The Swan Thieves

                                                              -Elizabeth Kostova

For those who are tired with the mediocrity of modern novels, The Swan Thieves will be a heartening feast for the parched imagination. The central figure of this novel is a gifted artist, Robert Oliver, who is arrested when he attacks a painting in the National Gallery of Art in Washington DC called ‘Leda’. The story revolves around this painting of a mortal woman ravished by Zeus in the form of a swan, and its attacker. When psychiatrist and amateur painter, Andrew Marlow accepts Robert as his patient, he is completely at a loss to figure out our enigmatic painter, who refuses to utter more than a few weak sentences and spends his time reading a stack of shabby letters over and over again and painting obsessively a woman’s picture. His patients adamant aversion from cordiality makes him delve into his personal life to find the mystery behind Robert’s lack of communication, as well as to discover the identity of the woman he so sincerely paints.

The characters in this book are so charming and so intriguing that it is hard to find a favourite. Kostova tactfully switches between the present and the past entries of ancient letters and scenes from the 19^th century. It’s almost as if there are several stories woven into one, but each one of them as enchanting as the before; fold after thrilling fold reveals something intriguing and exotic. Kostova succeeds in a study of human failings and the sanctity of art, from Oliver’s own painful journey to the women who have known him as well as a 19^th century female artist, Beatrice de Cleval and her mentor, the awe inspiring Oliver Vignot.

The story might stray from the main plot line sometimes, but she always manages to sustain the tension in the air. The book keeps you guessing and hypothesizing as to what made Robert attack the painting, how the letters are related to him and what sort of a life this mysterious painter lead. In doing so, Marlow discovers a long hidden secret and scandal in the world of 19^th century.

A great love story fuels a mystery in 1877 that reaches into the 20^th century. From one century to another, Kostova explores the tumultuous landscape of the artist and the power of originality. It is easy to fall in love with the genius as well as the many distinguished characters. Blending impressionist France with the modern Washington DC, this is a sweeping novel of artistic genius and its demands among several other things. From the windswept coast in Normandy to the predawn hours as Oliver paints furiously in his attic, the impact on the reader is magnificent.

This is a grand tale of revolutionary art and is sure to leave you thinking about the characters long after you have turned the last pages of the book. Elizabeth Kostova reigns!

Wuthering Heights

                                                   WUTHERING HEIGHTS
                                                               
                                                                                     
                                                                                             -Emily Bronte

This book is perhaps one of the most favoured classics that withstood the tremendous alteration of mind sets and manages to create mark on its readers, young or old. The only novel written by Emily Bronte, this dark, rather morbid tragedy has received mixed responses; many plainly shocked by the amount of violence and inhumanity in the characters. The title of this novel comes from the Yorkshire manor on the moors of the story.

There is a streak of foreboding running all through the novel and it almost seems as if the reader can feel the grief stricken waves of Heathcliff’s broken heart from the 19th century, but there is something about this book that hooks you on. Catherine is a well-to-do country girl and her father takes in Heathcliff, an orphan boy who eventually falls in love with Catherine and thus, the plot follows the relationship between the two and how this relationship affects everyone in their influence for a generation. However, all is not well when Catherine marries Edgar Linton, a boy closer to her class and leaves Heathcliff in the murky waters of love. He then spends the rest of his life proving his devotion to his beloved, even long after she is dead. The characters in the book are so shallow and frightening, that you might just get disgusted with the absolute absence of sympathy in them. Catherine, for instance has a high sense of self-worth whose rejection of Heathcliff for no commendable reason is what spurs further consequences. Heathcliff was controlling, possessive and of course a little crazy towards the end, albeit his behaviour may be the result of an unbalanced childhood. Lockwood and Johnson were not easily comprehensible, though their violence was pretty obvious. Nelly was perhaps the most relatable character in the book. Therefore, though the bottom line of the story was effective, the characters might be the reason for the unpleasantness.

There are a number of ways this book can be perceived by readers. For a more modern group of readers, the class concept might sound a little strange if not ancient. Catherine and Heathcliff’s love could have consummated in great passion in this age. The way the 19th century had perceived this book might differ in great proportions with how we do today. It differs from Romeo and Juliet (though they are not entirely comparable) in that the societal obligations were not what separated them, but their own behaviour which led to their downfall.

This classic can also be called an anti-romance one because it speaks of the death of romantic notions; happy ending doesn't seem to come from togetherness or possessive romance, but with quiet acceptance. It is a fun read, an insightful one, one that leaves you crying and hating with the characters. If Bronte had chosen simpler characters and reduced the melancholies…nah, it is best the way it is. Classic. 

Sense And Sensibility

Sense and Sensibility

                                                                    - Jane Austen                                   

              “The more I know of the world, the more I am convinced that I shall never see a man whom I can really love. I require so much!”

