I know I have been having a wonderful Christmas so far, and it will only get better when I leave to Europe for about 12 days with my whole family! I am probably most excited because I see this trip as a GREAT reading opportunity, haha. I am planning to bring three books, and now that I finished J.K. rowling's Casual Vacancy, I can bring all new books.
About Casual Vacancy, I have to admit I loved it and not because it was by Rowling. The success of the novel in my opinion rests on the intricacies of relationships and the detailed characterization. The reader becomes a part of Pagford, and every character has his/her own background, agenda, tendencies, etc. that are not revealed outright but slowly and naturally. Rowling makes a character become known inside and out; not only do you get the perspective of each character, understanding what he/she thinks and feels, but interaction between characters allows the reader to see how each is seen by others. As many by now know, Casual Vacancy follows the ultimately devastating chaos that grips a small town after the death of Barry Fairbrother, loved by some and hated by others.
There are a lot of main players, but the novel draws you in and makes it easy to remember the webs of friends, family, enemies. The writing is very straightforward, except for some heightened vocabulary that every now and then feels contrived. Dialogue, something I personally could never master, is key in this novel. As I mentioned before, the constant interaction between characters truly makes the book engaging. (It feels like you are watching a movie or a TV show. In fact, many scenes, particularly the ones that take place in what is called the Fields, where many are addicted, unemployed, etc., remind me of the British show Shameless.) There are lots of scenes where four, five characters are active and important; instead of coming off as crowded, these scenes are very well crafted.
Overall, I really enjoyed it and could not put it down, finishing the last 100+ pages in one day. I had heard on an interview that Rowling said she has nothing to say to anyone who does not cry at the end. Though I did not actually cry, I understand her comment. It was an extremely sad ending, especially after getting so invested in all the characters.
I get to open Marcel Proust's Vol. 4 today!! I literally can't wait. I didn't want to be without a book for the rest of the day after having finished Casual Vacancy, so I started The Waves by Virginia Woolf. Absolutely beautiful so far, I am excited to read this highly praised novel that seems to be more poetic prose than anything...always my favorite!! I will bring it, along with Sodom and Gomorrah to Europe, along with a third book (either Kurt Vonnegut or Mark Helprin...).
I will post pictures sometime today or tomorrow, including pictures of one of my favorite Christmas presents: a whole collection of bookmarks. What a surprise, I love collecting bookmarks, whether they be stickers from the Post Office, paint color sample cards from Home Depot, postcards, or nice metal ones with uplifting sayings. I have a little pouch full of bookmarks and yesterday this collection grew by six!!! Thanks to my best friend and boyfriend Alex :). There are two super cute felt ones, a zebra and a chickie; a postcard on indecision; a beautifully gentle metal ballerina; a rectangle with flowers; and a blue one with a moon and a saying. Now I have an excuse to read as many books as there are bookmarks :-p.
That's all for now, guys. I hope you all find some nice time to read, curled up in bed or on a couch, with hot chocolate or tea, surrounded by family, friends, and warm dogs. Merry Christmas.
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