Author Archives: Rose Herbert

Review: Honoré de Balzac – Pere Goriot

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Pere Goriot
Honoré de Balzac

‘Pere Goriot’, or Old Father Goriot, is a realist text which is difficult initially to understand and read. There are a number of characters, including Goriot himself and the irredeemable Rastignac, who focalize the novel. This novel is translated from French. If you want an in-depth experience of ‘real’ Paris, this will be good for you. Hit the jump for more details…

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The first 100 or so pages of the novel are impossible to get into. It is all just setting the scene for the ‘action’. If you persevere, you will find some more satisfying plot developments, but nothing that really shouts at you to read on. In the end, I found myself reading just to see what would happen to poor old Goriot, who got the death I expected.

If you do suddenly find yourself attached to any of the characters, this novel is part of a set ‘The Human Comedy’. Balzac made it his mission to catalog the entirety of Parisian society, and most of this is contained within his published works. Balzac died before he completed it, but this is a project that I feel he probably never would have been satisfied with .

This novel is a great example of realism! There is a heavy focus on detailed settings, as if you are really walking the streets of Paris. A number of the characters seem like placeholders, while others are fully fleshed out. I don’t think anyone feels real emotion for the characters, for everything is already set out for them. They seem to not try escape their sorry lot, and Rastignac in particular is quite a repugnant person.

This is not something I would enjoy reading for pleasure. As a text in a literature degree, it was a good one to study though, as it was filled with details that I could use for analysis. My version has a set of essays in the second half of the book, which was interesting and useful reading. It is good to know some historical background before setting out into the book.

Keep in mind that this is translated from French, so each translator may potentially put a different spin on things. Also, if you’re going to buy it online, make sure to get the English version!

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Review: Christopher Lee – Turning the Century – Writing of the 1890s

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Turning the Century – Writing of the 1890s
Christopher Lee (editor)

‘Turning the Century’ is a relatively comprehensive collection of Australian authors and poets that were writing, surprisingly enough, in the 1890s. This period of time was rich in Australian literature, and played a huge part in the development of Australia. Hit the jump for more details…

4658255This is another book in keeping with my literature major, and it’s not something I would normally read. I haven’t read all the stories and poems in the collection, and I probably never will. That being said, some of the things I have read are great examples of their type. If you want to read a really good compendium of works from this timeperiod, concerning the imminent Federation of Australia, go for it!

Christopher Lee has left out some great short stories according to my study guide, as these were included in a reader associated with the unit. However, if you suddenly discover you love one of the authors of this collection in particular, you will find that many of the works are free online. I found this somewhat irritating once I had bought the book (it was a little expensive compared to my usual mass market paperback purchases).

Poetry is not normally my type of thing, and the works contained in this book are no exception to that. I have written an essay on ‘The Man from Snowy River’ and ‘The Women of the West’, and analysing those two works was quite easy, compared to some of the more obtuse poetry in the book.

This probably fits a niche market – those who love Australian literature, and those that have to study it for a major! Also, some of the poems have great rhythm, so if you’re looking to become a poet, I’d suggest perhaps looking at some of these, particularly ‘The Man from Snowy River’, if you haven’t before for some inspiration and a great example of style.

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Review: Miles Franklin – My Brilliant Career

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My Brilliant Career
Miles Franklin
Sybylla is going to have a brilliant career… in doing nothing. Out in the Australian Bush, and even in town, it’s obvious that Sybylla doesn’t belong. This is a prime example of early Australian literature, and it’s worth a read if you like that type of thing, or the poetry of the 1890s isn’t for you. Hit the jump for more…

For years I didn’t know that Miles Franklin was a woman. Upon now reading it, it’s obvious that it is! She says it’s not romantic, but in a way it is. Sybylla is lovable, in an irritating sort of way. The foreword by Henry Lawson is rather masculine, and I”m not sure it’s really in keeping with the book, but it does display the attitudes of men towards women’s writing at the time.

