☯Emily ’s Comments (group member since Jul 27, 2011)

☯Emily ’s comments from the Classics for Beginners group.

Really? I love Helena Bonham Carter.

Yes, I watched the first episode last night. First part was really scary, but beautifully done. This episode will be on-line for a while, so if anyone wants to see it, they can.

I finished the book several days ago. The ending was really moving. Most of the characters, major and minor, played a part in the ending.

I think that Dickens did a marvelous job in portraying the horrors of the French Revolution. The hatred for fellow man and the love of violence was troubling, but so powerful. It resonates when we read about the countries who allow injustices to continue to fester. When the oppressed eventually rebel, they are not filled with love, but a sense of "Vengeance is mine."

Madame Defarge reminds me of Jezebel, the wicked queen mentioned in the Bible. Both women were merciless and unloving. They killed anyone who opposed them. They even bypassed their husbands, if they didn't think they were strong enough to murder. Both women finally got what they deserved!

No, Chakara, you weren't confused!

Finished this section today. Dickens chillingly writes about the horrors of the French Revolution. It is hard to believe that people of Paris would tolerate the blood and gore for so long.

The fear of Lucie that Charles would be taken away again seems fanciful, but understandable. To have that fear realized is terrible.

I'm glad that Dickens gave us some comic relief with Miss Pross and Mr. Cruncher. Unfortunately, it was not enough to relieve the chill and horror of Paris.

Historical: A Tale of Two Cities
North and South

Children's: A Wrinkle in Time
Anne of Green Gables

Book Concierge wrote: "Nicolle wrote: "VOTE FOR OUR APRIL READ IN THE POLL"

Nicolle ... just curious ... why is the poll "secret"? Once I've voted why can't I see where the responses stack up?"

I was wondering the same thing!

I'm about to start Book the Third which several people have said is the best part of the book. I have enjoyed it so far, so I'm expecting this last part to be thrilling.

I was wondering if anyone was/is reading it. I set up the sections because several people expressed interest in reading and discussing the book.

Great work.

I'm readingA Wrinkle in Time right now for the first time.

It is interesting that Dickens spends more than half of the book building up to the French Revolution and then briefly, in two and a half chapters, describes the beginning of the revolution and the highlights of the aftermath. The story of Darney and others then continues three years later. I would have expected more emphasis on these crucial topics.

This last portion of the book was published in December 1859.

This was published in November 1859.

This section was published in October, 1859.

This is a good way to see if you enjoy Sherlock Holmes. The short stories are actually better than the novels. If you don't like the stories, at least you didn't waste a lot of time finding out. "The Adventure of the Speckled Band" got me hooked as a child.

I enjoyed reading about all of the Crunchers. I wonder what happened to make the night's 'fishing' be unsuccessful. It was hilarious to read about Jerry's fears of the coffin chasing him as he ran home. It's too bad that young Jerry left before he could discover why that night's venture was deemed a failure.

Carrie, I'm assuming you have read the entire book, so please don't reveal what happened to the "fishermen" on this thread. I'm hoping Dickens will tell us when he is good and ready.

The women knitting is so eerie. "So much was closing in about the women who sat knitting, knitting, that they their very selves were closing in around a structure yet unbuilt, where they were to sit knitting, knitting, counting dropping heads."

Madame Defarge is a very scary woman. I can understand why she hates the aristocrats and the oppressors, but I don't yet know why she hates Charles. It doesn't seem to be just because he came from an aristocratic family.

I just completed this section. I loved the beginning of Chapter 12 where Mr. Stryver has decided to marry Lucie. This passage shows clearly his arrogance. "Mr. Stryver having made up his mind to that magnanimous bestowal of good fortune on the doctor's daughter, resolved to make her happiness known to her before he left town for the Long Vacation." I was amused at his reaction when Mr. Lorry indicated that the proposal might not be appropriate.

I don't understand why Mr. Carton feels so hopeless and is unable to change his life. There are indications by Mr. Stryver that Mr. Carton has the ability to be successful. I wonder why Mr. Carton feels he can't.

This part of the book was published in September 1859.