Guardian
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Book reviews for "Guardian" sorted by average review score:
The Chataine's Guardian
Published in Paperback by Word Publishing (July, 1988)
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A great read for teenage girls!My sister bought this book for herself and then passed it along to me.I've read it at least fifty times!It's a classic story of a bratty princess(though she's called a 'Chataine' in the book)who eventually falls for her faithful guardian.One of the things that appealed to me was the age difference between Deirdre and Roman(the two main characters).It was encouraging to see maturity and character outweigh handsomeness and charm.The story is told from an angel's point of view(Deirdre's guardian angel)to parallel Roman's guardianship to her.Early on she is dubious of his apparant faith in 'God' but later recognizes His Hand in guarding her life.The story is running over with plot,such as assasination attempts on Deirdre(she's the king's only heir),kidnapping,romance,deception,even murder.This story is absolutely riviting and inspiring,which I believe is rare in the Christian book world.I also highly recomend the two other books in the series,'Stone of Help',in which Deirdre and her newly born baby are kidnapped,separated,and sold as slaves to a neighboring country's queen,and 'Liberation of Lystra' which is a story of combating supernatural forces.I've been searching for the next book in the series for quite some time but I've been unsucessful.If it hasn't been written yet I hope it will soon be.Recomended age of reader:12-18
Fascinating characters and story line--Couldn't put it down!I have been an avid reader all my life, but very few books have captivated my imagination so much I stayed up all hours of the night to read them. The Chataine's Guardian went with me everywhere I went - I couldn't wait to find out what happened next!
All of the characters have real depth, and the storyline really keeps you guessing. I fell in love with Goldie and Roman and couldn't wait to find out how (or if!) they would get together.
After reading this book and the two sequels, I was disappointed that the world of the Chataine's Guardian had ended! So I started the first book again, this time reading it aloud to my pre-teen son. He loved it, too! He never let me miss a night of reading, and often asked for more than one chapter at a time. He even named his two goldfish Goldie and Roman!
Wow! This book Rocks.So many Christian fiction books are shallow, dull, boring, etc. etc. etc.--- But Chataine's Guardian definitely is NOT. There's adventure, fantasy, battles, and an overall Christian message. This is a definite book to pick up.
The Last Guardian
Published in Paperback by WaterBrook Press (20 February, 2001)
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Pardon me; could you please squeegee me off the floor?My mom sent this book to me when I was at camp this summer. I thought I would have no time to read it. Wrong. In fact, I was so hooked, I skipped a lot of the camp activities so I could keep reading.
This isn't another copied story. It's an intense, original, masterfully written novel that quickly became one of my very favorite books. And coming from an avid C.S. lewis, Frank Peretti, and John White fan, that's saying alot. And, this book incorporates many of the great characteristics of these authors.
If you're as much of a Christian fantasy/thriller fan as I am, DO NOT MISS THIS BOOK. It has a lot to teach.
This isn't another copied story. It's an intense, original, masterfully written novel that quickly became one of my very favorite books. And coming from an avid C.S. lewis, Frank Peretti, and John White fan, that's saying alot. And, this book incorporates many of the great characteristics of these authors.
If you're as much of a Christian fantasy/thriller fan as I am, DO NOT MISS THIS BOOK. It has a lot to teach.
A great, Christian work of fiction, based upon Truth.I just finished reading this novel, and I must say I was quite impressed. I can vouch for the author, as anyone that has actually read the book can, concerning the main character. He does not represent Jesus. Read the back cover for the information the author wanted to present to you, and check out some of the excerpts. In The Last Guardian, I must say that Shane Johnson's descriptive talent and vivid imagination was underpinned with a lot of Biblical truth. It made this novel a joy to read. I feel a kinship with him, and was surprised that some of the themes I wrote independently in my own novel were touched on by him. The Biblical concepts weaved into the fictional elements of the story are right on the money, and the fictional elements are well thought out and presented. After reading this book, especially the author's commentary at the end, I am sure that Shane Johnson is a true, Biblical Christian, and I whole-heartedly recommend this book to all Christians. The gory scenes some have mentioned are done in a manner that magnifies the depravity of certain people, and are not overdone, but are there for a reason. This is a powerful, uplifting read that I passionately recommend. 5 stars.
