tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47707522315343123652024-03-13T04:29:07.871+05:00The Book NookSarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01255466500427113916noreply@blogger.comBlogger137125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4770752231534312365.post-84184859321637727122019-12-07T05:36:00.001+05:002019-12-07T05:36:52.723+05:00The Couple Next Door<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Right away we are introduced to Marco and Anne - a young couple out for dinner at their neighbor's house. It is a little boring with the expected cliches - until they return home that is. They come home to find the unthinkable has happened. Their baby is missing.</div>
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A painful period begins for the parents while the search for the baby starts. With no leads, no clues and no evidence, suspicion begins to fall on the parents. How will it end for Marco and Anne? Can they really be guilty of kidnapping their own baby? The detective isn't sure. With so many secrets lurking beneath the surface, it'll take a lot of digging before the truth is revealed.<br />
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<i>The Couple Next Door</i> takes you on a ride that isn't worth taking. Aside from the depiction of the pain and horror the parents go through, nothing else made an impact. The detective makes cryptic statements about suspecting one person and then the next but we never really see his thought process or how he came to that conclusion. </div>
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Then there was that ending - if we can even call it that. It felt like another story at the end. One we didn't expect or even want. Without it, I would have counted this as an average book, with average characters, and a semi-interesting plot - with it, I can't help but feel the author didn't know what she was doing....</div>
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01255466500427113916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4770752231534312365.post-87428307275816022682019-11-29T02:15:00.003+05:002019-11-29T02:15:46.144+05:00The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
We know what will happen. The protagonist knows what will happen - the problem is how to stop it.<br />
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Aiden Bishop is tasked with a seemingly simple objective - he must stop the murder of Evelyn at the end of the day, or else the day will restart and he will be in another guest's body. He has only so many attempts before he is stripped of his memories and the whole process restarts. Will he be able to solve the mystery in time? Is all what it seems? Who are the hosts whose bodies he inhabits? Can he solve the riddle before he himself is in danger? The novels pulls us through various perspectives, repeating the day over and over again and yet flawlessly aligning events so that the picture becomes clearer with each passing host. Not so clear however, that we are ready for the ingenious twist at the end.<br />
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Will we discover who Aiden Bishop is? That's what kept me hooked to the novel until the end. <i>The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle</i> is a novel that reminds me somewhat of Agatha Christie. The setting of Blackheath is familiar, but we have here something more than simply a mystery that must be solved. Aiden Bishop must solve the enigma of the murder, and we must solve the enigma that is Blackheath.<br />
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01255466500427113916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4770752231534312365.post-13783765817233946132019-11-29T01:42:00.000+05:002019-11-29T01:42:26.206+05:00The Wife Between Us<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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This book was oh, so good. I've been a mystery fan for years (my obsession with <i>Agatha Christie</i> is obvious if you search my blog!), but I have never read any contemporary mystery novels. I didn't think I would enjoy this, but I was so wrong!<br />
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<i>The Wife Between Us</i> leads you on a journey that leaves you amazed, intrigued and amazed again. I didn't know what was happening and before I knew it, I understood it all. The story revolves around two women: Nellie and Vanessa, both entangled in the life of Richard, a handsome and successful man who deeply cares about his wife. Little by little, we begin to see glimpses of their lives, like little puzzle pieces that should fit together, yet don't seem to.<br />
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We are first introduced to Nellie - the 'other woman'. She seems to be a young, and slightly naive girl who's been swept off her feet by the much older and stable Richard. He has fallen in love and when he loves someone, there's nothing he won't do.<br />
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Next we have Vanessa - the wife. An unstable alcoholic who has ruined Richard's life. Her antics and uncontrollable behavior have cost her her marriage.<br />
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Prepare to be blown away!</div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01255466500427113916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4770752231534312365.post-11648952126047883432014-02-26T01:42:00.000+05:002014-02-26T01:42:28.295+05:00Rose in Bloom<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I was so excited when I got <i>Rose in Bloom</i> from the library; but somehow, it wasn't what I had expected. The charm had gone out of it for me. Now re-reading <i>Eight Cousins </i>(its prequel) was so much fun. I loved reading about Rose's developing relationships with her newly found relatives in that book, but somehow, <i>Rose in Bloom</i> was much too slow paced for me. I knew what was to come and I felt the it was dragged on a bit ( I know this is probably the effect of re-reading books ). <br />
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Rose has come back from a trip to Europe with her Uncle. Her seven cousins eagerly await her with something more than simply friendship. Over the years that we haven't seen Rose, she has become a woman; her cousins see her with new eyes and some hearts - or just one heart? - beat faster. Romance is in the air and soon the matchmaking begins. The aunts vie for her attention and favors, all wanting their son to be the one who wins the heiress. But do they love her for her? or is it her fortune that tempts them? By this time, Rose knows her aunts - and her cousins - well. Will her Uncle's experiment in training her to be a good woman become a success? Only time will tell.<br />
