Bon Iver
2008 Aprilbase Publishing
Recorded by Justin Vernon in the hunting cabin, Northwest Wisconsin
Label - Jagjaguwar
Justin Vernon - Most sounds on CD except:
John Dehaven - Trumpet on "Forever"
Rudy Pingrey - Trombone on "Forever"
Christy Smith - Drums and sang on "Flume"
This CD has been getting lots of critical acclaim. I listened to it at a listening station before buying it and I said to myself, "Maybe". I wasn't sure because it is a pretty mellow CD. At least the snippets I heard were pretty mellow. The problem with listening to snippets of music is that it is hard to get a good feeling for the music that you would get when listening to the entire piece. I imagine I might have passed up on some great music just because I couldn't engage suffieciently enough in the 30 seconds allotted time per song.
Normally I stay away from the real slow stuff. I kind of like my music to be mid tempo. Not too mellow, but not too rocking. I like a fuller sound with a variety of instruments. I'm not a big fan of a guy and his guitar and I have outgrown the real rocking stuff. But even though this was mellow, it sounded "catchy" enough to not disregard it immediately, and I put it back in the rack for further consideration. The great reviews kept coming in and with coupon in hand, I told myself, "Why Not?" It would make good music to go to sleep by.
Here is the story. Apparently, Justin Vernon, a musician with another group which I can't recall, had broken up with his girlfriend and retreated to his family cabin in Wisconsin. This CD is the result of his pain. While it's mellow, the songs are still catchy enough and there is enough instrumentation, though minimal, to keep my interest. It reminds me of Micah P. Hinson with a higher voice or even of Bonnie "Prince" Billy with his ability to write engaging songs. I am definitely satisfied to have bought it.
I finally figured out how to add music. The videos are nothing - just lisen to the music.
The Songs:
Flume **** - It typically starts out with an acoustic guitar. There are some sounds scattered through out the song that are background and add to the music without being distracting. A little bass drum kicks in. One of the best cuts on the CD. There is an interlude of some noisy sound effects. Not sure why that was put in there, but it is short lived. The lyrics are fairly oblique. There is no story here, but the imagery and language is beautiful. It's about love, it's about his mother, "I am my mother on the wall, with us all". There is a nice alliteration too, "lapping lakes like leery loons". What ever that means.
Lump Sum **1/2 - This starts out wit a little choral piece, almost medieval. Then the the guitar and bass drum kicks in. It has a kind of repetitive, shuffling sound. It is faster paced than the previous song. The lyrics are almost impossible to decipher here also. It starts out with the narrator "selling" some things.
Skinny Love **** - This starts with more acoustic guitar. He sings the lyrics in a interesting catchy way. Then the drum (bass) kicks in. A very catchy start to the song. The chorus is kind of a departure from his other singing. Most of it is sung in his high voice, but the chorus where he sings, "I told you..." is sung with more emotion. It's effective. Skinny love is a love that is not strong. While this one's a little easier to figure out what he's saying, it's still not easy. Seems to be an angry, bitter song - "staring at the sink of blood and crushed veneer". Most probably, it's a song about his breakup.
Wolves (Act I and II)*** - This one starts out slower. Just a slow, acoustic guitar. The vocals are sung in harmony or at least it seems that way. With his high voice it I could be hearing wrong. According to the credits, there is no one else singing on this song. Of course it could be studio magic. The first half of the song stays pretty mellow, but pretty (probably act I). As I write this the pace does start to pick up (probably act II). Lyrically the song is about his pain and blame (I assume his old lover) and the wolves are around her perhaps protecting her, or perhaps she is unaware of how bad the new people around her are. Or at least that what he thinks.
Blindsided ***1/2- Starts with some electronic noises then a rhythmic guitar comes in. The song slows down for a chorus? (not really sure if it is a chorus, but it definitely changes tempo and and has chorus like catchiness. The lyrics seem to refer to his being blindsided (duh) but he also seems to be trying to see what is happening, yet unsuccessfully, so he is blind to what is happening."I crouch like a crow / contrasting the snow / for the agony, I'd rather know / cause blinded I am blindsided". Apparently the evil he knows is better than the evil he does not know as the saying goes. Again a very nice song. Mellow yet one can still tap their toes to it. For all my eclectic tastes in music, basically, I still need something to which I can tap my toes.
Creature Fear *** - This starts with vocals, a kind of 50's "oooh, ooh, ooh" though prettied up and with elongated oohs. Then the song changes to guitar and voice with a little snare drum. Suddenly, the most rocking part comes, briefly. So it looks if this is going to be one of those slow / fast cycle songs. The fast part is probably the catchier part ( I know, I am over using that word). The creature fear seems to be about their relationship.
