Literary Art

Roberto de Vicq de Cumptich, a former designer at Random House, has created interesting art out of letters of an authors' name. They're the most remarkable pictures I've seen of authors because at first you think you're looking at a line drawing of a particular author, like Joyce, and then you realize that the lines are actually artistic groupings of the letters, in a neat font, that make up the author's name.

You've got to see this: here.

Which books?

Life is a whirlwind these days, which is better than the alternative: a new job, a new house, and now tons of boxes lying around my condo like shells waiting to be filled with all sorts of things I forgot I owned. The new house will have built-in bookshelves in one of the front rooms, so I'll finally have a proper library, rather than a makeshift shelf situation under my stairs and along the red walls of the office, the red room library. We won't have the shelves done for a while, so I have to pack up my books and wish them so long for a few months. But, we all know that a few have to stick around, just so I don't feel lonely, so which ones should they be? What will I feel like reading in a week, a month?

People come into my house and ask me if I've read all my books, and I say that at any time I've read 70%. The remaining 30% is the constant, ever changing, influx of volumes that I find in random places, people give to me, or I've bought at a book store. Add the library books to this bit, and I have quite a chunk of unread books around the place. I can't stand giving books away - I never know when I might want to read one again - so the process of packing is arduous. But the process of picking the remainders is worse. Which books out of the remaining 30% should go in a few deep canvas bags and be hand delivered to my new bedroom? Off to the shelves and the cardboard shells to figure it out.

Day

I spent this afternoon working on my review for Bookbrowse, which will be published shortly at their site. Day is a massively great book, and I say this after expending some blood, sweat, and tears. At points I hated this book, at points I hated Kennedy, at points I thought both were the most brilliant things ever, and by the end, I had a profound respect for the novel and the author. It's not an easy read, but it's worth it. I've kept coming back to this book in my mind, trying to figure it all out, since I finished reading it a few days ago. The prose is tough, and so are the characters, but the ending makes such an important comment that I think everyone should slog their way through (and, yes, there will be slogging, but who said sometimes the joy of reading can't be similar to the joy of climbing a very steep mountain?) Check it out. Sit down for a minute and dive in.

I have a sneaking suspicion this will make it to the Booker long list. You may have heard it here first.:)

DuMaurier's My Cousin Rachel

Phillip's uncle, Ambrose, leaves for a trip to the continent. At first the letters are jovial and full of travel foibles and memorable sights. After Ambrose marries Rachel and he decides to stay in Florence for the time being rather than return to Cornwell, the letters change. A darkness creeps into the lines, and Phillip becomes worried. Eventually, Ambrose sends a letter of distress that prompts Phillip to rush to Florence as quickly as possible. A sinister surprise meets him when he arrives that leaves a painful question: did Rachel play a role in Ambrose's dire situation?

DuMaurier, the master of the modern Gothic tale, unwinds a dark, psychological drama in this lesser known tale. At the center is Phillip Ashley, a immature, headstrong young man who stands to inherit great fortune, but does not know his own heart. Also, at center, is Rachel, a mysterious beautiful woman, who at once seems charming, delicate, vulnerable, yet potentially capable of great deceit.

The novel starts slowly, with an anguished vignette and then flashes back to the story that involves Rachel, Ambrose, and Phillip. The first chapter is almost best left to read after the novel is completed; very little makes sense until the context is given in the rest of the story. DuMaurier is brilliant with her pacing, and though she clearly follows a method of suspense writing, nothing is contrived or anticipated. The shocking events, carefully set conversations, and entry of characters, are placed artfully to push the reader along to the conclusion, which is excellent.

I am still trying to figure out what I think of this book. I would be interested in feedback from you. What did you think of Rachel at the end? Villian or victim?

If you liked this novel, you might also like:

Dumaurier's Rebecca - Similar suspense and atmosphere, interesting characters, same writing style and mystery.

Setterfield's The Thirteenth Tale - another great example of modern Gothic, though this novel is darker and gritter than any DuMaurier work. The dark, menacing quality, mysterious characters, and beautiful, haunted house and landscape will remind you of DuMaurier's novels.

E. Bronte's Wuthering Heights - Same Gothic qualities. Heathcliff's character will keep you guessing like Rachel's.

Mary Elizabeth Braddon's Lady Audley's Secret - Victorian novel in the vein of Wilkie Collins; Braddon questions the place of women in Victorian society. Like Rachel, Lady Audley is beautiful and perhaps not what she seems. Both of these women may be capable of deplorable acts.

