This was a rather corny and run-of-the-mill read. It reminded me a little of Nicholas Sparks but without a dose of passion. Eliana, a small town girl from Utah, married a handsome and rich Italian man (Maurizio), and moved to Tuscany, one of the most beautiful regions in Italy. Most would think her life was a fairy tale. Really, who doesnt love the idea of handsome italian men, a beautiful wine region, and an old and large villa to boot. Eliana, shortly after marriage, gave birth to a son, Alessio, who suffered from frequent and severe asthma attacks. Her life wasn't all that great as Maurizio turned out to be a selfish, philandering boor, who was hardly ever home.
Then came a good-looking American, Ross Story, who rented an apartment in her estate and they soon fell in love with each other. But it was not an easy journey of course (there would be no story otherwise!). Maurizio refused to let Eliana leave and threatened custody of Alessio. But of course all ended well in this story, with Maurizio becoming a changed man after almost losing Alessio, while he was in his care. Maurizio and Eliana divorced and she returned to Utah with Alessio. Ross was gone because Eliana had told him to when Maurizio threatened to take Alessio away from her if she leaves with Ross.
Years later, they met again and well, they lived happily ever after.
Sorry to say, it's quite a boring read. A great disappointment to The Sunflower. I remembered The Sunflower was quite a touching and sweet read.
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Tony Parsons-Men from the Boys
Wanted to do this review for a while but just couldnt find the time to. Alas, I've again forgotten most part of the story. But I will try to the best of my ability to recall the story, while in the midst of trying to write up a seminar critique for school.
Although the book did not get off to a good start, after a few more turns of the pages, it turned out to be a wonderful read. I wouldnt say it is an exciting book per se, but it does make you want to read on. It gives you a glimpse into the leads' lives that were beginning to fall apart. After Harry's divorce to Gina, he was married to Cyd, a gorgeous woman with a thriving food catering business. Harry had custody of his son, Pat, now a teenager, who was being constantly bullied in school and who had had a crush on one of the popular girls. Things got a little complicated when Gina, the MIA mother decided to return to town, and build a bond with her son. It was then that Harry met an old veteran, who had been his father's platoon mate during the "Italian" war. Not long after, Harry lost his job, and his life began to unravel. Cyd eventually left him coz he was not bringing home the bacon and was squandering away on horses (taught by the veteran; i forgot his name unfortunately!). I cant really put my finger on it but I find the story bittersweet. Harry felt somewhat obligated to the veteran and perhaps, was also trying to find his father in the veteran. To perhaps make up for what had been lost between him and his father. Pat grew close to the old man as well, and was there for him, at his deathbed. Pat gained a grandfather.
I find this scenario very close to heart and rather heart-wrenching. There were times when I see an old lady and was reminded of my late grandmother. And I would feel as if I should do something for this old lady to make up for what I had not done for my grandma.
It is not a good feeling living with regrets but sometimes, we tend to forget the consequences of our actions whilst we are performing them. So easy to forget. So easy to be slipshod with ourselves and others around us.
I have been thinking a lot about the elderly these days, especially those with no kin and are not able to support themselves due to poor physical health. I feel we should do more for this group of people that most have neglected because they can no longer contribute economically to the society. This is a very sad and hard truth that most of us can only see values in materialism. I ought to do more..
Although the book did not get off to a good start, after a few more turns of the pages, it turned out to be a wonderful read. I wouldnt say it is an exciting book per se, but it does make you want to read on. It gives you a glimpse into the leads' lives that were beginning to fall apart. After Harry's divorce to Gina, he was married to Cyd, a gorgeous woman with a thriving food catering business. Harry had custody of his son, Pat, now a teenager, who was being constantly bullied in school and who had had a crush on one of the popular girls. Things got a little complicated when Gina, the MIA mother decided to return to town, and build a bond with her son. It was then that Harry met an old veteran, who had been his father's platoon mate during the "Italian" war. Not long after, Harry lost his job, and his life began to unravel. Cyd eventually left him coz he was not bringing home the bacon and was squandering away on horses (taught by the veteran; i forgot his name unfortunately!). I cant really put my finger on it but I find the story bittersweet. Harry felt somewhat obligated to the veteran and perhaps, was also trying to find his father in the veteran. To perhaps make up for what had been lost between him and his father. Pat grew close to the old man as well, and was there for him, at his deathbed. Pat gained a grandfather.
I find this scenario very close to heart and rather heart-wrenching. There were times when I see an old lady and was reminded of my late grandmother. And I would feel as if I should do something for this old lady to make up for what I had not done for my grandma.
It is not a good feeling living with regrets but sometimes, we tend to forget the consequences of our actions whilst we are performing them. So easy to forget. So easy to be slipshod with ourselves and others around us.
I have been thinking a lot about the elderly these days, especially those with no kin and are not able to support themselves due to poor physical health. I feel we should do more for this group of people that most have neglected because they can no longer contribute economically to the society. This is a very sad and hard truth that most of us can only see values in materialism. I ought to do more..
Monday, June 6, 2011
If Craziness Had a Name
If craziness had a name,
What would it be?
If love had a face,
How would it be?
Would it be your name,
I see in the wind?
Would it be your voice,
I hear in the waves.
Rejoice, I could not,
Seeking that face in the dark.
Blinded by those tears,
No one could see.
A little stabbing of the heart,
A little sob escaped my lips.
All these you could not feel,
All these you could not hear.
Like them,
You had gone deaf,
Ears frozen in the cold winter night.
Eyes wide shut,
Beneath the moonlit night,
We had missed the millions of twinkling lights.
Under the stars,
We used to lay.
But they had all gone out.
Like me,
They had burnt out.
Like me,
They had fallen like those shooting stars.
A falling star,
Hit the soft, damp earth.
A fallen heart,
Buried,
In the darkest corners of the earth.
What would it be?
If love had a face,
How would it be?
Would it be your name,
I see in the wind?
Would it be your voice,
I hear in the waves.
Rejoice, I could not,
Seeking that face in the dark.
Blinded by those tears,
No one could see.
A little stabbing of the heart,
A little sob escaped my lips.
All these you could not feel,
All these you could not hear.
Like them,
You had gone deaf,
Ears frozen in the cold winter night.
Eyes wide shut,
Beneath the moonlit night,
We had missed the millions of twinkling lights.
Under the stars,
We used to lay.
But they had all gone out.
Like me,
They had burnt out.
Like me,
They had fallen like those shooting stars.
A falling star,
Hit the soft, damp earth.
A fallen heart,
Buried,
In the darkest corners of the earth.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)