He is quite generous with his semicolons and it always gets me when he starts writing as if he is jotting down a screen play instead of telling a story. Sometimes it feels as if I am reading a play before I am thrown back into the story. He's a very unique combination of writing styles.

Day 5: Read Chapter 16

Ok, we've got to be happy about that! The progression of pages.

Day 6: Read Chapters 17-??

And herein the diary aspect fell apart. My mother moved to town (I keep saying this, but it did effect things!) and I took multiple days off. I finally got back into the swing of it around August 8th or something. On August 13th I was beside myself, feeling like I was always 100 pages away from the end. Always and always a hundred pages to go!

But soft, what light through yonder window breaks!

I finally finished reading Bleak House on Tuesday, August 14th. At 4:53 p.m. precisely.

And every day afterwards I have rejoiced.

Now, if you recall, I read Bleak House because it was chosen by my local book club for the month of July/August. We have not, at the point of this post, been able to meet to discuss the read. I really should not be posting about this just yet. Normally I wait until after book club is over so that I can solidify my thoughts which might include changed opinions after hearing the perspectives from the other readers. However, in this case I'm going to go ahead and post my "diary" because I finished it before every other person in the club (minus one other dedicated soul)! Yes, my friends, I strained at the bit to complete this book before our allotted day for book club only to discover that no one (excepting one other) had finished the book and our meeting day as been set back several more weeks.

Yes, I am gloating. If you are a member of the book club and you are reading this then you should absolutely be aware of the fact that I am gloating. And YOU need to get reading! ;) (Heh.)

If any of you are wondering if my opinion about Dickens has changed since reading Bleak House the answer is: yes. Yes, it has. I cannot honestly claim that I hate Dickens anymore. I might go so far as to say that I like him very much! I do think he is a bit too verbose. I don't like his usage of the semicolon every other paragraph. Yet he does write a good story that makes you feel good after you've completed the reading of it. (I'm not sure if I feel good because it was a good story or because I conquered the reading of it before anyone else though.)

Truthfully, I have no intentions of solidifying my thoughts about Bleak House in any particular direction until after our book club meets. But for now I will say that I liked it, I'm glad I read it - mostly because it removed my personal fear factor when it comes to reading Dickens - and I enjoyed it.

*****

Other Reader's Diaries:

• The Faerie Queen Book I & II
• The Gathering Storm Parts I & II

The Gathering Storm :: A Reader's Diary, Part II

This post is Part II of my thoughts on The Gathering Storm, by Winston Churchill. You can read Part I by clicking on the link.

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By way of explanation, sometimes when works are more than 500 pages long I choose to "keep a diary" as I read instead of writing a conclusive book review at the end. I've done this with a few books, such as Jane Eyre and Wives & Daughters. Winston Churchill, being a bit verbose, "requires" a diary of me.

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DAY 5, 6 & 7: Read Chapters 15 - the end of Book I, then Chapters 1-3 of Book 2. Period covered: the fall of Czechoslovakia through the "The Ruin of Poland."

*Blogger issues. Lost what I had written down about this period of time. Arg.*

Most notable (to me) things to note:

* Chamberlain's unrealistic hopefulness that Hitler would form, if not friendly, at least peaceful relations with England.

* Churchill continues to see the writing on the wall whereas Hitler is concerned and recognizes that a nasty war is not to be avoided. He notes many opportunities that various leaders in various countries might have had to avoid war - none of which were taken. There seems to have been an assortment of missed opportunities to cause Hitler to pause in his acts of aggression but due to lack of foresight, peoples suffered and, as we know, the world embarked on yet another war. Churchill says of some missed opportunities:

"Still, if you will not fight for the right when you can easily win without bloodshed; if you will not fight when your victory will be sure and not too costly; you may come to the moment when you will have to fight with all the odds against you and only a precarious chance of survival. There may even be a worse case. you may have to fight when there is no hope of victory, because it is better to perish than to live as slaves." (Chapter 19, Prague, Albania, and the Polish Guarantee, page 348)

I would like to apply that quote to personal sin issues. How often do we "fudge" in our sinful behaviors. A little white lie here? A tiny little whisper of gossip there? A bill left unpaid? An uncalled for excuse? One missed apology - that you think no one will notice and isn't necessary? Winston's remarks remind me of James 1:15:

Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

If we were vigilant against sin, and kept a tender heart turned towards God, we could win against sins. But we let them grow and fester until they demand more attention than we like to give. We find ourselves trapped and at war against the painful consequences of our own actions. If only we had been obedient to God's word in the first place and nipped sin in the bud. I think Winston paints a picture of unchecked sinful behaviors quite well, actually. I've been thinking over these words quite a bit.

On another topic, he also addressed the attitude and mindset of the British population when the threat to Poland was looming over them and war was almost at hand. He says:

"It is a curious fact about the British Islanders, who hate drill and have not been invaded for nearly a thousand years, that as dangers comes nearer and grows, they becoming progressively less nervous; when it is imminent, they are fierce; when it is mortal, they are fearless. These habits have led them into some very narrow escapes." (Chapter 21, On the Verge, page 397)

I just liked that.

Side note about how Churchill managed to function, physically, during the war (in case you weren't aware):

"I always went to bed at least for one hour as early as possible in the afternoon and exploited to the full my happy gift of falling almost immediately into a deep sleep. By this means I was able to press a day and a half's work into one. Nature had not intended mankind to work from eight in the morning until midnight without that refreshment of blessed oblivion which, even if it only lasts twenty minutes, is sufficient to renew the vital forces. I regretting having to send myself to bed like a child every afternoon, but I was rewarded by being able to work through the night until two or even later - sometimes much later - in the morning, and begin the new day between eight and nine o'clock." (Book Two, Chapter 1, War, page 421)

Day 8-9: Read Chapters 4 - the conclusion.

