Daisy Miller

This short little novella was one I found languishing in my bookcase. It is not a list text, and according to the rules I needed to read a non-list text. This appealed to me at this time as it was short, and the Murakami on my bed-side table (which is on the list) was beckoning. So, Daisy Miller by Henry James it was.

This is an interesting little story about social mores and how women should behave in society. Daisy is an incorrigible flirt; an attractive little American let loose in various European cities. She seems harmless though, like she does not realise her actions could be misconstrued. In fact, I think this is why readers are so sympathetic towards Daisy.

The story starts in Switzerland where the somewhat serious Mr Winterbourne (possibly a symbolic name?) becoming enamoured with the eponymous girl (again, symbolic - daisies are a fresh and unsophisticated flower), who immediately suggests a trip to a nearby castle, even upon their short acquaintance. Later, when Winterbourne meets Daisy in Rome, he finds her the talk of the town due to her scandalous friendship with the handsome Mr Giovanelli - who appears to be a fortune hunter.

Daisy shrugs off any chidings of Winterbourne and various other members of high society who giveher the cold shoulder, essentially driving her further towards the carefree and charming Giovanelli.

Of course, a thoroughly modern girl like myself finds the double standard distasteful, but perhaps our Daisy's sympathetic portrayal is more feminist than not.

The ending is tragic and poignant and James wonderfully balances between Daisy's innocence and flirtatiousness. A likeable novel, and worth a read.

The Dice Man

This book has achieved cult status, and it is really an interesting text. It’s cult status would be mostly due to male readers admittedly, and it does read as a little long – but it is the kind of book everyone should read.

Lucius Rhinehart is a psychologist who is bored with life. He considers having an affair, but cannot make up his mind. After an embarrassing confrontation with his wife he makes a spur of the moment decision – a roll of the dice with dictate his next move. When a frightening experience turns out to be liberating, continuing with the dice becomes a passion.

As the story progresses, Rhinehart turns more and more of his life over to the dice. It eventually becomes part of his therapy, leading to shocking but revealing results. His dice paradigm achieves cult status and picks up an astonishing amounts of followers.

Worshipping the dice is like worshipping fate. Shake up your life and you might never turn back.

The book has an interesting narrative structure, sometimes first person, sometimes third person, at other times it shifts entirely – as if the dice determined how the story should be told. In fact, the author (ironically Lucius Rhinehart) tells us the very same thing.

It was interesting enough to make me think about reading the sequel – so I think that’s a good sign!

Maybe I’ll let the dice decide…

Knife of Dreams

Another excellent chapter of the Wheel of Time series. Mat finally marries the Daughter of the Nine Moons - fulfilling an Aelfinn prophecy, the clever Seanchan heiress Tuon. However, as she returns to her people (and inevitably the invasion), we are unsure as to how her relationship with Mat will continue.

The Chosen are directed towards Mat and Perrin, but Semirhage advances on Rand anyway, destroying his hand with balefire. She is captured, and will no doubt prove an important part of the next book (oh when??). She has valuable information to share with Rand - and "helpfully" shares the truth about Rand hearing the voice of Lews Therin Telamon with Min, Cadsuane and others. Again, we see even more evidence that Rand is being irrevocably changed by the One Power. He is colder than ever - a far cry from the boy we met in Emond's Field in Eye of the World. When he loses his hand, he does not even mourn, but simply moves on.

Perrin rescues Faile from the Shaido, but gives up his claim to the Manetheran legacy when bargaining with the Seanchan. Their relationship may become more complicated now though, as Faile was attracted to another man in her imprisonment and Perrin seems to be showing more regard for Berelain (perhaps she has more of a role to play, as she appeared in Min's viewings of Perrin).

Elayne struggles with her pregnancy (Rand's twins) but wins the Lion Throne. She fights six sisters of the Black Ajah, but is confident as Min has promised her babies will be born healthy. Aviendha (who is to bear him quadruplets at some point in the future, according to Min's visions) returns to the Aiel waste to continue her training as a Wise Woman.

Again, it is a fascinating glimpse into this saga, but I worry about finishing up the series, now that Jordan has passed. It may have gone on too long - and this is certainly why I stopped reading the series a few years ago. But, I was not disapointed with Knife of Dreams. Jordan is still the master, but someone will have to try and match him if we are ever to reach Tarmon Gaidon!