A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens

372 pages
Published in 2004 by
Barnes & Noble Books
New York, NY
(Originally published in 1859
by Chapham & Hall, London, England)

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way -- in short, the period was so far like the present period, that some of its noisiest authorities insisted on its being received, for good or for evil, in the superlative degree of comparison only." (Book 1, Chapter 1, pg 7.)

For years I have wanted to read A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens, but just never made the time. And then, at the end of last year I determined I would not put it off another year, I would have the book read before the end of 2011! I asked the ladies in my book club if we could add it to our list of upcoming books to read, to which they readily agreed. This done, I started the book at Christmas with hope of having it read well before the scheduled time to discuss. Unfortunately my first attempt didn't turn out too well... I was sick over the holidays, under a lot of stress at work, and as a result completely unable to grasp what I was reading. So I set the book aside and waited a few weeks. At long last I picked it up again with new determination. And this time I succeeded!

The Plot:
A Tale of Two Cities is a historical romance written by one of English literature's best authors. The story is split between London and Paris during some of history's most explosive years -- the years leading up to and during the French Revolution and the "reign of terror." It is not only a tale of two cities, but it is a tale of two life choices -- the choice between good and evil, between compassion and tyranny, between selfless love and selfish hate. It is a powerful story of life.

My Thoughts:
A Tale of Two Cities is really told in the form of three sub-books. Book One: Recalled To Life sets the foundation of the story and as such does begin a little slow, but there are details here that become important to the reader much later in the book. While reading this part I found myself bogged down and felt clueless as to what was going on in the book. So, rather than give up I turned to Cliff Notes whenever I didn't understand a chapter or a scene, which greatly helped me get my reader's "feet" under me. So that by Book Two: The Golden Thread I was confident in what I was reading. It is at this point in the book that the story picks up the pace and the reader begins to see where the overall story is headed. This is also the portion of the book where Dickens focuses heavily on both the historical detail and the character development. Again, important details are tucked into the story that prove valuable in Book Three: The Track of a Storm. From this point on I could hardly put the book down, this is the climax of the story when all the details start to come together like pieces to a puzzle and at the very end the reader is left with the picture of the supreme sacrifice of selfless love and a powerful lesson for life.

A Tale of Two Cities is probably one of the best pieces of literature I have ever read. Yes, it's true and I am not alone. There were a dozen ladies at our book club discussion ranging in age, personality, and background, but every single one of the ladies read and loved A Tale of Two Cities. Yes, it is can be a difficult read, especially if you are unaccustomed to Dickens or 19th century literature, but it is a worthy read and one that every person should read.

I confess, if it wasn't for the ladies in my book club I do not know if I would have ever given Dickens a real chance. As a teenager I found him boring and too wordy for my liking. It was not until the book club read Great Expectations a few years back that I changed my mind. I joke now that I had no great expectations for Dickens, but that thanks to the ladies' encouragement I was able to finish the book and was thrilled to discover how wrong I had been. Since then I have gone on to read and enjoy Bleak House, Little Dorrit, and now A Tale of Two Cities.

So that brings me to you. If you have never read A Tale of Two Cities I exhort you to add it to your reading list for this year (or next). If you are like I was and have given Dickens a chance, but gave up, then I encourage you to give him another try. His writing is rich and will make you a better reader for the time you invest.

Here are some suggestions I have found helpful that might work for you:

1. Track down a copy of Cliff Notes or Spark Notes for the book you wish to read. No, this is NOT cheating, so long as you use it to aid with your reading of the actual book. While paperback copies of Cliff Notes are available in book stores, I find the free online versions to the best for my reading. The chapter summaries alone have helped me work through and appreciate some of the more difficult chapters in classic literature like A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens or The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky.

2. Watch a good film adaptation. I'm not normally a fan of watching a movie before reading the book, but in some cases I think it's very valuable. I watched the 2005 Masterpiece Theater adaptation of Bleak House before I tackled the book and found it very helpful as I was then able to keep the plot threads, characters, and dialogue clear in my mind. I've yet to see any adaptation of A Tale of Two Cities, but I have been told the 1935 version with Ronald Colman is excellent and true to the book and that the 1980 version with Chris Sarandon is likewise good.