Woah. I closed the book with a loud exhale. Would you believe me if I said this book was a real page turner for me? And that I was holding my breath while reading it, even though I knew how this portion of history would turn out? Well, I did and it's all true. From the "Twilight War" (with no one of great, great import being named Edward, thank you very much!) to Churchill being given the role of Prime Minster and being placed in charge of creating a national government, I was spell-bound.

Spell-bound, in part, because of all of the parallels I see to the events leading up to World War II and issues in my own private life as well as issues in relation to others, and in relation to sin. Not to mention issues in relation to how the modern church at large has compromised vital points in the Gospel. So many applications could be made from Churchill's recitations to our own Christian walk that it's mind boggling. It would take "days, weeks, months, who knows?" to make even half of the spiritual applications that could be made.

Would I recommend this read? Oh, you betcha!

Things of note:

* The British (and the French) were consciously aware of the fact that they needed to not escalate the violence beyond what the Germans were inflicting upon the world population. Churchill made the following statement to Prime Minister Chamberlain in a note dated September 10, 1939:

"It is to our interest that the war should be conducted in accordance with the more humane conceptions of war, and that we should follow and not proceed the Germans in the process, no doubt inevitable, of deepening severity and violence." (Book Two, Chapter 4, War Cabinet Problems, page 453)

* This same statement of duty and honor even in a time of war seems to frustrate Churchill later on when trying to convince the French to take action against Hitler (in Norway) before Hitler had taken direction land action against the French. Churchill writes in a very frustrated tone:

"M. Daladier told me with an air of exceptional formality that "The President of the Republic himself had intervened and that no aggressive action must be taken which might only draw reprisals upon France." This idea of not irritating the enemy did not commend itself to me. Hitler had done his best to strangle our commerce by the indiscriminate mining of our harbors. We had beaten him by defensive means alone. Good, decent, civilized people, it appeared, must never strike themselves until after they have been struck dead." (Book Two, Chapter 11, Before the Storm, page 574)

* Churchill also notes at one point that he believes Hitler to think that the English will settle for peace at all costs. "It never occurred to him for a moment that Mr. Chamberlain and the rest of the British Empire and Commonwealth of Nations now meant to have his blood or perish in the attempt." (Book Two, Chapter 6, page 485)

I love that! I love it when the day of compromise has ended and truth is seen for what it is and prevails. And oh, world, it will! Truth will prevail!

* Churchill continues to do all in his power as First Lord of the Admiralty to prepare the country for what he believes is coming at the hands of Germany. He writes to the Prime Minister that the gas masks should be issued and that London's street lights should be fixed so that street wardens can have control of them. Churchill showed a lot of great wisdom and forethought which I really very much admire. He paid attention to details which could have been so easily overlooked.

* Churchill related the following anecdote which took places on November 13, 1939 when there was much initial activity with U-boats:

Churchill had been invited to have dinner with Chamberlain and his wife as the following occurred:

"During dinner the war went on and things happened. With the soup an officer came up from the War Room below to report that a U-boat had been sunk. With the sweet he came again and reported that a second U-boat had been sunk. Nothing like this had ever happened before in a single day, and it was more than a year before such a record was repeated. As the ladies left us, Mrs. Chamberlain, with a naive and charming glance, said to me, "Did you arrange all this on purpose?" I assured her that if she would come again we would produce a similar result." (Book Two, Chapter 6, The Combat Deepens, page 495)

* The United States will wanted (very much) to have nothing to do with the war and imposed a "security zone" along their coast lines to attempt to keep the war at bay. (Book Two, Chapter 8, The Action Off the River Plate, page 514-516)

* Churchill argued that women be allowed into the workforce to help produce the ammunition and equipment needed to fight the war. (Book Two, Chapter 10, A Dark New Year, page 555)

* Lastly (for purposes of this diary), Chamberlain resigned as Prime Minister and Churchill was appointed in his place.

". . . I cannot conceal from the reader of this truthful account that as I went to bed at about 3 a.m., I was conscious of a profound sense of relief. At last I had the authority to give directions over the whole scene. I felt as if I were walking with Destiny, and that all my past life had been but a preparation for this hour and for this trial. . . . Therefore impatient for the morning, I slept soundly and had no need for cheering dreams. Facts are better than dreams." (Book Two, Chapter 17, The Fall of the Government, page 667)

I really like this guy! I just do!

Now, I think there is a very valid argument that the history he is writing here is biased. I think he does work awfully hard to make sure the reader understands that he is not just telling you his point of view but he quotes transcripts and manuscripts and meeting minutes to help not only prove his points but offer proof that the facts he is laying out are true. He doesn't come across as a man who is attempting to mislead people. Not at all. Rather, I think he is a very black and white sort of fellow. (It probably doesn't hurt that I'm very black & white and have maybepossibly had a few of the same feelings about facts clashing with truth which he expressed here in his memoirs. (I'll go ahead and call it a memoir for I think it is that.)

Do I believe the history as he has laid out here? Yes, I do. He takes time, thought and gives attention to detail when laying out the chain of events leading up to World War II. He sticks to history as he knows it and when he wants to represent the mindset of another, he quotes from their letters or statements to explain why he (Churchill) thinks as he does. All in all, I find him to be trustworthy and reliable and I do very much admire him.

And that just about wraps up The Gathering Storm for me! I think I'll take a breather before I proceed onto the second book in this series, Their Finest Hour. But I shall look forward to it also!

The Gathering Storm :: A Reader's Diary, Part I

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By way of explanation, sometimes when works are more than 500 pages long I choose to "keep a diary" as I read instead of writing a conclusive book review at the end. I've done this with a few books, such as Jane Eyre and Wives & Daughters. Winston Churchill, being a bit verbose, "requires" a diary of me.
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On the side here you can see a picture of the edition of the 1948 (Houghton Mifflin Company) edition of The Gathering Storm which I own. (Only this is not a picture of MY book because I would never lay mine out flat and ruin the spine like that!) The Gathering Storm is part of Winston Churchill's series on World War II. It is the first book in the series, all of which I intend to read.