Before I started reading, I knew the ending because I had already read some references on the topic (hello essay topic of mateship). So I knew it was doomed from the start! I still persevered though, and in the end I was reading past my bed time because I wanted to see what the stupid Sybylla would do! There is a sequel to this book (‘My Career Goes Bung’), which I don’t think I’ll bother reading (although I am somewhat curious).
Australian fiction doesn’t do anything for me. Certainly not Australian fiction from the literary period of the 1890s. I’m sure there are better examples of Australian fiction, and I do enjoy some Australian fantasy, but novels of mateship and the hardships of the Bush don’t seem to do anything for me. UnAustralian of me, I know, I know. 
I can understand why I am set to study it, because it is a relatively good example of its kind. And it is extremely well known. This is rather reminicent of the writings of Jane Austin, which I also didn’t enjoy. However, if you enjoy fiction in the style of Austin, and don’t mind a bit of Australian slang, this is a good book to get right into it. The language isn’t particularly hard, as long as you understand the Australianisms.

I feel like I’ve given you a list of reasons not to read it, and very little on the good aspects of the book. For a first novel by an early Australian writer, it’s not that bad. The settings are well described, and you can understand the relationships of Sybylla with her family nicely. There is little action, but what there is is quite good. Sybylla seems to get into trouble over everything! And there is certainly no ‘Brilliant Career’ to speak of.

My copy was from the library, and the version of it had a surprising number of typos. Not unreadable, just that the editors seemed not to take any care. Or perhaps it was left over from the original manuscript – whatever, it was just a shame. That was reflected in the boring cover you see in the above image. The book is obviously riding on its reputation as a classic, not looking to pull readers on the basis of looks or story line alone.

You can purchase My Brilliant Careerfrom Amazon (affiliate link)

Review: Christopher Paolini – Brisingr

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Brisingr
Christopher Paolini
Brisingr continues the tale of Eragon and Roran, cousins that pit their strength to overcome the evil king. Eragon must atone for past wrongs, and Roran must fight past his misgivings. It’s a thrilling book that is going to keep you wanting to read, even if you aren’t convinced that the Varden should be winning. Hit the jump for more…

2248573This is another one of those ‘it was a trilogy but it became a four book set’, but it’s ok, because I didn’t go into it thinking it would be the conclusion! All the same, it’s a breathtaking ending that has you worrying for Arya and Eragon alike. It seems like Paolini crammed in as much as he could.

It’s interesting to finally have some insight into Saphira’s consciousness, and it is obvious why Paolini has done this. I can’t really tell you more about spoilers, but for Riders and their dragons, death is not really the end.
Paolini covers a lot of ground in the book, which is very satisfying. The dwarves crown a new King, Roran gets around to marrying Katerina, the Razac are finally killed. Eragon struggles to find a new sword, and to find himself. Others get a chance to change their own true names.
I can’t say that Paolini really changes the style of his writing, nor could I want him to. What he writes in compelling, but also easily accessible. I occasionally found myself frustrated by the repetition of seemingly meaningless details – what’s Eragon eating this time? Oh, fruit again… The characterisation is great, and there is more focus on that rather than the endless landscapes that Eragon and Roran find themselves traversing. I don’t find the shifts between consciousness jarring, which is something that not all authors can do.
In my own heart of hearts, I hope Roran gets to bond with the last dragon for himself, but I think it is more likely that his son or daughter will get the chance. Roran already has Katrina, and there isn’t room for more love in that heart. I can still hope!
I’m waiting to get the fourth book, it’s currently at my partner’s house, and I want it now! But no, I’ll have to wait, and it’s probably a good thing for getting my study done. It’s likely that from this point, the number of books I am reviewing will drop, but I will still try to post a review every two weeks. Sorry there is no better way of telling you this!