3. Listen to an audio version. I've been told that one of the best ways to read a difficult book is to have it read to you. Instead of stumbling over difficult words or being distracted by foot or end notes the listener can sit back and let their imagination go as they listen to the story unfold. While Cliff Notes or Spark Notes are probably better for the visually minded, the audio version is generally better for those who learn best through audio. I am a visual person so I often find myself distracted while listening to audio books, but for those who are more audio-minded an audio book can take you places you would never go if you had to read on your own.

4. Find a group that is interested in reading the same book as you, purpose to read it (alone or together) and then plan to discuss what you liked or didn't like and what you learned.

5. Last but not least, have patience. Reading classic literature often takes time. It's rare for readers to be able to rush through reading a classic as might be done with a piece of modern fiction. I liken reading classics to eating a steak vs. modern fiction, which is like a bowl of soup. Eating a steak requires time. You have to cut small pieces, chew them and then swallow, while soup requires only scooping a spoonful and swallowing it. When reading a classic, don't put unneeded pressure on yourself; pace your reading. And don't feel bad if it takes you a lot longer to finish than other books you read.

Reading is really like anything in life. There is a learning curve. It takes time, practice and determination, but if you desire you can learn to read any book you pick up and often you will find that you surprise yourself with what you end up enjoying.

Good luck and happy reading!

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Related Links:

Kindle: A Tale of Two Cities ($0.00)

Project Gutenberg: A Tale of Two Cities (ebook)

Lit2Go: A Tale of Two Cities (audio book with lessons)

Librivox: A Tale of Two cities (audio book)

Cliff Notes: A Tale of Two Cities

Spark Notes: A Tale of Two Cities

Book Reviews: Books by Charles Dickens

Charles Dickens Literature

The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins

510 pages
Published in 1868

"Do you feel an uncomfortable heat at the pit of your stomach, sir? and a nasty thumping at the top of your head? AH! not yet? It will lay hold of you at Cobb's Hole, Mr. Franklin. I call it the detective-fever; and I first caught it in the company of Sergeant Cuff." (Part 2, Chpt 3, pg 325)

I love a good mystery and The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins is probably one of the most famous of what might be classified as the classic-mystery. Published in mid-19th century, The Moonstone is one of the earliest novels that depicts a police detective working to solve a crime. (Yes, it predates even the world-renowned Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson.) In fact, this novel has led many readers to call Wilkie Collins the father of the modern detective story. Although there is some dispute amongst Edgar Allen Poe fans.

The Plot:
"Rachel Verinder, a young Englishwoman, inherits a large Indian diamond on her eighteenth birthday. It is a legacy from her uncle, a corrupt English army officer who served in India. The diamond is of great religious significance as well as being extremely valuable, and three Hindu priests have dedicated their lives to recovering it.... Rachel's eighteenth birthday is celebrated with a large party, whose guests include her cousin Franklin Blake. She wears the Moonstone on her dress that evening for all to see, including some Indian jugglers who have called at the house. Later that night, the diamond is stolen from Rachel's bedroom, and a period of turmoil, unhappiness, misunderstandings and ill-luck ensues. Told by a series of narratives from some of the main characters, the complex plot traces the subsequent efforts to explain the theft, identify the thief, trace the stone and recover it." (Summary courtesy of Wikipedia.)

My Thoughts:
I was thrilled to finally get the chance to read The Moonstone. Years ago my book club read The Woman In White, an earlier novel by Collins, and I really enjoyed it, so when it was suggested as our next book during one of our meetings last fall I had nothing but the highest expectations. I am happy to report I was not disappointed. The Moonstone is a clever and witty tale of human interest, sensational thrill, romance, and social criticism. It keeps the reader (myself included) turning page after page to the very end.

And it was no different 143 years ago when the story first appeared in English newspapers. Although it is now available in complete form, when Collins wrote the story it was published in serial form from January to August of 1868. It is said that readers lined the streets awaiting the final installments and that bets were even made as to the outcome of the story plot. (Remind you of how people are today awaiting the latest installment in a popular fiction series or television show? I suppose some things never change.)

