Before I started work again I did manage to squeeze in a few more books and this is the review of the first one.
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Dubliners - James Joyce
What a fabulous book this was!!! Absolutely loved it.
Amazing tales about people. To me the stories were like snapshots into people's lives. You get a little look into their lives and then drift onto the next story. You come across all kinds of different situations and meet all kinds of people who share a little of their life with you. A book about human beings and the relationships they have with one another in various areas and stages of life.
The Sisters
In essence this story is about a visit by a boy and his aunt to a dead man and his two surviving sisters who are now having to deal with the death. But it is about a bit more than that really. Hidden in it you get the hint of a man who saw promise in a young boy, a possibly wasted life and society's attitude that being educated is a waste of time.
An Encounter
Two boys go on an adventure of a lifetime down by the river and meet a bit of a weirdo. And he is a real weirdo... it starts out all innocently with the boys going on a jolly little trip but after they meet the guy by the river the atmosphere changes and a cloud forms over their adventure. You definitely get the feeling that perhaps the boys would be better out getting out of their very quick smart once the conversation turns to boys and girls and punishment! Interestingly there were supposed to be three of them on the trip but the one who was usually all bluster and defiance did not even show up for the trip.
Araby
A sweet story about a boy and his first love. He is way to shy to talk to her and decides to day it with a gift but that adventure does not end well. He is probably still pining away at a distance.... poor little lad.
Eveline
This was a lovely story about the thoughts and feelings of a girl who is considering leaving here family and running away with the man she loves. The way she evaluates her life so far and determines that her life would be better if she left is intended to make you think it is all sorted out and at the same time gives you the feeling that it isn't quite the clear cut for her. The man she loves is willing to take her away and star anew.... but she just couldn't do it. I felt really sorry for her as she deserved a chance of a new life and a better future for herself but she seemed to lack the courage to give herself that.
After the Race
Boys having a good time. They are ringing in the changes. They are the next generation that is going to outdo the old one in absolutely everything. They will have as a given the privileges that their parents had to work hard for. The are able to indulge their every whim and fanciful ideas. And... if if does not work out, there is always daddy's cheque book to fall back on.
Two Gallants
Should probably be called "two rogues". Two drinking buddies talking about women and how they might be able to squeeze a bit more than just a kiss from them.
The Boarding House
A woman has managed to escape her violent husband and is now running a boarding house. She has landed herself a profitable business and her daughter a husband. What is left kind of unsaid is how much manipulation went on in getting the husband. A very interesting story about women. One powerful and strong who knows where it's at and the other more inexperienced... or is she?
A man meets and old friend who seems to have it all and thinks that perhaps life has passed him by and that he deserves better. In the end he realises that perhaps things have turned out for the best after all.
Counterparts
A man likes his pints a bit more than his work. Ends up drinking away his pay with his good for nothing buddies and then goes home drunk. The man feels hard done by, blames others for his own incompetency and thinks that the answers to life are at the bottom of a pint or 10. Once he had his fun and the money is about gone he goes off home and takes out his frustration out on the ones he should be protecting. This time the kid got it... next time probably the wife.
Clay
Maria enjoys a nice evening out with her friends. She is almost apologetic about intruding in their family life and possibly for being alive at all. She comes across as a small, little woman who has been left on the shelf and has seen life pass her by and lives with it. She has been invited into a family home but you can almost feel the pity for her from the family members as they try make her feel included in all the evening's festivities.
A Painful Case
A gentleman meets a married lady and forms a friendship with her. They seem to be two like minded souls but he breaks things off when she seems to want more than he. The woman ends up dead and it is kind of clear that it may have been a suicide. He holds himself responsible but manages to get on with life nonetheless.
Ivy Day in the Committee Room
Lovely little story about a group of men discussing an upcoming election and the fact if they are going to get paid for all their hard work or not. As always everyone has an opinion and there is some great banter going on. Also good for learning a whole new way to get the corks out of bottles without a corkscrew.
A Mother
By being overbearing and thinking she is doing the best for her child a mother probably scuppers the daughters chances of ever making a career as a musician. The poor girl does her best but with mum on the warpath and money involved there is no way this is going to end well.
Grace
A number of men gently conspire against one stray lamb and manage to get him to agree to taking the first step to a sober life.
The Dead
At the Morkan's annual Christmas party things are all jolly and festive with songs, drinks and good food. Once the celebrations come to an end not everyone's thoughts turn to the positive. One lady remembers her first love and how he was lost to her... kind of dampens the mood with her amorous husband.
Joyce writes like a dream. He is accurate in his descriptions and characterisations of the people you meet and sometimes in one sentence he can in part so much information.... one sentence will tell you all you need to know about the relationship between people or the character of someone. Brilliant use of language... well chosen words, ordered perfectly. Absolutely amazing book and I am going to keep a look out now for Ulysses.
Title: Dubliners
Author: James Joyce
255 pages
Penguin Books
Books to be read: 145
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