Holland's The Archivist's Story

A great historical novel should never remind you that you are reading historical fiction; the distance between the writing and the subject should be no greater than the thickness of a pane of window glass, and the ability to feel, see, hear, the characters in their element should never be as hard as hearing or seeing through such glass. Travis Holland's The Archivist Story sits gracefully in the middle of Stalinist Russia, and it is a challenge to remember that this tiny novel was written by an American in the 2000s.

Pavel, the quiet, haunted archivist finds himself in a dilemma. He has been chosen, because of his background as a literature professor, to be a drudge in a faceless, nameless office in Moscow who will help destroy Russia's literary heritage. The irony is poignant and is not lost on Pavel, who ultimately must decide whether he can save himself or a small group of hand selected stories. Around this dilemma, Pavel must recover from a tragic personal loss, the travails of his aging mother, the loneliness of middle age, and the doom of Stalin's purges. Friends and acquaintances disappear frequently, as the novel proceeds, and with every loss, Pavel must realize the possibility of his own limited days.

Holland's novel meditates, broadly, on the role of art and the individual; and the doom of the security state, complete with the ripping Censor, echoes, whisperingly, our own fears of increased government, national i.d. cards, and peeking eyes at library records. Pavel's decisions may not be our own, if we find ourselves in a similar predicament, yet we are left to understand that profound loss is not only meted out in a human death toll but can manifest itself through killed art.

The style is sparse and haunting, like the chilled Moscow streets and Pavel's own life. The present tense does not bring us any closer to Pavel, he maintains a distance from the reader, but it does offer a sense of immediacy and closeness to the complete story that would have been difficult in another tense.




If you liked this, you might also like:

Arthur Koestler's Darkness at Noon - Written by a former member of the Russian Communist Party, this novel provides historical information about Stalin's show trials. Will provide more insights into the period The Archivist's investigates.

Ayn Rand's We the Living: Part-autobiography, part treatise against the tyranny of Communism, this short novel creates the same sort of atmosphere and sense of longing found in Holland's work. (Very different from Rand's other work.)

Gee's The Scandal of the Season

Sophia Gee's charming novel provides the background, both historical and fictional, for Alexander Pope's famous poem, The Rape of the Lock, published in 1714. According to history, the incident involved three prominent, Catholic families: the Petres, Fermors, and Carlyles, who prior to this event were great friends. An incident occured between Arabella Fermor and Robert Petre, during which Lord Petre took, without permission, a lock of Arabella's hair. Pope was asked to write a satirical poem about the affair "to laugh the families back together." Later Pope said that the poem was also political allegory, in which Belinda represents Great Britain, and the Lock the Barrier Treaty. Neither of these aims are mutually exclusive, and it is evident from form, allusion, and Pope's Key to the Rape of the Lock, an explanation of the poem published later, that Pope had many missions for the poem. Technically, The Rape of the Lock is a fine example of 'mock-heroic' poetry and a mini-epic poem in the vein of Virgil and Homer. Pope was well-schooled in Homeric poetry, as he also translated The Iliad.

Alexander Pope, as Gee tells us at the end, was the first author in English to make a living solely from his work. Pope is an interesting character in his own right. He was crippled, and was known by all for his derisive wit and cutting conversation. (Confusingly, these acerbic qualities did not come through in Gee's novel; Pope appears nice and humble.)

Sophia Gee's novel plunges us into early 18th century London, where a woman's virtue is closely guarded (until she is married), gambling is a favorite pastime among the wealthy, Catholics and Protestants are still at odds with one another, and King James is launching an attack to gain the thrown from Queen Anne. The plot is fast paced and interesting, but the dialogue is obvious, and often forced. Some of the diction is jolting, too: "Arabella sits up like a firework", for example. Gee does a nice job, on the whole, of re-creating characters from history, and they are largely sympathetic. The last major scene, the illustration of the scene immortalized in Pope's great poem, is the best part of the novel. Despite, these high points, the scenery descriptions, observations about hair, clothing, architecture, interior design that can make historical fiction so enticing were, sorrowfully, absent. If you have read about this period, or watched a few T.V. dramas set during this time, you do not have to work as hard - you are familiar with the setting - but, if you haven't, this novel might read to you like it's set during any time between 1650 and 1900.

For more information about The Rape of Lock go here.

If you like this, you might also like:

Karleen Koen's Through a Glass Darkly: Grand, detailed, luscious tale of 18th century England and France. The characters are vivid, the plot riveting, and the descriptions marvelous.