Some critics have called The Moonstone a "sensationalist" and "moralistic" novel because of the extreme elements contained within and the somewhat obvious plot. But I do not consider this a reason to avoid reading it. Yes, I did suspect certain turn of events and perhaps some of the story was obvious, but overall it was the journey, the how and why that was exciting for me to read. Yes, the bad end badly and the good end well, but there is more to the story than that. Collins used this riveting tale to shed light and draw attention to some serious issues of his time. Even now, nearly a century and a half later readers will read and give pause to think about issues they might not otherwise have stopped to consider outside a history textbook.

The Moonstone goes down as one of my all-time favorite classics. And in my opinion, if you have the opportunity to read just one classic this year you might do a lot worse than to read The Moonstone.

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Related Links:

Tuesday Teaser: The Moonstone
A House to Let by Charles Dickens, Elizabeth Gaskell, Wilkie Collins (reviewed)

Project Gutenberg: The Moonstone (E-Book)
Librivox: The Moonstone (Audio Book)
Wilkie Collins - Information Page
Wilike Collins: The Moonstone - Information Page

Tuesday Teaser: The Moonstone

"If the sea, then oozing in smoothly over the Shivering Sand, had been changed into dry land before my own eyes, I doubt if I could have been more surprised than I was when Mr. Franklin spoke those words." (The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins, Part 1, Chpt 5, page 44)

One Stayed At Welcome by Maud & Delos Lovelace

311 pages

Copyright 1934

The John Day Company

New York, NY

As part of the Maud Hart Lovelace Reading Challenge I decided to read some of Maud's adult novels. The first one I picked up was: One Stayed At Welcome, which Maud co-wrote with her husband Delos. Unfortunately One Stayed At Welcome is out of print and thus a difficult book to find. Thankfully I was able to locate a first edition copy through the ILL of my local public library. And honestly, even though I don't get to keep the book, I was really glad I was able to borrow such an old copy. The book smelled incredible. (And as you might have guessed, I just love the smell of old library books.)

The Plot:
"The middle of the nineteenth century was a time when, to thousands of restless men, the newly formed territory was a fairier promised land." (Chpt. 2, page 12)

"One Stayed At Welcome opens with the founding of Welcome by two young men, Larry and Dan, who have made a lasting friendship of the trek from the East. Their little town grows rapidly and within two years many new faces are to be found on the shores of Lake Welcome. Among the varied newcomers is an old school teacher and his daughter Lillie, whom Dan and Larry remember as a little girl playing on the decks of a Mississippi river steamer. Now she is a matured young woman, and before a winter has passed both boys are in love with her. Soon their hidden jealousy flames up in a youthful quarrel and Welcome rocks with the news that Dan and Larry are no longer sharing their joint claim. Their quarrel reaches its climax the night of a great prairie fire, and with it comes a new friendship through mutual self-sacrifice." (Summary courtesy of the publisher)

My Thoughts:
As I mentioned above, One Stayed At Welcome was co-authored by Maud and Delos Lovelace. Of this book Maud once said, "As was usual in our collaborations, I did the research and Delos did most of the plotting. We shared the writing... amicably, too."

It was an interesting experience to read a work by Maud Hart Lovelace that didn't include anything Deep Valley related, to read one of her novels that was intended for an adult auidence (my first), and to read one that was co-written by Delos. From the start of the novel it is evident that Maud was very detailed in her research, right down to the little details like a mention of ads and news articles run in the New York Sun during the early-mid 19th century. (The NY Sun was the newspaper where Delos worked as a journalist for many years.) I also enjoyed watching the story's plot unfold and knowing that Delos was the driving force behind it. I am certain that his input into the book made it that much addition to the book made the story that much richer. As for the writing, I couldn't find where one left off writing and the other began, the story was seamless. Perhaps that is to the credit to the editor, but personally I think it is also equally to the credit to Maud and Delos as a husband and wife writing team.

Although I am not normally a big fan of Westerns, I still thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this read. And I couldn't agree more with the book's contemporary critics when they stated One Stayed At Welcome was a "richly detailed picture of life on the middle frontier" and that it "vibrates with the buoyant spirit of those exciting years."

