Average customer rating:
- Good Read
- Poignant, Beautiful, Truthful ... a bit Preachy
- An old man's quest
- oh what a good start to reading john cheever
- A finely crafted novel by an American master.
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Oh What a Paradise It Seems
John Cheever
Manufacturer: Vintage
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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Cheever, John
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ASIN: 0679737855
Release Date: 1992-01-15 |
Book Description
An old man falls violently in love and does valiant battle against unscrupulous polluters in John Cheever's ineffably joyful last novel.
Customer Reviews:
Good Read.......2007-06-27
I caught this title from the series 'Judging Amy'. Great triggers in that series. It was very thought provoking...so many levels...I must read it again. Would be a good discussion book, but I enjoyed it all by myself. Do they still read this in college? Maybe my nephew has thoughts...I never read this author before and I liked it.
Poignant, Beautiful, Truthful ... a bit Preachy.......2006-03-25
This is lovely Cheever. So few pages, and yet so much substance. A book of great truths told through small details. Understanding the difference between those who would or wouldn't stop to pick blackberries on the shoulder of a massive interstate highway ...
I would often pause and reread a paragraph - amazed that something so insightful could be so relatively insignificant within the context of the story. I thoroughly enjoyed myself in this read of an old man, feuding neighbors, love, dissapointment, insecurity, greed ... and American life.
It's not my place to be glad for Cheever, but I felt a sense of satisfaction for him - for the fact that he got this wonderful work done before he died.
My only critique is that the environmentalist message gets a little too preachy and loses the subtlety a message embedded in a novel should have. Mind you - I have no issue with the message - only with the way it is presented towards the end of the story. But like his main character - Cheever was an old man with a purpose. And if he was desperate for his cause - such that he stepped slightly over the line between fiction and nonfiction ... well for that he should be forgiven.
A worthwhile read, which I read on a rainy evening as suggested. It is now 2:00 am, and the book is back on my shelf. I am only saddened that Cheever left no more stories after this one.
An old man's quest.......2002-04-28
"Oh What a Paradise It Seems," by John Cheever, is a short novel (100 pages in the paperback edition) about an elderly man named Lemuel Sears. He sets out to save Beasley's Pond, in the town of Janice, from destruction by polluters. The story follows both his quest and his active love life, weaving his life together with those of a number of other people: an environmental crusader, an amorous doorman, and more.
The book has a pretty straightforward story, but throughout there is a slightly weird feeling; some parts of the book have a quality that reminds me of a David Lynch film. The book takes a brief and oddly unsatisfying detour into the subject of bisexuality. Overall the book is OK--it held my attention, but didn't do much more than that, although Cheever's prose style is often quite lovely. Give it a try.
oh what a good start to reading john cheever.......1999-09-15
This book is only a 100 pages and their is so much in a few words. "She was as women go relatively punctual and He had come to believe that punctuality in engagements was an infallible gauge of sexual spontaneity. He had observed that,without exception, women who were tardy for dinner engagements were unconsciously delayed in their erotic transports and that women who were early for lunch or dinner would sometimes climax in the taxi on the way home." IF you like that passage you will enjoy this book. Read more John Cheever.
A finely crafted novel by an American master........1998-09-03
Oh, What A Paradise It Seems is John Cheever's last novel, published just before his death in June 1982. It differs from his previous works, which mainly focused on suburban commuters, as it tells the story of an older man, but it still retains Cheever's wit and surrealness. The astonishing thing about this book is how deep the story goes, and yet it is only 100 pages long. It would take other authors 400 pages to write this story. It is, as the first sentence says, "A story to be read in bed in an old house on a rainy night."
Product Description
multiple books ship as one item. save on shipping/handling charges.
