This book is about the inhabitants of the castle of Otranto, and was written by Earl Horace Wadpole in 1764.
The household consists of Manfred, the owner, who is also called the Prince of Otranto, his wife Hippilota, and his children, Conrad who is 15, and Matilda who is 18. The story starts when Conrad, on the day of his wedding with the princess Isabella, is found dead mysteriously in the courtyard, crushed under a gigantic helmet. Manfred then thinks that this is caused by a curse that had been made years before. He then wishes Isabella to be his bride instead of Hippilota to have a male heir again. Isabella is horrified at the proposal, and manages to escape but Manfred searches for her. Hippilota is deeply religious, so Manfred tells Jerome the priest to encourage her to agree to the divorce, but Jerome secretly abhors the plan. Matilda and Isabella become great friends, but that friendship becomes strained when they both fall in love with a handsome, brave young peasant man named Theodore, who is not who he seems to be.
I liked Hippilota, she was a very sweet character, with a deep religious aspect. I also liked Isabella and Matilda, they were nice girls, respectful to their elders yet firm in their beliefs. Theodore was in every way a medieval knight, chivalrous, gentle, brave, and gallant. I also liked that, although a gothic novel, there was not much of the usual fainting, weakness, terror, etc... that is so common in this genre. The characters were, even though occasionally overcome, strong willed and strong minded.
I disliked Manfred, he was evil minded, selfish, and uncaring, but that was how he was supposed to be portrayed, so his character was very well written.
This book I would recommend to readers who like medieval romances or stories of the supernatural, as in ghosts, curses, visions, and omens. Over all I would give The Castle of Otranto a 7/10.
Monday, 25 January 2016
Book Review: Uneasy Money
Uneasy Money was written by P.G Wodehouse and was published in 1916.
The book is about the young Lord Dawlish, called Bill by his friends. He is one of those unfortunates that had a title but no money. This circumstance was the bane of his fiancé Claire's life, she refused to marry him until he made some money. While she was out of town, Bill decides to go to America to seek his fortune. But just before he leaves, he is told that he has been left 1 million dollars from a man he once helped with his golf game. The man he helped was an eccentric person who in leaving his fortune to Bill, only left 20 dollars to his niece and nephew, who keep a bee farm on Long Island. Bill, being a kind-hearted person, feels guilty that he had unwittingly taken their inheritance. He decides to go to Long Island and see if he cannot give them half. As a precaution, Bill goes under another name, which was good thinking because Elizabeth Boyd, the niece, hates the unknown Lord Dawlish as a treasure hunter. When her brother Nutty, not knowing who he really is, invites him to their home, he becomes great friends with Elizabeth and slowly comes the realization that perhaps Claire is not the girl for him. Meanwhile, Claire also comes to America on a whim to visit a good friend of hers, who also happens to be staying not far from the Boyd farm. There she meets a wealthy car company owner, who falls in love with her immediately.
I liked Bill, he was a nice fellow, generous and good hearted, though a little slow witted. Elizabeth was a lovely girl, she was strong both mentally and physically, and unpredictable in her actions. She had a great passion for her bees, and a motherly regard and worry for her weak brother, who was an alcoholic. Claire's friend Sylvia was a nice girl, friendly, gentle, yet firm minded. I actually liked Claire a little, though her love of money made her the bad guy in this story. The book was written very well, it was humorous, but had the right touch of seriousness.
This is one of my favourite of Wodehouse's works. I would recommend this to readers who like reading about normal people, the characters did nothing out of the ordinary, but is just a simple and realistic view of higher class life in the early 1900's. There is just a touch of romance to satisfy a more romantic reader, there is a lot of decision making as to right and wrong, a little adventure, a little thoughtfulness, and a lot of comedy. Overall I give this book a 10/10.
The book is about the young Lord Dawlish, called Bill by his friends. He is one of those unfortunates that had a title but no money. This circumstance was the bane of his fiancé Claire's life, she refused to marry him until he made some money. While she was out of town, Bill decides to go to America to seek his fortune. But just before he leaves, he is told that he has been left 1 million dollars from a man he once helped with his golf game. The man he helped was an eccentric person who in leaving his fortune to Bill, only left 20 dollars to his niece and nephew, who keep a bee farm on Long Island. Bill, being a kind-hearted person, feels guilty that he had unwittingly taken their inheritance. He decides to go to Long Island and see if he cannot give them half. As a precaution, Bill goes under another name, which was good thinking because Elizabeth Boyd, the niece, hates the unknown Lord Dawlish as a treasure hunter. When her brother Nutty, not knowing who he really is, invites him to their home, he becomes great friends with Elizabeth and slowly comes the realization that perhaps Claire is not the girl for him. Meanwhile, Claire also comes to America on a whim to visit a good friend of hers, who also happens to be staying not far from the Boyd farm. There she meets a wealthy car company owner, who falls in love with her immediately.
