Lawrence's finest, most mature novel initially met with disgust and incomprehension. In the love affairs of two sisters- Ursula and Rupert, and Gudrun with Gerald, critics could only see a sorry tale of sexual depravity and philosophical obscurity.
'Women in Love', however, is a profound response to a whole cultural crisis. The 'progress' of the modern industrialized world has led to the carnage of the First World War. What, then, did it mean to call ourselves 'human'? On what grounds could we place ourselves above and beyond the animal world? What are the definitive forms of our friendships- love, marriage, family, friendship- really worth? And how might they be otherwise?
Without directly referring to the war, women in love explores these questions with restless energy. As a sequel to 'The Rainbow', the novel develops experimental techniques which made D. H. Lawrence one of the most important writers of the Modernist movement.
I am silver and exact. I have no preconceptions. Whatever I see I swallow immediately Just as it is, unmisted by love or dislike. I am not cruel, only truthful- The eye of a little god, four- cornered. Most of the time I meditate on the opposite wall. It is pink, with speckles. I have looked at it so long I think it is a part of my heart. But it flickers. Faces and darkness separate us over and over.
Now I am a lake. A woman bends over me, Searching my reaches for what she really is. Then she turns to those liars, the candles or the moon. I see her back, and reflect it faithfully. She rewards me with tears and an agitation of her hands. I am important to her. She comes and goes. Eah morning it is her face that replaces the darkness. In me she has drowned a young girl, and in me an old woman Rises toward her day after day like a terrible fish.
A man calls unexpectedly on his mistress and sees another man leaving her flat. Accusing her of being unfaithful, he quarrels with her, strikes her, she dies.
Leaving unseen, he tips off the police so that the other man is arrested and charged... Has he achieved 'the perfect murder'?
A tantalizing opening to A TWIST IN THE TALE.
Consider also: a wine- tasting with a bizzare difference, a game of chess with a sexy stranger, a violent row in a golf clubhouse bar, a rivalry founded on eating cornflakes... just some of the openings in this cunningly constructed, fast- moving, entertaining set of stories from the bestselling author of our time, Jeffrey Archer.
If your dream is big enough, not even your enemies can stop you.
Charlie Trumper's earliest memory is of hearing his grandfather's sales patter from behindk his costermonger's barrow. When Grandpa Charlie dies, young Charlie wants nothing more than to follow in his footsteps- his burning ambition is to own a shop that will sell everything: the biggest barrow in the world.
Charlie's progress from the teeming streets of Whitechapel to the elegance of Chelsea Terrace is only a few miles 'as the crow flies'. But in Jeffrey Archer's expert hands it becomes an epic journey through the triumphs and disastersof the last century, as Charlie follows a thread of love, ambition and revenge to fulfil the dream his grandfather inspired.
If Danny Cartwright had proposed to Beth Wilson the day before, or the day after, he would not have been arrested and charged with the murder of his best friend.
And when the four prosecution witnesses are a barrister, a popular actor, an aristocrat, and the youngest partner in an established firm's history, who is going to believe your side of the story?
Danny is sentenced to 22 years and sent to Belmarsh prison, the highest security jail in the land, from where no inmate has ever escaped.
But Spencer Craig, Lawrence Davenport, Gerald Payne and Toby Mortimer all underestimate Danny's determination to seek revenge, and Beth's relentless quest to pursue justice, which force all 4 protagonists to fight for their lives.
Thus begins Jeffrey Archer's most powerful novel since Kane and Abel, with a cast of characters who will remain with you long after you've turned the last page.
Some people wait their whole lives to find their soul mates. But not Holly and Gerry.
They were childhood sweethearts- no one could imagine Holly and Gerry without each other.
Until the unthinkable happens. Gerry's death devastates Holly. But as her 30th birthday looms Holly discovers that Gerry has left her a bundle of notes, gently guiding her into her new life without him, each signed 'P.S. I Love You.'
With some help from her friends, and her noisy and loving family, Holly finds herself laughing, crying, singing, dancing- and being braver than before.
