Adrien MASCUNAN MASCUNAN itibaren 403, Tayvan, 台中市西區中興里
I struggled with how to review this book. I did not like the main character, Kath, nor the secondary character Ruth. I could not definitively decide if the narrator was meant to be unreliable, or if the story line was simply that narrow. I found myself in physical discomfort as I read sections (especially the second part), as I so disliked the plot arc. And yet, nothing as dramatic as the slamming of a door happens until the last 50 pages. It took me until I had finished the book and was in bed at night to realize all of these things were pluses instead of minuses. This was a great book, as even though I felt no familiar sympathetic connection (in fact, with most of the characters actions, or lack thereof, I felt a certain level of repulsion), I was utterly compelled by them and by the plotline itself. I could not and cannot stop thinking about it. I have read several books in the last few months that I have loved, flitted through, talked about, put down, and never thought about again. There is a place for those books. This novel is not among them.
Just some of Hemingway's finest. Short stories were definately his forte.
Turned out very unpredictable.
Angelou's clear-cut emotional style of writing empowers any reader. Although disturbing at times, Maya is able to select those instances in her life which translated into the greatest long term impact and meaning. It is evident that Angelou takes a stand on feminism and racial empowerment, and through an account of her triumphs and travails she engenders hope for the downtrodden. Although this was a heartfelt presentation of fact, Maya creates an aura of heroism that cannot be duplicated. Maya tells the reader her story in the hope that others will learn from it, but circumstances change. Definitely her life is unique and stands as a beacon of integrity - and duly deserves appreciation. But to say the life of one woman among thousands, millions of others causes revolutionary change in social psyche? Not likely. This is a difficult read for those sensitive indivuals touchy about issues concerning poverty, oppression, and social isolation.