Team **1/2 - This song is a little harder. I swear I hear some bass, though there are no credits for it. It could be his computer. I even hear an electric guitar. The bass carries the rhythm, and the drums have a kind of marching sound. This is an instrumental except for some whistles. Nice over all.
For Emma**** - This is also a more up beat song, with some horns and apparently a complete drum kit. This song is written as a play with characters.. There's the narrator, him and her. Though it's a very short play - no more than 12 lines. Her seems to be complaining. "Go find another lover...". The instrumental has the horns taking some nice solo parts.
Re:Stacks**** - This is the longest song coming in at about 6:30. It starts with guitar. This is one of those pretty ones. The chorus is quite nice with some rhyming language that he sings quite nicely, "On your back with your racks as you stack your load" He kind of sings it quickly and the 'ck' sounds have a percussive sound.
I had to change my original rating from 3 to 3 1/2 stars. As I listened to it, I realized how beautiful it was. It's not party music. It's music to chill out to, to spend a lazy day with your favorite girl. I think it's earned all the hype it's gotten.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Thursday, July 17, 2008
City of God **
Directors - Katia Lund and Fernando Meirelles
Based on novel by Paulo Lins
Seen on DVD
I was fairly excited at first. The opening of the movie, when they flashed back to the beginning of the gangsters story and their childhood, reminded me a lot of Luis Bunuel's Los olvidados. Except the flashback made it seem more nostalgic and innocent. In Los olvidados, it is not a flashback. The film takes place in contemporary times, though to us it seems a little nostalgic because the film was made so long ago. I think there have been a few gangster movies that start out with the childhood lives of the characters. Once Upon a Time in America is one example I can think of. And that's the thing about this film. It its references would have been more like Los olvidados instead of gangster movies like Scarface, I think it would have been better.
There is a lot of gratuitous violence, which some critic have complained about. What is interesting, and I doubt that the critics had a chance to see it because it is on the DVD, is that there is a documentary about Brazil and the slums of Rio de Janeiro. The documentary supports what the film is showing. There is a culture of poverty and violence that just grows and grows and feeds on itself. The children in this documentary were so hardcore and fearless and obsessed with guns and violence it was scary. They show little remorse for killing and claim they would do it again in a heartbeat. I suppose that it's possible that the children were playing up for the cameras. Besides, they are children, and children like to shock adults.
So, one could argue that the the gratuitous violence is appropriate since it shows a reality. On the other hand, Spike Lee was able to show poverty and violence in Do the Right Thing without resorting to that type of exploitation. Of course his film had a much more positive outlook on life than this one and it wasn't a gangster film.
Oh yeah, the plot. If you haven't figured it out, it's about gangsters and the wars over turf. It does take place in the 1960's and 70's. The main character tries to find a way out by becoming a photographer and documenting these wars.
The story is well told and there are some interesting techniques used in the film. In one montage, the film maker shows with dissolves how a home becomes a drug dealer's home, with the various changes of ownership due to drug wars and casualties. There's lots of jump cutting. which shows the same action repeated sometimes from various angles and sometimes to reemphasize a point in the narrative.
The message is supposed to be about the cycle of violence. When one of the major gangsters gets shot dead, there is a group of kids poised and gloating and ready to take the reins.
Based on novel by Paulo Lins
Seen on DVD
I was fairly excited at first. The opening of the movie, when they flashed back to the beginning of the gangsters story and their childhood, reminded me a lot of Luis Bunuel's Los olvidados. Except the flashback made it seem more nostalgic and innocent. In Los olvidados, it is not a flashback. The film takes place in contemporary times, though to us it seems a little nostalgic because the film was made so long ago. I think there have been a few gangster movies that start out with the childhood lives of the characters. Once Upon a Time in America is one example I can think of. And that's the thing about this film. It its references would have been more like Los olvidados instead of gangster movies like Scarface, I think it would have been better.
There is a lot of gratuitous violence, which some critic have complained about. What is interesting, and I doubt that the critics had a chance to see it because it is on the DVD, is that there is a documentary about Brazil and the slums of Rio de Janeiro. The documentary supports what the film is showing. There is a culture of poverty and violence that just grows and grows and feeds on itself. The children in this documentary were so hardcore and fearless and obsessed with guns and violence it was scary. They show little remorse for killing and claim they would do it again in a heartbeat. I suppose that it's possible that the children were playing up for the cameras. Besides, they are children, and children like to shock adults.
