The Book Thread

[pcfan123]

Finished Clash of Kings last night. This series is like crack.

 

[Varun]

Completed the last few pages of Heart of Darkness, after being unable to do so because of some interruption this week.

I do agree with Puddleduck that there is an inherent racism in Conrad's writing, but as far as I can see, it is that which is borne out of pity, not out of cruelty. Marlow (or Conrad) considered them savages, and not equivalent to his brethren at all, yes that is true (but he saw they were human, only inferior). And that was the general view at the point of time, wasn't it? Remarkably, this attitude is still prevalent in modern-day world, especially when we talk about countries with severe economic disparities. I have sometimes felt this attitude here as well: a lot many people of the upper class here don't consider the poor or the so-called 'deprived and low class' as equal to them. Sure, there is a lot of charity work going around, and people are considered about their upliftment, but still I can see that most of it is out of pity, and in a very similar attitude as regards to Heart of Darkness. We still consider them uncivilized and unequal to us.

I see Achebe was a Nigerian himself and thus I expect it'd be somewhat natural to feel that anguish and disappointment after he realize that Conrad's views were not what people hailed them as.

Nevertheless, I don't actually mind this attitude in Heart of Darkness, as the novella runs other themes parallel to this, although I do admit I didn't attach much fancy to Kurtz and his greatness. I just read that last part of the novel for the so-called reading pleasure, without giving it much thought.

 

[AkshayC]

planning to read "Time Machine by H.G. Wells".

 

[Sureshot]

Currently reading 1776 by David McCullough, move on to Yankee civil war after that, then probably our own civil war. Superb read.

Considering I never liked History at school (or school itself for that matter), really getting in to it of late.

 

[AkshayC]

Just finished the online version of " Band of brothers" by Stephen E. Ambrose
An awesome saga of camaraderie, comradeship and brotherhood. Band of brothers can touch your soul. Basically What I found out id, Its a must read for anyone wanting to join the armed forces, also for civilians who will not experience such bonding too often.

 

[Aislabie]

Can't stop reading Tess Gerritsen books at the minute. They're so awesome.

 

[Varun]

Just finished the online version of " Band of brothers" by Stephen E. Ambrose
An awesome saga of camaraderie, comradeship and brotherhood. Band of brothers can touch your soul. Basically What I found out id, Its a must read for anyone wanting to join the armed forces, also for civilians who will not experience such bonding too often.

So, you have written this review here?

 

[AkshayC]

So, you have written this review here?

caught

not exactly but this is what I feel

----------

Actually Its written at the back of the book. I've the paperback edition too.

 

[pcfan123]

Almost done with Storm of Swords now, this series is bad ass.

 

[puddleduck]

Completed the last few pages of Heart of Darkness, after being unable to do so because of some interruption this week.

I do agree with Puddleduck that there is an inherent racism in Conrad's writing, but as far as I can see, it is that which is borne out of pity, not out of cruelty. Marlow (or Conrad) considered them savages, and not equivalent to his brethren at all, yes that is true (but he saw they were human, only inferior). And that was the general view at the point of time, wasn't it? Remarkably, this attitude is still prevalent in modern-day world, especially when we talk about countries with severe economic disparities. I have sometimes felt this attitude here as well: a lot many people of the upper class here don't consider the poor or the so-called 'deprived and low class' as equal to them. Sure, there is a lot of charity work going around, and people are considered about their upliftment, but still I can see that most of it is out of pity, and in a very similar attitude as regards to Heart of Darkness. We still consider them uncivilized and unequal to us.

Read Achebe's book next Compare the two, how do they portray their characters differently?

People like Conrad did what is referred to as deconstructing entire nations of people. They removed the culture and the human nature of their 'savages' they wrote entirely from one side. I'm not doubting that he may have certainly been a more open-minded individual than many other people around him, but he was open-minded from a position of keeping his eyes shut. Writing about that which intrigued him without appreciating they were equal.

Heh, post-colonial criticism is an area I've generally excelled in, and whilst with any form of critical theory there is no right or wrong answer, there is certainly a lot of interesting arguments in terms of challening the pre-conceived canon's of literature in light of expanding and adapting them to be more rounded.

If you read Aphra Benn's Oroonoko which was written some 200 years earlier you'll see a far more varied look at a different culture, not to mention that written from the point of a view of a female writer (herself resticted in freedom of course) she is able to demonstrate a far greater sympathy to the characters she creates.

Then, go 150 years further on from Conrad and you get Achebe's Things Fall Apart. Read all 3, and you get a really interesting view of the different ways of constructing race.

Because, a quote I used often from Jeremy Waldron - "Race is something which shouldn't matter, but it has mattered, and now has to matter." It was in the literature, the popular documentation, the best sellers, that race was constructed. The 'savage' could easily have been many things, but instead they were the savage. Afterall, it is a lot easier to conquer, kill, and erradicate a people who exist on a level below your own.

 

[pcfan123]

Finished Feast for Crows,

Dance with Dragons is not in paperback yet, tweaking 35 bucks for a book

 

[Manly]

Mark watch Alan Partridge, then get his book. Sensational stuff.

 

[Chewie]

Finished Feast for Crows,

Dance with Dragons is not in paperback yet, kerplucking 35 bucks for a book

Yea I'm probably going to wait for it to come in paperback too. Having said that, I still haven't finished the second book because I get distracted

 

[pcfan123]

I've decided to re-read books 1-4 before I start Dance with Dragons.

I don't know how all these people are just watching GOT and not reading the books, there is so much bad ass ---- that happens

 

[Varun]

Been reading 'Arkham Asylum: A Serious House on Serious Earth', a Batman graphic novel. Maddening is the most appropriate adjective I'd use for it, be it the 'madness' in it, the depictions of the characters, or the artwork and scriptwriting. The best graphic novel/comic I have ever read till now.

'The Killing Joke' and 'The Man Who Laughs' are brilliant as well, but this one is simply, maddening. At least when you are reading it.