Whenever you mention the word "history" people's eyes tend to glaze over and they overlook the most fascinating stories as a result. History might tend to make people bored because it is frequently presented in dull fashion. Dry facts produce snores. I'll grant you that. Books like Unbroken (linked to my review) offer the student of history so much more because it brings the past to life through someone's personal story. Such is the case with Winston Churchill.

History will be kind to me, for I intend to write it. ~ Winston Churchill

This series takes a look at the history of World War II as it played out before Winston Churchill's eyes. He doesn't even try to be impartial. These books are his take on a remarkable period in world history and it's made even more remarkable when it is told to you through the pen of a passionate man.

Day 1: Read Chapters 1 through 3. Got a better idea of what caused World War II. Snickering over Churchill's take already. I really do admire the man but he sure has an opinion! (Which is why I admire him, no doubt. You always know where you stand in his eyes.)

"All this is a sad story of complicated idiocy in the making of which much toil and virtue was consumed." (Chapter 1, The Follies of the Victors, page 10)

Discovered that Churchill really does not have much patience with America. We apparently drag our feet too much when it comes to the problems of the world. I wonder if he'd approve of America's desire to involve herself in every little infraction all over the globe these days? Did he really wish for us to be everywhere?

Day 2: Read Chapters 4-5. Found Chapter 4, Adolf Hitler, quite fascinating. He gives us a history of Adolph Hitler's life and experiences post World War I which help to explain the man Hitler became. I knew most of the information about Hitler which Churchill shared but was greatly entertained by Churchill's description of the "lonely.....little soldier." Makes you feel like Churchill was patting Hitler on the head or something.

Equally amusing was Churchill's recitation of his visit to Germany wherein he almost met Hitler. I had heard of this chance meeting (which ultimately did not happen) but did not know the history of why the meeting failed to take place. Apparently Churchill had questioned Hitler's passionate dislike of the Jews and when this was communicated to Hitler, he declined to meet with Churchill after all.

"Thus Hitler lost his only chance of meeting me." (Chapter 5, The Locust Years, page 84)

Churchill's opinion of America immediately in the early 1930's?

"Absorbed in their own affairs and all the abounding interests, activities, and accidents of a free community, they simply gaped at the vast changes which were taking place in Europe, and imagined they were no concerns of theirs." (Chapter 5, The Locust Years, page 77)

Day 3: Chapters 6-10. Focused on disarming of France, specifically, and other nations generally while the Germans secretly (and sometimes not to secretly) rearmed themselves.

"The awful danger of our present foreign policy is that we go on perpetually asking the French to weaken themselves. . . . I cannot imagine a more dangerous policy. There is something to be said for isolation; there is something to be said for alliances. But there is nothing to be said for weakening the Power on the Continent with whom you would be in alliance, and then involving yourself more [deeply] in Continental tangles in order to make it up to them. In that way you have neither the one thing nor the other; you have the worst of both worlds.
The Romans had a maxim, "Shorten your weapons and lengthen your frontiers." But our maxim seems to be, "Diminish your weapons and increase your obligations." Aye, and diminish the weapons of your friends." (Chapter 6, The Darkening Scene, p. 94-95)

"It would be wrong in judging the policy of the British Government not to remember the passionate desire for peace which animated the uninformed, misinformed majority of the British people, and seemed to threaten with political extinction any party or politician who dared to take any other line." Chapter 7, Air Party Lost, page 112)

Churchill meets with a great deal of unpopularity in constantly criticizing the government for not doing more to prepare for the war which he predicts and foresees as being an absolute fact.

Day 4: Chapters 11-14. Hitler starts to make his move on France. German Foreign Minister Neurath told American Ambassador in Moscow, Mr. Bullitt, that "the youth of Austria was turning more and more towards the Nazis, and the dominance of the Nazi Party in Austria was inevitable and only a question of time." (Chapter 11, Hitler Strikes, page 206)

Makes me think of how little wisdom young people (I can't resist but put myself into that category as well to some extent - still!) possess and how quickly they disregard the opinions and life experiences of those older than them. Discernment is such an important thing and should be cultivated and valued. (I can't help but think of The Discipline of Spiritual Discernment, by Tim Challies when I see this note about the youth of Austria.)

In Chapter 12, The Loaded Pause, Churchill shares his comparison of Prime Ministers Baldwin and Chamberlin which is really quite fascinating. He says of the two:

"Stanley Baldwin was the wiser, more comprehending personality, but without detailed executive capacity. . . . He knew little of Europe, and disliked what he knew.
. . .
Neville Chamberlain, on the other hand, was alert, business-like, opinionated, and self-confident in a very high degree. Unlike Baldwin, he conceived himself able to comprehend the whole field of Europe, and indeed the world.
. . .
I should have found it easier to work with Baldwin, as I knew him, than with Chamberlain; but neither of them had any wish to work with me except in the last resort." (Chapter 12, The Loaded Pause, pp 221-222)

Churchill mentions, in the context of 1937, that he was twice invited to meet with Hitler. Churchill thought the better of meeting with Hitler at that time though, as he recognized that he did not have the authority of Britain behind him and didn't want to compromise himself, politically speaking, by agreeing to an audience with a man he didn't trust.

"There is no doubt that Hitler had a power of fascinating men, and the sense of force and authority is apt to assert itself unduly upon the tourist. Unless the terms are equal, it is better to keep away." (Chapter 14, Mr. Eden at Foreign Office: His Resignation, page 250)

England's refusal to acknowledge the threat of German re-armament continued to plague Churchill. The government wouldn't pay attention to Churchill's "rants" on the subject and so he had to sit idly by and watch his country ignore glaring problems. (Surely this would have been most frustrating!)