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Rose, once back with her cousins, begins again to use her influence towards doing good. Prince Charlie has lived up to his name and become the prince that he was destined to be - will he be the one who wins Rose? The cousins think so, and with no one else vying for her attention, Rose begins to think so as well. But Charlie is not the boy that she left behind; he has gotten into a bad set and is fast moving towards destruction. Can she save him before he falls over the edge? Will the book end in a happily ever after for Charlie and Rose? </div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01255466500427113916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4770752231534312365.post-11478382933046835922014-02-22T05:44:00.000+05:002014-02-22T05:44:26.813+05:00Why Shoot a Butler?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I had almost forgotten about this book. I read it, thought it was okay, and forgot all about it. I barely remember the names of the characters! I think the heroine's name was Shirley (why this memory loss??). Bear with me. I remember the story. \o/<br />
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<i>Summary</i><br />
Frank, on his way to his Uncle's home, loses his way, and with dinner time long past gone, he is in a hurry. He runs in to a woman standing next to a car. Stopping to ask for directions, he is struck by her odd behavior.<br />
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He sees a dead body in the car.<br />
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Frank, on realizing this, asks the woman about it and then leaves. Apparently the fact that he is a barrister is not important right now. The woman, whether she his guilty or not, is to be left standing there and he goes on his merry way to a late dinner.<br />
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On reaching town, he informs the police of the murder (THANK YOU) and doesn't mention anything about the woman (!). <br />
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The crime centers around Norton Manor <br />
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<i>Some thoughts </i><br />
As it turns out, the murdered man is the butler. Things are confusing from start to finish with no clues available and the only suspicious character, the valet, murdered later on in the novel. Heyer leads us on a chase from which we can't hope to emerge victorious as various facts vital to untangling the events are known only by the esteemed barrister, Frank!!<br />
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Now I don't get the title. I can think of various reasons why the butler, why any butler could be murdered. He could hold secrets that someone doesn't want to leak out. He could be part of a nefarious smuggling ring, He could have issues of his own (yes, he could!). He could be someone in disguise!! (okay that ones a bit far-fetched.) All these options and more make the title ridiculous..............<br />
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Reading back, I think I went a little crazy. Well, that's how it's gonna be. <i>Why Shoot a Butler?</i> isn't a huge success, nor is it a colossal failure. It is just mediocre...<br />
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01255466500427113916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4770752231534312365.post-26087568089083836242014-02-22T00:27:00.000+05:002014-02-22T00:27:06.621+05:00After the Funeral<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It's been sometime since I've read an Agatha Christie mystery. So long in fact that I'm out of the phase where I see similarities in all novels and can appreciate each one separately!<br />
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<i>After the Funeral</i> is one of those mysteries that I always fail to appreciate. I can't like it although it is well written, and has a strong plot and character portrayal. It just doesn't sit right with me and I don't know why. Maybe it's the grey atmosphere, the sadness that somehow pervades the novel that I can't like. Whatever it is, <i>After the Funeral</i> is not one of my favorites.<br />
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It is a sad day (or is it?) when the family gets together to attend the funeral of Richard Abernethie, the eldest Abernethie. Having been wealthy beyond measure, the remaining relatives: a brother, a sister, two nieces and a nephew have only one thing on their minds - how much has he left them? In this 'solemn' atmosphere, the irrepressible Cora Lansquenet blurts out the revealing phrase <i>"It's been hushed up very nicely ... but he was murdered, wasn't he?" </i><br />
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So begins a maze of theories and suspicion....was he murdered? was it one of them? who was it? The initial doubt soon evaporates with the brutal murder of Cora herself. With another murder, the faithful old family lawyer, Mr. Entwhistle calls in a trusted friend: Hercule Poirot.<br />
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Who needed the money the most? Was it the brother - always inferior to his successful brother? or was it the sister - still resentful about the nonacceptance of her painter husband? It could be any one of the next generation - all in need of money for one reason or another (there is never a lack of motive in an Agatha Christie novel). Hercule Poirot must sift through the various motives to find the real murderer ...... someone who has been very clever, and yet not clever enough.<br />
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01255466500427113916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4770752231534312365.post-40645187818479513692014-02-14T05:13:00.001+05:002014-02-15T01:20:30.887+05:00Friday's Child<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Sheringham, rejected by the woman he believes he loves, vows to marry the first lady he sees. This happens to be his childhood friend and adorer Hero Wantage. Whisking her off to London, Sheringham marries Hero and buys a house. But married life is not what Sheringham thought it would be. Rescuing Hero from social blunders become his constant job. What will he do when she commits a mistake which even he can't undo? Hero soon finds out..................<br />
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<i>Some thoughts</i><br />
<i>Friday's Child</i> promised to follow one of the themes I like best in
Georgette Heyer (spoilers): only after marriage does the couple realize
they love and respect one another. But it was full of disappointment for
one simple reason: it was too long. Added to that was the fact that
Hero, the heroine (I know!) was apt to make <i>too</i> many mistakes. I
am the first to admit that there is some charm in a heroine who makes
certain social blunders and lightens up the stuffy atmosphere; but
innocence and plain stupidity are two different things! I may be being a
bit too harsh here, but I found Hero exhausting and only wondered that
Sheringham didn't as well.<br />
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The side story fared little
better. Isabella Milborne, the childhood friend of Sheringham and Hero,
can't figure out her own heart. It takes considerable heartbreat, a
rejected suitor, and a scandal before she finds out who she loves.
