Suzanne's comments (member since May 31, 2009)

Suzanne's comments from the 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die group.

Thank you Tanya!

If the descriptions of this lifestyle are accurate, I see why addiction can make one do such animalistic, crazy things! Welsh's description of Mark shooting in the train was so real, I almost felt the needle prick myself. Having never tried the "skag" myself, I can't imagine the pull... other addictions vouch for how hard it is to put something down that has become a habit, or craving. But to go to the ends these characters did proves the power of the drug.

Sad ... wee Dawn, Tommy, Billy, Spud ... wish there had been some way to save them. Given them a new life.

Well if B&N has a copy of the book, I might be able to work on the list tomorrow. I have an order to pick up, so I'll check when I'm there.

Is there a posted list somewhere?

I'll probably want to read the trilogy eventually, I'm with Mark

I wonder if the lighthouse could represent seeing clearly? Throughout the book, the children never arrive at the destination they so hoped to see. Later as the story comes to an end they make the trip as young adults with their father. Mr Ramsey reflects on the events of their life together and says, “We perished, each alone..” Maybe this was a revelation of some kind Cam later murmurs her father's line. I liked the way Woolf shows us what the characters may be thinking while they say things or act in ways disengaged from their thoughts. I find myself subconsciously doing the same thing. This novel helps me analyze human nature better ... we do perish each alone with inner thoughts that hold the soul's secrets.

Jed you said: The exaggerated excesses, cruelty, and callous blasé attitude -- along with the privileged pointlessness of their lives -- make the characters all "dead babies."



Exactly! the privileged pointlessness of their lives ... makes me think of some celebrities, the ones without talent of course ... risen to fame by wealth or association. They seem like babies to me regardless of their ages, because they have never been fully accountable or had the responsibilities that ordinary people have when dealing with life's everyday challenges. They are dying either physically from overindulgence, or emotionally with the boredom that follows the same scene over and over.

Just finished the book. The way the women/whores were treated upset me. Man is not just "matter" (maybe in flesh) but also beast, self-serving. I guess that's what war does to one ... respect disappears and fades away. What's left are false feelings for others while in reality actions are in response to animalistic needs or survival instincts. Most characters in this story seemed to lack a soul.

Where are you getting the list? I found a list on Library Thing, but I don't know if it is new or old. Can you post a weblink?

Thanks :)

Carly wrote: "Suzanne wrote: "Carly wrote: "Suzanne wrote: "I am about to start on Lolita. Just joined the club!"

I'd be interested in what you think--I started a few days ago...and it's intense! I'm about ..."

He is a most conceited character. I thought how appropriate it was that he compared himself to a spider. Clever analogy ... lying await for the right moment to take his prey... tugging the threads of his web, to see if Lo was near. His mind is consumed with carnal pleasures in a sick way. Maybe the fact that he is telling this as a confession means he wants help dealing with his perversion.

Carly wrote: "Suzanne wrote: "I am about to start on Lolita. Just joined the club!"

I'd be interested in what you think--I started a few days ago...and it's intense! I'm about 100 pages in now, and all I wa..."

I just started it as an audio book yesterday. The guy's obsession reminds me of the latest news about the child porn bust in Florida. He seems to think that his attraction to “nymphets” is something he needs to control when he decides to marry. I'm at the part when his wife tells him there is another man. Is it the taxi- driver? If I had the actual book, it would be easier to go back and reread, but with audio, some things fly by me.

I wonder if the young prostitute has an attraction to older men, or if she is merely trying to survive. What did you think about the change in his view of her the day after their first liaison? Maybe he caused the change by stealing her innocence … if she was innocent that is.

I am about to start on Lolita. Just joined the club!