"Poor England! Leading her free, careless life from day to day, amid endless good-tempered parliamentary babble, she followed, wondering, along the downward path which led to all she wanted to avoid. She was continually reassured by the leading articles of the most influential newspapers, with some honourable exceptions, and behaved as if all the world were as easy, uncalculating, and well-meaning as herself." (Chapter 14, Mr. Eden at Foreign Office: His Resignation, page 254)

There's a lesson in that for modern day audiences (as well as "casual Christians"!)

** Breaking up this post for length sake. Part II to follow tomorrow. **

Reader's Diary - The Faerie Queen Book II by Edmund Spenser

I'm positively giddy with excitement. Why!? Because I just finished reading Book Two of Edmund Spenser's The Faerie Queene. I was hoping to finish it up by the end of January and here we are in the last week. So WOO HOO and all that. (Not a very poetical statement, but it adequately expresses the emotions that I feel about this!)

If you haven't read my Reader's Diary of The Faerie Queen Book I, you'll want to do that first. Otherwise, this particular review is going to make very little sense to you as I have absolutely no intention of repeating everything I said the first time. (You too can breathe a sigh of relief over that one!) In quick summary: book one was about Una and the Red Cross Knight and focused on holiness. Book two focuses on the virtue of temperance. (Each book focuses on a different virtue.)

I would not have made it through book two (and just barely did at that!) without the Cliff Notes. For the record, I have NEVER made use of Cliff Notes in all my born days but I'm in way over my head with Spenser. Coupled with the fact that I really can't admit to liking poetry, Cliff Notes are a must. I'm still not sure why people do like poetry. At the same time, there were a few lines in this book that made my spirit soar and so maybe that happens to others on a regular basis - I don't know. And I will never know. The Faerie Queene, I feel I can safely say, will be the extent of any poetry that I might be even remotely tempted to devour in my lifetime. (Excepting Lucy Maud Montgomery's, of course, but I have a feeling that doesn't really count.)

In Book Two we are introduced to Sir Guyon who is put to the test to learn the art, benefits and blessings of temperance. (Definition of temperance: moderation or self-restraint in action, statement, etc.; self-control.) Spenser is making a point with this portion of the story that in order to live life well, normal desires must be under control of the right reason. Whether it be anger (a normal human reaction to things), sensual pleasure (expected), ambition (hoped for), etc., it must all be kept under control of good (a.k.a. solid) reasoning. We should not just give over our flesh to its natural desires and inclinations for that can often lead us into heaps of trouble. In this book, Guyon faces numerous tests and temptations but by surrounding himself with a wise counselors (Palmer) to whom he listens to and follows the advice of, he avoids both danger and death. Although Guyon finds himself in tricky and testy situations resulting from all manner of deceitful and crafty enemies, he is spared disaster on account of good sense and accountability.

My favorite part of this book was in Canto vii when Guyon comes up against a wretched guy named Mammon. At this point in the story, Guyon is briefly separated from Palmer and probably has a rougher time escaping from Mammon than was really necessary. Mammon tempts and teases Guyon to change his holy course and accept both riches and a beautiful maiden (Mammon's daughter) but Guyon refuses. After managing to get away from Mammon without falling prey to the temptations, Guyon faints dead away.

At this point, an angel comes and takes watch over Guyon until Palmer reenters the picture and stands guard over the body as his master recovers. While Guyon is passed out, two really really bad guys (Pyrochles & Cymochles) come upon him and wish to do him evil. They manage to remove his armor but before they can kill him, Arthur (yes, THE Arthur) arrives on the scene and pretty much saves the day, destroying Pyrochles and Cymochles both. The picture this paints is of Christ coming to save the day and spare the lives of His beloved. While we were yet sinners (asleep) He came to save.

Spenser writes at the beginning of Canto viii:

And is there care in heaven? and is there loue
In heauenly spirits to thse creatures bace,
That may compassion of their euils moue?
There is: else much more wretched were the cace
Of men, then beasts. But o th'exceeding grace
Of highest God, that loues his creatures so,
And all his works with mercy doth embrace,
That blessed Angels, he sends to and fro,
To serue to wicked man, to serue his wicked foe.

In other words, how great is our God who would send help and care to us in our hour of need, without our realizing it or even being aware of the fact that there is danger around us? He thinks about us when we aren't thinking for ourselves or anyone else! He surrounds and preserves us when we don't deserve it. He is present in our failures and weakest moments. He proves His love for us over and over again.

THAT section of poetry swelled my heart larger than the Grinch on Christmas Day. Oh what manner of love the Father has given unto us that we might be called the children of God? His love is amazing, steady and unchanging and it is mysteriously beautiful.

Your love is amazing
Steady and unchanging
Your love is a mountain
Firm beneath my feet

Your love is a mystery
How You gently life me
When I am surrounded
Your love carries me

Mysteriously beautiful is how I would describe Spenser's poetry. I don't claim understanding but I can tell you that it is beautiful. It is beyond me but I will work at it because I think it's valuable. There are gold nuggets to be picked up here and there and I aim to find them! So if you stick around, eventually I'll get to Book Three. However, I think I shall take another little break first!

Reader's Diary -- The Faerie Queen, Book One by Edmund Spenser

By way of explanation, I'm doing some "heavy reading" this fall (classics with 400+ pages) and so I've decided that, for these particular classical works, I'm going to "keep a diary" as I read instead of writing a conclusive book review once I've finished reading any particular book. I have created a Reader's Diary for Wives and Daughters by Elizabeth Gaskall, Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Bronte, and Bleak House by Charles Dickens. This is my fourth and final diary for this year. (But never fear! I'll be back with more Reader's Diary reviews in 2009!) After this chunk of work, I'm taking a break for some more "lazy" reads during the month of December.