Things follow the normal Heyer drift with people finding eachother at
unexpected places and others rushing to track down runaways or lost or otherwise misplaced people etc.. All in all, not one of my favorite Heyer romances.<br />
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01255466500427113916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4770752231534312365.post-12519377006423849172014-01-27T04:43:00.000+05:002014-01-27T04:43:07.004+05:00Libraries<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
So I've rediscovered the joy of libraries; it's been over 15 years that I've stepped into one and things have changed. For one, I never knew about the online facility of putting <i>holds</i> on books........it's heaven! For example, many of the books I wanted to read kept on showing up as available at central storage. I didn't know what that meant in regard to getting the book, so I just got up and asked the librarian. Lo and behold I can just place a hold and it gets sent to my location. The first thing I did on learning this was place holds on TEN books. The books I've put holds on are as follows:<br />
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by L. M. Montgomery<br />
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<i>Akin to Anne</i><br />
<i>A Tangled Web</i><br />
<i>Along the Shore </i><br />
<i>Among the Shadows </i><br />
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by Louisa May Alcott<br />
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<i>A Long Fatal Love Chase</i><br />
<i>Rose in Bloom</i><br />
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<i>Lost Laysen </i>by Margaret Mitchell<br />
<i>Rhett Butler's People</i> by Donald McCaig<br />
<i>The Twelfth Enchantment</i> by David Liss<br />
<i>The Murder on the Links</i> by Agatha Christie<br />
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As you can imagine, I'm thrilled. I can put holds on books I want that I haven't been able to read in years - this is making me giddy. I'm especially happy about the L. M. Montgomery's books that I haven't been able to get my hands on in Pakistan. Now that I'm surrounded by books, you can expect a surplus of reviews and posts. Well, I'm off to the library! See you later :D</div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01255466500427113916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4770752231534312365.post-27050881206691757252014-01-24T02:32:00.000+05:002014-01-24T02:32:13.765+05:00Anne's House of Dreams<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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L. M. Montgomery's most beloved creation Anne. I can't say much that hasn't already been said. I love Anne and aspire to be like her; dream like her; love like her; live like her. She has always been one of the most powerful figures in literature for me due to her joyous nature and ever optimistic outlook on life.<br />
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<i>Anne's House of Dreams</i>, the fifth novel in The Anne Series, follows Anne on her journey into matrimony and the responsibilities that come with it.. After her marriage, Anne and Gilbert move to Four Winds Point where Gilbert is to take over the practice of his Uncle. Here Anne and Gilbert set up their 'house of dreams'; a place near the sea shore imbued with its mystery and charm. A new place means new 'kindred spirits' and wherever Anne goes, she is sure to attract many. The first of these is an old sailor by the name of Captain Jim.<br />
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<i>"The old captain held out sinewy hand to Anne; they smiled at each other and were friends from that moment. Kindred spirit flashed recognition to kindred spirit."</i></blockquote>
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Next we are introduced to Miss Cornelia Bryant. An inveterate man-hater who can never find anything good to say about any man. Somewhat odd (like the Mr. Harrison of previous novels) she is definitely a kindred spirit - or of the race that know Joseph as she calls it. Anne and her new home have begun to grow into a new and dear family.<br />
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What about a romance? Well, to start you off, here is one of Montgomery's flawless descriptions which hints at romance to come....<br />
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<i>"The girl of the golden hair and sea-blue eyes was sitting on a boulder of the headland, half-hidden by a jutting rock ....... She was bareheaded, and her splendid hair, more than ever like Browning's "gorgeous snake," was bound about her head with a crimson ribbon. She wore a dress of some dark material, very plainly made; but swathed about her waist, outlining its fine curves, was a vivid girdle of red silk. Her hands, clasped over her knee, were brown and somewhat work-hardened; but the skin of her throat and cheeks was as white as cream. A flying gleam of sunset broke through a low-lying western cloud and fell across her hair. For a moment she seemed the spirit of the sea personified -- all its mystery, all its passion, all its elusive charm."</i></blockquote>
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I love quoting Montgomery. Love it.<br />
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The novel has its fair share of romance, happy moments, tragedy and laughter. Be ready to shed a few tears and have a few laughs. Pick up a cup of steaming cocoa, wrap yourself in a warm blanket, and open up <i>Anne's House of Dreams</i>. Enjoy.</div>
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01255466500427113916noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4770752231534312365.post-34517135892207914762014-01-22T05:06:00.000+05:002014-01-22T05:06:36.239+05:00Footsteps in the Dark<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I really enjoyed this book. It was somewhat long, didn't have as much romance as I would have liked and was slow in developing; but despite all this, I enjoyed reading it. Maybe it's because I'm incurably addicted to Heyer and unconditionally love all her books. Or maybe it's because I have started reading after a year and a mystery was just what I needed! Whatever the reason, I finished the book and started another all in the course of one day and find that I have to say something about it.<br />
