War and Peace Challenge 2007
Due to some technical difficulties, the challenge is starting a day late, but it's on! For those of you who have already declared your intent, thank-you. For those of you who haven't "pthffffttpt" to you!
I must confess that I did start reading it a few weeks ago, but I don't have much of a head start since I'm only on page 27 of 964. It feels like a lot though, since the print is about the size of an eyelash. Anyway, it's not too late, so join the cool kids now. And yes, I'll accept late entrants.
I was flipping through the channels the other day, and on CBC I found "Mr. Hobbs Takes a Vacation", another James Stewart movie. Twas a good flick, but what caught my interest was the scene on the beach when Mr. Hobbs and his neighbour are discussing "War and Peace". Apparantly that's what people read for leisure in the 60's...
The novel takes place during Napolean's attempted conquest of Russia. In the beginning of the story you see members of the upper class discussing their disdain for the French, but they're discussing this en francais, because that's what was cool and popular and a sign of class. To me, this seems similar to what happens in other parts of the world towards the US. There are different groups of people who hate America, but love the culture. It's cool to have English words on your t-shirt even if it doesn't make sense... and everyone wants to speak "American".
Who'd a thunk Russian literature could be so fun!
So anyway, it's 2007... I didn't do much for New Year's, we just went over to Grande Parade in Halifax for the last half hour of Breakfast Television Rockin' Eve. There was no fancy ball of light, but there were fireworks. Very loud and bright fireworks, since Grande Parade is surrounded by fairly tall buildings. I am currently "on vacation" in Kentville. Which doesn't mean much other than I'm going to bed early and getting up at a reasonable hour... Shift work kinda sucks, I'm all misconjiggered on the inside. So I'm also going to quit drinking diet pop, since the caffeine definitely isn't helping matters any.
Alrighty, I'm going to go play with my kittens and then head over to the used bookstore. Because who doesn't need more books??
2 comments:
I haven't started yet - I have yet to find a copy - -You see... the Library and I are having a moment... so i have to figure that out first - then i can go get a copy..
Ummmm FC it's been 10 days since your last post... This isn't like you. I'm going through withdrawal. Please post.
Please???
Post a Comment