*****
NOTE: I realized posted this review in one fell swoop, covering all the books together, it would be BEYOND too long. Therefore I'm going to post this review as I read it, book by book. Otherwise none of us would ever get through it. So enjoy The Faerie Queen, Book One review. More to come.
*****

Now, to The Faerie Queen. The first question I would ask if I were you is why I chose to read this book. The answer is simple. Lucy Maud Montgomery. Anne loves The Faerie Queen and I love Anne. Hence I am willing to be Spenser's slave for an undetermined period of time if that means further understanding Anne.

Secondly, (and maybe more importantly), C.S. Lewis was a fan of Spenser's epic work and has been quoted as saying the following:

"What he [Spenser] feels on one level, he feels on all. When the good and fair appear to him, the whole man responds; the satyrs gambol, the lances splinter, the shining ones rise up. There is a place for everything and everything is in its place. Nothing is repressed; nothing is insubordinate. To read him is to grow in mental health."

If reading Spenser improved Lewis' mental health then I am willing to take the gamble. Lewis also said, "Beyond all doubt, it is best to have made one's first acquaintance with Spenser in a very large -- and preferably illustrated -- edition of The Faerie Queen, on a wet day, between the ages of twelve and sixteen."

I am neither twelve nor sixteen and I do not have an illustrated version of the text. However, I do live in Oregon, it is fall and therefore it is raining. The closest I can come to taking up Lewis' suggestion is to read The Faerie Queen while it's raining. Therefore I am. Come journey with me!

As a little introduction, Spenser meant for this to be an English epic poem which people argued couldn't be done. Epic poems were not meant to be written in English. (Of course, given my love of poetry [i.e., lack thereof] I would argue that epic poems ought not to be written at all, but what of it?) He meant for this saga to be twelve books long but died sometime during the writing of book seven. I will not tell you whether I am grateful or not because this is a reader's diary and I am only partly into the story as I am typing this. We shall see whether or not I celebrate the ending or am sorrowed by the fact that it ended before it was meant to. You can already tell I'm in the middle of reading poetry because I'm using words like "sorrowed" and phrases like "Come journey with me!" Alas.

Usually for Reader's Diary reviews I write up something at the end of each reading day. This story is too long for a play-by-play so instead I am breaking things up by book. Do recall that there are seven books so this could become quite long. You've received all the necessary information and disclaimers so let's get started, shall we?

BOOK ONE: The Red Knight is a great big loser who wins a great big victory.

As a tool to introduce Spenser to me, I used the book Fierce Wars and Faithful Loves by Roy Maynard. This book is published by Canon Press. I found this book to be an excellent tool in introducing Spenser's language (and giving me definitions to unfamiliar words) as well as humorous commentary which brought the story to life. Maynard presents this first book of The Faerie Queen in a humorous and achievable way. As he says in the introduction, "Think of Spenser's poem as the Renaissance poetry equivalent of Roy's Steak. It's not quick and easy, but it's worth the time and effort." Perhaps you'll find that cheesy but I actually found it encouraging. Maynard motivates the reader along through the toughest passages with quips and detailed explanations as to the historical figures Spenser is bringing to light from King Arthur to Sir George. Very helpful and I'm glad my first crack at Spenser received Maynard's helping hand. This particular book can be read in conjunction with the complete edition of The Faerie Queen but also stands alone. Basically Maynard whets the appetite but the first book is conclusive (in some ways).

Also, I should note that I made prolific use of Cliff Notes. Let me be upfront on that score! I could not have made it without Cliff Notes. It is true that the further along I got in the story, the less I relied on good ol' Cliff, but it was essential to begin with.

Through Fierce Wars and Faithful Loves I learned that Spenser devoted each of The Faerie Queen's separate books to a specific virtue. Book One focuses on the subject of holiness.

In this book we are introduced to the Red Cross Knight who is accompanying the fair lady Una (a picture of truth) to her homeland where he ultimately defeats the dragon which is holding her parents captive, thereby winning her hand in marriage. Along the way he is mislead in these adventures by witches, pride and Despair which is the worse of his attackers. Although he proves victorious in his first battle, he succumbs to the god of pride and his future with Una is almost destroyed.

Una is a thing of beauty, who even though she is cast aside by the Red Cross Knight, proves true and faithful to him, ultimately bringing him to the place of his salvation. She is cast aside and abandoned by the Red Cross Knight as a result of some treachery. Nature arises in her defence in the form of a lion which rings of Narnia. (Except in this case, Spenser beat Lewis to the punch.) Although abandoned she eventually rejoins the Red Cross Knight through a series of unfortunate events (pardon the pun) which resulted in her coming to his rescue. She travels on with him in the quest to her homeland and stands by him through the attack by Despair.

My favorite "line" by Una comes when the Red Cross Knight is about to commit suicide after his attack by Despair. As he wallows in self pity and self degradation Una calls him out of the dark cave of Despair with the following exhortation:

"Come, come away, frail, seely (feeble), fleshly wight,
Nor let vain words bewitch they manly heart,
Nor devilish thoughts dismay they constant spright.
In heavenly mercies hast thou not a part?
Why shouldn't thou then despair, that chosen are?
Where justice grows, there grows eke (also) greater grace,
THe which doth quench the brand of hellish smart,
And that accursed handwriting doth deface,
Arise, Sir knight, arise, and leave this cursed place."

Her words inspire and the Red Cross Knight does arise and again sets out to fight the good fight. Truth prevails and inspires and I find my heart and soul soaring a bit. Over poetry! Good heavens! But her words ring true even in today's world. We who are victorious in Christ are frequently overwhelmed by self doubt and pity. I am reminded of the song by Casting Crowns, The Voice of Truth:

But the voice of truth tells me a different story
And the voice of truth says "Do not be afraid!"
And the voice of truth says "This is for My glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth

Casting Crowns' poetry is a bit simplified but nonetheless powerful and true. It is by turning his ear to truth that our hero rises up and is able to win the battle against the fierce and despicable dragon. We all have our trials and this knight has my sympathies. Unfortunately for him, after slaying the dragon and winning Una's hand, he must leave her and go fulfill six years of service to the Faerie Queen herself. And so our journey continues.