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Margaret, Peter, and Celia come to the Priory: a house they have inherited from a relative. The sisters are captivated by its charming, old-world look and convince Peter, their brother, and Charles, Celia's husband, to stay. It is only later that they discover that the house is supposed to be haunted by a mysterious Monk who randomly appears and scares away any tenants. The story is so popular that no one dares to go near the place and consequently it has remained deserted.<br />
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The mystery increases when members of the family begin seeing the Monk themselves and hearing eerie cries around the place. Is it possible that the Priory really is haunted? Celia thinks so when they discover a skeleton which mysteriously falls out of a hidden priest hole.<br />
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Peter and Charles are not so convinced. They set out on a hunt to find the<i> human</i> presence they believe is behind the sightings. Someone is trying to scare them away. But why? Lack of any apparent reason trumps them until...........<br />
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A nice read. I only wish that Heyer had been more imaginative in the uncovering of the mystery. I would have liked more rational deduction by the characters. What was lacking in the novel were deductible clues; this would have invested readers who like to put their own brain cells to use in uncovering a mystery.</div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01255466500427113916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4770752231534312365.post-18255609635462045002014-01-21T14:27:00.000+05:002014-01-21T14:27:21.341+05:00Why haven't they made the movie?!: Cotillion<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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My last venture into the world of book based movies was<i> The Three Musketeers</i>. I liked it and ever since I've watched the film, I've been on a quest to read all books made into movies. But what I find much more important are those books which <i>aren't</i> turned into movies: classics (in my opinion) and great books that have been looked over for something more 'sellable'. One such looked over author is Georgette Heyer. Her book <i>Cotillion</i> is one of my favorite romance books (Heyer excelled in Regency Romance, a sub-genre adapted from Jane Austen). I decided to re-read it so that I could see how I would cast the main characters! Go here for my review on the <a href="http://coolnmisty.blogspot.com/2012/03/cotillion.html" target="_blank"><i>book</i></a>.<br />
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Well, first and foremost, the characters in this novel while not ugly, aren't spectacularly beautiful or dashing beyond measure! Kitty, the heroine of the piece, is a pretty brunette who comes into her beauty when she comes into contact with fashion in London. Her natural beauty shines through, embellished by her simplicity and innocence. Emma Stone is someone that comes to mind as somewhat Kitty-like!<br />
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Freddy is not at all the tall, broad shouldered sportsman featured in most Georgette Heyer novels. He is slim, average height, elegant and amiable looking..... But although he isn't the dashing hero we're used to, I find him charming and just perfect for Kitty. <br />
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What would you all think of Shia LeBeouf as Freddy? I'm not too sure, but it has to be someone with a slightly innocent 'air'! Thinking up a good cast for my favorite Heyer novel is harder than I thought!<br />
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Laying that aside, the other important character, Jack, is the type that can be easily cast. Just choose one of the many manly hunks from Hollywood and Voila! you have Jack. Only remember, he has to have a ruthless and arrogant look about him or it wouldn't be JACK.<br />
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All in all I think the cast is not as important to the success of this fiictitious movie as is the direction. The characters must be as they are in the novel or the humor and subtle beauty would be lost. For example, Kitty can be a blonde or a brunette, but if she doesn't have an innocence coupled with a certain shrewdness, her role would fall flat. Sometimes I think I'm the only one who can direct any book based movie well!! :P........ (Come on. You know it's true). <br />
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01255466500427113916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4770752231534312365.post-207876241938192742014-01-21T13:54:00.000+05:002014-01-21T13:54:08.492+05:00Eight Cousins<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<i>Eight Cousin</i><i>s</i>, along with its sequel <i>Rose in Bloom</i>,<i> </i>is one of my favorite books by Louisa May Alcott. The depiction of family life and hope that is so pervasive in Alcott's novels doesn't fail one here. That one can always change, be better, be healthier and that love can do wonders is the message in most of her stories. I know that whenever I read her novels, despite the somewhat exaggerated goodness, I too see a better world through her eyes.<br />
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<i>Eight Cousins</i> centers around Rose; a young, recently orphaned girl who is thrust into a new world with relatives she barely knows. With the fear of a new guardian and seven new cousins, all boys, whom she has never met, Rose has grown to be constantly ill and tired. Will the arrival of the mysterious guardian and the companionship of her cousins help her heal? Those who have read a novel by Alcott must already know the answer. The novel promises a fun voyage through the ups and downs, surprises, and magic of Rose's new family life.........A MUST READ!</div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01255466500427113916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4770752231534312365.post-84481194309767087372013-12-19T07:04:00.000+05:002013-12-19T07:04:19.036+05:00Am I back?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Lots of things have happened to me since you guys saw me last........For one, I'm now married! Yes, it's been over a year since I last posted anything on my blog and as I can testify, a lot can happen in a year. Among other things, I've now moved to the US and am getting used to so many different things! It's a whole new life for me and I am excited at the endless possibilities.<br />
