Paul’s Comments (group member since Apr 21, 2016)

Paul’s comments from the Classics Without All the Class group.

"Pause you who read this, and think for a moment of the long chain of iron or gold, of thorns or flowers, that would never have bound you, but for the formation of the first link on one memorable day.”
― Charles Dickens, Great Expectations Chapter 9

How beautiful is that...Wow!

Beth wrote: "I just finished and was so glad I read the whole thing. Some of the dialog between Pip and the other characters was incredibly moving. Wonderful story!"


Well done!

Beth wrote: "Hi Paul, stick with it for a while. I felt that way in the very beginning but as I progressed, it became more enjoyable. I am alternating between the book and audio which helps me grasp the flowery..."

Thanks Beth, You have actually motivated to keep at it. I don't think I am going to make it in one month, but going to finish this book. The "flowery" language is amasing!

I also browsed a bit and found some interesting view points and opinions;-

"Melancholia best describes the mood of this film. It was not meant to excite the viewer, neither was it attempting to be an escape from reality, as so many films strive to be. Rather, this film causes the careful viewer to examine their own views as to what makes us human and to meditate upon humanity’s propensity to marginalize others when their utility becomes more important than their humanness.

It also asks the question “Are the lives of others who differ from us worth any less because of their difference?” Do they feel and experience life any less than those of us who may consider ourselves superior, or more complete, than those lesser beings?
Mankind has been guilty of unthinkable cruelty because of our innate ability to objectify those who we disapprove of, or want to make go away. “Never Let Me Go” is just the film to help us consider these things.

Never Let Me Go may indeed remind us that love is good and that life is short. However, wittingly or not, it also laments another heartbreaking reality. It's the acquiescence of the weak in their own exploitation by the strong."

I saw the movie and it was stylishly directed. The cinematography depicted the dreary English country side beautifully and enhanced the films sad story. The actors were superb! Hopefully an "indi" hit that will stand the test of time.

On the DVD's additional material, Ishiguro admits that the novel is a metaphor for the end of life, that we all face with banality.

I don;t really agree with this, we have been given life even if its used to fight a corrupt, loveless and inhumane system.

Well put Beth, could not have said it better, Only on page 27 now and as my first Dickens it feels a bit daunting and maybe out of my league!

"Never let me go" is a deeply disturbing and sad, very sad book. Don't get me wrong, Ishiguro is a master writer, but I want to feel good after I have read a book and not the way I feel now.

Mmm...learned a new word..."dystopia":-). Halfway through so no dystopian world yet. I have to say the author uses simple English language brilliantly!

Talha wrote: "Paul wrote: "Hallo everyone! My name is Paul and I'm from South Africa. I love beer and cake and for some reason love reading ("suffering") through classics as English is only my second language. J..."

Thanks Talha, we do love our cricket!

Madison-Chan wrote: "Hi, my name is Kendria Perry. I like highbrow, stuffy books and read them to enrich myself, not merely to feel "smart". I hate Jane Austen - just putting that out of the way, since I already know a..."

I hate Jane Austen to! ;-)

Hallo everyone! My name is Paul and I'm from South Africa. I love beer and cake and for some reason love reading ("suffering") through classics as English is only my second language. Jane Eyre took me 6 months at age 17 to read. Obviously love Charlotte but would say my favorite author is Ayn Rand.

Really excited about joining the group! :-)