Book Review || Heraclix & Pomp

Heraclix & Pomp
A Novel of the Fabricated and the Fey
Forrest Aguirre

Published: October 2014

Underland Press, hardcover, 285p.
ISBN: 978-1-63023-001-2

Heraclix and Pomp, Aguirre's first full-length novel, explores the ideas of identity and immortality through the eyes of a man-like golem and a time-bending fairy who can barely grasp the idea of now, much less the dangers of what's to come.

Before being sewn-together, Heraclix was dead—merely a pile of mismatched pieces, collected from the corpses of many troubled men. And Pomp was immortal—at least, so she thought. That was before her impossible near-murder at the hands of the necromancer, Heraclix's creator. But when playing God, even the smallest error is a gargantuan weakness. When the necromancer makes his, Heraclix and Pomp begin their epic flight.

As they travel from Vienna to Prague to Istanbul and, even, to Hell itself, they struggle to understand who and what they are: who was Heraclix before his death and rebirth? What is mortality, and why does it suddenly concern Pomp? As they journey through an unruly eighteenth century, they discover that the necromancer they thought dead might not be quite so after all. In fact, he may have sealed his immortality at the expense of everyone alive . . .

Heraclix and Pomp is a richly textured and decadent read, filled with Baroque ideology and Byzantine political intrigue. Fans of fantasy and historical fiction alike will revel in Aguirre's layered prose and vivid characterizations. Heraclix and Pomp brings the surreal and the macabre to one of history's most violent eras, and it does so in a voice sure to resonate among this season's best new releases.

NOTE: Minor spoilers mentioned in the review.

I bought this book for myself as a birthday present.  The cover is gorgeous, and once I'd read the synopsis on Book Depository I had to have it.   However, once it arrived I found myself putting it on my TBR shelves.  I kept picking it up, admiring the beautiful and detailed artwork on the cover, yet for some strange reason I just didn't want to read it.

Then yesterday I decided 'enough is enough!', and I pulled it out of my TBR stockpile.  Even then, it took me a little while to start reading it.  I don't know why I had such a hesitance about reading this book.  It's not long, it's in a genre I love, and since I hadn't spoiled myself by readin any reviews, what was I worried about?  

Famous last words.

I started reading.  The first dozen or so pages were great.  Then it went downhill from there.

The altercation between the sorcerer, the golem, and the fairy, the one that's hinted at on the front flap - and the one that I thought was going to be the climax of the book - was actually the beginning.  Really... REALLY!  There is also one HUGE mistake that I'd just like to mention right off the bat.  Heralix, one of the main protagonists, is not actually a golem.  He is NOT made from clay but is rather a Frankenstein monster who has been assembled from pieces of numerous corpses and reanimated.  

Having said that, he was however the one character who's story I found interesting.  As a by-product of the reanimation process, his memory is wiped, and instead of just getting on with his 'life', he is obsessed with his past and nothing can deter him from seeking out the truth about his former life (lives?).  If we could have stuck with Heraclix as our narrator, the one POV, I might have found this book more interesting, instead we have numerous perspectives which jump around and just add to the confusion.

Our other protagonist is Pomp.  She is an interesting stereotypical fey character.  She seems to have all the tropes.  She is very small, with major powers, has wings, and is very skittish and literal.  Pomp, as well as her fellow fairies, have no concept of the most basic of things.  In one scene two of her friends are playing with a small bat.  They do not realise - or care for that matter - that they end up killing it.  When it won't play anymore, they move on to something else amusing and forget about it.  But this is also the scene where you see the change in Pomp as a character.  She feels for the creature.  She feels bad.  It is her character's growth that was the most surprising in this story.

But, even though Pomp is maturing as a character I found her endless questioning of things so annoying.  What is slept?  What is dream?  What is remember?  All through the book she is questioning everything.  Yet while very annoying, in all fairness this did differentiate her voice from Heraclix's.  So it evens things out.

So while the characters of the book had almost equal points on the pros and con list, it is the world building that I find of nearly equal importance to having great characters.  This world was gritty, a very real and oft times violent world.  However we didn't see much of it at all.  Just the sorcerers house, parts of the forest they escape through, an urban area or two, and other vignettes during interactions with characters along the way.  Perhaps if this had been a 500+ page book we might have seen more of this world, but as it was we only received a very limited overview.  Instead of a rich world to put these character into some context, I found myself with a very sepia toned palette instead of rich Technicolor hues.  This was another tick on the con side of my checklist.