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Which brings me back to my blog. Am I really back? Blogging is something that got me through the toughest years of my life. I held on to two things that I love: reading and my own opinion about what I read :P. I have loved every moment that I spent on my blog but now I somehow can't find the time. I'm amazed to say I haven't touched a book in a long time and I haven't even been to the local library yet! I'm somewhat shocked at myself but starting a new life kind of takes up all your time. But as things are beginning to settle down I keep telling myself that I want to, no <i>need</i> to, read. I want to open a book and snuggle in my blanket with a cup of hot cocoa in my hand; I want to step into another world for a few hours everyday. Maybe it's the boring routine I'm settling into that has woken me up!<br />
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Anyway, as things are, I plan to start reading at the first oppurtunity..............yes, I know, I shouldn't be planning, just DOING! Well, hopefully you'll soon see some activity on my blog again and new worlds that you can also escape into :). <br />
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01255466500427113916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4770752231534312365.post-20262702191873177742012-07-29T12:27:00.000+05:002012-07-29T12:27:34.308+05:00Ramadhan Hiatus<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It's been sooooo long since I've posted anything that I have to get re-acquainted with my blog! It's not that I haven't been reading; to pass the time in this hot and humid weather with the special bonus of not being able to drink anything (Fasting Month!), I go through a lot of books. But mostly, they're just Agatha Christie re-reads or books that I don't have to pay a lot of attention to while reading. I have the massive <i>War and Peace</i> waiting patiently to be started, but in this state, I don't dare to touch it yet. Let a month pass before I begin <i>that</i> particular novel.<br />
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As it is, I knew I would be lazy about getting a post up, so I thought: why not just do an update post about the books I've been reading and will soon post reviews of? I have plenty of ideas swimming around in my head, and rather than letting them slip out, it'd be better to just jot them down in a post of their own. So here it goes:<br />
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Books I have read and not posted reviews of yet:<br />
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<i>They Found Him Dead</i> <br />
<i>The Death of Ivan Ilyich</i><br />
<i>Eat Pray Love</i><br />
<i>The Thirteen Problems</i><br />
<i>Miss Marple's Final Cases</i><br />
<i>The Witness for the Prosecution and Selected Plays</i><br />
<i>Hallowe'en Party</i><br />
<i>The Seven Dials Mystery</i><br />
<i>Postern of Fate </i><br />
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I'll get to these as soon as my brain decides to function without food or water! Besides my overdue reviews, I have to catch up on some of my challenges. Now, the <i>2012 TV Addict Reading Challenge</i> I've long given up on for the simple reason that the books are unavailable to me and I can't afford to order so many. That's somewhat sad for me but, hey, there are other books and other challenges; <i>The Historical Challenge,</i> I am happy to say, I have almost completed. With only one book to go, I should be able to finish it in the remaining months. Finally, we have the<i> New Authors Challenge</i> for which I have a couple of new books lined up (the reviews, of course, I'll be posting in August).<br />
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It has also been quite some time since I've posted anything new on my <i>Why haven't they made the movie?!</i> feature. For me, there are always plenty of books I'm only too ready to have turned into movies, and I have the perfect book in mind. Watch soon for a post on Cotillion to pop up! My other feature, <i>My Blind Date with a Book</i>, overlaps with the<i> New Authors Challenge </i>so I'll be updating that soon as well. </div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01255466500427113916noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4770752231534312365.post-32976060709685995672012-07-07T20:43:00.003+05:002012-07-07T20:43:55.974+05:00Destination Unknown<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Rating: ****</span></td></tr>
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Another novel with the same theme: the fear of youth ruling the earth; a huge power looming up to take over the world!! Etc. But still, I have to say I liked the novel. It was mostly due to the different approach to the same theme, and the character of Hilary Craven. I liked how the novel turned out to be something quite different from what I had expected (hint, it turned out not to be all about taking over the world!). <br />
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<i>Destination Unknown</i> takes Hilary Craven, a disillusioned and heartbroken woman into the heart of a conspiracy. Tired and broken, she is given a chance to do something before ending her life. Traveling through unknown territory and barren deserts, will she be able to find herself along with the people she is sent to look for: a number of reputable young scientists who have mysteriously disappeared - gone behind the curtain? <br />
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Will the conspiracy remain a mystery forever? Somehow, with Agatha Christie, one never thinks so. With the usual cast of intelligent and charming characters, I enjoyed reading <i>Destination Unknown</i>.</div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01255466500427113916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4770752231534312365.post-10792183764769437542012-06-15T15:23:00.000+05:002012-06-21T20:46:52.897+05:00Anna Karenina<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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What can be said about a classic? Simply that it was beautifully written. Its fluidity of expression made me glide across page after page without effort, relishing each sentence for its uncanny ability to express. I rarely come across a book that reads itself! <i>Anna Karenina</i> was all that and much more. It was a book that covered not only all elements of style, but of theme and characterization as well.<br />
