Teddy Rose Book Reviews Plus More


Feb 08

5

The Time in Between by David Bergen

Posted by Teddyrose@1 on February 5, 2008
Posted in Books Read 2008 • Canada • David Bergen • Historical Fiction  | 14 Comments

Deservedly Won the 2005 Scotiabank Giller Prize
Charles Boatman, a solder in the Vietnam war is haunted by what happened there, and spend most of his life trying to come to terms with it. Plagued by nightmares, he goes to Vietnam in an effort to reconcile his life.
When he disappears, his children Ada and Jon go to Vietnam to try to find him. This is the story of Charles and his children, all lost in the confusion and chaos we call life.
This novel is deeply depressing and haunting. Bergen’s lyrical prose takes us to were most of us do not want to go, but should. It is not just Charles lonely journey trying to find life, but also that of his children and more in this cast of characters.
At times I found myself wanting to put this book down to catch a breath of fresh air, but I couldn’t! Bergen is amazing at his craft and I look forward to reading more by him. I wish I would have read this one sooner!
I highly recommend this book to all, however if your suffering from depression, you may want to wait to read it until your feeling better.
5/5
Copyright 2007-2010: All the posts within this blog were originally posted by Teddy Rose and should not be reproduced without express written permission.

Jan 08

20

Storm Rider by Akira Yoshimura, Translated by Philip Gabriel

Posted by Teddyrose@1 on January 20, 2008
Posted in Akira Yoshimura • Books Read 2008 • Historical Fiction • Japan  | 12 Comments

The Opening of Japan to the World
In Japan, at the age of 13, Hikoraro lost his mother and became an orphan. His stepfather gave him the choice of continuing school or become a sailor of his ship. Though he knew that his mother wanted more for him, he chose sailing.
Out on his first trip, there is a huge storm and the ship becomes lost and immobile at sea. Luckily an American vessel comes upon the ship and rescues all of its occupants. Eventually they sail to San Francisco. The story then goes on to how the castaways keep trying to make their way back to Japan and what happens to them, including Hikoraro.
This is the story about both the castaways and how Japan finally opens up to American and the world. It is also the story about Hikoraro and how he became caught up between two worlds, Japan and America.
Though I found the historical aspect of this book fascinating, the story of the castaways’ fell flat for me. There was no emotional depth to any of these characters, and while I was concerned about what would happen to them, I kept reading because of the history. This my be in part because of how the book was translated, but I’m more inclined to believe that it was because Yoshimura chose to use very little dialogue.
Besides the problem with the characters, I also found parts of this book to be quite repetitive. I think that much more editing and polishing was needed.
Non the less, I found this book worthwhile and do recommend it for those who are interested in the opening of Japan.
3/5
Copyright 2007-2010: All the posts within this blog were originally posted by Teddy Rose and should not be reproduced without express written permission.

Jan 08

12

Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

Posted by Teddyrose@1 on January 12, 2008
Posted in Animals • Books Read 2008 • Canada • Historical Fiction • Sara Gruen  | 38 Comments

I was Hooked from Page One of this Delightful Novel!



During the Great Depression, Jacob, age 23, is in the middle of taking his veterinary medical exam and leaves, handing in a blank test. He wonders and ends up jumping on a train. Unknown at the time of his jumping, it is a circus train. He joins the circus as a veterinarian and the story really takes off from there!

The story shifts seamlessly back and forth from present day Jacob, age 93, living in a nursing home to the 23 year old Jacob. He tells of his colorful experiences with the circus and his two great loves, Marlena a performer and Rosie, an elephant. The human-animal bond shines through.

Sara Gruen really did her research for the circus lore of this amazing historical novel. The author’s note at the end of the book and the circus terminology that she uses, proves this. She portrayed this sad time in history with respect for all those who struggled.

The characters are larger than life with Gruen’s elegant prose. At times gut wrenching and at times laugh out loud funny this novel is a must read. This is the first time I have read anything by Sara Gruen and it won’t be the last.

If I could only own one book for the rest of my life, this would be it!
5/5

Also Reviewed at:
Just Another Blogger
ReadingAdventures
Maw Books
An Adventure in Reading

Copyright 2007-2010: All the posts within this blog were originally posted by Teddy Rose and should not be reproduced without express written permission.

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