Lately, I’ve read several extremely different books. I won’t go on talking about the plot and characters; you have a kazillion site that does it. So here we go just my opinion.
1- In the Name of Identity by Amin Maalouf (1998): it’s not the first time I read this book. Few years ago I read it in English this time I did in French. It’s much of a scholar book, a field that Maalouf isn’t the expert in. The overall book is good and have good ideas but I was able, as Lebanese, to detect some fanaticism. He got it right in a point of identity. As a Lebanese, whenever I’m asked: what’s your identity? Lot of words comes to my mind but I always end up saying: I’m Lebanese, that’s all. I expected the book to be given the importance Maaloufs’ writings are to me but I wasn’t much indulged or impressed. I remember the first time I read it, I was overwhelmed but now I am able to judge what I read clearly.
1- In the Name of Identity by Amin Maalouf (1998): it’s not the first time I read this book. Few years ago I read it in English this time I did in French. It’s much of a scholar book, a field that Maalouf isn’t the expert in. The overall book is good and have good ideas but I was able, as Lebanese, to detect some fanaticism. He got it right in a point of identity. As a Lebanese, whenever I’m asked: what’s your identity? Lot of words comes to my mind but I always end up saying: I’m Lebanese, that’s all. I expected the book to be given the importance Maaloufs’ writings are to me but I wasn’t much indulged or impressed. I remember the first time I read it, I was overwhelmed but now I am able to judge what I read clearly.
2- Short Stories by Franz Kafka: I couldn't wait to start with this book; it was actually the first time I read for Kafka. His writings are mentally confusing given the ups and downs of the scenes presented, and the lost part of some stories. His style of writing has created such as an impact that his style got a special tag which is known as “Kafkaesque” synonym for surreal. His stories are strikingly strange, symbolize and signify absurdity of life. In his stories, he tried to understand the psychology of the character in hand and create a twist a bizarre twist to it. You’ll read lot of metaphors and in deep descriptions. His writing is simple but with a complex twist that can leave you confused and amazed.
3- Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka (1972): A weird little story. I can honestly say that there are lots of hidden meanings behind this book and that I have missed lot of them. I imagine this book, read by different people would lead to different conclusions: some will focus on the family ties, others in the capitalism effect, effects of illness, how people treat others who are different, sacrifice… I kept on reading hoping for a good explanation but the end was sad. The writer described every single detail (whether important or not) and ended the story just out of nowhere and briefly said. It was a roller-coaster of ideas, scenes, climax, and funny scenes. That’s Kafka, the inspiration of many writers.
4- Bonjour Tristesse by Francoise Sagan (1954): don’t judge me; I’m just trying to regain my French language. A melodramatic book of a smart, rich and seventeen years old girl in 1954. It’s a clean book clearly describing what actually goes on in the teenage mind with the mood swings and the need for a battle. It’s an easy read but kind of boring and predictable. I wasn’t able to sympathies with any of the characters. I particularly liked the honesty of Ceciles’ emotions and thoughts whether they’re nasty or sweet.