As far as objectionable material, this book has very little and I hesitate to mention it. First, there is a small amount of profanity. This is, after all, an adult novel not a children's or young adult novel like those in the Betsy-Tacy series. The story has more "grit" to it, but the profanity that is present is on the mild side and I think realistic to the type of people using it. Second, some readers might object to the attitudes of some of the characters and to the fact that the Native Americans in the story are referred to as "Indians." However, I want to point out that during the 1930s (when the book was written) and during the early to mid 19th century (when the story is set) it was still politically correct to use the term "Indians" when referring to Native Americans, so this objection should be overlooked. Likewise, the racial tension that is displayed between some of the settlers and some of the Native Americans is realistic to the time and place that the story is set and key to the story and should likewise be disregarded.

In Summary:
I really enjoyed One Stayed At Welcome. On a scale of 1-5, 1 being horrible and 5 being excellent I would rate it a 4. The story is interesting, the plot keeps moving, the writing is excellent. I probably would rate it higher, but for my own preferences. As I mentioned above, I am not a huge fan of Westerns, but I still would consider buying a copy if they were available. Unfortunately because the book is out of print it is very hard to find and very expensive. (Used copies that I found online ran upwards to $150.) Thankfully I was able to locate my copy through ILL, so if you're interested in reading One Stayed At Welcome I would suggest you start with your library and library's ILL system.

Related Reads:
Readers who grew up reading and loving the Little House on the Prairie books or who are fans of old Western movies are likely to find themselves a delightful read in One Stayed At Welcome.

Green Dolphin Street by Elizabeth Goudge

502 pages

Published 1944

Coward-McCann, Inc.

New York, NY

I first learned of Green Dolphin Street (a.k.a. Green Dolphin Country) by Elizabeth Goudge as a teenager from an older married woman in my church. She claimed it was her all-time favorite novel. On this recommendation I read it, but didn't like the book. I couldn't for the life of me figure out why she thought it was so wonderful.

Now fast forward some 13 or 14 years and one of the women in my book club suggested we read and discuss Green Dolphin Street. She said she'd recently read it and found it to be one of the best novels she'd ever read on the subject of marriage and true love. Hmm... I thought, I might re-read this book and see if my opinion has changed. So I re-read it and now you get to hear my revised thoughts.

The Plot:
Green Dolphin Street is divided into four books and each book is divided into parts, with a different character of the story taking the central role of each part. The story itself spans the course of 45 plus years (from the early to mid 1800s to the late 1880s), two continents, and follows the adventures of three very different people and a supporting cast of unusual characters. The plot is very thick and thus a little difficult to summarize. I will do my best to outline it without giving away the best of the story.

As the story opens the reader finds themselves on the small channel island of St. Pierre, off the coast of England and France, during the early-mid 1800s. It is here that the reader is introduced to two very different sisters -- Marianne and Marguerite Le Patourel. Marianne is 16 and is described as an "elfin creature...totally without the beauty that distinguished her parents...with a passionate temper and brain that was too quick and hard and brilliant for her years and sex." Marguerite, on the other hand, at the age of 11 is already a "dimpled" and "fair beauty" with a bubbly personality, tinkling laugh, and a vivacious love love for life and desire for the happiness of those around her.

It is at this time that the two sisters meet the third and last central character of the book, one William Ozanne, age 13. Immediately Marianne sets her mind to win William as her own. But at the same time the reader realizes that it is not Marianne, but Marguerite with whom William has a special bond and is destined to fall in love. (The plot thickens...)

As the story progresses the children grow into young adults and their personalities become more defined. Marianne becomes a chic young woman with a quick mind and a quick tongue. She is very driven and adventurous and determined to get her own way, particularly when it involves the future of William. Marguerite has grown in beauty and is still a lover of life and laughter. William is likewise a lover of life, but too lazy in Marianne's opinion. Nevertheless, it becomes clear to everyone that William and Marguerite love each other... but unforeseen circumstances (and a little manipulation on Marianne's part) prevents William from professing his love to Marguerite before sailing off with the Royal Navy. (The plot grows thicker...)

While in the Far East William is tricked and robbed and ends up missing his boat, which leads him to accidentally go AWOL from the Navy, and in turn makes him a fugitive from his own country. With nowhere else to go William sails to a small colony in New Zealand to start his life anew.

