Book REviews
Author: Washington Irving
Genre: Horror/Romance/Comedy/Mystery/What did I just read? Point of View: Third Person (Objective) Setting: The Dutch settlement, Sleepy Hollow Just like a folk tale, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow reads like a word-of-mouth fable and is full of dream-like superstitions. Our narrator, who heard it from an old man who heard it from...somewhere, relays the story of Ichabod Crane, the local school teacher, and his pursuit of the alluring Katrina Van Tassel. The trouble is, Katrina has another admirer: the handsome, beefy, rabble-rousing Brom Bones. The plot seems simple enough, but why is it so difficult to nail down the genre that this story falls into? Well, it could be labeled as horror on account of the appearance of the infamous Headless Horseman, romance due to Ichabod's advances, comedy because the scarecrow of a school teacher is anything but attractive (and the fair Katrina happens to be one of his students), and mystery because the question arises, "What happened to the ambitious school teacher?" We may never know on account of the fact that no one in town bothered to look for him. Main Character Traits: Ichabod Crane, a native of Connecticut, is imaginative and easily impressed by the myriad of legends held by the dwellers of Sleepy Hollow. He can be heard whistling a nasal tune as he wanders through the woods at night, oppressed by the imaginings of apparitions. He is resourceful and always has his own best interests at heart. He is quite popular in the little Dutch town and rather enjoys all the attention. Will he succeed in his exploits to gain the apple of his eye, Katrina Van Tassel (she's not just beautiful--she's rich too!)? Christian elements: A church is mentioned, but only because it's by the graveyard, the residence of the Headless Horseman. Conclusion: Would I recommend this book? It isn't one of my favorites, but it does make a nice, short read for a rainy day. I believe that one of the reasons it's a classic is because it breaks the mold of typical genres and ends with a darkly humorous twist. If this is something that interests you, try it out!
0 Comments
Author: Elizabeth Speare
Genre: Historical Fiction Point of View: Third Person Limited Setting: Late 19th Century New England Follow the adventure of 16-year-old, Kit Tyler as she embarks from the tropical, carefree Barbados and struggles to survive the cultural chill of a Puritan colony in New England. After the orphaned Kit's grandfather dies, she jumps aboard a ship sails to her only known relatives, her Aunt Rachel, Uncle Matthew, and cousins Judith and Mercy. Like an uprooted, tropical plant, Kit must learn to grow in the Puritan town of Connecticut. In her new home, will she bend to the rigid rules and do what is expected of her, or will she stay true to her friends, her convictions, and herself? Main Character Traits: Kit Tyler is rebellious, impulsive, and stubborn, but also loyal, dependable, and compassionate. Unpredictable, Kit takes risks the rest of us can only imagine. Although she makes several mistakes along the way, she always apologizes for them and becomes wiser. All in all, she's a complex character and a great role model. Christian Elements: This book is packed with Christian elements and themes. The family attends church regularly(twice on Sundays)and reads the Bible every night, although the dullness of the Puritan church, the monotony of going through religious motions, and the dry voice of Uncle Matthew as he reads the Bible are mentioned. The themes discussed in this book include the constraints of legalism and hostility demonstrated between Protestant denominations. Conclusion: Few modern authors are capable of writing with the beauty and conviction with which Elizabeth Speare does. Her works are eerily detailed and precise, as though she herself had lived among the people of the past. I would highly recommend reading "The Witch of Blackbird Pond", if not for the story, for the prose, the detail, and the opportunity to ponder through the complicated decisions her characters are forced to make around every corner.
|
AuthorMy name is Gracen Aldaya and I'm an ink-crafter. I write YA novels and specialize in Historical Fiction, Dystopian, and the occasional fantasy. I enjoy Romantic music, tea, and all things 1800's. I'm pleased to make your acquaintance. ArchivesCategories |
Photos used under Creative Commons from saraleonela, Pai Shih