Christopher > Recent Status Updates

Stabbed through the scapula with the chains in his prison.
这一颤抖，两肩处更痛得凶了。原来这两条铁链竟是从他肩胛的琵琶骨处穿过

It is a good thing that I read 王度庐 first. His writing is much simpler and was this quite helpful for a novice. This book, by contrast, is significantly more difficult. I have a 10:1 book page to notes page ratio. Better than the 7:1 of the start of 鹤惊昆仑, so in hopeful I'll find this book smoother once I've grown accustomed to the style differences and vocabulary of the author.

江小鹤, what are you thinking? Just 'cause you can unplug your acupoints doesn't mean you can turn your back on your enemies!

I had begun to grow board by the first 8 or so pages of the day and almost called it a day. Then the last paragraph I had meant to read, all hell broke loose. If reading Chinese weren't so exhausting I'd probably intend on doubling the number of pages I've read so far today, my record of 13.

Focusing so much on his 仇人, I've almost forgotten what 江小鹤 reads like. Though that hasn't been too bad. Various shenanigans amongst other 闯江湖上的人 as they align either behind 鲍昆仑 or 江小鹤. Always twisting and turning, but the language makes it a good second novel for my budding Chinese.

Book two has been a much smoother read, a product of my growing familiarity with Chinese and, more specifically, Wang Dulu's style.

The plot has been jumping around a lot more. Whereas most of the first book dealt with 江小鹤, now he only appears at times to further the plot, with the focus being on his enemies preparing for their inevitable clash.

The last chapter or two has been quite predictable. It alternates between focusing on Aluan and Xiaohe, but I don't think Wang Dulu had enough experience with the inner lives of young women to give enough dimension to a female deuteragonist.

Just starting volume two. Aluan has married Xiaohe's enemy! A nasty little fellow who likes to make himself the hero of every story. The first volume ended on a rather difficult note, certainly stretching my Chinese comprehension to the limit, but a nice (and nicely brief) change from the increasingly easy text generally.

江小鹤 has finally returned! He's learned half of his master's skills and is ready to destroy Kunlun Sect to avenge his father's murder. But something must happen to bring him back into Aluan's favor, right?

The book is picking up. There's been a lot more fighting, but not too much. It seems quite balanced so far between wandering the Jianghu in search of a great master to teach Xiaohe, and fighting the people who wish him harm for any reason (or none at all).

I think that it's starting to approach the general plot of the novel (I have no idea what that would be at this point, though). It seems like it's going to be smaller in scope than the expansive novels of Jin Yong.

SPOILERS

It's been a bumpy ride so far. The (anti?) hero of the first chapter is dead. His son is growing up and wants revenge. But there are various forces competing to act upon his development.

Suddenly I am captivated; the extreme arrogance and hypocrisy which fills the first half of the book is nowhere to be found in the section in biology, wherein he presents a very clearly-worded portrayal of the state of biology using apt analogies with other fields, including economics. I could've given the first half 2 stars, but this half deserves 4.5.

My heart grows weary, pained by the thought with each passing page that this is one fewer in the series to which I have been so long and lovingly devoted. I can barely imagine what I shall do once I have completed The Story of Civilization!

Book 1 was old, book 2 was jolly good fun. Just now getting into book 3.

very surprisingly, I am a bit iffy on this book. just doesn't feel how it should. I had very high hopes, but it seems like a mediocre text so far

Hochschild certainly paints a terrible portrait of Stanley, not that I can blame him. Burton was a rare breed, being relatively respectful of the cultures he encountered, not shooting aborigines as though they were animals and he on a safari.

I am really not enjoying this translation. Such a shame, for so charmingly legendary a saga.

A pretty interesting account alternating between the past and the present, between colonial explorers and naturalists and Madhursee's own attempts to meet the few hundred surviving Naked People.