Life is for living, she realizes- but it always helps if there's an angel watching over you.
Many years ago, a wise king set out to teach his son, the crown prince, the wisdom necessary for him to become a great ruler. The king decided to send the prince to the forest for one year. The wise father instructed the prince to return in exactly one year and describe the sounds of the forest. The dutiful son did accordingly. He went to the forest and listened to all the sounds he could hear. He returned in one year and happily told his father what he had heard: leaves rustling in the wind, leaves falling to the earth, birds singing, bees buzzing, insects whirring and chirping, small and large animals coming and going, water gurgling up from crevices in rocks. But the king was not pleased. He frowned and admonished his beloved son to go back to the forest and listen to the true sounds of the forest. The boy sat alone beside the huge trees and lay on the forest grass, pondering over his apparent lack of understanding. After many days and nights, the prince began to sense a strange awareness about him. At least he could return to his father much wiser. So, the young boy ran home, bursting with the excitement of his new learning. He came to his father and reported that finally he had heard the leaves of the trees awakening in the morning dew, the sounds of the woodland flowers opening and closing, the clamour of all the earth as it bared itself to the warming rays of the noonday sun, the heartbeats of a thousand animals and birds. His father was pleased. "My son," said the king, "To hear 'the unhearable' is one's best discipline for being a great ruler. The best rulers must hear the unspoken joys and pains of their rulers. It is to hear the obvious and the superficial, the great kingdoms are built only by the hearing the secret sounds of those around you. You have learned well the wisdom of the forest and your lifelong task."
Very few literary characters attain iconic status. The term is bandied around, certainly, but few are worthy of it. I find a simple test is to count the number of people you know with the same name as the supposed icon. If there are none, then either the supposed icon is completely unknown, or the name is too strongly associated with the fictitious person for it to sit comfortably on anyone else’s shoulders. I think you will agree, Sherlock Holmes is an icon.
Sherlock has become such a recognizable name that it would be almost unthinkable to bestow it on any male child. Imagine the schoolyard jibes, “You’re not so clever now, are you Sherlock?” No parent would do it, any more than they would name their offspring Attila. The name Sherlock has such strong associations that it can be used as an insult or a compliment. Say something smart and its- well done, Sherlock. State the obvious and you’re quite likely to hear- Uh, you think, Sherlock? Or worse.
So who is Sherlock Holmes? And why are the tales of deductive exploits still fascinating in the third century of their telling? Of course you know the answer to the first question. We all know it. Everyone over the age of five with access to any form of media kno0ws that Sherlock Holmes was the greatest detective the world has ever seen. Holmes has made such an impression on the human psyche that millions who have heard the name consider him to be an actual historic figure.
And why are we still fascinated by Holmes? There is no simple answer to that question. Several factors combine to elevate Conan Doyle’s creation above a legion of pretenders. The character himself is an original, the father of countless imitations. We all know the ones, the acerbic detectives that populate television screen and the pages of fiction. Holmes was the first and the best.
In his day, Holmes was a completely new breed of detective. His adventures were cerebral, his powers of detection bordering on the supernatural. Holmes could take one look at a passerby and tell us his name, race occupation, and quite possibly, his astrological sign. Where traditional literary heroes had waded in with swords and dashing grins, Holmes carved up his opponents with pointed observations and caustic wit.
And it wasn’t just royal scandal and dastardly homicide that fascinated Holmes. He was just as likely to invest his time in finding the owner of a Christmas goose as he was to save a young innocent from the noose. Holmes was no crime snob; indeed many of his investigations did not involve actual crime at all. The mystery was the thing.
Sherlock Holmes did whatever it took to unravel the mystery. He donned fantastic disguises, mounted elaborate charades, and, on occasion, broke the law if it meant solving the case. The cases were his life, and when there were no mysteries to be examined, Holmes often sank into a drug fuelled depression until the next interesting character came calling.
And there was no shortage of interesting characters. Each story brought a fresh member of the public to Baker Street seeking the advice of the great Sherlock Holmes, and his partner, Dr. Watson. Holmes would then demonstrate his acumen by laying bare his guests’ life story through a series of ingenious observations. This was always the favorite part of the story for me, and I would pore over hi deductions for some clue as to how Holmes had arrived at his conclusion.
