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spectracommunist's reviews
372 reviews
Candide by Voltaire
4.0
The book heavily revolves around exploring the philosophical statement termed by Leibniz as "all is well and is for the best" and it's other Panglossian aspects as introduced by a philosopher character in the book.
Candide, a jolly good fellow falls for the daughter of The Baron of Westphalia, Miss Cunegonde and is thus thrown away from the palace by some noble kicks which set the plot in motion following a number of misfortunate events in a very humorous way. Candide, thus to seek Cunagonde follows an adventure all around in which he and his fellow voyagers come to know the prevailing corruption, injustice, suffering and a great deal of turmoil and dissatisfaction in every faction of diverse societies. Despite all this and losing a lot, Candide happens to maintain his Panglossian philosophy.
This book on one perspective reflects the vanity and hypocrisy of the aristocratic riches at the time of Voltaire and the philosophical reflections can almost seem as a satire. But although, Candide and his mates despite all the contradictions show such a big spirit of optimism and forbearance and do their best to do the right things and maintain them from their sides. Candide maintains on curing ourselves on vices and follies that we frequently inflict upon ourselves or that can't be helped. We must see to it that we do not live in a perfect world among perfect circumstances indeed, but it is still in our capable hands to cultivate our garden, to push the destiny of our seemingly dystopian world towards a better world as much as possible.
Theologies aside as it may baffle, but although it offers a good deal of adventure and is written with quite exquisite and eloquent sequences.
Candide, a jolly good fellow falls for the daughter of The Baron of Westphalia, Miss Cunegonde and is thus thrown away from the palace by some noble kicks which set the plot in motion following a number of misfortunate events in a very humorous way. Candide, thus to seek Cunagonde follows an adventure all around in which he and his fellow voyagers come to know the prevailing corruption, injustice, suffering and a great deal of turmoil and dissatisfaction in every faction of diverse societies. Despite all this and losing a lot, Candide happens to maintain his Panglossian philosophy.
This book on one perspective reflects the vanity and hypocrisy of the aristocratic riches at the time of Voltaire and the philosophical reflections can almost seem as a satire. But although, Candide and his mates despite all the contradictions show such a big spirit of optimism and forbearance and do their best to do the right things and maintain them from their sides. Candide maintains on curing ourselves on vices and follies that we frequently inflict upon ourselves or that can't be helped. We must see to it that we do not live in a perfect world among perfect circumstances indeed, but it is still in our capable hands to cultivate our garden, to push the destiny of our seemingly dystopian world towards a better world as much as possible.
Theologies aside as it may baffle, but although it offers a good deal of adventure and is written with quite exquisite and eloquent sequences.
The Masque of the Red Death by Edgar Allan Poe
5.0
This one, in particular, is quite outlandish. what an anticipation!
No Country for Old Men by Cormac McCarthy
4.0
The force of nature is hard upon us, not like them old days anymore.
The Hellbound Heart by Clive Barker
5.0
An unfulfilled longing for more sensual pleasure ... a heightened pleasure that's indistinguishable from pain, an eternity of torture and the deliverers - some extremely pierced sexless aliens. Amazing! A fleeting clutch of obsession leading to sadomasochism and murder.
No questions it's being turned into several adaptations due to its high originality, the author himself directed the first part - which famously makes the list of top horror movies of all time.
I've thought that this is quite scientifically and emotionally possible, maybe a way of life, unfortunately. True masterpiece!
No questions it's being turned into several adaptations due to its high originality, the author himself directed the first part - which famously makes the list of top horror movies of all time.
I've thought that this is quite scientifically and emotionally possible, maybe a way of life, unfortunately. True masterpiece!
The Art of War by Sun Tzu
4.0
Penguin Great Ideas 2/100 || Series Two 1/20
If anyone is looking for a War General, I'm available ...
If anyone is looking for a War General, I'm available ...
Waiting for the Barbarians by J.M. Coetzee
5.0
1980, Penguin 20: Great Books of the 20th Century - 5/20
The narration was just utterly sublime! Coetzee undoubtedly deserved the Nobel prize for this work.
The narration was just utterly sublime! Coetzee undoubtedly deserved the Nobel prize for this work.
Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel García Márquez
3.0
1985, Penguin 20: Great Books of the 20th Century - 7/20
It's not that I didn't like the book much. The magical realism of Gabriel Garcia Marquez was marvelous, it's the plot - the story was too much melodramatic for me. I think Florentino had this folly obsession which I too have experienced and acted like him in my childhood, but now as an adult I'm sick of it, I believe it an OCD. Although I think Florentino is meant to be a victim of love as a disease like cholera in the times of epidemic itself. The book is undoubtedly romantic but there are parts which are quite difficult to digest for me.
After all, I totally adore the writing style and would be definitely reading his One Hundred Years of Solitude whose plot I believe would be rather fascinating :D
It's not that I didn't like the book much. The magical realism of Gabriel Garcia Marquez was marvelous, it's the plot - the story was too much melodramatic for me. I think Florentino had this folly obsession which I too have experienced and acted like him in my childhood, but now as an adult I'm sick of it, I believe it an OCD. Although I think Florentino is meant to be a victim of love as a disease like cholera in the times of epidemic itself. The book is undoubtedly romantic but there are parts which are quite difficult to digest for me.
After all, I totally adore the writing style and would be definitely reading his One Hundred Years of Solitude whose plot I believe would be rather fascinating :D