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<i>Anna Karenina</i> covers the drama around Anna's life as she steps into a world of affairs and deception. Swept off her feet by the charming Count Vronsky, Anna, a married woman, finds herself moving away from all that she has known and into the life of a social outcast. We follow her through the initial deception, later revelation and final despair. Life is not all glamor and gold in the upper sphere - something we are shown through the eyes of the various characters. Side by side to this story, we have that of Kitty, a young unsophisticated girl who, rejected by Vronsky, finds herself questioning her choices and feelings of love.......<br />
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Anna Karenina fascinated me mostly because of its realism - or so I imagine life would be in the Russian upper class. I found myself drawn into the various scandals, behaviors and accepted norms of the society. The representation of the characters and their actions was satisfyingly realistic. You were sure that it could have happened in no other way. The emotions felt by Anna, by Vronsky, Levin and Kitty were those people in similar situations have felt and never been able to put into words. When you find an author who has the ability to express those intangible thoughts and feelings, reading becomes a pleasure.<br />
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As one critic puts it, "we do not judge: we watch". </div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01255466500427113916noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4770752231534312365.post-26492470519681180762012-06-14T20:11:00.001+05:002012-06-21T20:45:21.575+05:00Endless Night<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Rating: ****</span></td></tr>
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The first time I read <i>Endless Night</i>, I had no idea the title was taken from William Blake's <i>Auguries of Innocence</i>; now, a masters in English literature later, I instantly recognized the familiar poem. <br />
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Michael Rogers comes to Gipsy's Acre and falls in love with it. But how can a penniless nobody afford to buy an expensive estate? Fate introduces him to Ellie, a rich, young heiress. The young couple fall in love and decide to build the home of their dreams on the site. Unfortunately for them, there is a curse on the land and it won't leave them in peace. Things get from bad to worse until one day..........<br />
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So that I don't give it away, I won't say what other Christie novel <i>Endless Night</i> reminds me of. It has altogether an eerie atmosphere to it and one is never sure what it is: a love story? a psychological mystery? a supernatural novel? or just simply what is normal for Agatha Christie? a mystery? The main plot twist comes when you are well past half-way point and the ending comes as a huge surprise; but the story manages to be intriguing even <i>before</i> the twist and turns Agatha is most famous for. The psychological element is introduced so cleverly, so effortlessly that before you know it, you understand it all.<br />
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I find myself agreeing with critic Anthony Berkeley's views on Agatha Christie's books. Below is his take on <i>Endless Night</i>. <br />
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"The old maestrina of the crime-novel (or whatever is the female of
'maestro') pulls yet another out of her inexhaustible bag with <i>Endless Night</i>,
quite different in tone from her usual work. It is impossible to say
much about the story without giving away vital secrets: sufficient to
warn the reader that if he should think this is a romance he couldn't be
more mistaken, and the crashing, not to say horrific suspense at the
end is perhaps the most devastating that this surpriseful author has
ever brought off."</blockquote>
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Definitely one of Agatha Christie's best. A story that you can relish and sink your teeth into.</div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01255466500427113916noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4770752231534312365.post-52605795991183001172012-06-11T19:19:00.001+05:002012-06-11T19:19:53.878+05:00The Labours of Hercules<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Rating: ***</span></td></tr>
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Hercule Poirot has never doubted his abilities - until one day a parallel is drawn between him and his namesake the great Hercules of Greek lore..... To live up to (or in his own mind surpass!) the glory of Hercules, Poirot decides to take up the famous labours that the Greek hero went through. The twelve stories that follow are all that an Agatha Christie fan could wish for.<br />
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The novel contains some of the most famous characters in the Christie universe including Inspector Japp and Countess Vera Rosakoff. I enjoy this novel each time I read it because it has some of the simplest and sweetest stories Christie has written. Among them is <i>The Arcadian Deer</i> which tells the story of a young, handsome mechanic who is searching for the woman he fell in love with, <i>The Augean Stables</i> which concerns the reputation of a good and honest politician (really!); <i>The Labours of Hercules</i> also introduces the character Amy Carnaby - a timid old lady's companion who turns out to be something more. Of course there is also the final reappearance of Poirot's one and only flame Countess Vera Rosakoff. Now old and retired from a life of crime, in Poirot's eyes, she still has more fire than all the girls of the younger generation! All in all, reading these stories passes a fun couple of hours.<br />
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Miss Marple is vacationing in the West Indies - an out of the world spot where her nephew Raymond hopes she will regain her health and find some time to relax. But where Miss Marple goes, murder soon follows. The first inkling she gets of something not quite right is when Major Palgrave dies from 'natural causes' a day after telling a story of a serial murderer. Apparently, the Major had a photograph of the said murderer, and yet none is found on his body! Miss Marple must figure out who Major Palgrave had recognized from the photo and who the next victim will be before it's too late....<br />
