Category: Reviews – the thought provokers

A review of Brooklyn by Colm Tóibín

 

“Brooklyn” is a deeply engaging and emotionally rich novel that I believe you will appreciate as much as I did. It’s a beautiful exploration of personal growth and adaptation, capturing the universal themes of identity, belonging, and the courage required to break free from conventional expectations.

This 2009 novel, set in the early 1950s, tells the poignant story of Eilis Lacey, a young woman from a small Irish town who emigrates to Brooklyn, New York, in search of better opportunities. Brooklyn masterfully captures her struggles and triumphs as she navigates the complexities of a new life in America.

Tóibín explores themes of immigration, identity, and the tension between duty and personal desire with remarkable nuance. Eilis’s internal struggles and the detailed depiction of both Irish and American settings create an evocative narrative that deeply resonates.

One of the standout aspects of “Brooklyn” is its portrayal of the traditional roles and expectations of women in the 1950s. Eilis’s mother, Mrs. Lacey, exemplifies the dependency often placed on women, especially widows who relied heavily on their children. This reflects the limited opportunities available to women at the time. Eilis herself faces numerous challenges, feeling constrained by societal expectations and the lack of prospects in Ireland. Her job with Miss Kelly highlights the exploitation women often faced, where she endures underpayment and belittlement without being able to speak up due to the social norms discouraging women from challenging authority.

In Brooklyn, Eilis begins to experience a degree of independence previously unavailable to her, yet she still encounters traditional gender roles. Her relationship with her boyfriend Tony brings a sense of belonging but also pressures related to marriage and domestic life. Tóibín’s ability to authentically capture the voices and experiences of women is widely praised, and his portrayal of Eilis is no exception.

The themes of family dynamics and sacrifice resonated deeply with me. The complex relationships within Eilis’s family, particularly the sacrifices made by her sister Rose, and the unspoken understanding between family members, reflect the weight of familial duty and emotional turmoil. Eilis’s internal struggle with leaving her familiar life in Ireland for the uncertainties of America, and her feelings of fear, sadness, and homesickness, also stood out.

The portrayal of the traditional roles and societal expectations of women during the 1950s, the deep sense of homesickness and loneliness Eilis experiences in Brooklyn, and her struggle to reconcile her past life in Ireland with her new life in America, all reflect her search for identity and belonging. Her romantic relationships, particularly with Tony and later with Jim, add to the complexity of her character, highlighting her doubts, fears, and internal conflicts.

“Brooklyn” is a deeply engaging and emotionally rich novel that I believe you will appreciate as much as I did. It’s a beautiful exploration of personal growth and adaptation, capturing the universal themes of identity, belonging, and the courage required to break free from conventional expectations.

#Brooklyn #ColmTóibín #HistoricalFiction #1950s #Immigration #Identity #FamilyDynamics #WomensRoles #InternalStruggles #EmotionalJourney #BookReview #JacquelineMaley #ReadingRecommendations #LiteraryFiction

Footnote 

On my blog, I review books that have a profound effect on me. These are stories that resonate deeply, offering rich narratives and emotional depth that leave a lasting impact. Whether through compelling characters, intricate plots, or insightful themes, these books provide a meaningful reading experience that I am eager to share with you. With this one I was fascinated by the male author’s ability to authentically capture the voices and experiences of women. As I am flooded in ( 300 mm in 36 hours) I have rented the movie and look forward to viewing it later today

Update have now watched the movie and now time to read the follow up – Long Island. 

I found the ending of the “Brooklyn” movie much more satisfying than the book. Many reviewers too have noted that the film’s conclusion offers a more definitive and emotionally fulfilling resolution.

“The movie beautifully encapsulates Eilis Lacey’s journey, highlighting her growth and the poignant choice to return to Brooklyn and reunite with Tony.”