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Review: Mercedes Lackey – Changes

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Changes
Mercedes Lackey

Mags is moving up in the world. He is apprenticed to the King’s Own, and seems to be getting somewhere with catching up on his studies. Of course, that all comes crashing down as the Colligium heats up for the summer. I found it to be disappointing, but feel free to come to your own opinions. Hit the jump for more…

17018909This novel initially focuses on Kirball, which is something I actually enjoy. It’s good to see the Greys doing something other than book work! It wraps up nicely after the previous book, where Dallen has been injured and is unable to play. The novel quickly progresses to using Mags’ talents at analyzing ‘sparklies’. The novel’s progression again reminds me of ‘Take a Thief’, but it’s still nice to get some insight into the beginnings of the Collegium.

What was disappointing was that I knew how to pairings would work Bear and Lena, Mags and Amily. It was just a little too clear cut and obvious. I always thought I knew that Amily would end up being the Herald Chronicler – how could she not? The Dean of Heralds is going on about how his office is full of books, and the archives are poor, so there is a place for her, crippled as she is. I’m somewhat disappointed that the novel isn’t conclusive like I had hoped – it’s not a trilogy at all! It lied to me!

The novel doesn’t seem to have any relation to ‘Changes’ that I can see. I’m feeling very disillusioned abotu it at the moment, it’s just not as good as other Valdemar novels I have read by her. I was looking forward to reading it, and reaching a conclusion. Oh Lackey, why did you have to trade from your trilogies? I feel like the action in the second book could have been condensed more, and I could have had more meat in the second!

Another problem I have is that there are multiple typos in it. It feels rushed. Maybe Lackey or her editor didn’t reread her work? There’s one spot where it reads ‘Hera;ds’. It’s such an easy mistake to fix!

If you’re a hard-core Lackey fan, it’s worth reading. If you’re looking for something to introduce you into her finest work, this isn’t it. Please, if you read this set of books, and find you hate them, please don’t give up on Lackey. I promise there are other books by her out there that are so much better. It was ok to read, it did grab me, but it just wasn’t satisfying. Lackey, I’m disappointed.

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Review: Mercedes Lackey – Intrigues

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Intrigues
Mercedes Lackey
Mags seems to be finally settling down in the Collegium. He has his great friends, Lena and Bear to look after him, but suddenly they are both in danger of being snatched away.To top that off, Mags is being accused of injuring the king. Hit the jump for more…
16694405Much of ‘Intrigues’ is about Mags finding out his history, although it turns out to be something like he really was ‘Bad Blood’. Mag’s friends are being accused by their families, and it makes for an uncomfortable situation. When Dallen gets into an accident, Mags’ world is thrown upside down, and he feels like there will never be light at the end of the tunnel.
In this novel, Mags is almost certainly suffering from depression. Because that is my own personal area of interest, it draws me to him. I found myself crying occasionally, because the situation just seemed so hopeless. I guess that’s a mark of how much I empathized with him. His recovery though was swift and painless – he of course has a Companion, when the rest of us don’t have a mythical horse to pull us out of the pit.
The settings are familiar to those who have read the other books. I agree with other reviewers that it seems very choppy, with some obvious errors in spelling and grammar. In other books, I have even noted where the publisher has changed a character’s name to something else, such as an article of speech! It’s still an ok novel, but it isn’t the best she has even written. It feels a little like as Lackey has gotten older, her attempts of pushing books out onto the market quickly have destroyed the flow she had in the earlier novels.
Although it could be done, I wouldn’t recommend reading ‘Intrigues’ without having first read ‘Foundation’. It really is a trilogy – or I thought it was! Again, I didn’t reread this book before reviewing it because I wanted to read the next one! Surprisingly, although this says it is a trilogy, the Mercedes Lackey website lists it as having a fourth book to come out. I find that a little disappointing – I love Mags, but I’d love to have a new character just as much!
I’d still recommend this book for teens and adults, although the themes are far darker than before. Blood, betrayal, fire and corruption – they’re all here, but they are dealt with sensitively and not gratuitously.