A few years pass and with something of a job and home established, William finally writes the letter to request the hand in marriage of his one true love. But there's just one problem... In a drunken state of love, loneliness, and liquor William mixes up the sisters' names and accidentally asks for Marianne instead of Marguerite! (The plot thickens even more!)

But what of Marguerite? What will happen to William and Marianne? The rest of the story plot I leave to the reader to discover for themselves as that is the best way.

My Thoughts:
I have so many thoughts... For starters, the reason I hated this book as a teenager has to do with the fact I considered the story "broken" -- William and Marguerite were supposed to end up together... not William and Marianne! But as an adult (and perhaps being a married woman myself?) my perspective of this novel has changed. I realize that this story is not a predictably perfect romance, instead it is something more. On its face it is a beautifully unique tale of adventure and love in a time and place where the world was undergoing great change. But at a closer look it is also a somewhat upside down love story; it is a tale of true love, self-sacrifice and the journey to true happiness by letting go of what we want most and finding strength to do what we must. It is no fairytale, but it is very life-like.

One thing that has not changed is how I feel about Marianne. I didn't like her when I was a teenager and I still don't like her. But then, she is a very difficult character to like. She's got the tom-boy adventurous spirit that the modern girl appreciates, but she's also a very manipulative and selfish person. (Much like Scarlet O'Hara of Gone With the Wind or Becky Sharp of Vanity Fair, though I don't think Marianne is wicked like Becky Sharp was.) Marianne's spirit definitely drives the story, but there are so many other characters that the reader meets along the way whose impact upon each other and upon Marianne (just like in real life) makes the story come alive.

To add to this, Green Dolphin Street is jam-packed with Biblical symbolism and subtle lessons. Lessons about loyalty and friendship, true love in marriage, finding God in both the darkest moments as well as the most beautiful, and how selfishness brings hopelessness and loving sacrifice brings freedom. Throughout the story the reader can really see the ebb and flow of the main characters' spiritual and emotional lives.

Ms. Goudge is a beautiful writer. Some of the members of my book club complained that her writing was flowery and tended to make the story drag. But I didn't find this to be the case. Perhaps it helped that I'd read the book before and new how it would end, but either way, I just drank up her descriptive prose. Such imagery! Such depth! (Watch for such a quote next Tuesday as part of my Tuesday Teasers.)

There is so much more I could say about this book, but I will close with this. Green Dolphin Street is a worthy read. The ending is bitter sweet, but beautiful. There is much I took from this book and I highly recommend that you add it to your reading list. This is definitely a book that should be in print and be read! On a scale of 1-5, 1 being horrible and 5 being excellent I would rate Green Dolphin Street a 5. A book to read and perhaps even own (which I do!).

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Note: In 1947 Hollywood adapted this book to the screen starring Lana Turner and Donna Reed. I've not seen the movie, but have heard that it is little like the book. It did win an Oscar for "Best Special Effects" I'm curious why that is. Maybe some day I'll get a chance to see the movie.

A House to Let by Charles Dickens, Elizabeth Gaskell, Wilkie Collins & Adelaide Anne Procter

102 pages
First published 1858, reprinted 2004
Indy Publish
Boston, Massachusetts

Some time ago my friend and fellow bibliophile, Alison, and I were searching online for future reading ideas. She stumbled upon a little known book titled A House to Let which was co-authored by five authors, among the most notable of the five were Charles Dickens, Elizabeth Gaskell, and Wilkie Collins. Intrigued I put the book on my list to read one day... That day finally came. At the May meeting of my book club both A House to Let and Little Dorrit by Charles Dickens were selected as our reads before the next meeting in July.

A House to Let was first published in 1858 in an edition of Dickens' Household Words magazine. The story is split up in six chapters or segments. And with the exception of the first and last chapters, which were co-written by Dickens and Collins, each chapter was written by one of the five authors. Gaskell wrote the second, Dickens the third, Procter the fourth, and Collins the fifth, with Dickens handling editing for the entire novel. Apparently the story was enough of a success and enjoyment to write to encourage the group to join forces again and co-write The Haunted House in 1859.

