|
|
| Wednesday, November 26, 2008 11:24 AM |
| (Last updated on Wednesday, November 26, 2008 11:31 AM) | | Books! |
 by Fëanor |
I started reading James Morrow's The Last Witchfinder a while ago, based on the recommendations of various friends whose opinions on such things I value rather highly. It's set in late 17th century England where the Age of Enlightenment is just taking hold, and Isaac Newton has just written his incredibly influential book, The Principia Mathematica. Oddly, this book itself narrates the opening of the novel, and returns to add more narration throughout, explaining what it's like being a book, and how books can influence the writing of other books, and even wage war against other books. It's an interesting idea, but also a bit pretentious and silly.
Actually, the novel talks up the power and importance of The Principia Mathematica so much, that I was starting to feel like I should track down a copy and try to read it, until the novel then went on to quote various incredibly opaque passages from the book, and point out that Newton had practically written it in code. So I think I'll skip it after all.
The actual story of the novel is about a young girl being trained and educated in the new philosophy by her aunt Isobel, a wonderfully wise woman well ahead of her time. The girl's father (Isobel's brother-in-law) happens to be a witchfinder, and interestingly enough he sees no problem with Isobel's science, and she sees no problem with his occupation. In fact, Isobel is convinced she will find scientific proof of witches and their evil. Unfortunately, it's clear that this peaceful coexistence of science and religion will not last forever, and soon enough Isobel is accused of being a witch herself. Really, the whole beginning of the novel is just an agony of waiting for Isobel, the most likable character in the book, to be executed. It's tough stuff. And although there are some interesting, thought-provoking ideas in here, overall the book is just not grabbing me. I'm not sure if it's the pretentious book narration thing that's pushing me away, or the lack of a character I can completely sympathize with, but for whatever reason I just can't bring myself to care very much about this novel. I kept reading for a while, not out of any actual desire to continue reading, but simply because it was the only book I had with me. But then I got out a couple of new books from the library and finally decided to set The Last Witchfinder aside, perhaps to finish later, but perhaps not.
The two books I got out are all about murder: The Black Dahlia and Blood Meridian. I joked to poppy that they were the perfect holiday novels. Have a bloody, bloody Christmas!
I decided to start with The Black Dahlia by James Ellroy. I've never actually read anything by Ellroy, although I've seen and enjoyed a film adaptation of one of his books (LA Confidential), and seen intriguing television specials about him. I figured it was about time I gave him a shot. So far, I'm really enjoying myself, much more than I was with The Last Witchfinder. Ellroy takes his time introducing you to his version of the world of '40s LA and developing a cast of complex and interesting characters (some of whom I recognized from the film version of LA Confidential; I'll probably have to read that book later) before finally bringing the title character into the story. The novel is a fascinating mixture of true and fictional events and people, with a completely riveting plot. Look for my Book Report on it to pop up here some time in the next couple of weeks. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
