This book was challenging for me and I could only read about 25 pages per day. I felt my educational level was lacking for that sort of reading/subject matter but it could also be the stilted language of the author. I admire how she stood up for her beliefs and all she attained. I was in awe of her perserverance in just about anything she set her mind to accomplish.
Here is a passage:
"There is still, I think, not enough recognition by teachers of the fact that the desire to think – which is fundamentally a moral problem - must be induced before the power is developed. Most people, whether men or women, wish above all else to be comfortable, and thought is pre-eminently uncomfortable process; it brings to the individual far more suffering than happiness in a semi-civilized world which still goes to war, Still encourages the production of unwanted children by exhausted, mothers, and still compels married partners who hate one another to live together in the name of morality."
"Thus, it was in St. Monica's garden, beside a little overgrown pool, where the plump goldfish slid idly in and out of the shadows, and the feathered grasses drooped their heavy heads to the water's edge, that I first visualized in rapt childish ecstasy a world in which women would no longer be the second-rate, unimportant creatures that they were now considered, but the equal and respected companions of men."
I'm not sure how to rate the book. For me it's a 3.5 for the material as well as my reading pleasure. I know there are rave reviews of this historical account but it was a labor to finish this book. Had it not been for JoAnn and our buddy read I may well have abandoned this very early on. Thank you, friend!
The time period is WW I and settings in England, Malta, Italy and France.
Sharing with Joy's Book Blog for British Isles Friday. and The Classics Club.
Just from the passage you shared, I think I would struggle with this one, too. Kudos to you for finishing it. I've read a number of books in recent years that make me glad I wasn't a woman in earlier times. I hope my granddaughters will be able to say the same thing.
ReplyDeleteKelly, it was an educational book but I can't say I enjoyed it too much. There were many passages I found interesting but man... I agree with you about living in those times when we were considered good only for reproduction, cooking and cleaning!
DeleteThaks for your comment :-)
I would definitely struggle with this one as well. The overly verbose style tends to make my eyes just skip off the page. I have found that a lot of classics are best read in small chunks.
ReplyDeleteKatherine, I haven;t had this issue with a few other classics but this one did take some effort. It was the language,
DeleteThat first passage is a struggle to read ... sort of spins its wheels ... good grief I wouldn't make it through the whole thing. I think you deserve a badge for reading it all. I like the WWI time period and have read some novels set there but haven't read anything long and dense about it. You need a fun break now.
ReplyDeleteSusan, I may ask you about a few WW I titles, something easier :-)
DeleteWWI titles that I have read & thought strong: In Memoriam by Alice Winn (2023), Farewell to Arms by Hemingway, and Birdsong by Sebastian Faulks (1993). Perhaps I should read The Absolutist by John Boyne (2011). But you probably need a WWI break first after Testament.
DeleteI appreciate the titles. Farewell to Arms is on my Classic Club list so I am looking forward to that one. Right now my plan is to finish the Amy Tan book and the second book of James Rebanks. Have been toying with the idea of Reading Ireland hosted by Cathy at 746 Books blog....we'll see!
DeleteSusan - I've read Farewell to Arms (ages ago), Birdsong, and The Absolutist. I also need a break from WWI after Testament of Youth, but with a recommendation from both you and Les, In Memoriam is next on my WWI list.
DeleteThanks for reading with me - this was a tough one, for sure! I probably would have abandoned it if we weren't reading together, too. I think the audio also helped me get through. Brittain was such an intelligent woman. I'm glad we persevered and read the story in her own words, however challenging they were. I'm guessing the movie might romanticize things and focus more on her relationships/lives lost. Not sure if I'll watch it any time soon.
ReplyDeleteJoAnn, I considered abandonment but thought...what the hell, it's one I had been thinking about for a while. It will be a while before I want to watch the movie or mini series. You are correct, they will probably focus on her romantic feelings and deaths and ignore the Oxford part.
DeleteGood for both of you to finish this book! It looks like it was a tough read, judging by the passages you shared, Tina. I've read a few WWI novels, but I'll skip this one.
DeleteLes, it was challenging but I am glad we read it. And glad it's done!
DeleteVera Brittain sounds like a good model for our times. Thanks for going to the work of finishing the book so that you could share her with us.
ReplyDelete