So, one could argue that the the gratuitous violence is appropriate since it shows a reality. On the other hand, Spike Lee was able to show poverty and violence in Do the Right Thing without resorting to that type of exploitation. Of course his film had a much more positive outlook on life than this one and it wasn't a gangster film.
Oh yeah, the plot. If you haven't figured it out, it's about gangsters and the wars over turf. It does take place in the 1960's and 70's. The main character tries to find a way out by becoming a photographer and documenting these wars.
The story is well told and there are some interesting techniques used in the film. In one montage, the film maker shows with dissolves how a home becomes a drug dealer's home, with the various changes of ownership due to drug wars and casualties. There's lots of jump cutting. which shows the same action repeated sometimes from various angles and sometimes to reemphasize a point in the narrative.
The message is supposed to be about the cycle of violence. When one of the major gangsters gets shot dead, there is a group of kids poised and gloating and ready to take the reins.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
The Hungry Saw ***
Tinderticks
2008 - Beggar's Banquet Records
Recorded 2007 at Le Chien Chanceux, Eastcote and Olympic Studios
Produced by Stuart A. Staples
All Songs by Bug Music
Performers:
Thomas Belhorn - Drums and Percussion
David Boulter - Piano, Organ, percussion and guitar
Terry Edwards - Trumpet, Saxophones and Brass arrangements
Jeanne Fraser - Flute
Caroline Hall - Trombone
Sally Hibbert - Violin
Calina de la Mare - Violin and string arrangements (track 6)
Dan McKinna - Bass guitars and Singing
Andy Nice - Cello and solo cello
Suzannae Osborne - Singing
Louise Peacock - Violin
Julian Siegel - Bass clarinet
Stuart A. Staples - Singing, acoustic guitar and percussion
Lucy Wilkins - Lead violin and string arrangements (track 6,7,9, &13)
Sarah Wilson - Cello
CDs are difficult to write about. I tried once before and I was not able to keep up. First of all, I tried to write about every song and it was time consuming. Secondly, It is really difficult to describe music with words. So, I'll try to be less wordy (and consequently repetitive) when I describe the songs but I will at least try to "rate" each song. For those of you who care, you can go to I-Tunes or whatever and download, what I think are the best songs.
My plan is this. I want to listen to each new CD I buy casually at least 3 times to get a general impression of the CD. Then when I actually write about the CD I will listen to each song as I write it. I may have to change my initial rating which comes from my initial impressions, but I plan to do that before publishing the actual piece. Another thing to keep in mind is that, quite often, the parts don't add up to the whole. For instance, If I rate a CD four stars, that would mean that the large majority of the songs would have to be four stars, which would be very difficult to do. So I am also looking at cohesiveness and that certain je ne sais quoi. (I don't know).
The Hungry Saw seems to have no low spots. All the songs are at least good if not great. On the other hand, I haven't as of yet recognized any great or "masterpiece" songs. There are a handful of cuts that are typical "Tindersticks" songs and there are also some rockier songs, that seem a little more conventional relatively to other work of the band. The drums come in stronger and seem to follow a mostly 4/4 rhythm. I know that there has been some major personnel changes. The only people I recognize (I admit, I haven't paid too much attention to names in the past) are of course Stuart A. Staples and David Boulter. I don't recognize the drummer's name so I assume he is new, hence the rockier sound.
The Songs:
Intro ***1/2 - Usually intros are kind of throw away pieces, but I really like this. It starts off with a very simple and choppy piano and some background noise or static. Then some more piano comes in at a more regular rhythm and the two lines are playing at the same time. Then there is a little bass and other instruments chime in. A spatter of a little xylophone or other similar instrument. It is very beautiful and spooky.
Yesterday's Tomorrows **1/2 - This is kind of a rockier song. The guitar is choppy playing a single chord every half beat. Which is simple, but the texture of the song is complex. It is a complete wall of sound. Some other instruments I can hear are horns, maybe a flute. The drums are keeping time with a 4/4 beat. Not a stand out song, but well done. The ending kinds of builds into a repetitive trancy thing, but still being rocky at the same time. Sheesh - it's hard to write about this stuff. Lyrics are not entirely inspiring. Something to do with the passing of time and getting older.