Amazon.com
With The Charnel Prince, author Greg Keyes keeps up the pace set by The Briar King with a second taut entry in his series--the Kingdoms of Thorn and Bone. The Briar King has awoken and mythical beasts roam the land. Crotheny's king and his daughters are dead by betrayal. His bereaved wife Murielle keeps tenuous hold on the throne and the hope that her headstrong daughter, Anne Dare, has escaped the assassins' blades. The queen sends her most trusted and lethal knight, Sir Neil MeqVren, on a quest to discover her daughter's fate. He will find Anne has narrowly escaped the massacre at Saint Cer and lives on the run in the company of her maid, Austra, and the duel-prone swordsman Cazio. Meanwhile, woodsman Aspar White is sent on a mission to slay the Briar King. All will fight for their lives in the wake of dark forces emerging from shadow to force a dangerously forgotten prophecy into the world.
Keyes is among authors like George R.R. Martin whose work is reinvigorating the often tired genre of high fantasy with rich, dark, and mature storytelling. His characters are vibrant and range far beyond Dungeons & Dragons cliché. He places these starkly drawn men and women into a world built upon a squirming foundation of myth, legend, prophecy, and folklore, which, to their own peril, they are only beginning to understand. --Jeremy Pugh
Book Description
When the legendary Briar King awoke from his slumber, a season of darkness and horror fell upon the Kingdom of Crotheny. Now countless breeds of unspeakable monsters roam the countryside. An epidemic of madness has transformed peaceful villagers from the wildlands into savage, flesh-eating fiends. In Eslen, King William has been murdered, Queen Muriele is stalked by treachery on every side, and their last surviving daughter, Anne, has fled the assassins bent on destroying her family.
Close on the heels of the runaway princess, young knight Neil MeqVren, the queen’s one trusted ally, is sworn to rescue Anne from her murderous pursuers. Anne herself undertakes a perilous journey toward the sanctuary of her distant paramour’s arms, but along the way lie the sinister agents and hidden snares of a sprawling conspiracy that few might hope to evade.
At the same time, spies in the service of Praifec Hespero, the powerful Churchman, embark upon a mission to destroy the Briar King in the heart of his domain. And the power-hungry Church, spurred on by the mystical events, has launched an inquisition whose repercussions threaten even the queen. As the noose of intrigue tightens across the land, personal fates and a kingdom’s destiny alike will be decided in a conflict between virtue and malevolence, might and magic.
Here then is Book II of The Kingdoms of Thorn and Bone: intoxicating and harrowing, passionate and grand–it is Greg Keyes’s most ambitiously imagined and vividly rendered work of epic fantasy.
Download Description
When the legendary Briar King awoke from his slumber, a season of darkness and horror fell upon the Kingdom of Crotheny. Now countless breeds of unspeakable monsters roam the countryside. An epidemic of madness has transformed peaceful villagers from the wildlands into savage, flesh–eating fiends. In Eslen, King William has been murdered, Queen Muriele is stalked by treachery on every side, and their last surviving daughter, Anne, has fled the assassins bent on destroying her family.
Close on the heels of the runaway princess, young knight Neil MeqVren, the queen's one trusted ally, is sworn to rescue Anne from her murderous pursuers. Anne herself undertakes a perilous journey toward the sanctuary of her distant paramour's arms, but along the way lie the sinister agents and hidden snares of a sprawling conspiracy that few might hope to evade.
At the same time, spies in the service of Praifec Hespero, the powerful Churchman, embark upon a mission to destroy the Briar King in the heart of his domain. And the power–hungry Church, spurred on by the mystical events, has launched an inquisition whose repercussions threaten even the queen. As the noose of intrigue tightens across the land, personal fates and a kingdom's destiny alike will be decided in a conflict between virtue and malevolence, might and magic.
Here then is Book II of The Kingdoms of Thorn and Bone: intoxicating and harrowing, passionate and grand–it is Greg Keyes's most ambitiously imagined and vividly rendered work of epic fantasy.
