I started reading Sir Arthur Conan Doyle many years ago (in school) and some of the short stories in this collection I remembered well. Others I "re-discovered".
I am amazed at how Conan Doyle managed to captivate me as a child and still manges to do the same now.
He was a superb storyteller and this selection is full of unease and mystery.
A single story and definitely far from the best of the Holmes' series.
Curious: slightly patriotic-propagandistic although nicely written despite it lacks the Holmes' typical mystery and charm.
The preface is a bit long and sometimes dense, still it provides very interesting insights on the text.
The Argonautica itself is most enjoyable. The Argonauts' tale was always a favourite of mine (thanks to the 1963 movie), and I was excited to find the original text has the rhythm of the film. First class adventure, although it would have been nice Apollonius Rhodius had gone deeper into some aspects he judges non vital to his story. The portrayal of Medea as a pawn in the gods' games and the remorse that consumes her is moving.
The Zen's loneliness is moving. It is a beautiful story that almost makes you forget the "Because they were so likable and intelligent and adaptable--...".
I loved the story and the emotions it conveys, but was a bit surprised by the "danger" the Zen represneted.
I mostly agree with R Stephan, but I would like to point out that the author manages to create a very peculiar main character (self-centered, with growing ego, who feels superior to all the rest etc etc). Destiny gives wings to Algernon Weaver's sleeping megalomania and the way this is portrayed is great.
That's what basically saved the story for me.
I didn't have to much expectations on this troy, given what I had read about it while browsing the catalogue.
It turned to be much better than what I expected. The story developes nicely and Alexander Blade manages to show the world through the child's eyes in a masterful way.
Very entertaining and with a kind end (for a more dramatic one, just stop when Bobby's dad gets home and speaks to his wife)its a great story to share with your kids.
Monaggio’s book reviews
I am amazed at how Conan Doyle managed to captivate me as a child and still manges to do the same now.
He was a superb storyteller and this selection is full of unease and mystery.
In the first part one also finds very humorous moments as it prtrays Holmes slightly less sophisticated than what he later becomes.
The second part is moving with drama and action.
Curious: slightly patriotic-propagandistic although nicely written despite it lacks the Holmes' typical mystery and charm.
The Argonautica itself is most enjoyable. The Argonauts' tale was always a favourite of mine (thanks to the 1963 movie), and I was excited to find the original text has the rhythm of the film. First class adventure, although it would have been nice Apollonius Rhodius had gone deeper into some aspects he judges non vital to his story. The portrayal of Medea as a pawn in the gods' games and the remorse that consumes her is moving.
I loved the story and the emotions it conveys, but was a bit surprised by the "danger" the Zen represneted.
That's what basically saved the story for me.
It turned to be much better than what I expected. The story developes nicely and Alexander Blade manages to show the world through the child's eyes in a masterful way.
Very entertaining and with a kind end (for a more dramatic one, just stop when Bobby's dad gets home and speaks to his wife)its a great story to share with your kids.