The Flicker of a Little Girl *** - This has more of a "typical" Tindersticks sound. Not quite as rocky, with a nice strummy acoustic guitar, some horns of course and it sounds like some flute. It almost has a hippyish sixties sound. It's nice and melodic, but the hooks don't hit you over the head. I'm not so sure about those "woo hooo ooo" harmonies I hear, but I can live with it. The lyrics are a little hard to decipher, but the little girl seems to be the narrator's lost youth. "It's so easy to be beautiful when you are young", and it seems to be lost.
Come feel the Sun ***1/2- Starts out with some very beautiful piano and then Staples voice joins in. Then some beautiful violin. Portions of the violin are standout. The lyrics are requesting some one to "come out" and to not wallow in their misery from all the hurt but to "exact revenge". This is a typical Tindersticks song and belongs in the oeuvre of great songs. My only compliant is that it's 2 minutes and 25 seconds. Not long enough!
E-Type **- This does not start out slow, but it is noisier piece. I think I even hear a little distortion (or is my Ipod at the wrong levels?) There are some nice horns ( I think I hear a little saxophone too!) and a little bit of background singing. I want this go somewhere interesting, but except for the horns (which I am always a sucker for) it doesn't go anywhere I want.
2008 - Beggar's Banquet Records
Recorded 2007 at Le Chien Chanceux, Eastcote and Olympic Studios
Produced by Stuart A. Staples
All Songs by Bug Music
Performers:
Thomas Belhorn - Drums and Percussion
David Boulter - Piano, Organ, percussion and guitar
Terry Edwards - Trumpet, Saxophones and Brass arrangements
Jeanne Fraser - Flute
Caroline Hall - Trombone
Sally Hibbert - Violin
Calina de la Mare - Violin and string arrangements (track 6)
Dan McKinna - Bass guitars and Singing
Andy Nice - Cello and solo cello
Suzannae Osborne - Singing
Louise Peacock - Violin
Julian Siegel - Bass clarinet
Stuart A. Staples - Singing, acoustic guitar and percussion
Lucy Wilkins - Lead violin and string arrangements (track 6,7,9, &13)
Sarah Wilson - Cello
CDs are difficult to write about. I tried once before and I was not able to keep up. First of all, I tried to write about every song and it was time consuming. Secondly, It is really difficult to describe music with words. So, I'll try to be less wordy (and consequently repetitive) when I describe the songs but I will at least try to "rate" each song. For those of you who care, you can go to I-Tunes or whatever and download, what I think are the best songs.
My plan is this. I want to listen to each new CD I buy casually at least 3 times to get a general impression of the CD. Then when I actually write about the CD I will listen to each song as I write it. I may have to change my initial rating which comes from my initial impressions, but I plan to do that before publishing the actual piece. Another thing to keep in mind is that, quite often, the parts don't add up to the whole. For instance, If I rate a CD four stars, that would mean that the large majority of the songs would have to be four stars, which would be very difficult to do. So I am also looking at cohesiveness and that certain je ne sais quoi. (I don't know).
The Hungry Saw seems to have no low spots. All the songs are at least good if not great. On the other hand, I haven't as of yet recognized any great or "masterpiece" songs. There are a handful of cuts that are typical "Tindersticks" songs and there are also some rockier songs, that seem a little more conventional relatively to other work of the band. The drums come in stronger and seem to follow a mostly 4/4 rhythm. I know that there has been some major personnel changes. The only people I recognize (I admit, I haven't paid too much attention to names in the past) are of course Stuart A. Staples and David Boulter. I don't recognize the drummer's name so I assume he is new, hence the rockier sound.
The Songs:
Intro ***1/2 - Usually intros are kind of throw away pieces, but I really like this. It starts off with a very simple and choppy piano and some background noise or static. Then some more piano comes in at a more regular rhythm and the two lines are playing at the same time. Then there is a little bass and other instruments chime in. A spatter of a little xylophone or other similar instrument. It is very beautiful and spooky.
Yesterday's Tomorrows **1/2 - This is kind of a rockier song. The guitar is choppy playing a single chord every half beat. Which is simple, but the texture of the song is complex. It is a complete wall of sound. Some other instruments I can hear are horns, maybe a flute. The drums are keeping time with a 4/4 beat. Not a stand out song, but well done. The ending kinds of builds into a repetitive trancy thing, but still being rocky at the same time. Sheesh - it's hard to write about this stuff. Lyrics are not entirely inspiring. Something to do with the passing of time and getting older.
