First, let me sincerely apologize for not blogging in such a long time! It is inexcusable and I’ll try to not let it happen again. The first book is actually book one in a twelve book series. After reading the first book, I couldn’t decide to continue with the series or go on through the 100 great novels list. So instead, I read a few other books that I’ve been putting off. Then I decided it wasn’t economical to continue with the aforementioned series because each book was $8 a pop ($8×12=$96!!) so I moved on to the next novel in our list. With all the excuses out of the way, let’s get to the novels.
A Dance to the Music of Time by Anthony Powell
The first book in this series, A Question of Upbringing, introduces us to Nick Jenkins. He is the narrator of the story and this novel follows him from his last school days up until he starts at a university. As far as plot or conflict, not much happens. I think it’s mainly because this is the first novel in a 12 book series so it’s more setting up the characters than telling an engaging story. I would like to ultimately finish this series because the characters are interesting enough and the writing is very clear and simple so I wouldn’t mind finding out what happens to Nick. But other than that, there’s not much to say about this introductory novel.
Point Counter Point by Aldous Huxley
Coming from the same author that wrote A Brave New World, this novel and all his others are completely overshadowed. And while I love BNW, it’s sad that not many people (including myself until this list) know or have read this novel. Set in London in the during the 1920s, the novel follows numerous characters in the intellectual and artistic classes of England. Similar to F. Scott Fitzgerald’s works, the novel reads as an expose of the the excess and irreverence of the ’20s. Characters succumb to passion, allow decorum to override emotions, and argue about politics and religion and the importance of arguments about politics and religion. While an incredibly enjoyable read, the novel finishes with the biggest hypocrites being the happiest and well, you can probably guess the rest.
______
Again, sorry about the wait. I hope to not do that to you again. Next up is The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway. Onwards we go.
