Archive for the ‘novel’ Category
Keneally’s novel about Operation Rimau
Finished reading an outstanding novel of WWII called The Widow and Her Hero by Thomas Keneally (2007), which deals with the true life commando mission “Rimau” (Malay for tiger), made by Australian Special Forces and British troops against Japanese held Singapore. Great book, tragic mission and it appears over time that the facts behind the loss of the men was a high level command decision to sacrifice them. The story by Keneally looks at men’s heroism and the emotional evolution of the women who survive them. It is the story of a war time marriage, the mission, and the long life of the widow who over time learns more about her husband’s final mission and execution by the Japanese. It’s a great novel based on a tragic truth.
Wikipedia article on Operation Rimau.
Keneally is best known for the Booker Prize-winning Schindler’s Ark. He is one of my favourite authors.
Tawni O’Dell – Coal Run – great novel
Just finished reading Coal Run by Tawni O’Dell. Treat yourself. Get this book and read it. It made me think about my family, childhood, adulthood and a million memories. Made me think of two old friends both sports stars who hurt their legs before reaching their full potential. It is a novel about families and coal mining country.
It is probably the best novel I have read in the past 7 years. Wish I could have written it.
I will be looking for the rest of her work.
see www.tawniodell.com her website
Pete Dexter’s Deadwood (1986)
treat yourself to a great reading experience and seek out a copy of Deadwood by Pete Dexter, published in 1986. I just finished reading it and I enjoyed every page.
My interest in all things Deadwood began with the HBO series. Dexter had nothing to do with that production. The hero of his novel is Charlie Utter. He has become one of my favourite characters of all time. Having read Dexter’s book I feel like I spent the time in the nineteenth century. I think the only other writer who has taken me back in time to that depth of feeling is Patrick O’Brian in the Aubrey-Maturin series.
If you watched HBO Deadwood you will find it interesting to compare and contrast the characters of Bullock, Hickok, Star, Swearingen, and Calamity Jane. Jack McCall, the cat man, and killer of Hickok receives an interesting “life” in Dexter’s novel.
A must read.
Mary Magdalene – reading
In my recent reading, I have encountered plots that involve directly or indirectly Mary Magdelene. When I was a kid and paying some attention to the question should women be ordained, I always thought the answer should be yes. What came to mind was the simple fact that there were two people standing at the foot of the cross, Mary, the mother of Christ, and Mary Magdalene. All those brave apostles were hiding. Peter denied Christ three times. Quite a rock.
the most recent book to have MM in it, The Secret Supper by Javier Sierra translated by Alberto Manguel…..I have been working my way through Manguel’s work this winter.
A recent item I found about him, referred to his personal library, a collection of 30,000 books. I don’t have his problems, since I read only English. Although I am tempted to consider seriously the study of Spanish to read in the original the wonderful literature in that language
