The Progeny
Ma's Literary Corner
I have begun to read "The Manchurian Candidate, " and was surprised to learn it was originally published in 1959. Apparently it was republished in the late 80's, after which it fell to relative obscurity until rescued by some screenwriter, or possibly Meryl Streep.
I have not viewed the movie by this title, but have seen related promotional bits. I was expecting something in the nature of a spy thriller. Little did I know a comedy was woven into the plot. A comedy of description. The following, is a fairly typical example of some of Richard Condon's tortured prose:
"The vertical halves of his face pouted together sullenly, projecting the effluvia of self pity. His skin was immoderately white, which made the prominent veins of his arms and legs seem like blue neon tubing.His cropped hair was light blond and it grew down low and in a round shape over his forehead in a style affected by many American businessmen of a juvenile or eunuchoid turn."
Ma's verdict? Trying too hard. Way too hard. Not only does it have no flow, it gives me literary whiplash, just thinking about it. In fact, I'd be willing to bet the author slept with Roget's Thesaurus under his pillow. Now, while I imagine Bill Buckley understands all those words, I would venture he would get a giggle or two from their indiscriminate use. But, I guess we're getting into dicey territory when discussing the mind of an intellectual.
Anyway, I am only on page 25, but will endeavor to press on. It's just so hard to keep a bead on the target, when one is constantly bombarded by discordant phrases.
"To Kill a Mockingbird," is a work halfway read, and I am loving every line. I have limited my reading of it until all lights are out, save my bedside lamp. No distracting noises or daylight. Somehow it just seems to give the right setting. I almost expect Boo Radley to peek out from the closet door.
"The Yearling," was another great read. For some strange reason, (inadequate public schooling comes to mind) I never had the privilege of reading this book while I was growing up. I could have used my own initiative and compelled myself to systematically read the classics. But when you are a teenager, it's hard enough just to compell yourself to brush your teeth every day, let alone acquire literary experience. (Besides, I think I was practicing the piano during 1/3 of my teen years.) But it is never too late to start making amends. And sometimes reading a good book later on in life brings even greater appreciation. "The Yearling" was one of those books, for me. I loved it, and identified with the father, the mother, and the boy. Their characters reintroduced me to different parts of my short life. No one is too old to read and enjoy "The Yearling."
Well, thus closes Ma's literary critiquing for the moment. Hope no one was put off by anything. Just in case you were, I will close with another one of those ancient, but ever relevant Irish Blessings I seem to keep encountering in my readings:
May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be ever at your back,
And may your neons be warm reds and yellows."
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I have not viewed the movie by this title, but have seen related promotional bits. I was expecting something in the nature of a spy thriller. Little did I know a comedy was woven into the plot. A comedy of description. The following, is a fairly typical example of some of Richard Condon's tortured prose:
"The vertical halves of his face pouted together sullenly, projecting the effluvia of self pity. His skin was immoderately white, which made the prominent veins of his arms and legs seem like blue neon tubing.His cropped hair was light blond and it grew down low and in a round shape over his forehead in a style affected by many American businessmen of a juvenile or eunuchoid turn."
Ma's verdict? Trying too hard. Way too hard. Not only does it have no flow, it gives me literary whiplash, just thinking about it. In fact, I'd be willing to bet the author slept with Roget's Thesaurus under his pillow. Now, while I imagine Bill Buckley understands all those words, I would venture he would get a giggle or two from their indiscriminate use. But, I guess we're getting into dicey territory when discussing the mind of an intellectual.
Anyway, I am only on page 25, but will endeavor to press on. It's just so hard to keep a bead on the target, when one is constantly bombarded by discordant phrases.
"To Kill a Mockingbird," is a work halfway read, and I am loving every line. I have limited my reading of it until all lights are out, save my bedside lamp. No distracting noises or daylight. Somehow it just seems to give the right setting. I almost expect Boo Radley to peek out from the closet door.
"The Yearling," was another great read. For some strange reason, (inadequate public schooling comes to mind) I never had the privilege of reading this book while I was growing up. I could have used my own initiative and compelled myself to systematically read the classics. But when you are a teenager, it's hard enough just to compell yourself to brush your teeth every day, let alone acquire literary experience. (Besides, I think I was practicing the piano during 1/3 of my teen years.) But it is never too late to start making amends. And sometimes reading a good book later on in life brings even greater appreciation. "The Yearling" was one of those books, for me. I loved it, and identified with the father, the mother, and the boy. Their characters reintroduced me to different parts of my short life. No one is too old to read and enjoy "The Yearling."
Well, thus closes Ma's literary critiquing for the moment. Hope no one was put off by anything. Just in case you were, I will close with another one of those ancient, but ever relevant Irish Blessings I seem to keep encountering in my readings:
May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be ever at your back,
And may your neons be warm reds and yellows."
Tweet
posted by Ma Hoyt | 8:20 PM
2 Comments:
The Yearling was a good book, since you liked it, I might have to dig in my list of good books to find a title that you may care for. I did not get into the Manchurian Candidate either, I put it down after the first few pages. Movies can help books, but an example of a book that was hurt by its movie was Cold Mountain. If you have not seen the movie, DON"T WATCH IT. It was a horrible move that had no literary plot. A Harlem romance (from what I have been told) has more plot than the movie. I read the book which was something that dragged on and on, but it was interesting, had lots of thought. I might have to read the book again just to soak more of it in.
Who was it who said, 'Education is wasted on the young.'? I have enjoyed several books in recent years that would have made little impression on me in my youth. That's one reason to homeschool, so you can get it again now that you have the maturity to go with it. Haven't read The Yearling yet - gotta get that one on my 'to read' list.
Sharon, the elder
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