Customer Reviews:
Beautifully Written.......2007-06-15
I've been really annoyed the last few years with the face that fantasy writers can't just write a really good novel. Everything has to be a series, and none of the books within the series ever seem to actually have an ending. It's crass marketing at its worst. I never get a finished product, so I'm always having to buy the next book.
That said, Greg Keyes current series is amazing. He has such a beautiful grasp of the English language and his words create a visual, visceral masterpiece. I absolutely devoured this series, and I highly recommend it for fantasy fans, mythology fans, and anyone who enjoys a well-written well crafted book.
Another Hit.......2007-05-26
I loved the Briar King and this picked up right where Briar left off. This is another exciting page turner. I ordered the third book in the series after the first chapter of this book. Keyes is in a class with Brooks, Hobb, Goodkind, George R.R. Martin, etc. in my opinion. Please keep them coming.
A Strong Sequel .......2007-03-20
I continue to love this fresh series in the swiftly stagnating fantasy genre.
'Charnel Prince' is a worthy sequel to the spectacular 'The Briar King'. I am amazed by Keyes ability to keep me guessing. After reading this book I am no closer to venturing any kind of guess about where this complex story is going. It is abound with red herrings, unfinished thoughts, and tantalizing glimpses into the mysticism of Keyes' world. Who is the true villian? Or is there a true villian?
Keyes, once more, introduces some unique and interesting characters. Leoff is probably the strongest example of this, a court wizard whose magic is music. It takes some skill to write a convincing composer, and Keyes excels. The old favorites are back as well, who for me include Neil, Aspar, Stephen (Still composing treatises as he travels), The Kept (I really looked forward to his parts), and many others. Anne really blossoms as a character in this one.
I don't like the habit Keyes has adopted in ending every chapter with a cliffhanger. I haven't liked this practice since, as a child, I read the 'Goosebumps' stories by R.L. Stine. This one also has some slow parts that are difficult to pass through. This is a minor complaint, Keyes for the most part seems very good at unfolding the plot quickly, more quickly than many fantasy authors.
Read it and attempt to unravel it yourself. That is part of the fun.
Highly recommended.
Admirable.......2006-09-04
This book, the second of the series, keeps the same pace as the first one. With the Fairy King being a deadly nuisance, a band goes in search of him at the heart of his domain.
The Church, one of the main powers of this world, makes matters even worse when they begin an inquisition that winds up threatening the queen herself.
Man, what a great book, interesting characters and action. Lots of action. A definite reccomend!
Excellent series!.......2006-08-14
As with the first book "The Briar King" this sequel is full of great adventures with alot of fighting. It is full of very interesting and likeable characters, including some of the more original I have come across. I would encourage any lover of the fantasy genre to pick up this series. It is one of my favorites so far, and I am looking forward to reading "The Blood Knight."
This book is fast paced like the other, but it doesnt move the story along a whole lot. The characters however, are interesting enough that it barely matters.
The only thing not to my taste in this book, as with the first, is the language is somewhat difficult to read. I know its original and all, but its hard to wrap your tounge around some of the words, and is a bit distracting at times.
I bought this series to kill time while I was waiting on some other books to arrive, and now I have set aside those books to finish this series. A great series so far!
Book Description
When the legendary Briar King awoke from his slumber, a season of darkness and horror fell upon the Kingdom of Crotheny. Now countless breeds of unspeakable monsters roam the countryside. An epidemic of madness has transformed peaceful villagers from the wildlands into savage, flesh-eating fiends. In Eslen, King William has been murdered, Queen Muriele is stalked by treachery on every side, and their last surviving daughter, Anne, has fled the assassins bent on destroying her family.
Close on the heels of the runaway princess, young knight Neil MeqVren, the queen’s one trusted ally, is sworn to rescue Anne from her murderous pursuers. Anne herself undertakes a perilous journey toward the sanctuary of her distant paramour’s arms, but along the way lie the sinister agents and hidden snares of a sprawling conspiracy that few might hope to evade.
