The prose itself never maanaged to bowl me over but the story, the conceit about the collective myth of different peoples and the characters were all intriguing enough. I’m pretty interested to see what other books Holdstock hs written about this.

I don’t regret reading it and yet…I’m not thrilled or gratified that I did either. I’ll be looking forward to The Book of Evidence with a great deal more enthusiasm. To lean on the side of caution I labelled it as being not worth consumption since it wouldn’t be a book I’d recommend to anyone except a Banville fan.

God, what a dreary read so far. Catherine is a self-absorbed bitch and Heathcliff a manipulative bastard. I can only occasionally drum up sympathy for the idiotic Isabella and the sanctimonious Nelly.

Well, I’m at Vol. II now and no doubt all that’s left to read is the action and consequences of Heathcliff’s grief and vengeance.

Well. It is something to be experienced but I’ll not be reading this novel again. Some of the characters aren’t quite believable and seeing most of Heathcliff’s evil plans coming to fruitation…

At least the ending wasn’t so bad and, implausible characters aside, Bronte does have a passionate and skilfull pen.

I forgot how wonderfully sweet and lovely Arne’s music is. I’m glad I received this album; lovely addition to my classical collection.

“Wind-Up Bird Chronicle” is often heralded as Murakami’s most ambitious novel but I found “Hard-boiled” to be more nakedly philosophical and hyper surreal due to the science fictional element. All of the film references-John Ford? Who? ;)-added another layer of density for me. Nevertheless I eventually settled in about half-way through and ended it feeling particularly reflective and incredibly impressed. Murakami shows such a range in his works that, in my experience, is not often matched.

Catherine Morland is decidedly one of my favourite Austen heroines as she is everything that is amiable. Sincere and well-meaning, light hearted, fond of novels, with her share of faults but no more than one would expect of a girl at 17. You can’t help but be endeared to and wish the best for her.

Henry Tilney is such a treat as well and is more or less a well-read, witty Mr. Bingley (who I always preferred over Mr. Darcy).

To complete the excellence of the novel it’s also damn hilarious. Austen’s pokes at gothic romance conventions through Catherine are well-aimed.

I knew from the opening unproduced sounds of Sally Ellyson singing All The Pretty Horses-reminiscent of “Rabbit Songs” opening track Lord, Blow the Moon Out-I knew that this album was going to be pretty special. I admit that I was a bit worried last month when I looked at the track listing for “No Word From Tom”: it had quite a few songs from previous albums and I wondered if I would be bored, already owning even live bootlegs (band approved!) of them. Sure, Hem is awesome but are they that awesome?

http://firecrackershrimpbowtie.blogspot.com/2006/02/hem-hem-hem-hem-hem-hem-hem-hem.html

It’s certainly a quieter and less surreal turn for Murakami. He presents this themes and ideas in a much less oblique manner. Yet don’t be fooled: Murakami works a lot into what may superficially just be a simple romance with the usual Murakami stamp. The novel has perfectly balanced tone and prose: quiet, introspective and incredibly ‘readable’. The flow was unstoppable. Definitely recommended for anyone who’s interested in getting a complete idea of Murakami’s style.

Not bad. Not bad at all. This entry in the series focused more on the case than relationships, which was swell, nice to read up on Eve doing some solid detective work.

Very cool album, enjoyed hearing the live versions I was and wasn’t familiar with. Found a few new favourites too. Gotta love the short concert.