The Flicker of a Little Girl *** - This has more of a "typical" Tindersticks sound. Not quite as rocky, with a nice strummy acoustic guitar, some horns of course and it sounds like some flute. It almost has a hippyish sixties sound. It's nice and melodic, but the hooks don't hit you over the head. I'm not so sure about those "woo hooo ooo" harmonies I hear, but I can live with it. The lyrics are a little hard to decipher, but the little girl seems to be the narrator's lost youth. "It's so easy to be beautiful when you are young", and it seems to be lost.
Come feel the Sun ***1/2- Starts out with some very beautiful piano and then Staples voice joins in. Then some beautiful violin. Portions of the violin are standout. The lyrics are requesting some one to "come out" and to not wallow in their misery from all the hurt but to "exact revenge". This is a typical Tindersticks song and belongs in the oeuvre of great songs. My only compliant is that it's 2 minutes and 25 seconds. Not long enough!
E-Type **- This does not start out slow, but it is noisier piece. I think I even hear a little distortion (or is my Ipod at the wrong levels?) There are some nice horns ( I think I hear a little saxophone too!) and a little bit of background singing. I want this go somewhere interesting, but except for the horns (which I am always a sucker for) it doesn't go anywhere I want.
The Other Side of the World *** - This song starts out calmly with a soft electric guitar, and then a drum rumble/ roll and the strings kick in. I would say a fairly typical song for this group. The song is mid paced, not too mellow, but not too rocking. The lyrics are again fairly oblique, but basically it's a love song. His woman is an island. And there is some sort of reference about escaping this island, though it's not clear if that is what he wants or if he has or not.
The Organist Entertains *** - The first audible instrument is of course the organ. It has a low rumble bass while the clef portion of the organ is lilting and European sounding, like at a bohemian night club. The strings come in to complement the organ.
The Hungry Saw **1/2 - This is the title track. It starts with an electric guitar and a shuffling drum track. It's interesting drumming, but the song is fairly conventional in that there are not many changes in tempo. There is more choral singing, and like the previous song, I'm not sure I like it that much, but I can live with it. The hungry saw is the tool of the devil, and the narrator of the songs blames it for his drug use and promiscuous behavior. The saw gets to you by way of your heart, perhaps implying that the heartbreak you have is caused by the Devil's hungry saw.
Mother Dear **1/2 - Some more organ starts out this song accompanied by a bass drum. It's one of those haunting organs that play long, sad notes. The song stays pretty mellow. but a discordant electric guitar slashes though the layer of sound every once in a while. Midway through the song the electric guitar becomes more prominent for a short solo.The last minute changes tempo a little and we get some strings. The lyrics are almost indecipherable. Something about love and cradles and protection, "...and reached out and pulled you near and would catch you from any fall". Though it's not clear if the mother is doing the protecting or needs the protecting. After all there is a "wolf that escaped from your dreams". The "you" in this case is the mother since this song is addressed to the mother.
Boobar Come Back to Me **1/2 - This starts with an acoustic guitar and some tambourine playing. The song is fairly consistent with not great changes of pace. It is a song that does builds. I can't really figure out who Boobar is. I have the feeling that it is his muse. He wants it to come back to him, and the lack of muse makes it painful, though he acknowledges that maybe the muse is feeling pain and that's why the muse won't come back. Perhaps it was that time that they "sold themselves out".
All the Love **** - An acoustic guitar and a triangle starts this song out pretty softly. When the vocals start, it's clear that this song fits into the Tinderstick's profile. Staples has his usual mumbly singing style. The background singer I like better than previous attempts. Most likely because it's a woman and it's very pretty. The lyrics are pretty much a statement of love - a love song. There is really no story here. It is very poetic. the metaphors are not cliche. A little cello is played about midway through the song. A beautiful song. One of the highlights of the CD.
The Turns We Took **** This starts with electric guitar and strings. Fairly conventional drumming/rhythm but I like how it starts. This is the last song and the song is about the long hard journey that has taken us to where we are now. Musically, the song starts to build a little (it didn't start out slow so there is not much room to build). Another highlight of the CD
While typing this up, I noticed some patterns. The first is that the lyrics are fairly oblique and difficult to understand. As far as I know, this is the only CD in which the band actually published the lyrics. On other CDs/albums, fans have notoriously played the game of "What did he say?" The lyrics are not stories so much as images and tend to be more poetic. I have never been to good at deciphering poetry. Perhaps I am too impatient. But I did kind of enjoy figuring out what they meant in the 2 or 3 minutes I had while listening to the song.
I also tended to start out describing each song with the instruments I heard at first. Obviously I would not be able to continue that through the whole song and that would be boring. I'm just trying to get a sense of what the music might sound like. Knowing what instruments are involved might help.