At the same time, spies in the service of Praifec Hespero, the powerful Churchman, embark upon a mission to destroy the Briar King in the heart of his domain. And the power-hungry Church, spurred on by the mystical events, has launched an inquisition whose repercussions threaten even the queen. As the noose of intrigue tightens across the land, personal fates and a kingdom’s destiny alike will be decided in a conflict between virtue and malevolence, might and magic.
Here then is Book II of The Kingdoms of Thorn and Bone: intoxicating and harrowing, passionate and grand–it is Greg Keyes’s most ambitiously imagined and vividly rendered work of epic fantasy.
From the Hardcover edition.
Customer Reviews:
Not Free SF Reader.......2007-09-03
It is not as often that you get drunken Italian style swordmasters running around in your standard fantasy trilogy, but here you have one.
A princess with a magic destiny, scary witch nuns, and an undead would be king that wants to marry someone still alive.
A nasty church, a composer, and looming war.
Page-turner of a sequel.......2007-06-17
The Charnel Prince is a page-turner of a sequel. The story won't make any sense at all if you haven't read its predecessor,The Briar King (The Kingdoms of Thorn and Bone, Book 1). Charnel Prince picks the story right up where the Briar King left off, with very little catch-up. However, the number of characters is well-controlled (compared to George RR Martin's Song of Ice and Fire series, for example), so it's not difficult to keep them all straight in your head. Furthermore, although the story so far is a dark one, the author permits most of the characters to live (unlike Stephen R. Donaldson's Thomas Covenant series).
Charnel Prince begins with an annoying prologue, as Briar King did. How annoying? I quote: "'I hear a noise,' Martyn murmured, reining in his dappled grey stallion. `It is an unnatural sound.'". Thank heavens the book is much better than this, but wouldn't it be better to lead from strength?
Only a few new characters are introduced in Charnel Prince, the most noteworthy being a court composer who seems to have wandered in from Anne McCaffrey's harper clan. Whatever his origins, he's an appealing character.
I continue to very much enjoy Greg Keyes' language play and use of languages to divide characters and define them. I enjoy the well-rounded women characters, as well, but the masterful use of language is what sets this series apart, in my view.
Since the first book came out the author has decreed it not to be a trilogy (which is what I was hoping for, such a nice form), but rather a "saga", "The Saga of the Kingdoms of Thorn and Bone". I assume the meaning of this name will be made clear in the fullness of time. The saga appears to be the journey of rebellious princess Anne Dare to queenhood and rule in a time of epochal disruption. As is traditional in the Hero's Journey myth, she has a trusted companion, and accretes supporters as she undergoes her adventures.
I'm signing up for the third book, though if it goes beyond four volumes this saga may stretch my patience.
Good, but a little showy.......2007-05-26
In general I agree with the other reviews here. Keyes' series is enjoyable and the characters draw you in and you really care about them. I recommend it to people who enjoy fantasy novels. However, I don't think the books are all that accessible to people who don't like fantasy. I've enjoyed the books enough to finish them very fast, which is always a sign I'm engrossed, but I get jarred every few pages by Keyes insistence on using more than his share of made up words and real, but unnecessary, synonyms.
He is a bit of show off frankly. I mean who really needs to use words like "zephyr" in three different ways to refer to wind or breath in the space of 10 pages...? He falls in love a little too much with his made up languages at times as well - I'm glad he has found use for his anthropology degrees.. Still I like the characters enough to keep reading, and he has enough new ideas to keep me going. Generally recommended.
quality series!.......2007-04-11
good stuff! think GRR Martin although not as complex, you don't have to wait 4 years for the next installment
Even better than the first book.......2007-03-16
This review is nice and simple. If you enjoyed the first book, definitely pick this one up. It's more of the same, but better. The characters develop more and the action really picks up. The plot grows nicely. Perfect sequel for fans of the first book. Not overly deep, but great fun.