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Review: Mercedes Lackey – Foundation

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Foundation
Mercedes Lackey
Mags is a miner – a horribly mistreated, hungry teenager forgotten by the rest of the world. Imagine his horror when he is Chosen by a Companion. He is whisked away into a world he thought only existed in holy books, and naturally he feels distrustful. It seems the Mags is always going to be a source of contention. Hit the jump for more.
16688313If you’ve read others of the Lackey books, and aren’t reading them in chronological order, the start of ‘Foundation’ may seem very similar to others, such as ‘Take a Thief’. Mags is the downtrodden, mistreated main character who is of course elevated to Herald-trainee status. It’s not a complaint from me, just an observation. I enjoyed the new settings, and I love a character who doesn’t give up, even when it seems like the situation will never end.
It’s great that there is more than one person saved, and that Mags is able to make a difference. It’s not just ‘pluck one person out and make him a Herald’, the other kiddies in the mine get a chance too. Not that they will become Heralds, but they get a second chance at life, not like the rest of the people in downtown near the Collegium.
Bear seems to collect with him the underdogs from the other Collegia. Although he stays reclusive, he still manages to make friend by mistake. The first half of the book seems to just be Mags settling in, with very little ‘action’. It’s nice to get to know the character intimately in this way.
I’d recommend this novel for adults, although teens would also probably enjoy it. It’s not overly sexual or violent, it’s quite subtle once you are past the pages on the mine. A great book, which I think on its own is equal to many of the other Lackey novels.
To be honest with you all, I didn’t actually finish rereading this book. I had reread it quite recently as it was, and the story was still fresh in my mind. I did go back over it to look at the specific content and character development though. I really wanted to get onto the new book in the trilogy ‘Changes’, because I’d just borrowed it from the library.

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Review: Anthony Horowitz – Snakehead

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Snakehead
Anthony Horowitz
Twists, turns and family dramas. Alex Rider is embroiled in another job that is custom made for him. I often wonder what will happen to him when he grows up… or whether he ever will. Hit the jump for more.
1821571If the bad guys ever learnt not to gloat, and to shoot first, then Alex Rider would be in trouble. Instead they like to create creative ends for him, which he always manages to wriggle out of. It’s pretty close though, as a reader I’m almost always on the edge of my seat. I’m both hoping and dreading reaching the end of the series, as Alex’s luck could finally run out!
Alex has abandoned any attempt to be normal, and seems to be finally embracing the spy life. He’s not a patriot, he’s doing it only to find out what has happened to his mom and dad. Little does he know that he’s doomed from the beginning, and almost everything he trusts is a lie.
Something that fascinates me is Horowitz’s  realistic settings, and the effort he puts into being international. This is the first time he has really included Australia, which is totally typical of most writers. Australia is more of a destination than an explored place. Horowitz is very creative in the way he kills off the characters. It’s a mark of the research he obviously puts into his writing – I really appreciate it, after reading such things as ‘Twilight’ where things aren’t really thought out.
Thrilling, in fact I’d say it was one of the better books of the series. It was a little longer in length (or it felt that way). Horowitz puts his trademark twists in, as well as some gadgets, and some very nice disguises. What the reader thinks is a simple job, really never is.
I’d recommend this for teens who enjoy action. At this point in the series, I think it is essential to have read the books that came before. This book picks up straight after ‘Ark Angel’.