I liked Bill, he was a nice fellow, generous and good hearted, though a little slow witted. Elizabeth was a lovely girl, she was strong both mentally and physically, and unpredictable in her actions. She had a great passion for her bees, and a motherly regard and worry for her weak brother, who was an alcoholic. Claire's friend Sylvia was a nice girl, friendly, gentle, yet firm minded. I actually liked Claire a little, though her love of money made her the bad guy in this story. The book was written very well, it was humorous, but had the right touch of seriousness.
This is one of my favourite of Wodehouse's works. I would recommend this to readers who like reading about normal people, the characters did nothing out of the ordinary, but is just a simple and realistic view of higher class life in the early 1900's. There is just a touch of romance to satisfy a more romantic reader, there is a lot of decision making as to right and wrong, a little adventure, a little thoughtfulness, and a lot of comedy. Overall I give this book a 10/10.
Thursday, 14 January 2016
Book Review: Cleopatra
The History of Cleopatra was written by Jacob Abbott in 1851. While writing the book, he relied heavily on Roman writings and records on the subject.
Cleopatra came from a long line of Ptolemys, well known for their use of wealth for personal pleasures of the most vulgar nature. They were a ruthless line, selfish and had an utter disregard for the duties of the monarchy. Her father, when he died after a long reign of vice, left it in his will that hi daughter, who was now 18, would marry her 10 year old brother Ptolemy, and they would rule Egypt together when they came of age. He set in place a guardian, Pothinus the eunuch, who would rule until such time as the Pharaoh and Queen could rule themselves. But as the years went on, Cleopatra became stronger and more determined to become ruler, while Pothinus became determined that she should never do so. He then formed a conspiracy with Ptolemy to overthrow his wife. But Ptolemy died late into the war, so that Cleopatra became queen. She was helped by Ceasar, who, seduced by her charms, stayed with her for several years, enjoying her company, leaving his wife back in Rome. Cleopatra bore him three children before he went back to Rome. After his assassination, his successor Antony came to Egypt. She succeeded in making him stay with her also for a number of years. But Rome had had enough. When Octavius prepared to make war against Antony, the whole country sided with him. After a long war, the famous defeat of Cleopatra, and the subsequent deaths of both Antony and herself, is written well with a lot of description.
Abbott's account of the famous and elusive monarch is interesting, giving a side to Cleopatra that is unusual and yet factual. A great, well written biography, with vivid portrayal and historical accuracy. Overall I would give this book 8/10.
Cleopatra came from a long line of Ptolemys, well known for their use of wealth for personal pleasures of the most vulgar nature. They were a ruthless line, selfish and had an utter disregard for the duties of the monarchy. Her father, when he died after a long reign of vice, left it in his will that hi daughter, who was now 18, would marry her 10 year old brother Ptolemy, and they would rule Egypt together when they came of age. He set in place a guardian, Pothinus the eunuch, who would rule until such time as the Pharaoh and Queen could rule themselves. But as the years went on, Cleopatra became stronger and more determined to become ruler, while Pothinus became determined that she should never do so. He then formed a conspiracy with Ptolemy to overthrow his wife. But Ptolemy died late into the war, so that Cleopatra became queen. She was helped by Ceasar, who, seduced by her charms, stayed with her for several years, enjoying her company, leaving his wife back in Rome. Cleopatra bore him three children before he went back to Rome. After his assassination, his successor Antony came to Egypt. She succeeded in making him stay with her also for a number of years. But Rome had had enough. When Octavius prepared to make war against Antony, the whole country sided with him. After a long war, the famous defeat of Cleopatra, and the subsequent deaths of both Antony and herself, is written well with a lot of description.
Abbott's account of the famous and elusive monarch is interesting, giving a side to Cleopatra that is unusual and yet factual. A great, well written biography, with vivid portrayal and historical accuracy. Overall I would give this book 8/10.
Thursday, 7 January 2016
Book Review: A Damsel in Distress
A Damsel in Distress was written in 1919, by P. G. Wodehouse. It was made into a silent movie in 1919, a play in 1928, and later a musical with Fred Astaire in 1937.
The story is about how American composer George Bevan falls in love with a mysterious girl, when she rushes into his cab in London while trying to get away from a man. After saving her, she disappears again. He tracks her down and learns that she is the Lady Maud Marshmoreton, daughter of the Earl of Belpher. He also finds out that she is kept within the grounds at all times by her aunt Caroline, a hard-hearted lady who is angry with her niece because of her summer romance with another man in Wales. In her pursuit of a more suitable match, she is not supported by her brother the Earl, who is a peculiar and rather eccentric gardener. But she is comforted by Percy, Maud's brother, who is of the same mind as his aunt. Meanwhile, Caroline's step-son Reggie, is in love with the Earl's personal assistant, Alice Faraday. Unaware of this, Caroline's dream is for a match between Reggie and Maud. George decides to stay for some weeks at a local cottage in the hopes of spending time with the Earl's daughter. But from there it goes down hill. Mistaken identities, family quarrels, and scheming servants are just some of the humorous twists to this excellent novel.