Average customer rating:
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The Charnel Prince (Kingdoms of Thorn & Bone 2)
Greg Keyes
Manufacturer: Tor
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books | Alternate History | Anthologies | Arthurian | Contemporary | Epic | General | Historical | History & Criticism | Magic & Wizards | Series
ASIN: 0330419463 |
Book Description
Doctor Who is a renegade Time Lord from the planet Gallifrey. The Time Lords are an immensely powerful race, so named because they were the first to discover how to travel freely through time and space. Bored with his life on Gallifrey, the Doctor steals his TARDIS (Time And Relative Dimension In Space) and sets off to explore the universe. He believes passionately in truth and justice, and finds himself getting involved wherever he finds evil and malevolence - which is everywhere! 1812: The Vishenkov household, along with the rest of Moscow, faces the advance of Napoleon Bonaparte. At their heart is the radiant Dusha, a source of inspiration - and more besides - for them all. But family friend, Captain Padorin, is acting like a man possessed - by the Devil! 2024: Fitz is under interrogation regarding a burglary and fire at the Kremlin. The Doctor has disappeared in the flames. Colonel Bugayev is investigating a spate of antique thefts on top of which he now has a time-travel mystery to unravel. 5000: Lord General Razum Kinzhal is ready to set in motion the final stages of a world war. More than the enemy, his fellow generals of the Icelandic Alliance fear what such a man might do in peacetime. What can bridge these disparate events in time? Love will find a way. But the Doctor must find a better alternative. Before love sets the world on fire.
Customer Reviews:
A scientific romance.......2004-10-12
EMOTIONAL CHEMISTRY is an intricately constructed book that wraps a simple core. It's to Simon A. Forward's credit that he manages to keep his various plates in the air. There's certainly a lot going on: a plot that takes place over three time zones, a largish number of important characters, etc. But not only does it work, but it works extremely well. This is one of the best stories that the EDAs have given us.
First of all, EMOTIONAL CHEMISTRY is a treat to read. It comes across as a novel that was crafted with care and attention to detail. Its prose has obviously been labored upon and gives it a strong, powerful voice. And this is true for the book as a whole. It's engaging, and fascinating. Its characters come alive and there's an epic feel to the story which is effectively done considering how simple the heart of the story is.
Enough with the clichéd praise phrases. How did I like the book? Well, as far as readability goes, I simply hated putting it down. I, unfortunately, haven't had much time for reading lately, so I was forced to partake in small chunks at a time. Although I loathed having to set the book aside, I think this was a good thing in the long-term. This is a novel to be savored, not devoured, regardless of how readable it is.
Forward's prose is certainly impressive. There are neat observations, clever turns of phrase and amusing jokes all contained within superbly written sentences. This is not hastily written hackwork, or even quickly flowing, enjoyable narration; this is prose that begs appreciation in its own right. This is good writing.
And what is equally impressive is that it works on the macro as well as the micro level. Stand back from the phrases and sentences, and you'll see a complicated but logical story unfolding. A lot of what the author is doing is quite clever. Splitting the action between three time periods (past, near-present, and far future) allows him many fun comparisons. Effectively handled are the different ways in which love and war are portrayed. The relationships that crop up throughout the story make for an effective lead-in to the main "romance".
Given that there are three main time zones and that each setting has its own cast of characters, it would be very easy for the author to mush things together creating bland, one-dimensional characters. But he fails to fall into that trap. Even the bit players are given life and credibility. I'm also impressed by his depiction of Trix who, after an extremely shaky start, looks to become an extremely interesting companion (as an aside, I've begun visualizing her as blogger Wonkette).
Is there anything really to criticize here? Well, it's nitpicking to be sure, but I didn't care for the quick cutting between scenes. I realize it's a common feature of TV tie-in books; that doesn't mean I have to like it. Come on! I have an attention span! I can follow a scene for more than a page without getting bored! Forward is clearly better than others at this form of pacing, but it's still not something I enjoy.
