Nov 1 a book with a person’s name in the
title
Judas
Author: Amos Oz
Genre: fiction
Number of pages: 274
First published: 2016
Setting: Jerusalem 1959-60
Rating: 3 stars
First sentence: Here is a story from the
winter days of the end of 1959 and the beginning of 1960.
One sentence comment: While the author's
intent to challenge the traditional portrayal of Judas and its historical
impact on Israel is commendable, the novel's characters fail to evoke empathy.
I’ve been an admirer of Amos Oz since
reading A Tale of Love and Darkness. Over the years, I’ve delved into thirteen
of his works, captivated by his exploration of personal longing and Israeli
history. Though I purchased his final novel, Judas, in 2017, it remained unread
until now. Upon finally picking it up, I was immediately reminded of the
reasons I love Oz’s writing.
While he never penned a traditional murder
mystery, his best works are filled with observation, analysis, and a sense of
mystery. Judas is no exception. A young man, disillusioned with life, is drawn
into a mysterious house to care for an elderly man. Like the protagonist, I was
immediately captivated by the witty and insightful conversations with this
crooked old man. Oz's ability to delve into psychological, theological, and
historical details is a hallmark of his style.
However, I don’t consider Judas to be one
of his best works. Despite a potentially intriguing plot centered around the
truth about two men accused of betrayal, the repetitive narrative and the
protagonist’s pretentious obsession, particularly his infatuation with a
middle-aged woman, detracted from my enjoyment. Perhaps my tastes have evolved,
and I’ve grown weary of the more perverse love stories that were once a
hallmark of Oz’s work.
Nov 2 a book written by an author who uses
initials instead of her first name
When Maidens Mourn
Author: C S Harris
Genre: historical mystery
Number of pages: 352
First published: 2012
Setting: England
Rating: 4 stars
First sentence: Tessa Sawyer hummed a
nervous tune beneath her breath as she pushed through the tangled brush and
bracken edging the black waters of the ancient moat.
One sentence comment: While the
incorporation of diverse historical elements is enjoyable, the historical
mystery at the core of the novel could be better organized. A more focused
narrative would enhance the overall reading experience.
I’m glad that the volume seven of this
series, returns to the exquisite writing style of its earlier installments,
employing more elaborate language and vivid descriptions. This volume delves
into a mysterious 12th-century legend, which adds a layer of intrigue to the
murder case. Simultaneously, it further explores the protagonist's dark past,
though not without its signature humor. A loyal canine companion is introduced,
along with a solitary war victim stranded in England. The Frenchman's character
reminds me of the numerous war criminals from the Korean War who were brought
to Taiwan in the 1950s and remain there to this day."
My primary criticism of this book lies in
its unstructured approach to clues. The plot, rather than being cohesive, is
fragmented by the inclusion of disparate elements, such as the tension with
France, contemporary subversion, and the protagonist's family secrets. These
elements, unfortunately, fail to coalesce into a coherent narrative. While I
typically admire the heroine, in this instance, her characterization veers
towards villainy, a departure from her usual role.
Nov 3 a book written by an author who wrote
under a pen name
Death at Gallows Green (A Victorian
Mystery #2)
Author: Robin Paige
Genre: historical mystery
Number of pages: 280
First published: 1995
Setting: Essex in the Victoria Era
Rating: 4 stars
First sentence: The gentle southern breeze
that riffled the fresh green grass of the Essex meadows was mild and fragrant.
One sentence comment: It’s interesting to
see Beatrix Potter in the story.
I found the poaching storyline to be a drag
on the narrative. The characters, who I've already met, offer little in the way
of development or surprise
Nov 4 a book with the letters “N-A-M-E” on
the front cover
The Poyson Garden
Author: Karen Harper
Genre: historical mystery
Number of pages: 302
First published: 1999
Setting: England in 16th century
Rating: 3 stars
First sentence: “The queen wishes to see
you alone in her privy chamber, my lady.”
One sentence comment: I can't believe this
novel portrays Elizabeth as a daring detective, risking her life in dangerous
situations without considering herself to be a future queen.
I’m interested in the history when Elizabeth
I's early life was marked by a precarious existence under the reign of her
half-sister, Queen Mary I. She was a target of suspicion and persecution,
living in constant fear of imprisonment or even execution. While the historical
mystery presented an intriguing plot, it ultimately fell short due to its
implausibility and repetitive nature. However, the writer's attempt to delve
into the background story of Elizabeth's Fool piqued my interest. This
intriguing subplot inspired me to seek out a historical novel, "The
Queen's Fool," which delves deeper into the complex relationship between
Elizabeth I and her loyal companion.