Reader's Diary - Bleak House

By way of explanation, I'm doing some "heavy reading" this fall (classics with 400+ pages) and so I've decided that, for these particular classical works, I'm going to "keep a diary" as I read instead of writing a conclusive book review once I've finished reading any particular book. My first Reader's Diary was of Wives and Daughters by Elizabeth Gaskall. The second was of Jane Eyre

My Reader's Diary reviews are certainly not an indept study of any of these works. They are just my impressions as I make my way through the books. My next one will be of Spenser's The Faerie Queen which I am purposing to read during the month of November.

I should preface this particular diary by saying that I loathe Charles Dickens. I think he's long winded and boring. My husband, on the other hand, seemed to enjoy his works growing up and it was at Jonathan's encouragement that I try reading A Tale of Two Cities. I didn't get very far before I remembered why I didn't like Dickens. Then last Christmas I decided I really should read A Christmas Carol because, well, I should. I did. And I liked it. Seeing that it was a short story, there was less time for Dickens to be so very verbose (like I'm being now). Sooooooo then my friend Calon Lan read Bleak House and liked it. (She had heretofore not enjoyed Dickens much either.) And then my friend Mirlandra watched the mini series of Bleak House and assured me with all that was in her that I had to enjoy it. (I'm pretty sure it was a "You WILL enjoy this" type of recommendation which is hardly convincing yet still compelling. I have my doubts but decided to go ahead and give it ago. My companion on this self-inflicted journey is Sarah from Library Hospital who agreed it would be fun to read it with me. THAT, my friends, is how this came to be.

Without further ado, let's get started.

DAY ONE: Chapters 1-3. Usually I take some time easing into big books so I didn't set out to read very much today. After my experience reading Wives and Daughters I expected to muddle my way into Bleak House. But not so. Surprisingly (to me anyway) Dickens has apparently lept right into this story and has introduced me to Esther which I liked on the spot. I'm not sure if she's the main character but I'm hoping so. If she is, I might just like this book after all. DICKENS! Who'da thunk it?

DAY TWO (of reading): Chapters 4-5 I took a few days break because of out-of-town company and came back to read only two chapters. Should not have taken a break. I was totally lost. Apparently Dickens is not one of those authors that you have the option of stepping away from at your leisure. I think once you get into it, you have to be into it for the long haul. And it's a long haul. Sigh.

DAY THREE (of reading): Chapters 6-9 Took another break between days. Should NOT have done that. There are so many characters flitting in and out that it's somewhat difficult to keep track of everyone and everything. Broke down and read the Wikipedia description. (I know, I know!)

I DO feel like Dickens, although incredibly verbose, has an entertaining way of writing things to be humorous. In talking about people looking for charity he writes:

"There were the Women of England, the Daughters of Britain, the Sisters of all the cardinal virtues separately, the Females of America, the Ladies of a hundred denominations. They appeared to be always excited about canvassing and electing."

It is funny. But overall I find Dickens confusing and, dare I say it?, boring.

Esther did get her first proposal and declined in a manner suitable to Elizabeth Bennett. Of course, any man with the last name of Guppy really shouldn't expect a girl to be too excited . . .

DAY FOUR: Chapters 10-11 I am now 160 pages in with 731 more to go. Wikipedia helped a lot to make things more understandable but Dickens is throwing in subplot after subplot, character after character in such a way as to make my head spin. I understand this was a series of articles printed over a course of time when people honestly had little other forms of entertainment available to them. I will readily admit that to tackle Dickens in this day and age is a feat of some magnitude.

And I'm here to say - Dickens has won. I'm dead.

My husband asked why I was still reading it if I didn't like it. I said it was a matter of pride. He said that was a bad reason. And it is, but I was going to read it in the name of pride anyway. But pride be dashed! I just don't like Dickens. He and I do not get along.

I could muddle through 731 more pages but I'm simply not interested. I believe that Sarah at Library Hospital will be the better woman in this case. Stay tuned to her blog for her review.

I know that many people like Dickens and I have frequently stated I am not in their numbers. I'm still not. Nor do I ever anticipate becoming so. He's BORING, people, BORING!!!!!! (I need a good cry to get this out of my system. ;)

Reader's Diary - Jane Eyre

I'm reading Jane Eyre as part of the Classics Bookclub at 5 Minutes for Books. If you are stopping by as another carnival participant - welcome!

*****
By way of explanation, I'm doing some "heavy reading" this fall (classics with 400+ pages) and so I've decided that, for these particular classical works, I'm going to "keep a diary" as I read instead of writing a conclusive book review once I've finished reading any particular book. My first Reader's Diary was of Wives & Daughters..
*****

Day 1: Read chapters 1-10. Jane is young and lives a depressing life. While reading these first few chapters, I suffer flashbacks of being forced to read Wuthering Heights in high school and hating the darkness of it all. Jane Eyre has that same dark tone to it. I can't think that the Bronte sisters had many friends in real life. If their books have anything to say about their personal lives, I would hardly be attracted to their company.

I also remember that some friends of mine made me watch the BBC version of Jane Eyre (staring Timothy Dalton) when I was 13 or 14. I was invited over to spend the night so we could make a special Jane Eyre party out of our gathering. We agreed we'd watch Part I before going to bed and Part II the next morning. We finished Part I and I spent the next half hour bawling my eye balls out. The next morning, after finishing Part II I asked them why they made me watch it. Why am I reading this?!

****

Day 2: Depressed. Couldn't bear to pick up the book again. Read something else.

