There has been a long time between posts, considering the holidays along with some sporadic job interviews interfering. I also slowed down a little on this one. I’ve been carrying around my copy of the book for almost a month now and actually reading very little. It’s been through several airports, hotels, states, and even a family vacation. And yet, I have finally finished it.
It was not a read like Pride and Prejudice where I really struggled to finish it though. This was a very well written book and I enjoyed it. This was also my first time reading it and it is usually fun to experience a new book especially one such literary importance and widely known appeal. Largely termed a classic and a masterpiece.
There were a lot of book references in this, the ninth book of my list, and it intrigued me and possibly added to the books to be read after The 100 are completed.
Macbeth was mentioned at least once. Along with Don Quixote. The Pilgrim’s Progress had quite the monster amount of references. The Heir of Redclyffe caught my eye as the footnote had nothing but good to say about it. Which sorted it into the category of maybe I will read.
“Popular 1853 novel, by English writer Charlotte M. Yonge about intrigue, self-sacrifice, and repentance in a scheme to disinherit the title character.”
Does that not intrigue you? It did me.
And of course a reference to Ivanhoe written by Sir Walter Scott which I have always meant to read. So that as well finds its place on the After List.
That being said, each reference was worked in masterfully and never seemed to be too much in the book.
“There are many Beths in the world, shy and quiet, sitting in corners till needed, and living for others so cheerfully that no one sees the sacrifices till the little cricket on the hearth stops chirping, and the sweet sunshiny presence vanishes, leaving silence and shadow behind.”
And nowadays with people just oblivious to others even more so. People don’t realize someone is there for them until they disappear. They’re more involved in themselves than anything else to notice the world around them. Either through being self-absorbed or too busy on their phones to take notice. How can you notice a nice thing someone is doing for you if you never look up from your screen. I think people should try to be more aware. And more considerate for their fellow human beings.
“When you feel discontented, think over your blessings, and be grateful.”
There is a lot of pretty good advice included in this book that can be taken to heart. This among many others.
“A lapse of lingy”Footnote: “That is, lapsus linguae, Latin for ‘slip of the tongue'”
I thought this quote was interesting simply because of the authors use of Latin. The characters are not a rich family by any means but have full understanding of Latin which blows my mind. Or is it merely the author showing off what she knows?
“Be comforted, dear soul! There is always light behind the clouds.”
What a way to phrase a silver lining. I quite like it. Louisa May Alcott had a way with words that is for sure.
Excerpt from Jo’s ‘A Song From the Suds’“Head, you may think, Heart, you may feel, But, Hand, you shall work away!”
This one had me thinking for a little while even though I’m not sure why. I guess the straight forwardness of it strikes a chord. Just describing the roles of the parts that make up the whole.
“but Amy’s motto was Nil desperandum.”Footnote: Never despair(Latin)
This is the author as an omniscient character using the Latin phrases. Although if I’m not mistaken it is third person omniscient that the entire story is written. It is a useful way to tell the story as the reader has all the information and then some that is not achieved through dialogue alone.
I really rather enjoyed this story though and am glad to have finally read it even if I am behind the curve on this one. It definitely belongs on a list of classics.
100 Books To Read Before You Die 