At 102 pages, A House to Let is a short novel told in the first person by an elderly spinster named Sophonisba (a.k.a. Sarah), who has moved in across the street from a run down and abandoned house. Sophonisba's interest is sparked when she learns that the house, shrouded in mystery, has not been let for years and will never let. With the aide of an old admirer, Jabez Jarber, and her devoted servant, Trottle the research and sleuthing begins and by the end of the story the mystery is solved and things are put right in typical Dickens fashion. Throughout the story various characters, stories, and possible solutions to the mystery are submitted to Sophonisba, including stories of romance, tragedy, epic poetry, suspense, and swashbuckling adventure.

Overall I enjoyed A House to Let. I admit, I did find it a little slow at first, not because of the wording, but because I had no idea what I was getting into (the used copy I bought turned out to be a different edition than I expected and it didn't include a description or introduction to the story on either the inside or outside of the cover). Nevertheless, if the reader is persistent the story does pick up and reward the reader in the end.

On a scale of 1-5, 1 being horrible and 5 being excellent I would rate A House to Let a 3.5. I really enjoyed the story. I think it was a fun read, especially considering the number of celebrated authors involved in its creation. But I don't think it was said authors' best work. Still, if a reader is curious to read something by Collins, Dickens, or Gaskell, but is daunted by the length or wording of their individual novels, this might be a good place to start.

Unfortunately copies of A House to Let are hard to locate. None of my local libraries possessed a copy, so I ended up buying one online from a used bookseller for $3.50. Although it wasn't the edition I wanted, I decided to keep it and it now rests amongst my other Collins, Dickens, and Gaskell novels.

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Note: For those interested in reading one or more of the stand alone novels by these authors I recommend: North and South, Wives and Daughters, Ruth, and Cranford by Elizabeth Gaskell. I've only read one by Wilikie Collins entitled, The Woman in White, but it was excellent! As for Dickens, my favorite so far has been Bleak House, but I've heard many wonderful things about David Copperfield and Oliver Twist, and A Tale of Two Cities, I know they are great reads and I plan to read them one day. Oh and, stay tuned for my review of Little Dorrit.

Behind A Mask by Louisa May Alcott

Anyone familiar with Little Women (the book or the movie) will recall how Jo March took to writing "sensational" or "blood-and-thunder" tales under the assumed name of Joseph March. So many aspects of the character Jo March are reflective of her creator, Louisa May Alcott. Case in point, in addition to the numerous novels penned under her real name, including Little Women, Alcott also wrote a few thrillers under the masculine sounding nom de plume, A. M. Barnard.

And she fared quite well. At one point Alcott's novels (both the sweet and the sensational) were in such demand among readers and by publishers that she taught herself to write with her left hand so she could write twice as much and for twice as long. (I leave it to another reader to determine if this was a bad idea or one of pure genius. I have not read enough of Alcott to form an opinion at this time.)

Behind A Mask (a.k.a: A Woman's Power) is a thriller novella that was published in 1866 and originally credited to A. M. Barnard (but now republished under Alcott's real name). I first came upon this book last summer while browsing the local library's online catalog and blogged about it during a Friday Finds post.

I found Behind A Mask (a total of 128 pages) to be a fast paced read -- one that I could hardly put down once I had begun. From the opening lines the reader is swept into a tale of mystery, love, betrayal, and deception. Jean Muir, a demure and somewhat pretty young Scottish governess, has come to stay with the Coventry family and tutor the only daughter, Bella. Almost immediately she wins over the affection and loyalty of Mrs. Coventry, Bella, the youngest son Edward (or Ned), and Sir John, their uncle, with her sweet nature and many talents. But not everyone is beguiled. Miss Muir is met by suspicion and haughtiness in Gerald, the lazy elder brother and master of the home, and Lucia, his cousin and assumed fiance...

"For several weeks the most monotonous tranquillity seemed to reign at Coventry House, and yet, unseen, unsuspected, a storm was gathering. The arrival of Miss Muir seemed to produce a change in everyone, though no one could have explained how or why..." (Chapter iii)

To some Behind A Mask is a multi-layered story. Yes, there is the thrilling plot with twists and turns and a surprise ending, but also throughout the story are lessons learned and an underlining of what was considered in the 19th century as "forward thinking" or feminist ideology. Personally, I viewed Behind A Mask as pure entertainment, more of a Gothic tale than a social commentary. As is the case with most "blood-and-thunder" tales, Behind A Mask involves a willful and narcissistic protagonist who causes emotional and relational injury to those encircling them.