I must admit that I found the villains almost as fascinating as Holmes himself. First, I admired their audacity to even contemplate crime in the same city as Sherlock Holmes. But it was their wit that I admired most. These were not the stereotypical two- dimensional heavies of the era’s popular fiction. These were erudite, sophisticated men, capable of giving Holmes a run for his money. In Irene Adler, we even had a female adversary- almost unheard of in the nineteenth century. And just as Holmes himself gave rise to countless facsimiles, his nemesis, Dr. Moriarty, paved the way for a veritable battle of charming British villains.
Disguise was another weapon in Holmes arsenal. No matter how many times he popped up in a different persona, it took me unawares, and I was watching out for it. I suspected every new character in the story. I was on tenterhooks until Holmes revealed himself. This was part of Conan Doyle’s genius. He made us pay attention, knowing that if we tried to super- read, Sherlock Holmes would make a jackass of us once again. He would slip into the story unnoticed, and a point out with ridiculous ease what we had failed to notice. Every tale becomes a challenge to outthink the master. Needless to say, that the challenge was rarely met.
So if you are settling down to The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes the first time, here is the drill: DO NOT settle down, stay alert. Watch for any strange characters. Discount no one, however identical he or she may seem. No skimming descriptive paragraphs, for often this is where Conan Doyle camouflages vital information. Find an unoccupied younger member of the family and test out your new found skills of deduction on them. And when you finally finish the last case in the volume, sit back and marvel at how every fictitious private detective of the past hundred and twenty years owes his license to London’s Sherlock Holmes.
Born February 2, 1905, Ayn rand published her first novel, "We the Living", in 1936. 'Anthem' followed in 1938. It was with the publication of 'The Fountainhead' (1943) and 'Atlas Shrugged' (1957), that she achieved her spectacular success. Ms. Rand's unique philosophy, Objectivism, has gained a worldwide audience. The fundamentals of her philosophy are put forth in three nonfiction books, 'Introduction to Objectivist Epistemology', 'The Virtue of Selfishness', and 'Capitalism: The Unknown Ideal.'
The Fountainhead, Ayn Rand's controversial novel, tells the story of the desperate battle wagesd by architect Howard Roark, whose integrity was as unyielding as granite... of Dominique Francon, the exquisitely beautiful woman who loved Roark passionately, but married his worst enemy... of the fanatic denunciation unleashed by an enraged society against a great creator. Its theme is one of the most challenging ideas ever presented in a work of fiction- that man's ego is the fountainhead of human progress.
.... I found in my room. Roof said: Aim high Fan said: Be cool Clock said: Every minute is precious Mirror said: Reflect before you act Window said: See the world Calender said: Be- up- to - date Door said: Push hard to achieve your goals.
"Mom, after everything you've taught me, everything you've ever stood for, since when is hiding the truth the right thing to do?"
Kajori (Kaju) Roy, a vivacious young Indian- American, returns to the land of her birth to discover her roots. Adopted as an orphaned three- year old, her attempts to delve into her forgotten childhood throw up a number of intriuging questions: who were her birth parents? How did they die? How did her adoptive mother find her, and then why did they emigrate to America?
Woven around this compelling central narrative are a number of other stories that unfold the complexities of family relationships, explore the dilemmas of diasporic Indian identity, and potray the rich mosiac of life in contemprorary urban India.
As Kaju's voyage of self discovery takes her from the mustard fields of rural India to the killing fields of Delhi during the 1984 riots, the mystery of her past is unravelled in a searing climax. This book by Shonali Bose is worth giving a try, it will definately engross you and the emotions are very real.
Some say the world will end in fire, Some say in ice. From what I've tasted of desire I hold with those who favor fire. But if it had to perish twice twice I think I know enough of hate To say that for destruction ice Is also great And would suffice.