Would I really like to continue this as a series?  No.  I think since I'm not enamored with this book I'll leave well enough alone.  I should have waited for the paperback as this book was definitely not worth the nearly $24 I paid for it on Book Depository (and that is with it already discounted and then using my 10% off voucher!).   So while this is by no means a rave review, I can see hints of why a lot of people liked this book.  I wouldn't say don't buy it or read it, it's just not my cup of tea.

I gave Heraclix & Pomp

Let me know in the comments if you've read Heraclix & Pomp.  Did you love it?  Why, and if so, should I give it another chance?

Until next time,

 

T5W || Debut Novels

Hello Gals and Pals ;-D

This weeks topic is Debut Novels.  

While most first novels are published without a ripple in the literary world, there are some that cause a tidal wave of hype.  This can simple be for the content.  Is it risqué?  Very violent, too taboo, heartbreaking or poignant?  Will we wet out pants laughing?  Is it the best kids book out since Harry Potter?  Or perhaps word has gotten out about their style of writing.  Is it lyrical?  Free-form?  Are they the next Jane Austen, Bronte, Hemingway or Steinbeck?

Whatever the reason - "Congratulations!" you have bought this debut novel and supported an author ;-D

Now after that small little rant, or was it a rave?... thing, I'd better get to the point and show you my top 5 choices for debut novel.  So without further ado, here they are;

ta da!

Out of all the books I could have chosen, I thought that these were a broad representation of my bookshelves.   As you can see there are fantasy, urban fantasy, children's (fantasy) literature as well as a modern (fantasy) classic.  Hmmm, I'm sensing a theme here... ;-D

Let me know in the comment section what you thought of these books.  Have you read them, do you plan to read them?  I need to know, people! ;-D

As always, T5W was created by the lovely Lainey at GINGERREADSLAINEY and I'll include a link to the Goodreads group {here} if you would also like to participate. 

Until next time,

The Dragon of Despair is M.I.A

It doesn't happen very often, thank God, but when it does it can ruin your reading experience.  Yes, that fabulous foible known as lost mail.

Waaay way back on the 24th March I ordered two out of print (OOP) books that I desperately need to continue on with the Firekeeper Saga series by Jane Lindskold.  I own the first two books, ordered books 3 and 4, and bought book 6 brand new (with book 5 on my wishlist).  Everything went as expected, order was confirmed through AbeBooks.com, and I sat back as I waited to get my books.  And arrive it did, well the first book, Wolf Captured, anyway.  Exactly on the due date of 22 April. 

Fast forward nearly another month, and I'm still waiting for the postie to bring this hardcover book to my door!  Finally - having annoyed my trusty post-lady enough - I decided to find out what I could from the UK seller.  Fired off an email, and within 24 hours I had a reply... just not the one I'd hoped for.

Since it has been more than 10 days since they posted the item, and it's soooooo overdue, they can only conclude that the package has been 'lost in transit'.  WTF?!  They refunded my money without any questions - not that I'd even asked for one in my query - I just wish postage was included in refund as that was way more than the book cost!

So that's that.

My only hope is that it turns up one day.  Perhaps it's held up in customs, or has just been misplaced as I haven't been able to find another copy of the book that's in good or better condition and still affordable and I can't read the other 3 books until after I read this one.  Oh, and before you ask, yes I have looked for a copy at both my current library, as well as my old library, and no one has a copy!  I've been trying to inter-library loan (ILL), but it's not a popular book.

The frustrations of ordering online.  Keep your fingers crossed for me, my lovelies, that I may read this book yet ;-D

Until next time,

 

T5W - Summer Book Covers

Sorry this is so quick.  I've been a tad tardy on my updating recently but I hope to post some pics of my new - and beautiful - books soon ;-D

In the meantime, I'm back for another Top 5 Wednesday.  This week we're looking at Summer Book Covers.  You know, those books you look at an immediately think of summer - even in the middle of winter (which I am heading into!).

click image to enlarge

It took a lot of searching to come up with some Summer-type themes let me tell you.  I chose these because they each represented either the heat of summer, or had something identified uniquely with summer, like swimming or the beach.  The piggy bank was just a fun, bright and cheerful cover that I immediately associated with Summer, the sunnies just sealed the deal ;-D

Well, I don't think there's anything left to say about my choices.  Do they scream Summer to you?  Let me know in the comment area what you think.  I'd also love to hear what your favourite covers for summer are? 