Alexander Pope's The Rape of the Lock

Dirda's Book by Book

Michael Dirda's Book by Book is a small volume of quotations, short essays, and reading recommendations. Dirda, a great favorite of mine for his lucid prose and fun facts, provides a nice examination of the role of reading in every day life. He peppers each page with insights from Ancient Greek writers to modern essayists. The highlight of the read was the lists of recommendations, which ranged from books everyone should have in their guest rooms to the books that best investigate love to a list of great music that everyone should listen to if not own. My 'to be read' list is brimming now after reading this little book. This is great for reading ideas and fun quotations. Two of my favorites: La dolce for niente = the pleasure of doing nothing; and, No one who lives in sunshine will lead a sad life - Albert Camus.

Field's Sarah, Duchess of Marlborough

Ophelia Field’s biography of Sarah Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough is engrossing. Sarah, herself, is a modern woman in regards to her notions of power, position, and wifely duties, but she didn’t do much. Reading about the Duchess of Devonshire, I was riveted by her bad behavior, learning about Emma Hamilton was interesting for her manipulation and bedroom antics. Sarah was sort of boring. The two most interesting points about her (in no order of importance) was her semi-homosexual relationship with Queen Anne (Sarah never admits that she had any homosexual relationship with the Queen, which is understandable considering the time, but her letters are laden with love-laced language, and Queen Anne was lesbian, as evidenced by other female relationships she had throughout her life, though none were as passionate or devoted as the one she had with Sarah.), and the construction of Blenheim Palace, which stands as a testament to John Churchill’s power and Sarah’s ego. The rest of Sarah’s life was spent writing her memoirs (a questionable activity for a woman in the 18^th century), funding Parliament when the occasion arose, arguing with her family, and living in exile after she offended the Queen.

Field takes these points, among others, and breathes life into them. She adequately provides contextual information that creates a world around Sarah, and the effect is that I know all I could ever want to know about Sarah, Duchess of Marlborough.

If you liked this, you might also like:

Amanda Foreman's Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire - Georgiana was a contemporary of Sarah's and lived her life in a different way than Sarah. Georgiana was a gambler, a philanderer, a spendthrift, and helped campaign for her husband's seat in Parliament, a very unladylike thing to do. Her story is interesting, and Foreman's biography is excellent.

Venetia Murray's An Elegant Madness - a lively, interesting history of High Society in Regency England. This history is set slightly after the period in which Sarah lived, but this is still an interesting insight into 18th century England.

Buy Rice. Learn Words.

I have my mother to thank for my large vocabulary. She has never been chary about using real words with us. (Thanks, Mom!) One of the terms she uses is 'casper milquetoast' to describe a person who is 'vanilla' (another favorite adjective) or someone without a lot of gumption. Until a few minutes ago, before I found the rice site, I would have sworn that 'milquetoast' was spelled 'milk toast'. Remember, I started hearing this word when I was small; when I got older, I just thought it was figurative language. After all, milk on toast is pretty bland. Alas, NO! Milquetoast is an actual word, complete with space in a real dictionary. It derives from a 1924 comic strip for the New York World called The Timid Soul. Because of the retiring qualities of the main character, Casper Milquetoast, the term 'milquetoast' came to mean 'weak and ineffectual'. I think my initial assessment of milk and toast might have been the author's inspiration for the name; just a guess.

Now on to rice: Free Rice tests your vocabulary and, for each word, you get right, 20 grains are donated to the hungry. The rice, in case you were wondering, is paid for by the advertisers who advertise on the site. The words get progressively harder as you continue, and if you get a word wrong, the site gives you an easier one the next time. It's pretty fun, and I learned a few cool words like 'mahout', which means elephant driver. Oh, and I figured out how to spell milquetoast.

Upcoming Literary Events in Atlanta

John Lane - Monday, January 7, 7:15 PM, Decatur Library
In the tradition of Annie Dillard and Wendell Berry, naturalist/poet LANE (Chattooga, Waist Deep in Black Water) writes with reverence of the land and our place in it. In his beautifully written new book, Circling Home, Lane explores the place in Upstate South Carolina where he has married and settled and expects to live out his life. It is a lovely exploration of place and time showing us the beauty of the ordinary and the remarkable.

Henry Lodge & Chris Crowley – Wednesday, Jan. 9 - Piedmont Hospital at 6:30 p.m.

YOUNGER NEXT YEAR Series

The authors revamp their bestselling YOUNGER NEXT YEAR in two new books addressing health and aging concerns for both men and women. They claim it's possible to look and feel younger, and have more fun, flexibility, and lovemaking in your life. Exercise, good eating, friendships, and passion are the keys to wellness. This bright and lively series offers a practical new health paradigm for aging men and women.

