Reading

Last night I finished reading The Reader by Bernhard Schlink. Has everyone seen the movie? The movie was fantastic, and this was a case where even after reading the book, the movie seems to hold its own in my mind. The book seemed like commentary. It did expand upon motivations, it explained the character's thoughts, and it presented elements with different emphases, but it didn't vastly outshine the movie to me. I wonder what I would have thought if I had read the book first. It was an easy and interesting read, and I would recommend it for that reason.

Mara, I remember when you wrote about about the movie on your blog. I'd only seen it once at that time, and to be honest, I didn't really know what scene you were referring to. Even when I re-watched it, I barely caught it. She needed kindness and warmth from him, but he was utterly unable to give it. He gave what he could, but he had his limits. I think I almost missed it because I understand. I thought he was justified in what he gave and what he withheld, because I live in a place where I have already had to give too much to others at times, and that has left me drained and feeling like I have little left to give. Thus, I don't entertain grand ideas about my own generosity of heart, or that of others.

The Book of Negroes

I'll admitt to being a little nervous when a friend lent this book to me and encouraged me to read it. Slavery is a hard topic and it seemed likely that this book would be both disturbing and possibly depressing. After finishing it during my convalescence this June, I can now say that I too would recommend it. Yes there are parts that are difficult to read and yes there are topics that are disturbing, but regardless of this the author creates a beautifully written and inspiring story. The heroine Aminata is a strong, intelligent, and compassionate woman and her story draws you in as she recounts her life up until her final days as an old woman in London. Although Aminata is not a real person, her story is universal, it's frought with pain, pleasure, hope, and bitter reality. Although Aminata never accomplishes the one thing that she has set out to do, she finds something even more precious.

"In Aminata Diallo, who evolves from stolen village child to the conscience of abolition, writer Lawrence Hill has crafted one of the most memorable female characters in Canadian fiction.... And here's how readers will come to know this — Aminata tends to linger long after the book's been finished and put aside....The Book of Negroes is thoughtful, stirring, saddening, resplendent and joyful. It's an evocative tome, and among the best in our fiction." The Hamilton Spectator