Last words: I really like this CD. But I like all of their CDs, so that's not a surprise. Will I change my initial rating? No - I think I will stick with my original rating. The ratings of the individual songs more or less average out to the rating i put at top. I know earlier I said that there were some immeasurable factors that go into deciding what is a great piece of art, and this CD has some of those factors, but those factors are not strong enough to raise the total rating of the piece.
On Chesil Beach **
Author - Ian McEwan
2007 - Nan A. Talese / Doubleday / Random House
pages - 203
Ian McEwan is one of my favorite authors. This is the 5th book I've read by him. While I don't consider him to be a master (meaning he creates masterpieces), I do think he is very good and always a solid enjoyable read. Of what I have read so far, Atonement would be the closest to masterpiece if not an outright masterpiece. The book that won the Booker Prize, Amsterdam, was underwhelming to me, though I did enjoy it.
I am discussing all this to demonstrate the variation of quality in his work, because I would consider this a minor work. I am guessing that it is something he ripped off in a relatively short time. There are several reasons I come to this conclusion just by looking at the book's physical presence. It's short (about 200 pages) and the dimensions of the page are smaller than most books. The margins are wide and the text is fairly large. I get the feeling that the publisher was trying to make this relatively small text appear meatier by using the above mentioned techniques famous to all students trying to stretch out a short paper. So it's a minor work.
It's concept is kind of limited also, though it is a very interesting concept. Most of the action happens on the night that a young couple are about to consummate their marriage. It is problematic because the couple are virgins and the time is 1962, when society was a tad more chaste to begin with (though the book does show the beginning of society growing into a more open society). There are flashbacks which describe the characters families and how they met, but I feel there is limited character development. I wouldn't call that a flaw as the main idea of the book is what happens on the wedding night. It is kind of a concept book, not a fully fleshed out piece of literature. It could almost be a short story.
What's interesting about this idea, is that this chaste setting and background further exacerbates the feelings of the bride. She is repulsed by physical touch, yet she knows it is her responsibility and duty to consummate the marriage, and she understands that, which adds to her guilt. After this fairly disastrous night is over, the author briefly describes what happens to the future of this couple and the regret and loss which occurs from things not said or done.
This is a very English books, and McEwan spends a lot of time describing the idyllic settings, which made it slow reading at times. Perhaps I could not relate because I am unfamiliar with these settings. I was not able to place myself in one setting or the other. They all seemed to blend together.
And here is someone else's much more articulate and informing book review.
2007 - Nan A. Talese / Doubleday / Random House
pages - 203
Ian McEwan is one of my favorite authors. This is the 5th book I've read by him. While I don't consider him to be a master (meaning he creates masterpieces), I do think he is very good and always a solid enjoyable read. Of what I have read so far, Atonement would be the closest to masterpiece if not an outright masterpiece. The book that won the Booker Prize, Amsterdam, was underwhelming to me, though I did enjoy it.
I am discussing all this to demonstrate the variation of quality in his work, because I would consider this a minor work. I am guessing that it is something he ripped off in a relatively short time. There are several reasons I come to this conclusion just by looking at the book's physical presence. It's short (about 200 pages) and the dimensions of the page are smaller than most books. The margins are wide and the text is fairly large. I get the feeling that the publisher was trying to make this relatively small text appear meatier by using the above mentioned techniques famous to all students trying to stretch out a short paper. So it's a minor work.
It's concept is kind of limited also, though it is a very interesting concept. Most of the action happens on the night that a young couple are about to consummate their marriage. It is problematic because the couple are virgins and the time is 1962, when society was a tad more chaste to begin with (though the book does show the beginning of society growing into a more open society). There are flashbacks which describe the characters families and how they met, but I feel there is limited character development. I wouldn't call that a flaw as the main idea of the book is what happens on the wedding night. It is kind of a concept book, not a fully fleshed out piece of literature. It could almost be a short story.
What's interesting about this idea, is that this chaste setting and background further exacerbates the feelings of the bride. She is repulsed by physical touch, yet she knows it is her responsibility and duty to consummate the marriage, and she understands that, which adds to her guilt. After this fairly disastrous night is over, the author briefly describes what happens to the future of this couple and the regret and loss which occurs from things not said or done.
This is a very English books, and McEwan spends a lot of time describing the idyllic settings, which made it slow reading at times. Perhaps I could not relate because I am unfamiliar with these settings. I was not able to place myself in one setting or the other. They all seemed to blend together.
And here is someone else's much more articulate and informing book review.
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