Tag: classics

Colombia, South America

One Hundred Years of Solitude

“One Hundred Years of Solitude” by Gabriel García Márquez (Colombia) Synopsis Equally tragic, joyful and comical, “One Hundred Years of Solitude” inhabits a strange dream-like space where very little makes real sense, but everything is mysteriously and vividly alive nonetheless. Blending fantasy and reality seamlessly, the characters struggle hopelessly against a merciless backdrop of madness, corruption and death… all measured out equally with farce and … Continue reading One Hundred Years of Solitude

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Asia, Japan

I Am A Cat

“I Am A Cat” by Soseki Natsume (Japan) Synopsis ‘I am a cat. As yet I have no name.’ So begins one of the most original and unforgettable works in Japanese literature. Richly allegorical and delightfully readable, “I Am A Cat” is the chronicle of an unloved, unwanted, wandering kitten who spends all his time observing human nature – from the dramas of businessmen and … Continue reading I Am A Cat

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North America, United States

Invisible Man

“Invisible Man” by Ralph Ellison (U.S.) One of Nicola’s 100 Best Books for Inspiration in the 21st century! Review This book left no reader indifferent, with some loving it and others not. Most readers found the first few chapters very powerful and vivid, such as the scenes of the terrifying battle royal and the chaotic Golden Day. They found the narrator’s journey at times confusing, … Continue reading Invisible Man

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Czech Republic, Europe

Too Loud a Solitude

“Too Loud a Solitude” by Bohumil Hrabal (Czech Republic) One of Nicola’s 100 Best Books for Inspiration in the 21st century! Extract and Comment … I pick up a book, and my eyes open panic-stricken on a world other than my own, because when I start reading I’m somewhere completely different, I’m in the text, it’s amazing, I have to admit I’ve been dreaming, dreaming … Continue reading Too Loud a Solitude

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Caribbean, Dominica

Wide Sargasso Sea

“Wide Sargasso Sea” by Jean Rhys (Dominica) Review Most readers enjoyed the book, liking the language and the descriptions of place. They found that although it was a short novel (120 pages), there was a lot of depth to it, especially in its historical and political context. They found Antoinette’s personal story very sad and were able to empathise with her. Some readers felt that … Continue reading Wide Sargasso Sea

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Canada, North America

The Handmaid’s Tale

“The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood (Canada) Book Club Favourite of Season 7 Review Most of the members who attended the Book Club had read this book before. When it was first published in the 1980s, its feminist theme came across predominantly. Reading it now at the beginning of the 21st century, the themes of religious fanaticism, tyrannical societies and even fertility issues were strongly … Continue reading The Handmaid’s Tale

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Asia, India

Clear Light of Day

“Clear Light of Day” by Anita Desai (India) Review Interestingly, there was a clear divide between readers whose first language is English and those for whom it is a foreign language. The native English speakers loved the book, whereas the non-native speakers did not enjoy it overall. This was largely due to the style of writing, choice of words and sentence structure (long complex sentences). … Continue reading Clear Light of Day

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Chile, South America

Eva Luna

“Eva Luna” by Isabel Allende (Chile) One of Nicola’s 100 Best Books for Inspiration in the 21st century! Review Most readers really enjoyed the book. They loved the rich descriptions of the different places and people. They liked Allende’s style of writing, which they described as confident and captivating. Most of the discussion centred on the part of the story set in South America and … Continue reading Eva Luna

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