D. Shane Burton, author of Black Storm Rising.
IntriguingI have to admit this book intrigued me. I'm not a great sci-fi fan but get the feeling that Shane Johnson has soundly converted me. Every step of the way was a fascinating, exhilirating journey in the shoes of somebody trapped with a time and planet-jumping artifact of unknown, ancient origin and a destiny he did not choose. An excellent read
Guardians of the Flame
Published in Paperback by New American Library (September, 1988)
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Classic Fantasy memoriesI first read this when I was 15. Over the past 25 years of my 31 year old adventure here on earth (in other words I am 31 years old) I have read perhaps hundreds of series, many in the sci-fi fantasy genre.
This series as a whole ranks in my top 10, with Tolkien, glen cooks black company series, Paul andersons the earth-book of storm gate, James Clemmons Banned and banished, and others. Why?
Well, lets be honest, the series doesn't have quite the cultural/historical depth of Tolkien, and not quite the breadth of the Earth book, and isn't really dark as the W'itch series. On a technical since there are better writers (I mean in grammar and prose.)
But this book, like the others in my top 10, has character. It tells its story well. And unlike some of the others in my top ten, I like all 10 books in this series equally well. Its characters are real, with real problems and concerns, and distinct (often gritty) points of view. They don't always overcome their problems, like Walters marriage problems, or Doria's inner conflict. There are strong adult themed problems here (I cant mention many of them as I think you should find them out in the story) It has an energy that grow as you read, as you become friends with the characters, and as they go through hardship and triumph (big and small) you feel for them, because these characters, almost every one of them, become your friends...They are not the nicest of people, but they are your friends, and in this world (if not always in ours)that means something special.
I still read this once or more a year, when I am sick, etc...and while I find I have to be in the mood for Tolkien, I can always read this.
In short, the books and writing may not be perfect, but it tells a great story, no, many great stories, about things great and small. A stroy about friendship that happens to be a great fantasy story as well. I strongly recommend it. Infact I am goind to re read them now. See ya in a week.
This series as a whole ranks in my top 10, with Tolkien, glen cooks black company series, Paul andersons the earth-book of storm gate, James Clemmons Banned and banished, and others. Why?
Well, lets be honest, the series doesn't have quite the cultural/historical depth of Tolkien, and not quite the breadth of the Earth book, and isn't really dark as the W'itch series. On a technical since there are better writers (I mean in grammar and prose.)
But this book, like the others in my top 10, has character. It tells its story well. And unlike some of the others in my top ten, I like all 10 books in this series equally well. Its characters are real, with real problems and concerns, and distinct (often gritty) points of view. They don't always overcome their problems, like Walters marriage problems, or Doria's inner conflict. There are strong adult themed problems here (I cant mention many of them as I think you should find them out in the story) It has an energy that grow as you read, as you become friends with the characters, and as they go through hardship and triumph (big and small) you feel for them, because these characters, almost every one of them, become your friends...They are not the nicest of people, but they are your friends, and in this world (if not always in ours)that means something special.
I still read this once or more a year, when I am sick, etc...and while I find I have to be in the mood for Tolkien, I can always read this.
In short, the books and writing may not be perfect, but it tells a great story, no, many great stories, about things great and small. A stroy about friendship that happens to be a great fantasy story as well. I strongly recommend it. Infact I am goind to re read them now. See ya in a week.
This has been a great novel of worth beyond compare.Upon reading "Guardians of the Flame," it was my attention that it was about some characters being pulled into their fantasy game. Many people who enjoy role-playing games (e.g. AD&D) would understand that being in the real thing (a medieval fantasy world) is and would truly be a great adventure...for about a week or so. But going further I see that the characters stay there for life, some even losing theirs along the way. Joel Rosenberg implemented this use of crossing reality with fiction (a real world with a fantasy world) and made a swashbuckling drama, if that is possible. Some times, the characters themselves evolved and learned from their mistakes, slowly maturing as the novel took its course. This is extremely hard to do when one considers the many aspects of life. With some lessons being taught to characters, the novel its self is also that captivating that the reader can also learn from it. Compared to other fantasy novels, "Guardians of the Flame" is a novel that can be read over and over without getting tired of the plot or losing any of its meaning. This is a must read for anyone who has ever been exposed to authors such as Tolkien, Jordan, or Salvatore. The plot its self is so grippling that one will not be able to put the book down to even drink dare drink upon going to the next chapter. Rosenberg's use of description upgrades the fighting scenes with necessary macabre when needed, or even lightens the mood of a moment that is sad in total regard towards the reader's emotions. That is another aspect of Rosenberg, his tendency to supply important moments with so much life that a reader can actually sense any of the character's feelings and emotions. "Guardians of the Flame" is and will be the best novel for hard-core fantasy readers, and the first novel they should read.