If you're interested in becoming part of the Top 5 Wednesday family, then head on over to the Goodreads group {here}.  Also don't forget to check out some of the great BookTube videos, namely the lovely Lainey at GINGERREADSLAINEY - who created this series!

Until next time,

 

T5W: Books I'd like to see as a TV series

It's been a while since I've done a Top 5 Wednesday list, but I thought I'd get back into it as there are so many books/series that I think would be amazing to adapt for television.  

With special effects being so realistic these days it means that shows based on fantasy or magic are no longer the second class programs with cheesy effects.  Hopefully at some stage in the future I might get to watch one of these ;-D

As usual, these are in no particular order - enjoy!

I could see a great series being made with the characters from Stephanie Plum series - and I'd rather like forget about that horrible movie - and with so many books in the series there are a whole range of scenarios to pick and choose from for episodes.  However, I'd only watch it if it was done well!

Next we have the In Death series by J.D. Robb.  This is such an amazing world with complex characters that would make for great TV.  Set in the future not to distant future, there are so many technologies that can be done visually.  A great police series with a myriad of cases to choose from (book 41 out later this year!) and so many strong characters, both good and totally evil, to portray that it would make for a must watch series.

Couldn't resist an urban fantasy or two.  The Guild Hunters series would also be a truly amazing series for TV.   Archangels, angels, vampires... what more could you want?!  Like In Death it takes place mainly in NY, however foreign exotic locations would also be a must.  Can't recommend this highly enough for a TV spot.

Moon Called is my nod to the current fascination with all things shapeshifter.  This is an amazing series that mixes mythology and folklore, Gods and vampires, witches and other things that go BUMP in the night, and puts them into a contemporary American city.  Full of murder, mystery, drama and betrayal.  I'd love to see this ;-D

And finally, I couldn't resist a shout-out for this intriguing Australian series.  I only need to give you the series title for you to begin imagining the possibilities ... Kannon Dupree: Timestalker.  Are you imagining episodes full of Roman Gladiators, seductive 1920's noir, Aztec gods, Wild West gunfights yet?  I am ;-D

So, those were my top 5 books that I'd love to see made into TV shows.  What do you think? Would you like to see these?  Let me know in the comment area below whether or not you think these would make a great TV show.

Until next time,

 

Book Review || To Catch a Leaf

To Catch a Leaf
A Flower Shop Mystery #12
Kate Collins

This edition
Published 01 November 2012
Kennebec Large Print, paperback, 411p.
ISBN: 9781410443151

Flower shop owner Abby Knight is aglow with happiness now that she's officially engaged to her longtime beau, Marco Salvare.  Nothing will dampen her joy - not a new dent on her beloved Corvette, nor her future mother-in-law's micromanaging of her wedding.  Until wealthy dowager Constance Newport is killed, and Abby's assistant, Grace Bingham, is left a hefty sum of money, making her the prime suspect.  Then Abby and Marco stumble upon an elaborate heist.  Before she can throw her bouquet, Abby will have to throw a killer in jail.

Since I borrowed this book from my library they only had the large type edition available.  However, this is the cover that I will be getting so it matches the rest of my books:

Obsidian, mass market pbk, 336p.

ISBN: 9780451235237

Again, this is another cosy series where I've been reading the books out of order - and while that isn't too much of an issue with the Tea Shop Mystery series, it does matter with this series.  There is such a reliance on the relationships in the series that I'd recommend you read these books in order so as not to become totally lost - or potentially spoil yourself like I did.

As with other books in this series, and with Theodosia from Tea Shop series, I found that I have the same problem from book to book.  A main character that can't, or won't, stand up for herself and say NO to those near and dear.  There are all these bossy, frustratingly annoying characters that keep trying to do things, or override Abby's decisions and she never puts her foot down and tells them to take a hike.  It aggravates me to no end, and is my No. 1 gripe about this series.

However, as a cosy mystery book it was reasonably fast paced - taking place over a matter of days -  with a limited, yet interesting, cast of potential murderers.  The identity of the culprit was well hidden, with a few red herrings thrown in to divert attention, and I only figured out who dunnit a few pages before the big reveal... yah me! ;-D... and the side mystery that is interwoven with the main plot line seems totally unconnected at first, but plays a part in the unmasking of our villain.

So while this is no Miss Marple, it was quick and fun to read.  If you like cosy mysteries, or A Tea Shop Mystery, then give this series a go.

I'd rate this book:

Hope you enjoyed this review.  If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them in the comment area below.