The book was well-written, with classic Wodehouse wit. The characters were portrayed beautifully, the setting vividly described, and the plot interesting and funny. A book I would certainly read again, I give this a 9/10.
The story is about how American composer George Bevan falls in love with a mysterious girl, when she rushes into his cab in London while trying to get away from a man. After saving her, she disappears again. He tracks her down and learns that she is the Lady Maud Marshmoreton, daughter of the Earl of Belpher. He also finds out that she is kept within the grounds at all times by her aunt Caroline, a hard-hearted lady who is angry with her niece because of her summer romance with another man in Wales. In her pursuit of a more suitable match, she is not supported by her brother the Earl, who is a peculiar and rather eccentric gardener. But she is comforted by Percy, Maud's brother, who is of the same mind as his aunt. Meanwhile, Caroline's step-son Reggie, is in love with the Earl's personal assistant, Alice Faraday. Unaware of this, Caroline's dream is for a match between Reggie and Maud. George decides to stay for some weeks at a local cottage in the hopes of spending time with the Earl's daughter. But from there it goes down hill. Mistaken identities, family quarrels, and scheming servants are just some of the humorous twists to this excellent novel.
The book was well-written, with classic Wodehouse wit. The characters were portrayed beautifully, the setting vividly described, and the plot interesting and funny. A book I would certainly read again, I give this a 9/10.
Thursday, 3 December 2015
Book Review: The Bride of Lammermoor
This novel was written by Walter Scott in 1819. The plot closely resembles a tragedy that occurred in his own family generations ago. It was a favourite story of his mother's, who got it from his great aunt.
The story starts with Edgar Ravenswood, who's fortune and honor had been swept away when his father was a strong supporter of the dethroned James VII. He inherited his father's hatred of the current owner of their estate Sir William Ashton, and plans revenge. But while plotting, Edgar falls in love with Ashton's daughter Lucy, he renounces all vengeance, and the two become secretly engaged. But Lucy's mother is a proud, haughty, political witch, who tries to force the poor girl into a highly advantageous marriage to the Laird of Bucklaw. Meanwhile Edgar goes to France, and Lucy desperately tries to contact him.
As the hero of the story Edgar was a nice character. He held a deep hatred for the Ashtons, but developed out of righteous anger. He could be kind and cordial, but was also very hot-headed and rash. Caleb, Edgar's servant/butler/housekeeper, was a funny old soul, always finding excuses for the poor food and uncomfortable accommodation of Edgar's current home Wolf's Craig. Sir William Ashton, though supposed to be wicked, was actually a weak man led by the nose by his wife. He actually came to like Edgar, though Ravenswood himself never got so close.
I hated Lady Ashton with all my heart. She come stomping in out of nowhere, took control immediately, and caused havoc in her daughter's life. She, after disastrous consequences, was not even repentant, but remained brutal and hard-hearted to the end.
I would recommend this book to those who like Gothic-style, romantic, tragic, or vengeance novels. It was well written, with each character being as evil or good as he should be. I would give this book overall an 8/10.
The story starts with Edgar Ravenswood, who's fortune and honor had been swept away when his father was a strong supporter of the dethroned James VII. He inherited his father's hatred of the current owner of their estate Sir William Ashton, and plans revenge. But while plotting, Edgar falls in love with Ashton's daughter Lucy, he renounces all vengeance, and the two become secretly engaged. But Lucy's mother is a proud, haughty, political witch, who tries to force the poor girl into a highly advantageous marriage to the Laird of Bucklaw. Meanwhile Edgar goes to France, and Lucy desperately tries to contact him.
As the hero of the story Edgar was a nice character. He held a deep hatred for the Ashtons, but developed out of righteous anger. He could be kind and cordial, but was also very hot-headed and rash. Caleb, Edgar's servant/butler/housekeeper, was a funny old soul, always finding excuses for the poor food and uncomfortable accommodation of Edgar's current home Wolf's Craig. Sir William Ashton, though supposed to be wicked, was actually a weak man led by the nose by his wife. He actually came to like Edgar, though Ravenswood himself never got so close.
I hated Lady Ashton with all my heart. She come stomping in out of nowhere, took control immediately, and caused havoc in her daughter's life. She, after disastrous consequences, was not even repentant, but remained brutal and hard-hearted to the end.
I would recommend this book to those who like Gothic-style, romantic, tragic, or vengeance novels. It was well written, with each character being as evil or good as he should be. I would give this book overall an 8/10.