An Awesome Begining to a Spectacular SeriesQuite possibly one of the best series of books ever written.
Mr. Rosenberg has created a believable fantasy world. The story flows so well that you'll look up to find that hours have passed and you've become so engrossed that you really don't mind the missing time.
With this omnibus you begin a sweeping saga of character growth. You will see how each character is given time to grow and become an integral part of the story.
You will follow Karl and his companions- Walter, Doria, Andrea, Ahira, Lou, Ellegon, Tennetty, and Chak- as they travel the Eren Regions. You will find yourself cheering out loud and crying along with them.
Don't forget to read the other Guardian's novels. Also look for Mr. Rosenberg's fans on the net, we're waiting to meet you.
Mr. Rosenberg has created a believable fantasy world. The story flows so well that you'll look up to find that hours have passed and you've become so engrossed that you really don't mind the missing time.
With this omnibus you begin a sweeping saga of character growth. You will see how each character is given time to grow and become an integral part of the story.
You will follow Karl and his companions- Walter, Doria, Andrea, Ahira, Lou, Ellegon, Tennetty, and Chak- as they travel the Eren Regions. You will find yourself cheering out loud and crying along with them.
Don't forget to read the other Guardian's novels. Also look for Mr. Rosenberg's fans on the net, we're waiting to meet you.
Angel of My Own
Published in Paperback by Angel of My Own, L.L.C. (15 October, 2000)
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Angel of My OwnThis is a delightful book and perfect for reading to little ones. My daughter is eighteen months old and she enjoys having me read it to her as a bedtime story. I would recommend this book to all who have toddlers and young children.
It's a great gift!As an aunt of 6 nieces and 7 nephews all under the age of 6 yrs, I highly recommend this book. It's gentle and sweet and would make a great gift for any small child even if they are not old enough to read because the pictures are just beautiful! I think a soft toy would compliment this story perfectly. A child would feel safe holding an angel in their arms while reading or listening to this story.
This should be in every child's library!!My six year old never gets tired of hearing this wonderful story and it is a great tool to spark meaningful conversations with your child. I'm sure it will be remembered as one of his favorite childhood books!
LAST GUARDIAN
Published in Mass Market Paperback by Random House UK Distribution (27 March, 1994)
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Contemporary fantasy at its best!Gemmell's commitment to his readers surely shows in his work. He delivers, and you get good action with mind-blowing ideas and concepts.
Jon Shannow is the legendary Jerusalem man, feared and hated by many, but those who become close to him get to know the real pain inside him? He hopes not to be a killer, but still, the threats to the peace of the post-apocalyptic world force him to sling gun and shoot away at any evil that lives.
He portrays a great world that mixes sci-fi, fantasy and myth. The frequent use of the Bible here is a great idea. And the ironic mix of Shannow as a Bible reader and heroic killer is fascinating.
The way Gemmell weaves Bible lore and history together with his own telling of how the 'actual' events happened is cohesive, beautiful and telling. You can't go wrong with his books if you want action-fantasy.
A sequel which matches the originalWhile most sequels are underwhelming retreads of mealticket stories, some do manage to outdo, or at least match, their predecessor. 'The Last Guardian', sequel to the amazing 'Wolf in Shadow' is the latter; it doesn't quite better the first, but is an awesome story nonetheless.
Gemmell manages to take the character of the Jerusalem Man in a new direction, keeping true to the original source material but adding new details and nuances to the story. 'Last Guardian' does what many fail to do; keep the flavour of the original while expanding and adding to the mythos it created.
And like 'Wolf in Shadow', 'Guardian' bookends the amazing story with a creative knock-your-mental-socks off finale that will have you turning back pages just to relive the action.