Until next time,

 

Book Review || Jane Austen in Scarsdale

Jane Austen in Scarsdale
Or, Love, Death, and the SATs
Paula Marantz Cohen

Published in 2006

St. Martin's Press, hardcover, 275p.
ISBN: 9780312325022

Anne Ehrlich is a dedicated guidance counselor steering her high-school charges through the perils of college admission.  Thirteen years ago, when she was graduating from Columbia University, her wealthy family - especially her dear grandmother Winnie - persuaded her to give up the love of her life, Ben Cutler, a penniless boy from Queens College.  Anne has never married and hasn't seen Ben since - until his nephew turns up in her high school and starts applying to college.

Now Ben is a successful writer, a world traveler, and a soon-to-be-married man, and Winnie's health is beginning to fail.  These changes have Anne beginning to wonder... Can old love be rekindled, or are past mistakes too painful to forget?

This is a fluffy, romantic contemporary that I picked up from the library purely because of the Jane Austen association, and while I am still undecided as to what I really think of this book I do know that I will not be adding it to my bookshelves.

As you can tell from the synopsis above it all sounds rather familiar doesn't it - like a Jane Austen book perhaps?  And you would be right as this is the basic premise that Austen used in Persuasion.  So this book is basically an updated, and contemporary version of Austen's final book.

Even though I know this, I was still hoping to enjoy the book.  Sadly it was not to be.  I found the characters to be rather two dimensional and I had no emotional connection to them whatsoever.  I didn't care if they got reunited, fell in love, or just wandered off into the sunset alone.  I just wanted to get to the end of the book!

To be fair, there were bits I did like.  Winnie's final letter was well done, as was the final scene with the fiance and Anne.  The cover is quite attractive, and for a hardcover it was easy to handle while read.  However, that is about all the positive aspects I can say about this book.

This alone tells me that I was either in a reading funk of enormous proportions - or I really didn't like this book.  I may give it another read-through before sending it back to the library {just to make sure that I gave it a fair chance}, but I won't be checking out any more books by this author for a while regardless.

If you want to read a great book about getting a second chance at love, with all the feels, then read Persuasion and save yourself the disappointment.

Overall I rated this book:

Until next time,

 

Book Review || Kenny & the Dragon

Kenny & the Dragon
Tony DiTerlizzi (illustrated by author)


Published: 22 September 2008

Simon & Schuster, hardcover, 160p.
ISBN: 9781416939771

What do you do when your new best buddy has been designated a scourge by the community and marked for imminent extermination?

Just ask Kenny Rabbit.

When the simple folks in the sleepy little village of Roundbrook catch wind that there's a dragon running loose in the countryside, they get the wrong idea and the stage is set for a fight to the death. So it's up to Kenny to give his neighbors front-row seats to one of the best-known battles in history - the legendary showdown between St. George and the dragon - without losing a friend in the fray.

Kenneth is a little rabbit with a very big problem. His two best friends are heading for a battle of legendary proportions - with each other! In one corner there's Grahame, a well-read and cultured dragon, with sophisticated tastes and no stomach for battle. In the other, there's George, a retired knight and dragon slayer who would be content to spend the rest of his days in his bookshop with a pipe and a good book. But when the townsfolk catch wind there's a dragon running loose in the countryside, and call George out of retirement, the stage is set. And it's up to Kenny to avert disaster. A fun-filled, thoroughly theatrical spin on a classic tale of subterfuge and showmanship. 

Found this book in a thrift shop for $1 and couldn't resist.  I love all things dragons, and when it is combined with a gorgeous cover and sketch illustrations... well, I had to buy it.

The story follows the shy and introverted, Kenny, who is a bookworm at heart.  He doesn't really have friends at school, and when his father comes rushing home to inform the family that a mean and vile dragon has moved into the neighbourhood what does Kenny do?  He consults a book. 

It is this kind of atypical behaviour in our main character that I found endearing.  As a bookworm myself, I find it is a trait not often portrayed in a positive light.  DiTerlizzi however, manages to make this part of the charm of the book. 

Like most good children's books there is a moral, or two, that shine through and the main thoughts I took away from Kenny & the Dragon were

a) never believe everything you hear/read
b) never judge a book by it's cover

I won't go into where, or how, these morals are implied as that just might spoil the book for you.  But there is a real undertone in this book that shines through and a good example to use in a discussion with children about how not to judge people, and why you shouldn't believe everything just because it is printed in a book.

