1/2 Way Through...

*Spoiler Alert*
I was a bit surprised that this book was baned for some time in England. After reading it- I understood. The sexual tension and innuendos are alive in this story! I love it. Honestly this is my favorite book so far (of the eight that we have read); I can't put it down.

There is a reality to the way marriage is portrayed, even though I don't think so deeply about how much my husband pulls me down or lifts me up- there is definitely a continuous power struggle. I like the way he includes not only the female or the male version of what is going, but both sides and what goes on in their hearts and minds when they argue or make love.

We all know how dysfunction breeds more dysfunction (a little too much sometimes), however this tale incorporates that rule perfectly. It is almost as if the children are oblivious to the fact that their parents are struggling with each other and yet they end up in the almost exact same spot with their spouse, because this is what they know subconsciously. It is sad really when you come to the moment when Ursula realizes her first love- you know what is around the corner and the battle she will have to fight. She doesn't even stand a chance, especially when her father treats her so poorly!

At one time I did like Will and felt almost sympathy for him, but he turned to a dark spot literally and doesn't see that his little girl is screaming for attention from him, when all he doles out is criticism and abuse. How could they have so many children? Neither one of them is mature enough for parenting. I do like Ursula though, she seems like a thinker and a giver.

I can't wait to find out how this story ends...

92. The Rainbow by D.H. Lawrence

Finished at last...

Once I got back into the story, the book was surprisingly interesting to follow.  I still can say I am not entirely clear on some of the minor characters and what their roles were in the plot or if they were just fluff  and filler. I have had to go read Sparknotes to tie some of the story back together.  I took the test just for fun and got a 76%, obviously there are still holes in my understanding of the story. 

I was not exactly comfortable with the idea of Esther marrying her guardian, it just seemed a little creepy to me.  It was refreshing to see how generous Mr. Jaryndce was in providing Esther and Mr. Woodcourt with their own version of Bleak House.  Esther had been acting as a little mother to everyone, so it seemed a proper ending for her to have her own children.  That Mr. Guppy was a funny little fellow, strange little man he was.  Marry me, oh wait, never mind, oh marry me again? 

Poor Ada!  It is unfortunate for her that Richard passed away leaving her a young widow, what a waste of his life chasing the lure of money in the lawsuit.  She is lucky that Mr. Jaryndyce is willing to take her in to support her and her child.

The whole estate being eaten up in costs and the suit ending because of it seemed like a tragedy unto itself.   It was not a surprise to me however because costs were mentioned quite often. I didn't expect the lawsuit would end well, but I thought that there would have been a decision made.

Mr. Skimpole did not fail to disappoint me,  I never liked that he lived on everyone else's dime and when times got tough he abandoned them, a real fair-weather friend. 

Caddy's situation ended mixed for me.  I was happy to learn that they ended up getting their own home but it was sad to learn of her child being deaf and dumb.  It didn't sound like her mother ever ended up tending to her children but found another cause to support, too bad her family was so neglected!

So glad we are done with Dickens for a while.  I am looking forward to getting back on a reading schedule, I have time to read when I am feeding the baby.  I read aloud to her so hopefully this will help build her vocabulary while entertaining her too.