Gemmell is a master storyteller and not only knows how to create characters, but guide them through his fantastic stories. Another near-perfect creation.
The last guardianA deadly power burst forth from ancient Atlantis. For the gate of time had been torn open, freeing a cataclysmic evil. Only the last guardian, Jon Shannow, the legendary pistoleer, could shut the deadly portal. But to accomplish this he would have to find the shining Sword of God.
I highly recommend this book. Gemmell is perfect again. So go out and buy this book.
Guardians Of Ga'hoole: The Capture
Published in Paperback by Scholastic (01 June, 2003)
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What a hoot!The first of the series, a young Barn Owl named Soren falls out of his nest. Next thing he knows, he is at a St. Aegolius Academy for Orphaned Owls. Here he makes the best friend ever, and the two must stop themselves from being 'Moon blinked', and find out the secret of the so-called flecks!
Will they make it? It is up to you to dig up the truth!
Action packed, escaping owlsGaurdians of Ga'Hoole is looking like a really great series so far. This author has a very big imagination, and a very stretched vocabulary. This book, #1 The Capture, is very different and I'll tell you why.
There are no people in this book. Just owls. In this book, the owls have dialouge. They're regular characters in the story. It's very exciting to see and think what the owls see and think to each other. I thought that this was very interesting to see how the owls interacted like people. So I kept reading, and started to really like this book.
Soren is a baby owl, just about 2 weeks. He is a barn owl in the kingdom of Tyto. He has a newborn sister, Eglantine, and an older snobby brother Kludd. Soren is living a great life with his parents until he falls out of his nest onto the floor of the woods, or maybe, pushed out. Soren is then scooped up that night by an older adult owl, and taken to an academy for orphan owls. Soren does not like this, he's not an orphan. Soren meets a smaller owl around his age that was also captured. His name is Gylfie. Soren and Gylfie do not like this place, its weird, and scary for them. Soren and Gylfie figure out that this is not a good place to hang out for a while. They have to get out, but how. They have to fly, something that they are not capable of doing as an owlet.
I really recommend this book because, youm really do not want to stop reading. Theres constant action, and constant thinking between the owls. This book is not to long if your worried about that. It's only 235 pages with a chapter about the sequel, The Journey. It's deffinatly action packed when the owls escape. You definitally do not want to stop reading #1 The Capture, and all the other, Gaurdians of Ga'Hoole books.
There are no people in this book. Just owls. In this book, the owls have dialouge. They're regular characters in the story. It's very exciting to see and think what the owls see and think to each other. I thought that this was very interesting to see how the owls interacted like people. So I kept reading, and started to really like this book.
Soren is a baby owl, just about 2 weeks. He is a barn owl in the kingdom of Tyto. He has a newborn sister, Eglantine, and an older snobby brother Kludd. Soren is living a great life with his parents until he falls out of his nest onto the floor of the woods, or maybe, pushed out. Soren is then scooped up that night by an older adult owl, and taken to an academy for orphan owls. Soren does not like this, he's not an orphan. Soren meets a smaller owl around his age that was also captured. His name is Gylfie. Soren and Gylfie do not like this place, its weird, and scary for them. Soren and Gylfie figure out that this is not a good place to hang out for a while. They have to get out, but how. They have to fly, something that they are not capable of doing as an owlet.
I really recommend this book because, youm really do not want to stop reading. Theres constant action, and constant thinking between the owls. This book is not to long if your worried about that. It's only 235 pages with a chapter about the sequel, The Journey. It's deffinatly action packed when the owls escape. You definitally do not want to stop reading #1 The Capture, and all the other, Gaurdians of Ga'Hoole books.
The Capture> "Guardians of Ga'Hoole, The Capture," is a fiction adventure book
by Kathryn Lasky.It is the first of the series. The next book is "The
Journey."
>
> Soren is a barn owl who lives with his mother, father, brother
and new sister. They live in the forest kingdom of Tyto, in the southern
kingdoms of the owl world. Their life was the same as any other owl
family, until Soren fell out of their hollow and got snatched. He came to
St. Aegolius Academy for orphaned owls, where horrible owls take young
owls from their homes and have them help to lead the owl world to
them.They have them do something called Moon blinking, which hypnotizes
them so they do not escape.Soren and his friend Gylfie do not get
moonblinked. Together they try to go save the owl world from disaster.
