SIX SHORT REVIEWS

FATHERS AND SONS by IVAN TURGENEV (1862)

I had never read this Russian classic before. I expected it to be depressing and filled with characters behaving in bizarre ways, similar to the writings of Dostoevsky, Turgenev's contemporary. Surprisingly, this is instead a penetrating examination of the generation gap in two families, filled with realistic conversations and interactions. True, the novel does feature an untimely death, but it is not depressing as a whole, only sad for the potential lost.

One of the main characters is a young man who considers himself a nihilist, one who finds nothing to approve of in established society. The interesting thing about this is that the revolutionaries of the time saw the book as a criticism of their movement, and the right of the time saw the book as a glorification of nihilism. Turgenev reportedly had not intended the book to be political at all. Perhaps the lesson we can learn here is not to read too much into a book, but to take it at face value.

Recommended for its insights into family dynamics.


THE ALIENIST by CALEB CARR (1994)

I chose this book because I am currently watching the series on television. Contrary to the usual with an adaptation of a novel, in this case the filmed version is actually more intriguing.

The plot follows a psychiatrist in 1896 New York City who is pioneering in the art of criminal profiling. Along with a group of subordinates, he attempts to find the vicious killer who is targeting young boy cross-dressing prostitutes. It is similar to a plot of the television show Criminal Minds, except that it moves m-u-c-h slower and without the drama. In fact, it becomes tedious at times, filled with lengthy conversations about the investigations conducted and the conclusions reached. Despite the adventurous-sounding premise, it is not very exciting at all.

The author does provide an interesting look at the grimy underworld and glittering society world of that time and place.

I give this "thriller" a B-.


THE ORPHAN'S TALE by PAM JENOFF (2017)

This popular novel has an interesting premise: In the middle of World War II, a Jewish aerialist finds refuge by performing under an assumed name, harbored by a non-Jewish circus owner; meanwhile, a teenage girl is cast out of her Dutch family because of her affair with a German officer and is also sheltered at the circus. To further complicate matters, the Dutch girl brings with her a Jewish baby which she rescued from extermination. When the circus travels to Nazi-occupied France, they all face the danger of detection.

Unfortunately, the plot is filled with so many implausibilities and so lacking in coherent character development that it becomes unbelievable.

I give this a B+, for its core plot, but a C for its execution.


THE TOWER OF DAWN by SARAH J. MAAS (2017)

This Young Adult fantasy novel reads like a blend of Lord of the Rings, Game of Thrones, and a PG-rated romance novel. The plot includes a malevolent force awakening in the land (LOTR), a ruling family scheming for power (GoT), and two sexy (but non-explicit) love stories (countless YA romance novels). And magic. And giant fighting birds. And fierce horseback fighters. Sorry, no dragons.

This was completely unsuitable for my 12-year-old grandson, for whom I bought it. My teenage granddaughters would not like it either, I don't think, because they are not fantasy fans. It is #6 of the best selling Throne of Glass series, which I did not realize when I bought it. The author does do a good job of catching the reader up on the story without using long background exposition.

This novel is well done for what it is -- a copy of more successful efforts. Recommended for 14 and above.


ISAAC'S STORM by ERIK LARSON (2000)

In 1900, a "storm of the century" hurricane almost wiped Galveston, Texas, from the map. The U.S. Weather Service meteorologist stationed in Galveston at the time was Isaac Cline. This is the non-fiction account of Isaac and the storm.

Author Erik Larson is well known for his novelistic approach to non-fiction, particularly for his award-winning The Devil in the White City. Isaac's Storm lacks the suspense and drama of that effort; nevertheless, it is particularly relevant in this year of multiple monster storms. When man confronts nature, nature almost always wins, despite the sophistication of scientific knowledge.

Of course, Texans will find this particularly interesting.


LAST ORDERS by GRAHAM SWIFT (1996)

Four men go on a road trip to scatter the ashes of their dead friend, each one with differing memories of his life and their experiences together. Narrating in revolving chapters, the main characters reveal secrets and old grievances.

This is novel about ordinary people with everyday drama in their lives. Its plot would not seem to be enough to carry a whole novel, but it does because it is so well written.

Last Orders is extraordinary. It was awarded England's Booker Prize in 1996.