Pip Fioretti’s ‘Bone Lands’ Explores Patriarchy and Gender Roles Through the Eyes of Gus Hawkins

By choosing a male narrator who is both part of the system and critical of it, Fioretti adds a compelling dimension to the discourse on gender and power dynamics, making the narrative all the more rich and introspective. See previous review here 

Having Gus Hawkins, a male narrator, recount the story in Pip Fioretti’s “Bone Lands” adds a unique and compelling layer to the exploration of patriarchy and gender roles within the narrative. This choice enriches the novel by presenting a perspective that is both part of the dominating social system and simultaneously critical of it.

Gus, as a man, naturally benefits from the patriarchal structures of early 20th-century Australia, a setting where men predominantly controlled social, economic, and familial realms. However, his role as a narrator goes beyond mere observation; he offers critical insights into the injustices faced by women, thereby serving as a bridge for readers—both male and female—to engage with the gender issues presented in the story. His reflections on the actions and fates of characters like Mrs. Fletcher and Grace provide a poignant critique of the gender dynamics of his time.

Gus’s narrative is not detached; it is imbued with empathy. For instance, his sympathy towards Flora’s plight and his disdain for the Reverend’s willingness to keep a crime against her quiet to protect her marriage prospects highlight his disapproval of the systemic injustices women face. This empathy makes him more than just a passive participant; it positions him as an advocate for change within the narrative framework. His perspective challenges the reader to consider the weight of patriarchal expectations and the often devastating impacts these have on women’s lives.

Gus’s own experiences and his contemplation of masculinity add depth to the discussion of gender roles. His interactions with other male characters, who often embody more traditional or toxic masculine traits, serve as a foil to his own more nuanced understanding of gender. This contrast is particularly evident in his reactions to the injustices women endure, which he often perceives with a sense of helplessness or moral outrage, indicating his conflict with the prevailing norms of masculinity.

Interestingly, Gus as a narrator also plays a crucial role in facilitating the stories of women, often giving voice to those who have been silenced or overlooked. By recounting the experiences of women like Mrs. Fletcher and Grace from his perspective, he ensures that their stories are heard and not whitewashed by the patriarchal narrative. This act of storytelling itself becomes a form of resistance against the patriarchal suppression of women’s voices.

The use of Gus Hawkins as the narrator in “Bone Lands” effectively highlights the themes of patriarchy and gender roles from a reflective and critical male perspective. His narration not only deepens the reader’s understanding of the systemic inequalities but also actively engages with the moral complexities of his society. By choosing a male narrator who is both part of the system and critical of it, Fioretti adds a compelling dimension to the discourse on gender and power dynamics, making the narrative all the more rich and introspective.

#BoneLands #PipFioretti #GenderRoles #PatriarchyInLiterature #MaleNarrator #FeministLiterature #HistoricalFiction #GenderDynamics #AustralianLiterature #MasculinityInFiction

Reflecting on Patriarchal Legacies in Pip Fioretti’s “Bone Lands”

 

Pip Fioretti’s “Bone Lands” offers a stark reflection on the deeply ingrained patriarchal norms of early 20th-century Australia, particularly within pastoral communities. Through its vivid narratives and complex characters, the novel highlights the significant disparities between the rights and roles of men and women, with a specific emphasis on inheritance and marriage.

The character of Robert Kirkbride embodies the quintessential patriarchal figure in pastoral societies, where land and property succession is dominated by male heirs. His authority and influence in the community are significant, yet the personal toll of his decisions is deeply felt by his family. The scenes at his homestead, resonant with grief and loss, underline the consequences of a life governed by stringent patriarchal rules. His distress over the possible tarnishing of his daughter Flora’s reputation, to the extent of covering up a crime, underscores the societal importance placed on female virtue and the family’s public image, often at the expense of justice and personal integrity.

The novel poignantly critiques the treatment of women as commodities within marriage transactions that are designed to augment familial wealth and social standing. The dismissal of the governess who sympathised with Kirkbride’s daughters, Nessie and Flora, reveals the extent to which women’s desires and voices were suppressed. Women, like livestock, were paraded before potential suitors, with their personal feelings sidelined in favour of strategic alliances.