Although not quite the same it is a little reminiscent of the more happily ending Lady Audley's Secret by Mary Elizabeth Braddon or perhaps even more modern works like Daphne Du Maurier's My Cousin Rachel that leaves the reader a little mystified.

For a reader who enjoys a story of mystery and mischief Behind A Mask is a great little read. And oddly enough, even though I'm usually the type that prefers happily-ever-after endings, I actually liked this story!

On a scale of one to five, one being horrible and five being excellent I would rate Behind A Mask a 3.5. It was an intriguing read that I enjoyed and would recommend readers borrow from their library. For those curious, a free downloadable version is available online and inexpensive paperback copies can be found at Amazon.

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P.S. If you like the sound of Behind A Mask you might also like: Mary Elizabeth Braddon's Lady Audley's Secret, Wilkie Collins' The Woman in White, or Daphne DuMaurier's Rebecca or My Cousin Rachel. All are excellent reads.

Journey to the Center of the Earth by Jules Verne

My first encounter with Jules Verne was many years ago when my mother read aloud to my siblings and I the novel Around the World in Eighty Days. I remember enjoying the book, but for some reason have always steered clear from reading any of Verne’s works myself. But the recent adaptation of Journey to the Center of the Earth starring Brendan Fraser sparked interest. I wanted to see the movie, but felt I should first read the book. And it’s a good thing I did, I've since learned that the movie is a modern-day sequel of sorts and only loosely based off the novel.

The novel, Journey to the Center of the Earth, opens in 1863 Germany and is told through a first person narrative of Harry with the occasional journal entry and various conversations between Harry and his uncle, Professor Hardwigg, as well as other supporting characters. At the start of the book Harry and his uncle discover a secret manuscript hidden by the famous 13th century scientist, Arne Sknussemm. By a stroke of luck Harry solves the secret message in the manuscript which reveals directions for the journey of all journeys – an expedition to the center of the earth.

Professor Hardwigg, an impatient and very optimistic man, desires to set off on the journey immediately and begins packing his trunks, with or without Harry.

Harry, who tends toward the overly cautious and pessimistic view, is reluctant to join his uncle on what he considers an insane and impossible journey. In a way, Journey to the Center of the Earth is a "coming-of-age" story for Harry, albeit different than most because he is rather the reluctant hero. Harry does join his uncle, but spends the first half of the novel trying to convince his uncle that it is a fool’s journey and should be abandoned.

The two are joined by Hans, their Icelandic guide, who unlike both the Professor Hardwigg and Harry, is a quiet and steady character. In fact, he is described late in the novel as being both "patient and phlegmatic" –- a very accurate description as he speaks little more than a dozen words in the entire story and shows little to no emotion resulting in what I found to be a rather two-dimensional character.

Along the way the three men encounter many difficulties and dangers -- both mineral and animal -- and it is through these "adventures" that Harry grows and matures and transforms from a reluctant adventurer to a hero.

I was surprised to find the novel (written in the early 1860s) based heavily on evolution (the ice age, prehistoric animals and man, extinction through evolution, etc.) I've since learned that Jules Verne was inspired by Charles Lyell's Geological Evidences of the Antiquity of Man, a book supporting the anti-Biblical worldview of evolution and natural selection. This was a bit of disappointment to me as I feel Jules Verne could have made an even better novel had he stuck to a Biblical world-view of Creationism, but apparently not everyone feels as I do -- Journey to the Center of the Earth is considered a classic and is still in print nearly 150 years later.

Overall I found Journey to the Center of the Earth to be an interesting read. I admit, some of the scientific dialog went over my head, but I enjoyed the story as a "sci-fi adventure". And evolution aside, the very concept of a journey to the center of the earth at a time when little was known or understood about the earth makes for an exciting and fascinating tale, one that combined with good writing is sure to become a classic. Jules Verne was considered the King of Science Fiction and it is clear he had an amazing imagination. The only "dull" part of the book for me was towards the middle when it seemed the characters would forever follow the labyrinth of tunnels, but I pressed on and was rewarded as the story picked up in the last chapters.