****

Day 3: Read chapters 11-17. I loath Mr. Rochester. He is obviously a perceiver, by natural gifting (i.e., he is quick to perceive character strengths and weaknesses in those around him). He is arrogant and bossy. Contrasted with Jane's inability to speak up for herself and desire to do as she is told, I am excessively annoyed. A modern American woman Jane Eyre does not make. For this I would not fault her except she shows no outward backbone. Internally she may question the directives flung her way, but she says nothing. I have a hard time understanding and sympathizing with passive aggressive personalities, which Jane seems to own. As such, I care little for Jane Eyre herself. And DID Charlotte Bronte enjoy her life AT ALL?!

****

Day 4: Read chapters 18-25. Am so glad Jane's mean aunt died. I started to admire Jane for the grace and dignity which she displayed in her aunt's final days. Despite the pain her aunt caused her in life, Jane exhibited a tender devotion (even if it was out of duty more than anything else) that is admirable. Jane's consideration of her cousin's fragile feelings was also worth noting. Although she was not given any kindness from her family in her younger years, she extended a type of forgiveness to them and showed them what is Christ's love. That could only have been accomplished as a result of forgiveness towards them and surrender of her own personal "rights." Nicely done.

But then there is Rochester. I really, really, really don't like him. Not just because I know what's coming but because of the way he treats women. He flirts, he banters, he confuses. He is selfishness personified and Jane is not rational when it comes to him. Even if Bronte spends time telling the reader how very rational Jane is, when it comes to Rochester - she is not. Perhaps you could argue that she is loving as Christ would love - faults and all. But wisdom should shoo her in another direction.

At this point of the book, I'm captivated by the story. But it's already growing darker. It's a momentary peak of light instantly overwhelmed by shadows. I find myself enthralled and repulsed all at once.

****
Day 5: Chapters 26-33 Rochester exposed as a cheat and a lout. But he admits it! My sympathies are not aroused. He plotted and executed his plan without a bit of remorse, as is evidenced in his "begging scene." Jane still loves him. Stupid girl. One could possibly argue that she is showing true Christian forgiveness and grace. Forgiveness is required of us and is something to strive for. However, she "defends" his sin by not allowing arguing that her former master (and almost husband) is "not what they think he is." Rather she calls for grace from everyone instead of allowing justice to be done. Perhaps I am too harsh. But sin is sin. Grace is grace and forgiveness is wonderful. Jane is definitely the savior figure but I'm not impressed by the fact that she still feels an emotional pull and attachment to him. I'm glad she obeyed her conscious and left him. That's something. I admire her for doing what was the only right decision.

Life looks bleak for her until finding shelter with St. John, Diana and Mary. Peace restored and true happiness seems to have been found. She still obviously feels a pull towards Mr. Rochester but she is pursuing life, happiness and ultimate fulfillment without him. I'm currently impressed and have hope for liking this book on the whole.

*****
Day 6: Chapters 34 - The End! I don't want to say I liked the book. I can't exactly say that I disliked it either.

St. John was amazing. He had something of the same exacting personality as Mr. Rochester and Jane was therefore equally unable to refuse to obey a command. Transfixed was she by St. John's expectations of her, she again became the wilting lilly of a character that I so despise. Still, when push comes to shove and he too makes a demand that she marry him - she stands her ground. His arrogance was too overwhelming.

The ending was melodramatic. Jane hearing the voice of her beloved calling to her across the miles to come and save him from his humbled state. Ha! Ha! Pleasing to the female emotions and absolutely satisfying as to the end of the story. I was afraid the ending was going to be depressing and it wasn't. Even though I had seen the movie, I couldn't remember how it ended so I was surprised and pleased at the way Bronte tied up the loose ends. It will allow me to sleep in peace.

I still don't like Mr. Rochester but I cannot deny that I myself wish to be absolved of my own sins and therefore I can't hold a grudge against him. He repented and I believed him to be sincere. With true repentance, true forgiveness can be granted and Jane was at liberty to be supremely happy - and she was!

And so am I!

This book redeemed the Bronte sisters in my eyes -- a little! Subsequent research on Charlotte Bronte's life revealed that she did indeed lead something of a miserable life. That would explain why she writes about dark subject matters in such a believable (and disturbing!) way. She has lived it and therefore is better qualified to write about it. I don't really admire her person and I'm not in love with the book. I am glad I read it though and I'm relieved to say that much.

On an interesting note, Charlotte Bronte was a friend to Elizabeth Gaskall who wrote a posthumus biography of Bronte. (Gaskall is the author of Wives & Daughters.) I wasn't aware of the connection between the two authoresses before but I think it very fitting that I'm reading their books in succession of one another.

My next Reader's Diary will be of Bleak House, by Charles Dickens.

Reader's Diary - Wives & Daughters

By way of explanation, I'm doing some "heavy reading" this fall (classics with 400+ pages) and so I've decided that, for these particular classical works, I'm going to "keep a diary" as I read instead of writing a conclusive book review once I've finished reading any particular book. This will make these posts longer but perhaps a bit more interesting. Perhaps. My first "Reader's Diary" review is of Wives & Daughters. (The second will be of Jane Eyre which I'm reading for the Classics Bookclub at 5 Minutes for Books.)

I'm reading Wives & Daughters at the (strong) recommendation of Sarah at Library Hospital. At 649 pages it seems a daunting read and there's no way I would remember all the particulars of this read without keeping a "diary" of it.

This is also a book that I am reading as a part of my Fall Reading Challenge.

It took me awhile to find a copy of this book. I finally found a copy at Barnes & Noble (for a cheap $7.95) which I appreciated. I purchased the book and continued to walk around the store. Some lady who had seen me buy the copy went up to my husband and asked if I was with him. She wanted to let him know, in case he wanted to let me know, how the book concludes with the author. I already knew the information she thought it her duty to share but I was completely dumbstruck that a complete stranger would walk up and tell you how the book you just purchased ended. Granted, she told my husband. But why? Why? WHY? Never, never do that, people!

Ahem.

To begin . . .