As with most fantasy books there is some action - a dragon-slayer is called upon to rid the town of the vile dragon! - but rest assured, it is not scary, and I would have no hesitation in recommending it to parents of young kids. 

On to the artwork.  The author has generously dotted sketches throughout the book.  A small character study here, a full page there.  They are so adorable.  Kenny, this scrawny little rabbit is so sweetly drawn that you just want to pat him (I used to have a pet rabbit and it brought back all the feels).  Grahame is not your typical dragon and the dragon-slayer riding in in all his glory was just delightful.

This is my first book by Diterlizzi, and I found it to be smashing.  Will definitely be checking out The Spiderwick Chronicles.

My rating:

Hope you enjoyed this review.  I would love any recommendations for similar books so please leave any suggestions in the comment area below.

Until next time,

 

Can't pass a thrift shop without looking at books!

Yes, it's true.  I just can't seem to pass a thrift shop without going inside to check out what's on their shelves.  Take this morning for instance.  I went to the store to buy a few items.  So far, so good.  Then I drove around to my favourite fabric shop and did I go in?  No!  Instead I ducked into the thrift shop next door.  I'm sure I tell myself that I just want a quick look.  I won't buy anything.  But true to form I walk out of there with an armful of books.

However, to be fair this mornings effort yielded a good result.  Recently I've been trying to gather more classics {for those long cold winter nights} and have had Great Expectations on my wishlist for ages.  Two days ago I put The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time on my wishlist as well - and today I found both on the shelves!  Saved a lot of money, as well as contributing to the local charities.  I'd call that a win-win all round ;-D

Amongst this haul I also found a gem or two.  First was a little old book from 1963.  It's called Boys Are Very Funny People by Bill Adler.  There is nothing remarkable about the cover, but inside are some of the funniest remarks made by boys, such as...

Dear Folks,

They take good care of us at this camp.  Don't worry we are not going

on any more overnight hikes until they find Stanley.

Your son,

Jimmy

I've already finished this book and found it to be a very quick and amusing read.  Kids are naturally funny, and sometimes the truth comes out in such an amusing way ;-D

The final book I found before I made myself leave I only found because I saw the word 'dragon' on the spine.  It's a beautiful hardcover {only $1!} and is written by the same author of The Spiderwick Chronicles - note to self, read those! - and as soon as I saw the cover and the gorgeous artwork I knew that this book was coming home with me.  

So after that unexpected thrift shop haul I have officially banned myself from the thrift shops around town for at least a week, perhaps two.  I really don't need all these book.  I just can't help myself!

Do you have the same problem too?  Let me know if you do and we can commiserate together ;-D

Until next time,

 

Huge Book Order for April

Yes, I know that I really should be used to this by now.  However I was not technically on a book buying ban - wouldn't even delude myself by trying to attempt one - so I can take some comfort in that.

I have ordered more than a few books from my favourite online retailers (my local chain store bookshop has a poor range) and I had two discount vouchers to use as well which made the damage done to my wallet slightly less.

My spending has been reasonable so far this month, but today I went a tad overboard.  I couldn't go down to celebrate ANZAC Day as I'm sick, and I didn't want to either a) give it to anyone else, or b) catch something that will make me feel worse, so naturally I ended up online.  Today wasn't supposed to be about buying books.  I just wanted to catch up on some YouTube and do a few other bits and pieces.  But did that happen?  NO!  Last night my mother asked me to get a book for her so it all started from that request. 

Today I managed to order...

The Hobbit - Tolkien

The Return on the King - Tolkien {both these Tolkien books are beautiful cloth-bound editions!}

A Darker Shade of Magic - V. E. Schwab

The Winter Sea - Susanna Kearsley

Heraclix & Pomp - Forrest Aguirre

MOAB is my Washpot - Stephen Fry *

The Virgin Suicides - Jeffrey Eugenides *

Lady Audley's Secret - Mary Elizabeth Braddon *

Cut Throat - Sharon Sala {this was mum's request!} *

On Thursday I went a little mad and ordered,
A Blight of Mages - Karen Miller
Sherlock Holmes - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle {Barnes & Noble leather editions!}
The Arabian Nights
The Three Musketeers - Alexandre Dumas

and earlier in the month I ordered - and am still waiting for mind you - these titles;

The Shining - Stephen King *
Tennant of Wildfell Hall - Emily Bronte
Shirley - Charlotte Bronte
Hounded - Kevin Hearne
Wolfsbane - Patricia Briggs
Air Bound - Christine Feehan

And I am still waiting for The Dragon of Despair* by Jane Lindskold to find it's way into my post box as I ordered it over 4 weeks ago!

