MISTER PIP

A powerful book told by a good storyteller can enchant young minds and transport them to other worlds, in the process firing their imaginations and filling their minds. Such is the case in the somewhat melancholy novel Mister Pip, by New Zealand author Lloyd Jones. It is a fine tale about a young Solomons Island (probably Bougainville) girl named Matilda, who is swept away as a middle schooler by the reading by her white teacher Mr. Watts of Dickens's Great Expectations. The story is set during the rebellion on the island, in which unspeakable horrors are inflicted on the locals, the cruelty of which is repeatedly carried out against Matilda's village. Oddly enough the soldiers appear to be Australian aborigines, ruthlessly subjugating a darker population. As Matilda (and in fact the rest of the class) becomes more engrossed in the story, Watts faces increased opposition from Christian villagers, headed by Matilda's mother. Before he takes over the teaching position (as all whites and others have fled before a blockade), Watts was little more than an oddity, somewhat despised there (as he had been in New Zealand) for having had an affair with a young island woman, though the love seems deep for him as he deals with his depressed love (which I will not spoil the reasons for). Matilda has a tough life, but she really connects with Dickens. The book deals with the clash of cultures, the cruelty of imperialism, the senselessness of war, the conflicts between mother and child, teacher and parent,rebels and soldiers.
I loved several passages in the book. "I already knew that words could take you into a new world, but I didn't know that on the strength of one word spoken for my ears only I would find myself in a room that no one else knew about." Later the little girl is told: "But you know, Matilda, you cannot pretend to read a book. Your eyes will give you away. So will your breathing. A person entranced by a book simply forgets to breathe. The house can catch alight and a reader deep in a book will not look up until the wallpaper is aflame." Yep, those are the tomes I wish to find.
Mister Pip is not quite that caliber, but it was a nice story and it has got me interested in this author. It is somewhat sad, and will anger readers, and it certainly got me interesting in finding out more about this rebellion that was not so long ago. I recommend it.

TROUBLED SOULS

Two years ago former Gamecock wide receiver Kenny McKinley, one of the most beloved and likeable players in USC history, killed himself while a Denver Bronco, allegedly over reduced playing time due to injury. The Gamecock nation mourned. Then today it was another similar tale, this time a lesser-known and short-time former Gamecock (who was currently on the Tennessee Titasn roster, though also dealing with a debilitating injury), who killed himself at his former high school in Tampa. Such a shame. I hope that the NFL and NCAA squads spend time on mental health issues, maybe even screening, to avoid such events. I doubt there are more problems amongst football players than the general population, but these individuals definitely have better access to professional help and should avail themselves. It is sad whenever anyone associated with USC sports comes to an early end, and I wish strength upon his family and friends.

NOWHERE BOY

Beatles fans may find enjoyable the independent film Nowhere Boy (2009) a biopic about young John Lennon (Aaron Johnson) and the influence of two women---his stern aunt (played by Kristin Scott Thomas) and naughtier biological mother (Anne-Marie Duff), who basically gave him up---on his development, and the way he came to music. A bit of a scamp and ne'er do well, and angry at the loss of the uncle who raised him, he starts a band with friends, only to meet the more talented Paul McCartney and George Harrison, but he manages to catch up (and apparently had some writing skills too), and the story ends as he heads over to Hamburg (where I think it was that Ringo joined the group). Some nice historical pictures at end of film. A few scenes (and language) may not be appropriate for the younger children.

VANAJA

Sometimes it is the small, independent foreign films that capture your heart and transport the moviegoer to another place and culture. Such is the case with the delightful Indian film Vanaja (2006) about a young beautiful tough-minded southern Telugu-speaking girl, daughter of a poor fisherman, who to fulfill her desire to learn classical folkdancing manages to obtain work with the local powerbroker, a strong-willed powerful upper-class former dancer Rama Devi (Urmila Dammannagari). Vanaja's brazeness and spunk wins over the older woman (as well as her loyal female servant), who teaches her the music and dance moves, but the young girl's world is turned upside down after she is raped by the mistress's son, an aspiring politician. Vanaja (played powerfully by Mamatha Bhukya) resists calls for an abortion, is hidden by the family of her best friend, has the young son, who is soon returned to his father's family in exchange for pecuniary recompense. However, Vanaja returns to the wealthy estate to be near her son and hope for a union with the son, but caste prevents this from occuring, and the wealthy woman eventually talks Vanaja into leaving (not long after she suffers the loss of her frequently drunken and debt-ridden, but loving, father). There are many insights into the culture, caste-system, and religious observances of the area, as well as commentary on class, wealth, status, and power relationships. Remarkably there seems to be a certain amount of flexibility within the system, and even the powerless have an ability to barter for what they want, in this unequal system. There is beautiful photography and wonderful dancing. Directed by Rajnesh Domalpalli, as apparently part of a MFA thesis from Columbia University, the film is worth watching for no other reason than the great performance by Bhukya, but the whole cast is very good and it really is a film I would encourage viewers to try. Although I didn't grasp all aspects of the story, it probably had a stronger impact on Indian audiences. Still, I really liked it.

DAMS

We were driving somewhere last week, and Joey was talking about dams, how they had to be structurally sound, best constructed with concrete and steel, even the smaller ones. He declared that "you just can't make a solid, strong dam with wood and mud."

Then, a quiet rejoinder from Chimo in the back seat: "Hey, don't disrespct the Beaver."

Joey halted, and then just started laughing.

POETRY READING

Chimo and I attended a poetry reading, with open mike and jazz, sponsored by Mind Gravy Poetry tonight at The Drip in Five Points. Had a frappe (which was not icy enough) and Chimo had a coke and a root beer. The three-man jazz combo (bass, guitar, keyboard) was pretty good; Chimo was playing his DS but his head was bouncing to the tunes---I will develop a bohemian child. The featured poet, a last-minute stand-in, was a slam artist, and I liked his poetry. A bit derivitive, I would like to see him stretch into more current situations, but I did like his homage to the recently deceased Ms. Melodie (Ramona Scott) and women rappers in general. Some of the poems I really liked, some were okay (especially the younger just-starting poets), and some, well, I just thought, WTF??!! I wanted to get up and try one of mine, but I chickened out. I am not sure lyrical sonnets would be their kind of thing. Maybe some day. Creativity comes in all kinds of packages. The crowd seemed pretty friendly, and I could see that there were others who hesitated to get up and give it a try too. Chimo told me his latest poem (SNOT) while we were walking to the car and it was very good, I thought. I am making him write it down in his journal. His style is a little like mine. Imagine that.

THE PRISONER OF HEAVEN

The best part about The Prisoner of Heaven is the certainty that there will be another forthcoming volume to continue the story of Daniel and Fermin, and the Cemetery of Forgotten Books, and the wonderful story first deleved into in the delicious Shadow of the Wind. Oh, how I wish I could get an invite to this secret library, this cache of wonderous tomes. But alas, I will have to live vicariously through the words of Carlos Luis Zafon, who is one of my favorite writers. I am delighted that more people are now reading the books of this Spanish author. We learn a lot in this book about the stalwart Fermin, who is on the cusp of ending his bachelorhood to the beautiful Bernarda, and how he came to be involved with the Semperes. Although there may be a tad less mystery here than in Shadow, it is a great bridge toward what I know will be a knockout fourth book. Pray the literary Gods do nothing to derail Zafon. The only mysterious literary disappearance I seek is the one on his pages. I was less pleased with the last offering, The Angel's Game, but I really enjoyed this book, and I think his followers will as well. He also covers many of the horrors Spain endured in the 1930s & 1940s.