Day 1: Chapters 1-5. I was totally lost for the first three chapters. However, considering the length of the book I allotted myself 10 chapters to find out what the point of the story was and even who the main character is. It seems to be shaping up to be about a young Molly Gibson, whom I like very much but find very naive (but in a pleasant sort of way). We meet Molly when she is just a young thing, bantering back and forth with her father, Mr. Gibson, who occupies his time as a doctor. And that's about all I can say at this point. Molly has just turned 17 and I get the feeling her life is about to start. I'm interested enough to see what happens.

Day 2: Chapters 6-11 I'm just SO not into this story. Mr. Gibson is getting remarried to someone he really doesn't love and she doesn't really love him back. It's a marriage of convenience that they are both happy about but there isn't any passion. I'm..........well, I'm bored.

Day 3: Chapters 12-16 I dislike the new Mrs. Gibson. She's manipulative. I see parts of herself in me though (which also works at making me dislike myself). So she's real. Just pathetic. She's the epitome of the manipulative step mother who likes to pretend love for the sake of a good reputation. There's nothing admirable in that. Meanwhile Molly is trying desperately to please her new step mother and getting nowhere fast. I like Molly because she does speak truth (although meekly) and I dislike her because she is able to accomplish nothing with the truth. It's a very frustrating situation and I'm labouring through this book.

***
Day 3: Continued, Chapters 17-21. I picked up the book again in the evening. I wasn't sure if I was feeling drawn to it or just wanted to get it all over with as soon as possible. Molly's dear friend and confident, Mrs. Hamley, has died and her step-sister has arrived from France. I like the sister - Cynthia. I think Mrs. Hamley's death helped to define and deepen Molly's character as someone who sacrificed for someone else's pain and comfort - almost without any notice given to Molly, personally, whatsoever. She has something of the mark of a saint about her.

Now I know that Mrs. Hamley's (and her husband, the Squire) sons, Osborne & Roger are going to cause emotional upheaval at some point.

The book hints at Cynthia having a rather mysterious past with some secret afoot. Perhaps I flatter myself but I think the book is predictable enough at this point for me to have a pretty good guess at how certain relationships between the characters play out. Time will tell.

At any rate, the story has picked up by now (page 245) and I rather don't wish to set it down. But I must sleep sometime!

Day 4: Chapters 22-27 Is anything of significance ever going to happen in this story?! I'm now officially half way through (or so it looks) and thus far it's pretty much "just a normal day in the life of . . . " ? Anyone, really. Molly? Cynthia? Mrs. Gibson? Osborne? Roger? WHO!?

Day 5: Chapters 28-32 Molly is in love but won't admit it. She doesn't like her step-mother's way of telling half-truths to suit herself but won't say anything. She doesn't like Cynthia's secrecy and self-pity but won't force the issue.

Osborne is a ninny. Roger is a blind idiot.

I'm dying with desire to finish this book.

BTW, I also definitely flattered myself. I'm clueless as to where things are going with Cynthia and I cannot guess the end of the story.

Day 6: Chapters 33-42 We. are. getting. somewhere. Dr. Gibson is the only one in the entire book with any sense, although his bitterness in discovering he married stupidly is going to get the better of him if he is not careful. I'm glad he has "seen the light" of his wife and step daughter's flimsy characters. It's a good literary example of "married in haste, repented in leisure." You have to feel sorry for the fellow. And since this isn't real life and only a story on a page, I half hope for a sudden illness to suddenly strike Mrs. Gibson. She reminds me very much of Mrs. Bennett in Pride & Prejudice. Only not as tolerable because she's a step mother inflicting the same sort of pain? I don't know.

In the meantime, we're getting closer to discovering The Mystery That Is Cynthia. By Chapter 42 I had certainly hoped for some break through in the story - some sense that there is reason and purpose in this book. I'm glad that the end is in sight (a mere 200 pages to go!) and yet am disappointed because I know what happened to Gaskall herself. I don't think it's much of a spoiler to say so but -- I know that Gaskall died before completing this book and someone else picked up the pen on her behalf and tried to guess at her ending. I'm not sure whether or not I'll be satisfied by another author after all this trouble.

I'm not saying you have to make your point in 200 pages but if you spend the first 350 dawdling about aimlessly, well . . .

Day 7: Chapters 43 - 60 THE END! I'm positively GIDDY with excitement in being done with this book. Alas, I can't even turn this into any sort of significant learning experience because I have found very little information on either the book or its author online. That's rather desturbing.

So as it is, someone is going to have to explain the relevance of this book to me (and other readers) and why it's important to read. Because right now I confess to not having the foggiest notion. The BBC version is heralded as being about "the mysteries of ordinary life" and as best I can tell, that sums it up well. It is about oridinary lives doing ordinary things made mysterious when it didn't have to be. But that's 21st century frankness talking.

The climax and intrigue of the book belongs to Cynthia who is selfish in that she cares little for the feelings of others and desires everyone around her to treat her in such a way that she feels loved. However, she's hardly a villian to hate - in part because of the times in which we now live. While at one time it might have been scandalous to flirt with a man, making him think that you cared more for him than you might of (and I won't say that I wouldn't like a return to those days!!!!) it's just not The Thing these days. That makes this book feel out-of-place in today's society. It would be very hard for a younger reader to understand why this book holds any significance in today's world.

And I myself confess that I do not know the reason.

So enlighten me!!

I'm not sure I regretted reading it. Certainly I regretted the length because the characters were not thrilling enough to excite me on any level. They were ordinary. And perhaps that is the appeal.

Sarah, I would still read something else that you suggested. I would. Because you are my friend. But please don't ask 600 pages of me anytime soon. (HA!) Yes, I'm still reading Bleak House with you during the month of October. I'll be keeping a diary of that read also.

In the meantime, I think I shall take a break from "heavy reading" and pick up something light and fun. Wodehouse anyone!?

(BTW, for a positive review of W&D, click over here and read Sarah's thoughts.)