Monday, March 3, 2008
Introduction
So, here I am. I'm attaching myself to a blog so that I might discuss literature with other people who want to discuss literature. My primary focus is Evelyn Waugh because I believe him to be the author of the finest English novels that have ever been penned. I like other authors too, of course, such as Oscar Wilde, Anthony Burgess, Jane Austen, J. R. R. Tolkien, C. S. Lewis, H. P. Lovecraft, Stephen King, and William Shakespeare. Let's talk about books.
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19 comments:
I couldn't be happier you are doing this!
Happy is good. More people should try happy. Sometimes I want to say to complaining, mopey folks, "Look, have you ever considered just being happy?" And, that dog is soooooooo cute!
I need a recommendation...
My wife loves Tolkien, Lewis, but most especially Austen. What Waugh novel would you recommend to her? Unfortunately, she did not enjoy the Brideshead TV adaptation, so that novel is probably out of the picture.
Thanks!
Hi, Chad!
Your wife might enjoy _Put Out More Flags_. It is both funny and meaningful. And, if her sense of humor occasionally runs towards black (mine does, and I'm an Austen fan), she may like _The Loved One_. It is hillarious, but dark, dark, dark. Thanks for reading my blog!
I'm along for the ride!
Chad Toney asks a good question. Before responding, however, I think I would want to know why your wife responded negatively to the BH TV adaptation. People used to contemporary film pacing often just find it tedious because of its slow, detailed development of the characters -- nearly following the exact narrative of the novel. Others find the opulent decadence of fin de siècle English culture, along with the class-structure and social sentiments so foreign to contemporary American ones, a turn-off. I know a William and Mary educated actor, with a career spanning East Coast repertory theater and Hollywood, who couldn't get past the first bits of the TV adaptation for just such reasons. And he's a connoisseur of fine acting and good films. But the reasons Chad's wife reacted negatively could be different from these; and that would make a difference.
I don't remember her exact reasons, but I'm pretty sure it's not the speed or character development, as she has watched several Austen adaptations that span last hours.
I think she didn't like what you called the opulent decadence of the culture and many characters. It was just too much of what seemed to even me at times as um...fruitiness. And there were no Mr. Darcys or Aragorns -- no strong, virtuous, manly men to balance it out?
Rock on, Rob! I'm hoping that good times will be had by all.
You know, Chad, if your wife likes movies based on Jane Austen novels, she's certainly not a "typical" American film viewer, especially if she's watching the Austen films that don't star Keira Knightley. She's simply not digging the BR period, people, culture, etc. And, that's cool. It's not for everyone, for sure. Personally, I'm fascinated by the world of BR, but I wouldn't turn my nose up at a Mr. Darcy or an Aragorn either. ;)
Crikey, Chad! I'm such a dork. I totally forgot about _Helena_. This is Waugh's telling of the story of St. Helena (you know, Constantine's mom?). It's got manly men doing manly things and an awesome female lead character. I think that your wife would dig it completely.
Congrats on your new blog, Amy! I'm not really into Waugh, but I will visit your blog from time to time. I do, however, like the cinematic adaption of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice starring Keira Knightly (delightful creature that she is)--my wife also loves that movie--and I enjoyed the Bollywood version of Pride and Prejudice called Brice and Prejudice (2004). The best part of the Bollywood production is the music and the outfits. Check it out.
Correction. "Brice and Prejudice" should be "Bride and Prejudice."
Edgar, I am completely honored by your presence here on my humble (REALLY humble) blog, and I truly miss your company, my friend.
I have actually seen both flicks that you mentioned, and, yes, I liked them a lot as well. I haven't, however, seen the Gwenyth Paltrow version of "Emma," so I'm wondering . . . Is it good?
Oh, and did you hear that I'm a "trophy wife," now? You know me, so you know how funny that is. I'm a beer-swilling, mosh-pit partaking headcase of a Monty Python-loving wonky chick. It takes one tough guy to live with yours truly. ;)
Amy,
I'm honored to be able to read and post on your blog. Just remember that great things often have their origin in humble beginnings. I thus hope that your blog is a success or that you at least have fun with it. I also miss seeing you around the college. I'm sure that Hannah is growing fast and looking more like her lovely mother each day.
So, you been promoted to the status of trophy wife, eh? If they only knew how you are in living color. :) Regarding the movie, "Emma," I can't tell you much about it since I have not seen the flick. From the reviews on amazon.com, it appears that the sentiments of those who have viewed "Emma" are mixed.
Well, Amy, you take care. I'll be visiting again soon.
Best wishes,
Edgar
With all the other writers you like, I can't imagine why you've put Stephen King into the mix. He is a terrific writer, but his material makes me sleep with the lights on for a about a week! My son liked him so much, we have a "Bachman Books" hardcover -- it's where we kept the photo of son who sometime in the 80s did what was being done-- got a perm (just in time for his yearbook picture). Indeed, it was spooky enough to be kept in the Bachman Books.
Looks like I am only one of many who is glad to have found your blog. Hope you're enjoying it.
JustMe, your son sounds like he's a really cool guy. :) Rock on with that perm!! I'm glad that you're here, and, yes, I do like Stephen King. I think that he's one heck of a good yard-spinner.
Only the coolest people on earth ever had perms.
Let's not pursue this issue too much further.
I've just found your blog and am very glad that I have, although I disagree with you about Waugh. I look forward to reading more.
Disagree with me? Heck, yeah! By all means . . . Otherwise, it's no fun.
And, yes, perms can be cool . . . Rock on, Greg Brady . . . But, yeah, that's quite enough about that.
I apologize for my long absense. I will be posting new, fun stuff . . . Probably tomorrow.
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