>
> I think this is a wonderful book for people who love adventure
stories. The ages that people would most enjoy this book would be 8-12.
It has new excitement on every page, and you always want to know what's
going to happen next. There never seems to be a dull moment in this
book.
by Kathryn Lasky.It is the first of the series. The next book is "The
Journey."
>
> Soren is a barn owl who lives with his mother, father, brother
and new sister. They live in the forest kingdom of Tyto, in the southern
kingdoms of the owl world. Their life was the same as any other owl
family, until Soren fell out of their hollow and got snatched. He came to
St. Aegolius Academy for orphaned owls, where horrible owls take young
owls from their homes and have them help to lead the owl world to
them.They have them do something called Moon blinking, which hypnotizes
them so they do not escape.Soren and his friend Gylfie do not get
moonblinked. Together they try to go save the owl world from disaster.
>
> I think this is a wonderful book for people who love adventure
stories. The ages that people would most enjoy this book would be 8-12.
It has new excitement on every page, and you always want to know what's
going to happen next. There never seems to be a dull moment in this
book.
Top Stick: With Some Help from a Guardian Angel
Published in Paperback by 1stBooks Library (December, 2002)
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One Man's OpinionI found TOP STICK, by Harold Jacobs, to be a very interesting book and very much enjoyed reading it. It was easy to read....written in what I would call a "smooth" style -- it really "flowed." Sort of like sitting down and having a good conversation with a good friend. Also, it is a high quality paperback publication.
It tells an interesting story about happenings before and during World War II. I enjoyed reading about the end of the Depression (the Alphabet Soup of the times -- CCC and FDR).... U.S.Army pilot training...and his varied pilot experiences for the remainder of the war. I found it to be historically correct with accurate dates and details. I know -- I was there.
I would judge it to be a "must read" -- if only to find out what Top Stick means. Another one of the many interesting tales to come out of WW II.
A "MUST HAVE" BOOK FOR AVIATION HISTORIANSTop Stick is a must have book for Aviation historians and for those of us who were fortunate to survive Aviation Cadet training and flying experiences during WWII. I was one of the fortunate ones who was in the same Aviation Cadet class (43-K) as the author. Although Harold Jacobs and I did not meet until almost 40 years after the war, we have become close friends. His description of the trials and tribulations of the early phases of cadet training - Classification and Preflight - refreshed my memory of things long forgotten. Harold and I shared a determination to complete pilot training and pin on silver wings and gold bars which we did on December 5, 1943. However, we shared disappointment when we received our first assignments. Both of us had our hearts set on becoming fighter pilots. However, we were both ordered into multi-engine training. Subsequently Harold started an aviation career that included flying fighters, bombers, and transports with the Ferry Command. During his service with the Air Transport Command his flights were to many fascinating places on the globe. He also flew in the Berlin Air Lift.
As an aviation historian, I have a large collection of books about WWII aviation. Top Stick is one of the most interesting I have ever read and I recommend it very highly.
Marshall A. Dean, Lt. Col. USAF (Retired)
Board of Directors, 43-K Aviation Cadet Association
450 Canyon Road, Wetumpka, Alabama, 36093
Top Stick: With Some Help From a Guardian AngelTop Stick is a book you can't put down once you starting reading it - very interesting from beginning to end. This is a story of a man with integrity who is determined to reach his goal/dream of a career as an Air Force pilot. I highly recommend this book, as it is enjoyable reading for everyone.
For Every Dog an Angel
Published in Hardcover by Lighthearted Pr (November, 1997)
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"Forever pets" and their "forever people" will reuniteThe author wrote this God-blessed little book after having a wonderful vision of her beloved dog Martha in the arms of an angel; it turned her bereavement into inspiration. It should lift the heart and spirit of anyone who reads it.
I would like to make several recommendations here since there is no category as of yet specifically on animal afterlife, on-line (or in any other lists for that matter).
Because of this and the fact that there are so few books written on this subject, those in grief over the loss of a pet often find themselves desperately searching, and miss out. I would therefore like to list all the books that I know of dealing with afterlife of animals. Amazon.com has sites on all of them. You can visit each site to learn more on each respective title.