I may pick up another of Verne's works, but for now I've satisfied my curiosity. On a scale of one to five, 1 being horrible and five being excellent, I would rate Journey to the Center of the Earth a 3.5. I liked the book, it was "ok" -- but it wasn't a favorite. I enjoyed it more than I anticipated, but don't plan to add it to my personal collection (I borrowed my copy from the library).

With that said, I would recommend this book to readers who have seen or plan to see the recent film adaptation and to fans of sci-fi literature, particularly those with an interest in earth science. But for those sharing my worldview of Biblical Creationism, I caution them to be prepared to find a story that holds a different worldview. As for the reader who is just looking for a Jule Verne novel to read I would suggest they consider first reading Around the World in Eighty Days.

The House of Seven Gables by Nathaniel Hawthorne

My review must begin with a brief walk down memory lane...

My introduction to the House of Seven Gables came by way of a 8x10 framed print of the house, which hung in the living room of my grandparents home when I was a child. Because my grandparents home had four gables I mistook the house in the picture for that of their own home. When I expressed this assumption my grandmother quickly corrected my error. It was at this time that I learned a little of the real house, but it wasn’t until I was a teenager that I was able to see the house for myself. I believe it was also at this time that I first learned of Nathaniel Hawthorn’s novel named after the house and indeed the reason that the house has become so famous.

For some reason I was intrigued by the house. I knew one day I had to read the book.

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Through the years since I have often thought of reading The House of Seven Gables, but it was only this month that I finally undertook the task. I say task because reading Hawthorne is a task. I used to think Charles Dickens was a wordy author and his goal in life was to bore a reader to death. I’ve since learned to love his works and also realize that he was not the only author who loved to write a good long narrative... Nathaniel Hawthorne was another.

The House of Seven Gables was a hard start. As the novel begins the narrator must acquaint the reader with many details of the past before the reader can proceed with the story of the present. It is here that I found myself bogged down. So when I reached the second chapter (32 pages into the book) I couldn’t help but laugh when the narrator states, "All this time, however, we are loitering faint-heartedly on the threshold of our story..." Yeah, that about sums it up... It takes 28 pages just to get to one of the main characters and another half dozen pages before any action starts (chapter III). But if you push through you will be rewarded!

Like a train the story starts off at a very slow pace, but it gradually gains speed and within a few chapters I found myself caught up in the story and chugging along a decent speed. But don’t let this scare you away from reading this book. It is a classic that should not be missed! One critic wrote in 1851, “Every chapter proves the author to be, not only a master of narrative, a creator of character, an observer of life, and richly gifted with the powers of vital conception and combination, but it also exhibits him as a profound thinker and skillful metaphysician.”

If that's not enough to convince you than maybe this excerpt will:

"Never had the old house appeared so dismal to poor Hepzibah as when she departed on that wretched errand. There was a strange aspect in it. As she trod along the foot-worn passages, and opened one crazy door after another, and ascended the creaking staircase, she gazed wistfully and fearfully around. It would have been no marvel, to her excited mind, if, behind or beside her, there had been the rustle of dead people's garments, or pale visages awaiting her on the landing-place above. Her nerves were set all ajar by the scene of passion and terror through which she had just struggled..."

Now how's that? It was worth wading through the first few chapters just to get to chapters like that.

So what exactly is the story of The House of Seven Gables? It is more than the story of a house, though the way Hawthorne writes one certainly feels as though the house itself is a lead character in the story. It is the story of the Pyncheon family who is haunted through the generations by a dark family history of fraudulent dealings (which brought them into possession of their gabled home), the Salem Witch Trial, and even murder. It is a story of romance; it is tale of mystery and unexplainable events; it is a dark drama that ends as night does right before the dawn of a new day.

The copy of The House of Seven Gables that I borrowed from my library was 274 pages. It also included end notes and a few pages for commentary and a biographical introduction on the author bringing the book page total up to 312. It was as I mentioned a slow start, but picked up to average out to a steady read finished in less than a week’s time.

My final thoughts: I truly enjoyed this book and I highly recommend it. The House of Seven Gables is a classic that should be on everyone’s “Books To Read Before I Die” list. If you’re not a fan of Dickens you may not become a fan of Hawthorne, but that’s no excuse to skip this book. If you can’t bear to read the book, borrow an audio version from your library.