Exodus

Title: Exodus

Author: Leon Uris

Publication date: 1958

Book's setting: 1940's

Random facts: I wanted to know more about the formation of Israel but of course I didn't want to read a 600 page nonfiction political debrief so I settled for this.

Plot summary: American widow and journalist friend get involved in the smuggling of Jewish POV/refugees out of Greece post WWII and into Palestine. The book then breaks off into several historical recounts of Jewish oppression based around a particular character in the book, wrapping it all together by the second half with an intense play-by-play of the United Nation's decision to see Israel as its own nation, and finishing emotionally with lots of people dying.

Favorite aspects: Epic. I mean, I was enthralled. Historical fiction is so amazing because you learn and you can be emotionally involved and your knowledge of history at the outset helps you become much more engrossed than you might have been. I had absolutely no clue that half the stuff in this book happened, so I think it was good for me to read it, but at the same time my knowledge of the historical context totally enhanced the experience. And like, on a totally personal level, DOV AND KAREN. I'm a sucker for those sorts of romances.

Least favorite aspects: I was surprised that there wasn't more about the Spanish Inquisition. The book went back to retell stories of of Jewish oppression in multiple countries as far back as the early 1800's, but I think it would have been really awesome for that to be included.

Other works it reminded me of: Maggie-Now by Betty Smith, The House of Spirits, Isabel Allende


Sadie's merciless break-down: Fact: I read this on the plane on my way home from Switzerland and it was like 3 flights and a layover and a few amazing meals and lots of white wine and this book. Reading it was intense. It's an intense book. The writing is a little "of the times" but not in a bad way. I dunno. It was awesome. 

Recommendation rate: Any historical fiction fan should read this.

On Chisel Beach

 

Title: On Chesil Beach

Author: Ian McEwan

Publication date: 2008

Book's setting: 1960's

Random facts: I bought this for 99 cents in a used bookstore because it was so tiny I could bring it home in my purse.

Plot summary: A young couple (virgins) on the eve of their wedding, in a society on the cusp of a sexual revolution (that they're like a tad to old to catch) and what happens that night. The middle of the book is a recount of the courtship but the first 50 pages or so, and last 50 pages or so is purely moment-by-moment recount of their evening.

Favorite aspects: Beautifully written. I mean, insanely amazing prose. This is the man who wrote Atonement, so I expected nothing less. So quotable, so emotional. I felt like I was in the skin of both characters as they took in their environment, tried to swallow their fears. The book is quite grounded in its historical period as well. Some very funny quips about England at the time, politically. Interesting insight into the society through this microscopic story.

Least favorite aspects: I think that I was expecting something a little more driven by the end. I'm not sure what the core was. McEwan used two very separate voices sharing their own experiences, but it wasn't much more than experiences. The epilogue-type part at the end was weird. I think that the book didn't really need it. Or, if McEwan was going to give us a glimpse of the future (after the wedding night events) than he really should have hit us in the gut. Instead I felt like I was reading the five page version of One Day by David Nicholls.

Other works it reminded me of: One Day by David Nicholls.

Sadie's merciless break-down: I enjoyed it more reading it than I did in retroscept. It was one of those novels where the prose, the insensity of the reading process, the emotional insensity- that's what made it so good. Now... looking back, I don't really care much what happened in the book. (Unlike Atonement, where I think I'll take that trauma to the grave.)

Recommendation rate: Only if you don't mind sad books. Or if you are a sucker for perfect prose.