The tragic case of Grace, a young girl coerced into an unwanted situation that ends disastrously, serves as a grim example of the expendability of women in these societal constructs. The handling of her pregnancy, shrouded in secrecy and shame, not only highlights the social stigmatisation but also the harsh measures taken to maintain a façade of decency.

Violence against women, both physical and psychological, is a recurring theme in “Bone Lands.” Mrs. Fletcher’s narrative of abuse and manipulation is heart-wrenching. Her affair, initially a rebellion against a stifling life, turns into a cycle of violence and degradation, illustrating the severe limitations placed on women’s autonomy and the brutal repercussions of stepping outside societal norms.

“Bone Lands” is a powerful exploration of the legacy of patriarchy in pastoral Australia. Through its vivid storytelling, it not only paints a picture of the era’s social landscapes but also challenges the reader to reflect on the ongoing issues of gender inequality. The novel’s portrayal of women navigating these oppressive structures, seeking agency in a world that relentlessly seeks to define them through the lens of male desire and convenience, resonates deeply, urging a reconsideration of the narratives we have inherited and the ones we continue to forge.

#BoneLands #PipFioretti #HistoricalFiction #InheritanceRights #GenderRoles #Patriarchy #AustralianLiterature #PastoralLife  #WomenInHistory #FeministReads

You can read an interview with the author  in the Australian Rural & Regional News here 

 

 

 

Review of “Red Eye” – the Epitome of the American Hero’s Journey

Red Eye  leans hard into the classic American hero’s journey,  one man against the odds, carrying the weight of the world. It’s high-stakes, high-drama, and not especially grounded in reality. But it’s also a false narrative. Real change doesn’t come from lone heroes, it comes from people working together, sharing power, and taking collective responsibility. That’s why I bothered to review it. It’s  because participatory democracy depends on us moving past these myths.

Red Eye opens fast, a stabbing, a crash, an arrest at Heathrow. The protagonist is accused of killing a young woman, daughter of a Chinese Party general, and is quickly extradited to avoid jeopardising a government energy deal.

It made me think of Blue Lights. Where Red Eye sticks with the classic hero’s journey, Blue Lights takes a quieter path. It’s about ordinary people, messy choices, and a system that doesn’t always reward doing the right thing. It’s less polished, more human  and to me, more compelling.

Red Eye also leans heavily on one female character who backs the protagonist. She’s there to believe in him, to push his story forward, but we never get the same insight into her.

Two different shows. Two different ideas of what heroism looks like.

#RethinkingHeroism #ModernStorytelling #CollectiveNarratives #CinemaEvolution #HeroicJourney #BritishVsAmericanTV #RealWorldHeroism #EnsembleCast #SocialChangeCinema #StorytellingShift

Review: Legacy – What the All Blacks Can Teach us About Business and Life.

My early morning Christmas 2017 read is “Legacy”  – What the All Blacks Can Teach us About Business and Life. ‘Legacy’ is also a tribute to the Maori culture of “unite and inspire” The author is Kerr James and the book is very powerful.

Lately I have been giving a lot of thought to what the next ten years of my life looks like. I have made a commitment to myself to focus on what I love.

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I am making a list of my top ten priorities, getting clarity on what makes me happy and what truly lights my fire. I am tapping into the wisdom and support of my special friends. That list has grown this year and I look forward to it expanding in 2018.  I know they will help me to “stand fearless”

Find a group of people

I love this quote from the book

‘ Champions do extra- There are no crowds lining the extra mile.’ On the extra mile, we are on our own: just us and the road, just us and the blank sheet of paper, just us and the challenge we’ve set ourself. It’s the work we do behind closed doors that makes the difference out on the field of play, in whichever field we compete, whether we’re in a team, leading a business or just leading our life.

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Ht to Doug Vivian for recommending this book and a special shoutout to my A Team

#Legacy #AllBlacks #LeadershipLessons #ChampionsDoExtra #StandFearless #LifePurpose #Clarity #InspiredLiving #ExtraMile #PersonalGrowth