"Cold Noses at the Pearly Gates".Excellently done:inspired compassionate, fully-Biblical
"The Soul of Your Pet". Convincing, credible evidence regarding animals' existing after death.Interactions with pets that have passed on. Will defy skeptics.
"Will I See Fido in Heaven?". Solidly Christian, inspired,loving.
"For Every Dog an Angel". Angel stays with pup from birth, on. Written for children, adults will love even more. Wonderful!
"Dog Heaven". For children; adults will enjoy as well
"Cat Heaven" Children/adults
"All Dogs Go to Heaven". Well-known, has a story-line.
This is a wonderful little bookIf you have lost a special pet, no matter what your age, you need this book. Even though it is a children's book, it helped me find comfort in my grief over losing my special little guy. In the book, Christine Davis, describes the very special dog in your life as your "Forever Dog" and that you will see him or her again, along with all of your other pets, when you cross the angel bridge. I have bought a number of copies and given them as gifts to people who have lost their pets. Everyone has been touched by this absolutely wonderful little book.
This book has a special meaning to young and oldAs a 60-something physician I first read this book. I have recommended it to many of my adult patients who have lost a pet as one of the most valuable sources of comfort that is available to help them get through their grief period. This not just a children's book. It's text should be considered gentle, not juvenile.
Christine Davis has provided a valuable service by writing this book. I was happy to see that a companion piece for cats has also been published. Thank you, Christine, for helping us cope with the profound loss of a companion.
Christine Davis has provided a valuable service by writing this book. I was happy to see that a companion piece for cats has also been published. Thank you, Christine, for helping us cope with the profound loss of a companion.
Inquiry into the Existence of Guardian Angels
Published in Hardcover by M Evans & Co (December, 1995)
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A decent book, but it strays widely from its titleThis book seem to focus far more on two other topics, NDEs (near death experiences) and saints, than it does on its title subject of angels. The whole angel theme seems in fact to be kind of an incidental inclusion, like a thread of only secondary importance. The tenuous angel theme thread ties the other two themes together, themes which form the actual substance of the book.
I would recommend this book to those interested in NDEs; I would also recommend this book to those who are interested in the mortification, stigmatic, and pain aspects of Catholicism, which are dwelled on quite extensively in this book. I'd also recommend this book to anyone interested in saints. But to someone purely interested in angels, I regret I have to advise you to look elsewhere for real substance on that subject.
I would recommend this book to those interested in NDEs; I would also recommend this book to those who are interested in the mortification, stigmatic, and pain aspects of Catholicism, which are dwelled on quite extensively in this book. I'd also recommend this book to anyone interested in saints. But to someone purely interested in angels, I regret I have to advise you to look elsewhere for real substance on that subject.
Definitely a keeper.This book is more than I ever expected; the honest, investigative research style of Pierre will turn any "skeptic" into a believer in the existence of angels. His bibliography and "permissions list" were also worth the price of the book; they opened up a new world for me. I sincerely hope he will write another book. Thanks to Amazon for making these 5 star books available used.
A wonderful book, a classic.This book is written with humor, eloquence, journalistic perspective/restraint, and passion. After an inexplicable escape from what might have been a fatal shooting on the L.A. freeway, Mr. Jovanovic began on a journey to investigate whether angels do in fact exist. He approaches it with the experience and restraint of a professional journalist, which he is. He looks at Near Death Experiences (the famous tunnel with light at the end etc.), interviews the woman who made famous the 'stages of dying', and Georgette Faniel, a stigmatist who some believe is a living saint; the book explores such diverse topics as Medjugorje, Padre Pio, apparitions of angels and The Virgin Mary; and yet never gets syrupy or precious. In fact, it manages to be all the more powerful reading due to its step back from the topics. Friends gave me a copy of this book and I was amazed by it; it's very quiet in tone, yet not without humor, and explains itself very well. The reader goes on the journey to discover whether angels exist, right along with the author, yet at the end you don't feel pushed toward any conclusion but your own. I highly recommend this book to everyone, not just those who already believe in such things as these. (Oh ! PS, if you net-search on this book title you will find its author's own website, which has more about the book, including a the first chapter available to read online for free).