Its been only months since Eragon first uttered 'Brisingr', an ancient- language term for fire. Since then, he's not only learned to create magic with words- he's been challenged to his very core. Following the colossal battle against the Empire's warriors on the Burning Plains, Eragon and his dragon, Saphira, narrowly escaped with their lives. Still, there is more adventure at hand for the Rider and his dragon, as Eragon finds himself bound by a tangle of promises he may not be able to keep.
First is Eragon's oath to his cousin Roran: to help rescue Roran's beloved from King Galbatorix's clutches. But Eragon owes his loyalties to others too. The Varden are in desperate need of hid talents and strengths- as arew the elves and the dwarfs. When unrest claims the rebels and danger strikes from every corner, Eragon must make choices- choices that will take him across the Empire and beyond, choices that may lead to unimagined sacrifice.
Eragon is the greatest hope to rid the land of tyranny. Can this once simple farm boy unite the rebel forces and defeat the king?
Eragon and his dragon Saphira have just saved the rebel state from destruction by the forces of King Galbatorix, the cruel ruler of the Empire. Noe Eragon must travel to Ellesmera, land of the elves, for further training in magic and swordsmanship, the vital skills of the Dragon Rider. It is the journey of the lifetime, each day a fresh adventure. But chaos and betrayal plague him at each turn, and Eragon isn't sure whom he can trust. Meanwhile, cousin Roran must fight a new battle- one that puts Eragon in even greater danger... Darkness falls... Despair abounds... Evil reigns
Mind blowing story by Christopher Paolini, the excitement will not leave you till the end.... Just one word of advice- have a little patience and read the whole book, you will be rewarded for your efforts.
When Eragon finds a polished blue stone in the forest, he thinks it is the luck discovery of a poor farm boy, perhaps it will buy his family meat for the winter. But when the stone brings a dragon hatchling, Eragon soon realizes he has stumbled upon a legacy nearly as old as the Empire itself.
Overnight his simple life is shattered, and he is thrust into a perilious new world of destiny, magic and power. Can Eragon take up the mantle of the Legendary Dragon Rider? The fate of the Empire may rest in his hands. It beats the movie anytime!!!!!!!!!
"Who died?" I said. "Or is it a secret?" "My mother, VianneRocher."
Seeking refuge and anonymity in the cobbled streets of Montmatre, Yanne, and her daughters, Rossette and Annie, live peacefully, if not happily, above their little chocolate shop. Nothing unusual marks them out; no red sachets hang by the door. The wind has stopped for atleast a while. Then into their lives blows Zozie del' Alba, the lady with the lollipop shoes, and everything begins to change...
But this new friendship is not what it seems. Ruthless, devious and seductive, Zozie del' Alba has plans of her own- plans that will shake their world to pieces. And with everything she loves at stake, Yanne must face a difficult choice: to flee, as she has done so many times before, or to confront her most dangerous enemy... herself. A sequel to the famous Chocolat by Joanne Harris.
Jay Mackintosh is trapped by the memory in the old familiar landscape of his childhood, more enticing than the present, and to which he longs to return. A bottle of home- brewed wine left to him by a long- vanished friend seems to provide both the key to an old mystery and a doorway into another world. As the unusual properties of the strange brew takes effect, Jay escapes to a derlict farmhouse in the French village of Lansquenet, where a ghost from the past waits to confront him, and the reclusive Marise- haunted, lovely and dangerous- hides a terrible secret behind her closed shutters. Between them, a mysterious chemistry. Or... could it be magic? Check out this story by whimsical mistress Joanne Harris.
Check out this whimsical masterpiece of Joanne Harris... When an exotic stranger, Vianne Rocher, arrives in the French village of Lansquenet, and opens a chocolate boutique directly opposite the Church, Father Reynaud identifies her as a serious danger to his flock- especially as it is the beginning of Lent, the traditional season of self- denial. War is declared as the priest denounces the newcomer's wares as the ultimate sin. Suddenly Vianne's shop- cum- cafe means that there is somewhere for secrets to be whispered, grievances to be aired, dreams to be tested. But Vianne's plan for an Easter Chocolate Festival divide the whole community is a conflict that escalates into a 'church not chocolate' battle. As mooths water in anticipation, can the solemnity of the church compare with the pagan passion of a chocolate eclair?
