Originally Posted by Karen 7th October 2006


What was your favorite or most intriguing chapter? Why?

How did this book affect you?

Nurseanne8


The chapter titled "The Husband" had the greatest impact on me. I like the letter format Meek used in which it reads like a journal of events of the war and the impact it had on Balashov. I won't stray to far into world politics-but the chapter illustrates the reality of battle, brilliantly shows that not-so-good people will behave that way even in a the location of war and illustrates the way a person with a strong moral code is challenged to break that code on a daily basis.The same themes are popping up on my AOL web page daily and somehow I feel a greater connection to the events and my ability to understand the conflict in the Middle East has improved. I have always been fascinated with this era of Russian history since I saw Dr. Zachivago and Meek did a fascinating job of combining the events of the revolution with the themes of castration and cannabalism-something I would have never imagined. This book was the hardest book I think I have read for "recreation" and it took determination to make it through the first time but the subsequent second read was one of pleasure and fascination. I also want to thank Karen for asking to assist her with the study-it was fun and I look forward to assisting her in the future. Anne r

Deppsdarling


This book really affected me alot. I read books for here that I wouldn't read. I like to read fantasy, and chick lit kind of books. Nothing serious or important. I read everything that everyone writes here and don't know how to say what I mean so I figured when I saw this queston that it would be OK to post this time. I cried in some parts of this book did any of you guys? I felt sorry for Anna that her husband would do that to himself and his kid and his wife. I think it made me think more abouthow people use other people to help them get what they want. And I liked being surprised at the way the stuff came out I had to read it 3times to get it so i didn't fell so bad when I read that some otheres did too.

Herestoyou


Intersting thoughts ladies. Yes, this wasn't your typical "beach book" that you can just sit and enjoy. I read it through 2 times and reread several sections in addition to that. I agree, weaving the cannibalism and castration into the Russian Revolution was amazing.

For me the most emotional chapter was "The Locomotive." The whole chapter was told through Alyosha's eyes which just hit me at a very emotional level. This chapter made me cry as it showed the loss of innocence by this young boy. Here he had looked up to Samarin and then finally shockingly saw what Samarin actually was like. In addition, knowing what I did about his father Balashov, I just felt so terrible for this boy. At the end of the chapter, I thought he had died. "Alyosha felt cold. Waves rolled over him, pushing him deeper under each time, until he went still." OK, I was in tears at this part.

I've been distracted voting in the poll that I didn't post yesterday. Also, spent 2 hours in B&Noble looking for a lighter book to read after this one. I picked up A Long Way Down which I haven't read yet. Even thought the subject matter may not be too funny, so far it's more "fun" to read than PAOLove!

Nurseanne8


Welcome back herestoyou I been wondering where you have been! I enjoyed both previous posts Deppedarling and herestoyou-the book is very emotional-and I have basically reread the book three times because I would review chapters before I would post a response-it is hard to sometimes say what you mean but the only way to overcome that fear is to jump in and post-and no one will criticize you-I "lurked" about 7 months before I would post and once I started posting I tend to overdo it. I have "A Long Way Down" and started it but never finished it-no reason just life-but I may start it again as I also need a less serious read-and the book appears to deal with serious topics in a humorous manner. Anne r

Herestoyou


I agree and I'm often not sure if what I post makes sense to anyone but me! *L*. It's so nice that everyone here is so supportive and we can put out our thoughts even if we disagree. I hope everyone feels OK with jumping in and saying what they think. I think with this book especially it will hit all of us in different ways which is why it's such an interesting book to read.

Karen


Well put everyone! And don't worry Deppsdarling, we are happy that you decided to join in. We all have a hard time describing why we think the way we do, or why we feel a certain way about something. So join us here anytime! Sometimes sharing your thoughts about something gives us all a chance to talk and share about it.

Nurseanne8


Agreed with all the above about posting-we learn and therefore open up our minds and hearts by becoming aware of how others feel about a common interest in this case the book and also the entire board. Anne r