Bleak House
Published in Hardcover by Modern Library (12 May, 1985)
Amazon base price: $10.95
Used price: $5.00
Collectible price: $15.00
Buy one from zShops for: $30.70
Used price: $5.00
Collectible price: $15.00
Buy one from zShops for: $30.70
Bleak House is a satirical look at the Byzantine legal system in London as it consumes the minds and talents of the greedy and nearly destroys the lives of innocents--a contemporary tale indeed. Dickens's tale takes us from the foggy dank streets of London and the maze of the Inns of Court to the peaceful countryside of England. Likewise, the characters run from murderous villains to virtuous girls, from a devoted lover to a "fallen woman," all of whom are affected by a legal suit in which there will, of course, be no winner. The first-person narrative related by the orphan Esther is particularly sweet. The articulate reading by the acclaimed British actor Paul Scofield, whose distinctive broad English accent lends just the right degree of sonority and humor to the text, brings out the color in this classic social commentary disguised as a Victorian drama. However, to abridge Dickens is, well, a Dickensian task, the results of which make for a story in which the author's convoluted plot lines and twists of fate play out in what seems to be a fast-forward format. Listeners must pay close attention in order to keep up with the multiple narratives and cast of curious characters, including the memorable Inspector Bucket and Mr. Guppy. Fortunately, the publisher provides a partial list of characters on the inside jacket. (Running time: 3 hours; 2 cassettes)
Average review score:
Nothing bleak about this...After years without picking up a novel by Dickens (memories of starchy classes at school), I decided to plunge into "Bleak House", a novel that had been sitting on my bookshelf for about ten years, waiting to be read. Although I found it heavy going at first, mainly because the style is so unfamiliar to modern readers, after about ten pages I was swept up and carried off, unable to put the hefty tome down until I had finished it. This book is a definite classic. The sheer scope of the tale, the wit of the satire (which could still be applied to many legal proceedings today) and the believable characters gripped me up until the magnificent conclusion. One particularly striking thing is the "cinematic" aspect of certain chapters as they switch between different angles, building up to a pitch that leaves the reader breathless. I can't recommend "Bleak House" too highly. And I won't wait so long before reading more Dickens novels.
Magnificent House.This is the second book by Dickens I have read so far, but it will not be the last. "Bleak House" is long, tightly plotted, wonderfully descriptive, and full of memorable characters. Dickens has written a vast story centered on the Jarndyce inheritance, and masterly manages the switches between third person omniscient narrator and first person limited narrator. His main character Esther never quite convinces me of her all-around goodness, but the novel is so well-written that I just took Esther as she was described and ran along with the story. In this book a poor boy (Jo) will be literally chased from places of refuge and thus provide Dickens with one of his most powerful ways to indict a system that was particularly cruel to children. Mr. Skimpole, pretending not to be interested in money; Mr. Jarndyce, generous and good; Richard, stupid and blind; the memorable Dedlocks, and My Lady Dedlock's secret being uncovered by the sinister Mr. Tulkinghorn; Mrs. Jellyby and her telescopic philanthropy; the Ironmaster described in Chapter 28, presenting quite a different view of industralization than that shown by Dickens in his next work, "Hard Times." Here is a veritable cosmos of people, neighbors, friends, enemies, lovers, rivals, sinners, and saints, and Dickens proves himself a true master at describing their lives and the environment they dwell in. There are landmark chapters: Chapter One must be the best description of a dismal city under attack by dismal weather and tightly tied by perfectly dismal laws, where the Lord Chancellor sits eternally in Lincoln's Inn Hall. Chapter 32 has one of the eeriest scenes ever written, with suspicious smoke, greasy and reeking, as a prelude to a grisly discovery. Chapter 47 is when Jo cannot "move along" anymore. This Norton Critical is perhaps the best edition of "Bleak House" so far: the footnotes help a lot, and the two Introductions are key to understanding the Law system at the time the action takes place, plus Dickens' interest in this particular topic. To round everything off, read also the criticism of our contemporaries, as well as that of Dickens' time. "Bleak House" is a long, complex novel that opens a window for us to another world. It is never boring and, appearances to the contrary, is not bleak. Enjoy.
Wonderful BookUmm, I thought the book was too short! I fell in love with the book within the first ten words, and like all love affairs, this one ended too quickly. For those who thought Bleak House was dull, boring, lengthy, and wordy, may I suggest a television reality show?