I don't think it matters, but compliments might well help get me to put your words on these pages. These kind words and intriguing recommendations come from Dan Jorgensen, a Northfield resident who does what I once did -- commutes to the Twin Cities. He also finds time to read eclectically.
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Late Reading or no, any Reading is worth both the wait...and the receiving. So thanks again for a wonderful issue. As in the past, I found myself glued to the pages from front to back and enjoying the insights of both yourself and your other readers. And, I was moved to send in a few thoughts of my own about two books I've recently read, The DaVinci Code and True History of the Kelly Gang.
Despite all the hue and cry about The DaVinci Code, I approached if for what I believe it is and what its author intended -- an interesting, intriguing and exciting piece of fiction. Yes, there are facts, and yes there are mysterious things from the past -- both in written form and in the world of art, and that's why author Dan Brown probably chose to write it in the first place. But the story is just that, a story, and a darned good one too. I found the premises raised by the protagonists both plausible and unbelievable at the same time. Unlike many of the book's readers who seem to either line up pro OR con, I lined up pro AND con. Perhaps the most difficult thing for me to believe was that everything in the book happened in just 24 hours (of course, I like watching the TV show 24, and when I think about everything that happens during that 24-hour span, this probably pales in comparison).
Anyway, it should make a heck of a suspense movie.
That also holds true for the very interesting and unusual book about the Australian outlaw Ned Kelly. I was pleased to learn that a movie is, in fact, rolling out this summer. To say that author Peter Carey writes in an unusual style would probably be the year's understatement. It's a first-person account by Kelly, who writes in the style of a person who has had some schooling, but not enough to be very formal. While worrying that he doesn't have the education to properly write this account, he also commends himself for clearly sharing his tale. He actually says he is putting down his story so that his baby daughter will have something to remember about her father. And, he wants to make sure that she knows that this is the "true" story about him, as opposed to what he feels will be lies and half-truths presented after his death (which he believes from the outset is imminent).
The style, presented as a series of run-on, poorly punctuated or un-punctuated sentences becomes almost musical in its approach. I found myself reading it as if putting the words to music. But, maybe that was just me. Others may be put off by this type of writing and find it too unwieldy.
Here's an example: "Taking Aaron Sherritt for a scout we journeyed to the shepherd's hut up on the Bogong High Plains you will recall I said the walls was papered with words and pictures from THE ILLUSTRATED AUSTRALIAN NEWS they was tattered like old skin and very yellow often gnawed on by the mice."
When Kelly worries about whether his words will be read and understood, his former school teacher, who he is holding as a hostage, asks to read some of what he has written:
"Let me read your history Mr Kelly he begged. "It is too rough. "It is history Mr Kelly it should always be a little rough that way we know it is the truth. He continued in this vein and finally I relented of a page. "It is very damned good said he. "It is rough I know. "It is most bracing & engaging given the smallest of improvements it could be made into something no Professor would ever think to criticise." I full agree and highly recommend this interesting book about a man who some regarded as a heartless outlaw -- not unlike Jesse James who was operating his own gang in our country at the exact same time -- while others considered him to be an Australian Robin Hood. The complexities of the man and his times are vividly placed before us in a unique style I found compelling from start to finish. I can't wait for the movie. |
Thank you, Dan. I look forward to the movie of The DaVinci Code
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By Ken Wedding. 08.19.02 Updated 08.16.04.
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