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In <i>A Carribean Mystery</i>, we again hit upon one of Agatha Christie's best. The setting with the confusing murder story, the misleading (yet in the end always clear!) evidence is as charmingly laid out as ever and gets the reader every time! I enjoyed the characters and was so happy that Mr. Rafiel, a rich character in the novel, was to appear in a future novel as well: <a href="http://coolnmisty.blogspot.com/2011/11/nemesis.html" target="_blank"><i>Nemesis</i></a>.</div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01255466500427113916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4770752231534312365.post-43609850151431064642012-06-04T16:23:00.002+05:002012-06-04T16:28:30.911+05:00Sir Nigel<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I have all my best ideas when I'm so sleepy that I can't write them down. Then, in the morning, they're all gone! That was the case with what I wanted to get down about reading <i>Sir Nigel</i>. I've lost the words that can grasp how the novel combined the brutality of war with a sense of chivalry and romance. Sir Nigel, a young impoverished man of gentle birth, has no other desire than to fight for England. He has his chance when the King visits his home and he is made a squire to Sir Chandos, one of the bravest knights of England. War is never a pretty business, but Sir Arthur Conan Doyle infuses this story with Nigel's youth and innocence and his love for Lady Mary.<br />
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Honor. <i>Sir Nigel</i> shows the worth of honor in 14th century England. A man's honor lies in fighting for England, for one's lady, or dying by the sword. To gain this glory, Sir Nigel takes a vow to do three deeds of honor for Lady Mary. Journeying through England, he fights battles against the French, Spaniards and all at Brittany always in the search for more honor.<br />
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I loved the character of Sir Nigel and how his optimism, energy, chivalry and honor molded him into a great knight. The novel is a pleasant way to wile away the summer hours when there is no electricity to take your mind off the heat!<br />
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<a href="http://historicaltapestry.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eWUmVCqGbSU/TtY1iDbwS1I/AAAAAAAABG0/AZsRZxeyGgc/s1600/Badge-HF-challenge-2012_sma.png" /> </a></div>
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This is also my fourth historical fiction book this year, which means that I have only one more to go to complete the Historical Fiction Challenge hosted by Historical Tapestry. Yay! \o/</div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01255466500427113916noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4770752231534312365.post-82440749061357841142012-06-03T16:30:00.000+05:002012-06-03T16:30:19.754+05:00Passenger to Frankfurt<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Sir Stafford Nye is known for his sense of humour and his love of the unconventional; so, when he is given an unusual suggestion by a lady at an airport - she wants to switch places with him - he decides to gamble and willingly allows himself to be drugged. This meeting later drags him into a vortex of international conspiracy in which people are striving for world domination with the aid of the youth - a popular theme used by Christie. <br />
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A mediocre novel: That's how I feel about <i>Passenger to Frankfurt</i>. Nothing much caught my attention - not even the main character. The story was uninspired and unreal, the characters were passable, and so was the amateur detective: Sir Stafford Nye. We don't even have the satisfaction of a good ending.<br />
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The fact is, <i>Passenger to Frankfur</i>t is an international crime mystery and I hate those. Just read my review on <i>The Big Four </i>and you'll see....Now since this is clearly not my cup of tea, I'll leave you to form your own opinions. <br />
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<br /></div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01255466500427113916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4770752231534312365.post-19800906296646058272012-06-03T14:52:00.000+05:002012-06-03T15:07:36.458+05:00Appointment With Death<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Rating: ****</span></td></tr>
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Another one of Christie's psychological mysteries, <i>Appointment with Death</i> deals with the dynamics of the Boynton family. At the head of this dysfunctional group is Mrs. Boynton, a woman who takes pleasure in psychologically controlling and torturing her victims - and who better as experiments than her own family? her own daughter? Travelling through Jerusalem, the Boyntons make their way through the tourism sites. But even a cornered rat may strike back when pushed to the limit and soon Mrs. Boynton is found dead at Petra.<br />
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I always enjoy the more psychological of Christie's detective novels and this one was right up my alley. I enjoyed the characterization, the portrayal of people under psychological duress, and the hopelessness of those who feel they are beyond all aid - it was all expertly drawn. How many of us have seen in films the effect of prolonged torture which inevitably ends in a numb, broken acquiescence to all requests? The whole process of mental control and what it does to those subjected to it was subtly shown in the Boyntons. While the images were not brutal like those in the movies (!) it was a truthful representation. Definitely one of my favorites.<br />
<br /></div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01255466500427113916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4770752231534312365.post-6846226440544217592012-06-01T20:08:00.001+05:002012-06-01T20:08:13.338+05:00Les Miserables<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<i>Les Miserables</i> is one of the greatest classics in French Literature. Written in the nineteenth century by Victor Hugo, it covers many of the highs and lows of the time, its instability and the miseries of the lower stratum. The time period in the novel covers the aftermath of the French Revolution and Napolean's rule. With a violent history behind it, and more bloodshed yet to come, Victor Hugo shows through one man, the shaping of a whole new society.<br />
