04-28-2015, 11:49 AM | #46 |
Wizard
Posts: 1,368
Karma: 26886344
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Ireland
Device: Kindle Oasis 3, 4G, iPad Air 2, iPhone IE
|
|
05-15-2015, 04:02 AM | #47 |
Wizard
Posts: 2,824
Karma: 5843878
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: UK
Device: Pocketbook Pro 903, (beloved Pocketbook 360 RIP), Kobo Mini, Kobo Aura
|
I've finished it, too - I found the writing absolutely beautiful but the "faction" aspect that fantasy fan underlines did disorient me.
As usual, I did no research whatsoever before starting this novel, so I could only presume that a lot of what the Henry James does and writes is based on Toibin’s own research, perusal of correspondence, and so on. But when it comes to James' inner life, well all those little details (Hammond;s hand on James shoulder, the glances, the silences) must be what Toibin thinks make who James really was. I wondered also how much of Toibin’s himself is in the book: does he also borrow heavily from those around him to create his story? Does he also savour the peace of the morning, does he long for work, or is he overcome by darkness at the end of a novel like Constance? The mix of fiction and fact, a writer interpreting another writer did disorient me, and at times I lost touch with the novel itself, as when watching a movie or play in which the identity of the famous superstar actor does not allow you to suspend belief and fall into the plot. One more point is that after finishing the book, I have read several reviews, including the links in this thread, but also for instance the one in the London Review of Books - most reviewers put homosexuality (mostly James’ undeclared one) centre stage, often relating it to that of Toibin’s himself - this seem to occupy a disproportionate share of the reviews. Of course sexuality is part of being human, and Toibin depicts James’ sexuality as complex as anyone’s - but that is about it, and turning this as the main theme of the book is to me thoroughly unfair, detracting from the many layers of this beautiful book. Thanks for selecting it! |
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
Master Index | tubemonkey | Audiobook Discussions | 0 | 09-17-2014 01:08 PM |
SHADOW OF THE MASTER | matthewrmiller | Self-Promotions by Authors and Publishers | 0 | 09-14-2011 11:26 AM |
USB master | ashadocat | Sony Reader Dev Corner | 7 | 01-07-2009 08:13 AM |
The Master and Margarita | Goshzilla | Reading Recommendations | 8 | 11-15-2007 02:12 AM |