Monday, 16 November 2015
Book Review: The Surgeons Daughter
This book is about Menie Grey, daughter to a Scottish surgeon Dr. Gideon Grey. The story starts before Menie's birth, when an illegitimate child is born under his roof. The surgeon offers to keep the child, as he had no children of his own, when the grandfather takes the mother but refuses her son. The father, after delivering the mother to the doctor, disappears. Before her departure, the child is named Richard Middlemas, after the town. So life goes on, Gideon Grey gains a daughter, though he loses the mother. Richard shows a promising character, and as he grows up determines to be a doctor. At a young age, Menie and Richard fall in love, and become betrothed secretly. His fellow apprentice Adam Hartley does not approve of this, as he is also in love with her, but continues in his practice and does not say a word. But an old acquaintance, the rogue Tom Hillary, convinces Richard that the duties of a country doctor with a wife are far below what he could expect from his life, and encourages him to go to India. Adam also went to India, having received a commission to treat the natives there. After several unexpected encounters, Richard reaches India and meets Adela Montreville, too whom he becomes a paramour to, and schemes with her. He turns into a wicked, scheming, stealthy liar, which, though seen sometimes in Scottland, was not expected. Under her direction, he invites Menie to India, to become his bride, but things do not go as planned.
I liked Menie, she had a strong but gentle character, there was really nothing to not like about her. Richard's mother, Zilia, was a nice woman, though distressed whenever I met her. Adam Hartley was a clear minded, strong, consciences man. He was sensible and cautious, but also willing to help others.
I liked the author's interesting focal point, how the main character was the evil one with no remorse. Usually a main person is either good, or bad with remorse. This book has a good person, Menie and Adam, but the real main character is a wicked betrayer to the end of his days. The book is well written, it makes you want to keep reading. It also is worded so that you feel all the proper emotions for the different scenes.
I hated Richard, I found him all the more evil because he was good at the start. This showed a weakness of character that I had not expected. I did not like the sudden switch over from a graceful, well-mannered lad, who had a good career ahead of him. He was popular with everyone, he was well liked, and had a woman by his side. But with first Tom Hillary's and then Adela Montreville's voice in his head, he quickly changed into a thieving, rash, monster whom no one liked. At the end he did not even care about Menie.
I would recommend this book to a sympathetic reader who also likes adventures or exotic places, as a good part of the book is based in India. Overall it was a good read, one worth enjoying, I would personally rate it a 7/10.
I liked Menie, she had a strong but gentle character, there was really nothing to not like about her. Richard's mother, Zilia, was a nice woman, though distressed whenever I met her. Adam Hartley was a clear minded, strong, consciences man. He was sensible and cautious, but also willing to help others.
I liked the author's interesting focal point, how the main character was the evil one with no remorse. Usually a main person is either good, or bad with remorse. This book has a good person, Menie and Adam, but the real main character is a wicked betrayer to the end of his days. The book is well written, it makes you want to keep reading. It also is worded so that you feel all the proper emotions for the different scenes.
I hated Richard, I found him all the more evil because he was good at the start. This showed a weakness of character that I had not expected. I did not like the sudden switch over from a graceful, well-mannered lad, who had a good career ahead of him. He was popular with everyone, he was well liked, and had a woman by his side. But with first Tom Hillary's and then Adela Montreville's voice in his head, he quickly changed into a thieving, rash, monster whom no one liked. At the end he did not even care about Menie.
I would recommend this book to a sympathetic reader who also likes adventures or exotic places, as a good part of the book is based in India. Overall it was a good read, one worth enjoying, I would personally rate it a 7/10.
Tuesday, 8 September 2015
Corners Way deep down, in a dark part of me
Is a cherished dream that I don’t
want God to see.
It’s a tiny corner – just a little one;
It’s the hope of a husband and a
precious little son.
If I give this to God, I won’t have it anymore;
My cherished dream will be
in the hands of the Lord.
And what if He doesn’t ever give it back?
It would break my heart and
throw my life off track.
Lord...
I’m hanging on to this, my fingers are wrapped tight,
‘Round all my dreams, and I won’t give in without a fight.
This is what I planned and I thought that it was right!
And now You ask to take it – my precious dream out of my sight...
All right, Lord, I’ll give You some but not all.
That’s too much to ask, Lord, and this corner – mine – is so small...
But my all wasn’t on the altar – yes, part, but not the whole.
I had to give Him everything to have peace within my soul.
So, Lord...
Here I am again, and it’s all of me this time.
I’m giving you my corners and everything that’s mine.
You can take it – You can keep it – I’m not asking for returns.
I want to trust You with my life and I really want to learn
That You are in control and that You will always lead,
And I do know, Lord, way deep down
That You are all I need.©
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