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Jean Valjean, a young peasant condemned to 19 years in prison, finds his mind broadening after meeting Bishop Myriel despite the years of ignorance that have warped it. Faced with honesty and goodness, he is forced to review his life and begins the journey towards greatness. Where one man who has never known the light, fights against generations of darkness, others will soon follow. Jean Valjean goes through struggle after struggle in Victor Hugo's stupendous novel, finds himself thrown back, yet perseveres against all odds. <br />
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At times, the length of the novel and the long pages of history and architectural lessons forced me to skip (a lot!) of the sections, but I found the story pulling me through it all. It was amazing to read how Jean Valjean faced life, how he, an uneducated peasant with nothing except his two hands, educated and broadened his mind, his knowledge and his wisdom - not only for himself, but for others. There were set backs which made it only all the more real. This was no easy walk in the park, but a struggle against his darker self and that of others. It took great courage and strength to become the man he at last becomes.<br />
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Now I hear that the novel is being turned into a film starring Hugh Jackman as the famous hero Jean Valjean, Russel Crowe as his main antagonist Javert, Anne Hathaway as Fantine, and Amanda Seyfried as Cosette. I look forward to watching it!</div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01255466500427113916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4770752231534312365.post-2426103698836176912012-05-15T11:22:00.002+05:002012-05-15T11:22:33.318+05:00The Count of Monte Cristo<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ASH6D2NDLzs/T7Ht62LIMgI/AAAAAAAABnk/5xi4QRygTF8/s1600/The+Count+of+Monte+Cristo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ASH6D2NDLzs/T7Ht62LIMgI/AAAAAAAABnk/5xi4QRygTF8/s200/The+Count+of+Monte+Cristo.jpg" width="121" /></a><i>The Count of Monte Cristo </i>is a tale about revenge - anyone who has seen the movie knows the outline: Edmond Dantes, a young and successful sailor about to marry the girl of his dreams, is sent to prison falsely accused of being a spy. Presumed dead by his family, he vows revenge against those who got rid of him for their own greed and desires. Left a treasure by the only true friend he found in prison, he escapes and becomes the Count of Monte Cristo. One by one, he takes down his enemies. Consumed by revenge he sees nothing - not even the innocent.<br />
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I really enjoyed reading <i>The Count of Monte Cristo</i>. It was a light and easy read and those who like adventure, mysterious strangers, and fabulous treasure will love this book. For history geeks, the story captures the essence of France and Italy in the early 1800s and has a lot of references to historical figures. Actually, the whole story is historically inspired with Edmond being sent to prison because it was believed he was a Bonapartist - a follower of Napoleon. <br />
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This is the second book I've read by Alexandre Dumas that has been turned into a film. Like <i>The Three Musketeers</i>, the film is not completely faithful to the story. For one thing (spoilers ahead), Edmond doesn't end up with Mercedes!! Yes, that was a shock to me too, but as I read the story, I realized that the author wouldn't have him wind up with an 'old lady' when there was someone young and beautiful under Edmond's protection. Another huge change was that the villain in the movie was a morph of two villains in the novel. Unlike in the movie, Alexandre Dumas shows Edmond's interest and love for his old benefactor and employer Morrel and his family. The Count views them as his own family and does everything for them, taking care of them in their time of need. All in all, although the movie is good, there are a lot of differences from the novel and trust me, reading the book will be fun and different from the experience of the movie.</div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01255466500427113916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4770752231534312365.post-84400389784665743472012-04-23T13:24:00.001+05:002012-04-23T13:24:37.090+05:00Death on the Nile<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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One of my favorite Christie novels: intense, emotional and moving, from start to finish, I'm involved one hundred percent in the story. I've re-read the mystery more times than I can count and yet every time I pick it up, I'm engrossed. The twists and turns, the character portrayals, the happy and unhappy endings, all go towards making this book one of Agatha Christie's best.<br />
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OK, I'm over-selling it.........that way you'll pick it up and think WTH? I thought this was supposed to be awesome! Moving on to the summary.....<br />
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Jackie's honeymoon doesn't end up as she had planned - especially since she's not even on it! Things take an unexpected turn when her fiance falls for her best friend, the young, rich and beautiful Linnet Ridgeway. Jackie is convinced that Linnet went all out for Simon and didn't give a thought to their friendship, and her revenge is simple: follow Linnet everywhere on her honeymoon. Be the thorn in the new couple's happiness. But would she commit murder? It looks like it when Linnet is found murdered - shot through the head. Simon is convinced of Jackie's innocence and it seems he is right. Jackie simply couldn't have done it. But then, who else has a grudge against the young heiress?<br />
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Simon is oblivious, but lucky for him, Poirot happens to be on the same cruise and has formed opinions of his own. Can it be that Linnet was murdered, not for love and revenge, but for her money? The suspects on the boat increase with this new motive and Poirot has his work cut out for him. Luckily he meets an old friend, Colonel Race, who is on board for a secret mission of his own. With plenty of motives to go around, the truth stays pretty well hidden.<br />
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<i>Some thoughts</i><br />
The murder was very well planned - but that wasn't what kept me interested. It's the play of all the characters involved and the emotional drama that keeps you hooked. Jackie and Linnet may hold center stage, but there are plenty of other interesting characters who manage to attract attention. </div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01255466500427113916noreply@blogger.com2