At first Frankenstein was published anonymously (1818) to scathing reviews (“a tissue of horrible and disgusting absurdity”). A play in 1823 made the story popular and the book appeared in print again (1831), but with significant changes including crediting Mary Shelley with the authorship.
The story is told through the eyes of the woman who lived it, while it took around the same time, each one had an individual and unique experience. While the synopsis might sound like a fairytale (falling in love, crossing the ocean, etc.) the reality was much harsher and difficult.
Arthur Rackham (19 September, 1867 – 6 September, 1939) was an English book illustrator whose work is still sought out today. In an era which was called the “golden age” of illustrations, Rackham was one of the most prolific and known illustrators. Instead of “fun facts”, I thought I’d share some of Mr. Rackham’s wonderful work.
The story takes place over a course of about 12 hours, but much of the story is told in flashbacks and memories which are triggered by external events which the protagonist, a flier named Leslie Mason, experiences. Mason is experiencing a profound sense of loss almost every waking moment due to his luck of having survived many missions, but loosing many friends who did not have such good fortune. In his depressed state, Mason is concerned only with the present and survival, not concerned about past or future.
I found the author’s explanation of how technology developed to make the buildings stronger, very interesting. The historical fiction aspect was also engaging
In 1958 Mr. Aldiss was voted as Most Promising New Author at the Word Science Fiction Convention.
On Her Majesty’s Secret Service by Ian Fleming is a top notch thriller is the second of what has become the “Blofeld Trilogy”, preceded by Thunderball (book review) and concluded with You Only Live Twice (The Spy Who Loved Me was written in between but is not included in the trilogy).
Even though the novel is almost 300 years old (at the time of this post), it is still relevant and exciting. While the language does reflect the prejudices of the 18th Century, it is still a product of its time and well worth reading.
The novel touches on several subjects which are important even in today’s world. The division of Berlin, the relationships between the victorious Allied personal who are now trying to align themselves with the political wishes of their leaders as well as the German people and the effects of the Berlin blockade.
I enjoyed this novel as a fast, exciting read which is a lot of fun, lots of action and an interesting simple plot. The narrative flows, there are some interesting twists in the plot but nothing shocking or surprising.
