Daniel > Recent Status Updates

I started reading this to my four-year-old this evening. While I'm familiar with some of the stories, I've never read this book in its entirety so now is as good a time as any. And I failed to realize in the past the subtle humor is in this book. Pooh, albeit well meaning, really isn't very bright and certain exchanges between he and Piglet are quite amusing.

'The Flood': 3 stars. This story was very engaging right up to the end where it peters out. Moral of the story. Don't leave your husband alone with a fetching young girl. Better yet, don't invite her to live in your home. Murder. guilt and a baby.

'The Lion': 2 stars. Like many of the stories in this collection, I feel like I'm missing something and it's most likely due to my lack of knowledge of Russian history.

'X': 1 star. A deacon gives up his religion, then, by force of habit, accidentally crosses himself in public only to be observed doing so by an authority figure. The rest of the story details his flight and eventual capture.

'Comrade Churygin Has the Floor': 1 star. A bunch of small town folk are mad about various topics as well as the death of Rasputin. They revolt, some are killed, turns out Raspy was a bad guy.

'A Story about the Most Important Thing': 1 star. This story was a chore and I didn't get much out of it other than how to light cigarettes using a magnifying glass and the sun. On the bright side, it did make me think about how the amazing transformation a caterpillar undergoes in its chrysalis.

'The Miracle of Ash Wednesday': 5 stars. Hilarious. Reminds me of a joke about a bus driver, a nun and a hippie.

'The Cave' : 3 stars. Hard times call for hard measures. Also, Miss Manners says 'be generous with your poison.'

'The Healing of the Novice Erasmus' : 5 stars. Perhaps it's better to let people know the entire truth than to shield them from it.

'In Old Russia' : Another case of 'keep an eye on your wife lest she stray'. Also, watch out for toadstools in your stew.

'The Protectress of Sinners' : 4 stars. A group of thieves decides to rob a convent. Their efforts are unwittingly thwarted by their own debauchery.

'Two Tales for Grown-up Children' : 3 stars. Nobody wants to go to a stinky church and nobody believes you when you and your friends have a fantastic adventure.

'The North' : 4 stars. Pay attention to your hard-earned wife lest she stray. Also, watch out for bears.

'The Dragon': I read this story twice and just don't get it. I will make it a point to come back and read this one again before I mark this book as finished. One star.

This collection starts strongly with 'A Provincial Tale'. We meet young Baryba, who, initially, is easy to empathize with. This quickly changes as his fortune takes a downturn and his decisions lead him down a darker path. Zamyatin's imagery is vivid, e.g. drowning in "sweet, hot dough" and it is easy to imagine oneself living in the small Russian village described in this tale. Palpable satire. Four stars.

Although nearly 100 years old, this is still very readable and entertaining.

If published today with the high society stigmas sandblasted away, the main character, Newland Archer, would read like a modern emo whiny baby in a social group that would be better served by minding their own business. But then there wouldn't be a story.

The irony at the end of book one is hilariously palpable. Archer, you poor bastard...

My last status update from a couple days ago for the "part" about the crimes disappeared, so I'll do my best to recap. This was a rather dark section and at times seemed to be an exercise in how many ways Bolaño could describe the same crime varying only the minor details such as the height of the victim and what she was wearing. Besides the crimes, there was definitely a very interesting story going on in this part.

I've just finished the "part" about Fate. This part had my full attention and the pages flew by. I didn't see the train at the end of the tunnel until it was right in my face. Wow!!

I've now completed the "part" about Amalfitano. While this book still has my full attention, I'm concerned that there won't be a true resolution. What do you call the style of story where the writer drops you in, you follow along for a bit and observe, then they pull you out (kicking and screaming)?

I've just finished the first "part" about the critics. I have no idea where this book is going but I'm absolutely entranced.