"When you loved the one who was killing you, it left you no options. How could you run, how could you fight, when doing so would hurt that beloved one? If your life was all you had to give, how could you not give it? If it was someone you truly loved?"
To be irrevocably in love with a vampire is both fantasy and nightmare woven into a dangerously heightened reality for Bella Swan. Pulled in one direction by her intense passion for Edward Cullen, and in another by her profound connection to Jacob Black, she has endured a tumultuous year of temptation, loss and strife to reach the ultimate turning point. Her imminent choice to either join the dark but seductive world of immortals or pursue a fully human life has become the thread from which the fate of two tribes hangs. Now that Bella has made her decision, a startling chain of unprecedented events is about to unfold with a potentially devastating and unfathomable consequences. Just when the frayed edges of Bella's life first discovered in Twilight, then scattered and torn in New Moon and Eclipse- seem ready to heal and knit together, could they be destroyed... forever?
The astonishing, breathlessly anticipated conclusion to the Twilight Saga, Breaking Dawn illuminates the secrets and mysteries of this spellbinding romantic epic that has entranced millions.
In this third book of the Twilight series by Stephanie Meyer the story continues... As Seattle is ravaged by a string of mysterious killings and a malicious vampire continues her quest for revenge, Bella once again finds herself surrounded by danger. In the midst of it all, she is forced to choose between her love for Edward and her friendship with Jacob- knowing that her decision has the power to ignite the ageless struggle between vampire and werewolf. With her graduation quickly approaching, Bella has one more decision to make: life or death. But which is which?
This time too Bella is running for her life, this time from the vampire Victoria, he sadistic mate of James, who was killed by Edward. But before that, seeing Jasper's outburst at Bella's eighteenth birthday party, Edward decides it's time to move away from Forks- without Bella. What he had hoped would make Bella safer, in turn pushes her to the precipice of Danger- by Bella herself. Rescuing her from this suicidal lifestyle is Jacob Black, who tries to bring back some of the happiness in Bella's life. But what Bella doesn't know is that Jacob too hides a secret... When one day Alice foretells Bella jumping of a cliff, everybody thinks that she has committed suicide. Edward rushes to to the Volturi, determined to end his life, having no hopes to live without Bella. But what he doesn't know is that Bella is still alive. Will Bella be able to save Edward in time?
Awesome!! This book by Stephenie Meyer is a journey of a peculiar love story- that between a vampire and a human girl.
When Isabella Swan moves to the gloomy town of Forks in Washington, and meets the mysterious, alluring Edward Cullen, her life takes a thrilling and terrifying turn. With his porcelain skin, golden eyes, that seem to change time to time with his mood, mesmerizing voice and supernatural gifts, Edward is both irresistible and impenetrable. Up until now, he has managed to keep his true identity hidden, but Bella is determined to uncover his dark secret.
What Bella doesn't realize is that the close she gets to him, the more she is putting herself and those around her at risk. And it might be too late to turn back...
Deeply seductive and irresistably compelling, Twilight is an extraordinary modern day love saga that will stay with you long after you have turned the final page. And the at the end of the story you may even be wishing, if every girl had a boyfriend like Edward...
Here is an excerpt from the book that says it all:
"We are in distress... Atleast five passengers are sick. Both the pilots are unconscious, I repeat, both the pilots are unconscious and in serious condition. My name is Spencer, George Spencer. I am a passenger of this airplane. Correction: I was a passenger. I am now the pilot."
What happened? Who was the new pilot? Would anyone reach the ground safely, or for that matter even alive? This awesome tale by Arthur Hailey will leave you clutching your seats and gripped on to the tale.
Well, I'm an introvert to start with... I take a lot of time to decide on stuff I want to tell people, but I love writing and sharing my thoughts via emails, though its often restricted to my own group of family and friends. But I wanted to open myself to a larger horizon, hence, I'm here writing my own blog.