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Review: Christopher Paolini – Eldest

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Eldest
Christopher Paolini
‘Eldest’ is the next breathtaking book in the Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini. The series was originally intended to be a trilogy, but after this novel Paolini declared he was going to make it a quartet (or his publisher decided to let him). The story splits between Eragon and his cousin Roran, adding a nice balance to the narrative. Hit the jump for more.
1339888‘Eldest’ follows on almost continually from ‘Eragon’, which makes it nice that there is a quick synopsis of the first book in the first couple of pages. I skipped that and moved on as I’d just read it. In the aftermath of the battle, Eragon must recover from his back wound and continue his training. Beset by his desire for the unattainable Arya, he follows her to the forests of the elves so that the eldest may teach him.
At the same time, Eragon’s cousin Roran is fighting to save their home town – they can fight or flee, but something must be done. We see a distinct development of his character, which was great as Eragon can be a little stupid at times. Often I wonder why Saphira puts up with him! Personally I hope Roran gets a dragon of his own, but time will tell.
Eragon’s personality further develops, and he also has some physical characteristics change on him. His time with the elves is peaceful, and he takes his dwarf friend with him. It is somewhat frustrating that Eragon misses things right under his nose, and his instruction is painful to watch as he struggles with things the discerning reader knows will be expected of him.
The final battle is almost nail-biting, except that you know Eragon must triumph for the next two books to be written! Nevertheless, the twist at the end is shocking, if expected by more canny readers. I’m hanging out to read the next book (I really don’t remember it from last time I read it), but I have a new Mercedes Lackey waiting for me from the library.
I’d recommend ‘Eldest’ for more mature children (there is a lot of gore, although it is not really gratuitous and the value of life is addressed), and teens. It does continue nicely from ‘Eragon’, although it is disappointing that there is not much development in Paolini’s style.

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Review: Christopher Paolini – Eragon

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Eragon
Christopher Paolini
So to be fair, I did start rereading this a while ago (think 2011) but got interrupted. So since my disappointment with my Julia Gray books, I though I should reread the Inheritance Cycle, because I haven’t read the fourth and final book yet. Rereading Eragon was a bit of a revelation, but it was enjoyable all the same.
113436Eragon is just a simple farm boy, who happens to enjoy exploring the Spine – where noone else dares venture. Imagine his surprise when a fantastic looking rock suddenly appears. Sloan, the butcher, hates Eragon which leads to tension, conflict and ultimately betrayal. Eragon must enter the wider world to fulfill his destiny!

Eragon is a good character, but not fantastic. When typing ‘Eragon’ on my phone, my phone predicts ‘Dragon’. There really isn’t much between the two words. For Paolini to have created the ancient language, but not to have bothered creating a better name for his main character is a little disappointing. Eragon does develop over time, and he does develop strong relationships with the other characters, but there always seems to be a certain something missing. I can’t put my finger on what, but there is for me.

Perhaps it is the borrowed and time-honoured setting of the farmlands, the cities, the desert and finally the mountains and the dwarves. Nothing new to see here. The way the different elements are put together (setting, narrative and character) produces a satisfying book. Nothing here that a less well read reader would dislike.

One thing that does irk me about series/triologies/quartets is when the publisher changes the way the spines/covers on the books look. So some of my books, I own the first 3 books and they look the same, and then the fourth book is different. Luckily this isn’t the case for Eragon. However, since my partner and I both love Eragon, we actually have 3 copies of each of the books. He owns the larger sized books, which act as our reading copies. I then own the smaller size, which fit nicely on my shelf. Finally, we have the collectors hard-back editions, which don’t all match. I’m not sure if the fourth book will have a fancy collector’s version published, but I hope so!
I’d recommend this book for teens that are just heading into enjoying fantasy. It combines elements of Lord of the Rings and other popular adult fiction novels. To be fair, many critics find this offputting, but for a teen who hasn’t enjoyed anything in the fantasy genre yet, this is a great place to start. The language is easy, there is just enough bloodshed and tension, and Paolini does try and inject some twists into his writing. It could be suitable for children, but do keep in mind there is war and some horrific injuries (which Paolini doesn’t dwell on too much, but they are still there).

There is a movie made from Eragon, but it does not stay true to the narrative. Personally I prefer the book, but the people I saw the movie with had never read it and enjoyed the movie. I almost always prefer the book, being the reader that I am.

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