Also, the sections taking place in the future seemed a bit vague to me. I suppose all the reader needed to know is that there was a war taking place, but I never really got a handle on who was fighting and why. I realize that this story takes its cue from the throwaway hints in TALONS OF WENG-CHIANG, yet that didn't really seem helpful as far as filling in the how's and why's. Perhaps the mere existence of the future war was enough to drive the plot, but I couldn't help but feel that it paled in comparison to the scene setting that took place in the other two sections.
Minor flaws aside, there is really much to enjoy here. And I'm at the point where I'm going to stop myself from simply listing out plot-points that I liked. EMOTIONAL CHEMISTRY contains a combination that has been lacking in the BBC novels of late -- both style and substance. It's a grand tale told over multiple time zones, and different levels of reality, yet ultimately concerning one simple romance. It's the sort of thing that one would think Doctor Who could do well, but very often doesn't. I am very impressed with Simon A. Forward's talents as demonstrated in this novel. His other two books have suddenly made great gains on my To-Read list.
Complicated, but in the end good, story.......2004-07-01
The story takes place in at least 3 time zones and 2 worlds, sometimes simultaneously--it's easy to get confused if you're not careful! In pursuit of the recent 8th Doctor metaplot, our trio find themselves in the middle of a robbery that results in the Doctor being catapulted to the distant future (a little after the time of Greel, incidently, from "The Talons of Weng-Chung), while Fitz & Trix are left to fend for themselves. Soon these two are seperated as well, and all three end up in different time zones from each other. How these three times end up being connected makes for some fascinating reading, and the story takes on a surprisingly sentimental tone at times.
Some characters are introduced who know the Doctor from another time, which confuses the Doctor about as much as it confuses the readers, but in a good way--it hints at a either a future unlived, or a story untold; either way it's a nice air of mystery. If there's one problem with this story it's that there's no real antagonist--there are some bad guys, but they end up being bit players for the most part, background for the love story that ends up taking center stage. Still, it ends up being an enjoyable, if complex, ride to take, though if you're looking for advancement of the metaplot, you'll be disappointed--it's barely present as a bookend at both ends of the novel. However, the next novel (Sometimes Never) gives you all the metaplot you could handle, so that's all right then.
Customer Reviews:
A Good Commentary.......2006-04-15
A Oxford Bible Commentary or Wycliffe Bible Commentary this is not. Those commentaries are much more concise. And are much more in use than this one. That's because these are good at word and verse commentary and this one is not.
But I still use this Key Word Commentary. Just like the several different Study Bibles I refer to and study from I also research from 3 different commentaries, including this one.
And this is handy with my Key Word Study Bible. Gives a good chapter and summary of the Bible.
I would still recommend this commentary but don't get your hopes up if your used to using Oxford and Wycliffe Bible Commentaries in the past.
A different kind of commentary but still recommended.......2005-03-31
In this outline style commentary each chapter of each book of the Bible is given its own single page, which is organized into ten divisions. The ten comments about each chapter are (1) Before and After, (2) Analysis of the Chapter, (3) Key Verse, (4) Key Word or Phrase, (5) Key Event, Person or Theme, (6) Key Thought, (7) Key Thing to Look For, (8) Key Bible Cross-reference, (9) Key explanation, and (10) Key Quote. Most people think of a commentary work examining and explaining verses, particular word use, customs of the time, or similar. This book contains no commentary of that nature. Instead it is a chapter level examination of the bible. If you are interested in a key thought summary of each chapter of the Bible this is just what you are looking for. If you are looking for a word and verse level commentary you will be disappointed. On the other hand, if you are looking for a high-level summary and outline of the Bible the Key Word Commentary is recommended.
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- Paul Marchand, F.M.C
- Perv--a Love Story
- Pictures from an Expedition
- Plays Well with Others
- Scepticism Inc.
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