TWO.
days till I'm in Malaysia.
just finished two riveting books, which really could not be more different.
The Dante Club, by Matthew Pearl.
The Sunday Philosophy Club, by Alexander McCall Smith.
This was the first novel of Pearl's that I have read.
I tried picking it up a few times last year, but found the language rather tedious and the plot a little too slow-moving for my liking.
However, I spotted it again in my school library, and recognising the cover and realising that here was a book I had started and never finished, I decided, what the heck.
Lets pick it up and go go go.
So I picked it up, and suddenly, I couldn't put it down.
It was thrilling, the murders, the poetry, the assimilation of all things Dante, the literary aspect and the language of the author.
Granted, the plot was a little slow at first, but if you peservere, all will be rewarded, because the plot picks up and accelerates like nothing before.
I now consider The Dante Club as one of my favourite works of modern literary fiction.
It is most excellently written, and is very noteworthy.
In comparison, The Sunday Philosophy Club is in fact my seventh or eighth novel by McCall Smith.
I quite enjoyed his Precious Ramotswe series [No 1 Ladies Detective Agency] and collected all the books in that series possible.
He has a very different, calm style of writing which I find very comforting.
Not literary, but quiet and philosophical, a nice contrast to The Dante Club.
The heroine of this new novel/series I find very endearing and interesting, with a moral and emotional background that very clearly defines her as a person.
The plot is nothing much, but as in most McCall Smith books, that isn't what grips the readers attention. [I guessed who committed the murder as soon as the murderer's character was introduced.]
Its the little mundane details of Isabel's life [the main character], which just makes you want to know more about her.
Why does she do the things she do?
Despite the obviously similar writing styles, this is quite different compared to the Precious Ramotswe books.
Different setting and times, one in Edinburgh and one in Scotland.
He is to be applauded for being to create two very distinguishable and unique female protaginists, both lovable and relatable.
Okay, I'm not sure if this sudden review of the books will be appreciated.
But anyway.
Tomorrow's the last day in Perth for the rest of the month until I get back from Malaysia on New Year's Eve.
This holiday is going to be hectic.
I have to meet up with old friends, and I used to think I didn't have that many.
Trying to plan this holiday and the times has been enough to change my mind though.
Now I have to figure out how to somehow fit in a lunch with Mrs. Rani and Poovan somewhere.
Ah, planning.
Wherefore art thou necessary?