* AbeBooks {I can now finally find my OOP editions, God bless them!}

Amongst this rather large amount of books that will be winging their way to me during May I have tried a few new editions.  There are some Penguin English Library books.  I just love the spines and the lovely almost suede feeling of the covers!  As mentioned, the Sherlock Holmes volume is one of those gorgeous B&N leather bound editions with the gilding.  Today I seemed to have a thing for hardcovers, so I hope that they have that they have dust jackets, and there is also a smattering of my usual mass market paperbacks.  Yes, I know that they're quite delicate as the spines almost always break, but they are reasonably priced which matters a hell of a lot when books cost so much in Australia! 

I could tally up all the money I've spent on books this month, but I think I'd keel over in shock.  Thankfully I was able to use some 10% off vouchers - thank you Book Depository! -  and Booktopia always has some amazing bargains.  Even op shops have some great titles.  I found my The Fry Chronicles - hardcover! - at a local thrift shop for $4 last year! 

Speaking of thrift shops, I nearly forgot to mention the great books I found yesterday when I went looking for some cheap bowls {I use them for plant saucers - they look nicer and are easier to keep clean inside!}.  As soon as I walked in the door I was sidetracked by the books.  I haven't been to my local St. Vinnie's in months, and I'm so glad I went because I found a couple of books that I've been meaning to get - as well as one that I'd just put in my wishlist!

As per usual, I spent more time and money on the books than I did on the items I actually went for.

Well, I think I've spent enough.  Have to leave you all as I'll just want to start compiling another cart full of books if I keep thinking about them for much longer ;-D 

Okay, must go watch a DVD to take my mind off this dead tree purchasing ...

Until next time,

 

Mrs. Bennet - a realist and successful mother

After watching some of RonLit's YouTube videos about Jane Austen, I found myself longing to revisit the world of Miss Bennet and Mr. Darcy.  It's been about three years since I've picked up P&P, and I'd forgotten just how much I love this book.  

{Side note: Jane Austen must have been a most interesting person as the witty remarks her characters make, and her personal observations of their behaviour, are just as apt and amusing today as they must have been to her readers buying P&P hot off the press.}

Now, after watching these YouTube videos where the books are critically reviewed and picked apart on every underlying meaning, I feel a new regard for Mrs Bennet.  She has always been a character that I didn't really think much of - apart from the overwhelming relief that my mother is in no way like her! - and yet after thinking about it, out of all the characters who flitter across the pages it is she who is most sensible in her doggedly obsessive hunt to secure her daughters futures.

Just think in Austen's time a mother, daughter, wife or widow had no legal rights to remain in the family home after the death of the man of the house, especially if said estate was entailed to another distantly related male.  He has the power.  This unpalatable truth is brought home by the determination of Mrs Bennet to see her daughters married come hell or high water.  Why else would you consider forcing your daughter to marry the obnoxious Mr. Collins, or to blindly look the other way in regards to Wickham's deeds?  The fact that Mrs Bennet does shows you just how far a Regency mother will go to see her daughters futures secured.  I bet that if all her daughters were to have married men of Wickham's ilk she would not have thought of anything else but an overwhelming relief that her daughters were now married and she had done her job of seeing them all wed.

It is she, instead of her husband, who has the financial security of her daughters in mind.  Why didn't Mr Bennet put aside money for their futures?  Yes, he planned on having a son, but that's still no excuse as to why once it became clear that there was no son to inherit he didn't simply not set aside some amount annually.  Especially since he would have known to whom the estate would have been entailed to.  It speaks of a lack of understanding, and a selfishness in a way, that he just didn't think about their futures once he was gone.  He retreats to his library, escaping his reality and ignoring what he doesn't want to be true.  Yet, for all this Mr Bennet is a much loved character while his wife is not.

Thanks to RonLit and BooksandPieces videos, I now read Pride and Prejudice with a better understanding of Mrs Bennet, and although I think that she is still an annoying character of the highest order ... well, behind Lydia that is, I don't think I'll ever be able to read it without the understanding that out of all the characters, she is the only one that accomplishes her goals - to see your daughters wed.

Okay, that was way too deep and thought provoking for a sunny Tuesday afternoon.  I'm off to watch something lighthearted ;-D

So until next time my lovelies,