Joanne Harris – Wednesday, Jan. 9 - Little Shop of Stories and Barnes & Noble Alpharetta

RUNEMARKS

In this epic adventure story for young readers, Joanne Harris, author of CHOCOLAT (the Oscar nominated film starring Juliette Binoche and Johnny Depp), introduces Maddy Smith, the town witch. Maddy finds herself the object of ridicule and scorn in a world where magic and imagination are outlawed. She has a ruinmark, or runemark, on her hand, a sign of Chaos blood and magical powers. Maddy's runemark holds the key to great power, but she must learn how to wield this power from her only real friend, One-Eye, in order to prevent a devastating war.

Kate Jacobs - Thursday, January 10, 7:15 PM, Decatur Library

Jacobs' memorable debut novel, The Friday Night Knitting Club, is capturing the hearts of readers across America. It's the poignant and triumphant story of a single mother raising a biracial daughter who finds the support she desperately needs from a knitting club that meets regularly at her yarn shop. The author formerly worked for Redbook and Working Woman magazines.

Crescent Dragonwagon – Thursday, January 10 – Margaret Mitchell House
THE CORNBREAD GOSPELS
Crescent discovered an abundance of satisfying cornbreads, when she followed the cornbread trail from the Appalachians to the Rockies to the Green Mountains. Traveling to family reunions, potlucks, tortilleras, stone-grinding mills, and the National Cornbread Festival in South Pittsburgh, Tennessee, she heard the stories, tasted the breads, and learned the secrets. This cookbook is an overflowing cornucopia of over 200 irresistible recipes for cornbreads, muffins, fritters, pancakes, and go-withs. Crescent also gives us the greens, the beans, the salads, stews, and soups that accompany cornbread to perfection. And she tells us the stories, too.

Carmen Deedy – Friday, January 11 - 7:15 PM, Decatur Library
Deedy, the award-winning Cuban-born author now one of Georgia's favorites, visits to talk about her delightful new book for younger readers, Martina the Beautiful Cockroach: A Cuban Folktale. It's a wise and witty story, and we guarantee you'll never look at a cockroach the same way again. Deedy's books include The Library Dragon and The Last Dance.

Rafe Esquith - Monday, January 14^{th -} 6:00 Reception, 7:00 Author's Lecture
Admission: $10; Free to MMH Members – Margaret Mitchell House
Teach Like Your Hair's on Fire is a brilliant, inspiring road map that encourages parents and teachers to look beyond discipline and to bring passion, excellence, and joy back into education. Rafe Esquith has taught at Hobart Elementary in Los Angeles for 22 years. He is the only teacher to be awarded the president's National Medal of the Arts. His many other honors include the American Teacher Award, Parents magazine's As You Grow Award, Oprah Winfrey's Use Your Life Award™, and the Compassion in Action Award from the Dalai Lama.

Julie Cannon - Tuesday, January 15T, 7:15 PM, Decatur Library
Julie L. Cannon returns to read and discuss her new novel, The Romance Reader's Book Club, a tale of the South, secrets, and sin. In a drought stricken Georgia town, a teenage girl acquires a stack of forbidden romance novels, and forms a secret book club. When the cause of the drought is blamed on sin, the girls are faced with new emotions concerning their club and their place in the town.

Geraldine Brooks – Tuesday, January 15 – Margaret Mitchell House - 6:00 Reception, 7:00 Author's Lecture
Admission: $10; Free to MMH Members
The Pulitzer Prize winning author of MARCH weaves a compelling story based on an actual rare manuscript that survived centuries of exile and war. In 1996, Hanna Heath, an Australian rare-book expert, is offered the job of a lifetime: analysis and conservation of the famed Sarajevo Haggadah, which has been rescued from Serb shelling during the Bosnian war. Priceless and beautiful, the book is one of the earliest Jewish volumes ever to be illuminated with images. When Hanna discovers a series of tiny artifacts in its ancient binding—an insect wing fragment, wine stains, salt crystals, a white hair—she is unexpectedly plunged into the intrigues of fine art forgers and ultra-nationalist fanatics.

(Talk & Signing at the Margaret Mitchell House)

Kurt Andersen - Wednesday, January 16, 7:15 PM, Decatur Librar
Best-selling author Andersen (Turn of the Century), a co-founder of Spy magazine and former columnist for Time and The New Yorker, discusses his brilliant imagined, wildly entertaining new novel, Heyday. Set in the midst of the 19^th century, it's about America's coming of age with a handful of memorable characters discovering the nature of freedom and true love. Andersen hosts the award-winning public radio program, Studio 360.