7/16/2005

O Realist of the Fantastic!

. . .Joseph Conrad's moniker for H.G. Wells.

I've finished The War of the Worlds. I must confess that I don't particularly like it. . .just not my type of reading, I suppose. Neither do I particularly like his writing style. I'm sure I should be better able to articulate a reason for that statement, but suffice to say I think it redundant and bogged down with theorizing. Thick with social commentary, I'm not quite sure if that or the story is really the main point. Nor am I sure if my previous comment on Wells' theology are correct. The Christian overtones I cited at the end of the movie do indeed come from the book. . .word for word, if my memory serves. Yet he is clearly an evolutionist, both scientifically and socially. I am confused as to whether the process of "survival of the fittest" or the predestination of God saved Earth from the Martians. In truth, I do not particularly care and shall not trouble my head about it any more. I have more interesting things to read, including a book on writing that my aunt sent me today. I really want to start it, but I think I will force myself to finish one other book before I do. . .my progress has lagged this week, with the workshop I've been in for 6 hours every day, and is likely to remain slow next week. Not that I'm complaining, as both workshops are practical, not politically correct doggerel (not a new word, but a new context for me. . .Wells uses it as a "dumb or silly rhyme." Hurrah for ever-expanding vocabulary!).

I believe it is near my bedtime, so farewell to all.

3 comments:

Courtney said...

I want a recommendation for a book - haven't your read any good ones lately. I have a goal to start some Dickens, but the problem is that his books may require thinking which is very difficult when reading at 2am at work. I am afraid it may cause the very thing that I am trying to prevent - sleep. Hmm...

@lici@ said...

I think you would like the book on writing that I'm waiting to start. . .it's humorous. It's called "Bird by Bird," by Ann Lamott. Or try "Nectar in a Sieve," by. . .I forget. An Indian woman. I finished "Roots," by Alex Haley, a few weeks ago. I really liked it (see previous posts), but I don't know if it's your type. I agree that Dickens could be challenging at 2am. . .I think he is easiest if you read a Children's Illustrated Classic version first, to get the story line, then read the unabridged version. I'm sorry if that's cheating. :-)

Naomi Joy said...

Oh, come on and post already. I can't wait this long.