There couldn’t be a more eloquent, refreshing setting as the British countryside. The tenor of the entire book is so invigorating, so relatable, that it is very easy to fall in love with the book. Elinor and Marianne, two perfect opposites along with their sister Margaret and recently widowed mother, cope with disturbing and uncomfortable situations, father-less and unaccustomed to limited money. The Dashwood sisters’ lives change forever when their father dies, and according to the law, Norland Park goes to Mr Dashwood’s son and his stingy wife Fanny, and the Dashwoods turn out to be guests in their own home. The soft spoken Elinor finds herself drawn to Fanny’s brother Edward hoping that the feeling was mutual. But given the circumstances, the Dashwood women hurry off to a cottage provided by a generous cousin feeling the hostility and awkwardness at their acquired home. Elinor, subtle and lady like in her emotional eloquence, keeps her longing love for Edward within the corners of their cottage while Marianne, full of Shakespearean views of love, is never ashamed to let her vivacity show and when she develops a fiery attraction towards romantic Willoughby, she makes it known to others. With the continuous turn of events, happiness and sorrow, disappointments and fervent hope for the better, their lives go for a toss, and they struggle to stand firm on their feet without being wavered by well-off, eligible bachelorettes. It is a struggle to maintain a balance between sense and sensibility. Jane Austen’s books have a certain charm about them and it is very hard not to appreciate every work of hers. Sense and Sensibility talks a lot about everyday life; it’s a simple story woven beautifully through the innocent, modest happenings in the Dashwood family. Austen’s wit and certain sharpness in her language, her sarcasm, all play a major role in designing the characters and creating an appeal to the readers. In the end, Elinor and Marianne learn from each other the meaning of love, Marianne ending up marrying Colonel Brandon, who, ever since set his eyes on her, developed a fondness towards.

Even as you read the book the characters come to life and the picturesque locations you conjure in your mind while doing so are very beautifully brought out in the movie made of the book. The casting was brilliant, and Marianne couldn’t have been played so perfectly by any other than Kate Winslet. Though certain modifications were done to the story, it did fairly justify the simplicity and honesty of the book, which is saying quite a lot! All in all, Sense and Sensibility is an incomparable book…timeless…that’s why it’s a classic. 

Heidi

HEIDI

-Johanna Spyri

S

urprised? Surprised that I am writing about a classic, which (Amazon says) is suitable for kids aged 9 to read? Well, regardless of what anyone says, Heidi, I would say, is a book that has relevance for any age group; provided they have a child in them that retains , (although a wistful expectation) the innocence and simplicity, and the peace it brings. I must warn you, reader, that this is not a critical analysis of the book, but may seem rather biased, because I have loved and cherished this book since I was, well, nine years old.

Orphaned at an early age and taken in by her young aunt Dete, Heidi--short for Adelheid--is soon in the way. Dete has a new and better job where Heidi is not welcome, so the little rosy child is sent to live with her curmudgeon of a grandfather, high on the Alm Mountain in the Swiss Alps.

Everyone calls him the Alm-Uncle because he never comes down to the village, even in the coldest winter, and has developed a reputation as an evil, godless old hermit. But Heidi soon finds that things are not always what others say they are, and makes friends with the Alm-Uncle. Her contagious spirit brightens up the desolate hut, as she finds purity and love and life in the trees, the whistling wind, the birds, the nodding buttercups and the magnificent snow-capped mountains.  She happily runs wild in the glorious mountains with the goat boy, Peter, and his goats.

Suddenly Dete appears again, and whisks the child away from a distraught grandfather who had taken the girl for his own, and Heidi finds herself confined in a stone house in a stone city where she is expected to be a companion to an invalid girl, Klara. Dete sees this as a great opportunity for Heidi, one that will provide her with an education. But, bitterly unhappy away from her grandfather and the outdoor life she has grown to love, the brightness in her spirit soon grows frail with the dictative Ms Rottenmeier, and the blandness of the surroundings. After a bout of sleepwalking that is recognized by the kind Mr Sesemann and the doctor, her homesickness is put to rest as she, at last, makes her way back to the Alm. How the grumpy grandfather changes his mind, how Klara finally comes to the mountains as well, and the surprising events that follow, form the heart-warming ending to this story that has been loved by readers ever since it was published a hundred years ago.

It is the sheer sincerity and purity in the story that tugs at your heartstrings. The goat herd Peter, his blind grandmother, and Heidi’s profusely charming love for them, nature, the goats, and her beloved grandfather, make you fall in love all over again with the story, the child, with childhood and the simplicity it promises.

This is a story of the simple life of Heidi imbued with a deep love of children and childhood. Spyri mentioned that the work was "for children and those who love children".

I have read Heidi more number of times than I have read any other book, so far. It replenishes a new faith in you when the going gets tough.

Your worries will stay suspended in the chaotic world, as Heidi takes you into the world of fresh air, cheese, goats and trees, where love is abound and simplicity gives you purpose. The image of Heidi sitting amongst golden buttercups in the haze of the full, setting sun, and goats nibbling herbs while the eagle glides over the Falknis, will be etched in your mind and your heart for ages to come. 

Writing Danseuse

Hello there!

Dear Readers,

We all love books, now don't we? And we all have those books that have imprinted themselves on our dreamy hearts and minds. Now there may be moments, when you wished for something to keep the words of our beloved authors alive and afresh. Book reviews do that the best, don't they? You may not have the time to pen down a review, but look no more, comrades! Priyanka is here!

 I started writing book reviews for my college newsletter, for which I was/am the editor. So the routine of reading books and writing reviews about them has become a routine. And what else would I love to do than share it with you and let you criticize my criticisms ;-)

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Thoughtfully,
Writing Danseuse