Heidi!!

I read Heidi again! This story, which was written by Johanna Spyri, is a book that has captivated people worldwide. The story was published in 1880 and 1881 in two parts (‘Heidi is learning and traveling’ and ‘Heidi makes use of what she has learnt’). Written in German, it is now translated into 50 languages. The story is about a little Swiss girl in the Alps enjoying the simple life of sunset, stars, fir trees, goats, bread and cheese. Although Johanna Spyri has written many books, none were as popular as Heidi.

Each time I read this book, I am amazed at the depth this book delves in child psychology. It was said that the author was a reclusive, who was adamant on writing her autobiography. But Heidi reveals the author in many ways. We know that she cared for old people. She loved a very simple life and loved nature. She lived in a peasant village Hirzel am Albis in Zurich. We also know that she loved poetry.

In her depiction of Heidi, Peter and Klara we know how well she knew children. It is quite impossible not to cry along with Heidi as she is dragged by her aunt Dete to Frankfurt. Nor can we withhold our happiness when Klara starts walking and the whole family shares the joy.

But my most favorite character has always been the Grandfather. Leading a lonely convict life, he is overwhelmed by Heidi, who brings a pleasant change in his life. His understanding of Peter, when he pushes Klara’s invalid wheel chair down the Alp slopes and the special care towards Klara are exceptional. Spyri surrounds him with mystery. Probably due to the insecure life she led during the industrialization of rural Switzerland. Heidi teaches everyone to overcome all obstacles in life, while being happy at the same time.

Twisted Endings

I recently read a book by Jeffrey Archer. A Twist in the Tale is actually a collection of short stories. I especially liked 'The Perfect Murder'. It is a story of a man, who, on one of his visits to his mistress, finds that she has deceived him. He waits till the other man leaves and enters her apartment. He confronts her, striking her to her death.

When the news hits the papers the next day, the protogonist anonymously calls the cops, and talks of the other man, whom he had seen leaving the lady's apartment. He gives details of his appearance, his car's make etc.

When the other man is arrested, he feels safe but keeps in touch with the case through newspapers. Did he escape completely? One would think that the author will work on justice. But unpredictably, there is a twist in the tale. When the court trial starts, he visits every session. You get a detailed description of the court proceedings. The accused is resigned to his fate. The jury has to make the decision of 'guilty' or 'not guilty'. The jury is finally ready to give the verdict. The judge asks the foreman of the jury to give his verdict. The protagonist stands up and says 'Guilty'.

Book Worm

Wow! Finally we can insert pictures and not bother with some software or the other. I thought my first picture should be something which describes me. So how about this? Typical Bookworm. That is really me!

Books with Looks

The caption ‘Books with Looks’ grabbed me. Decorating my room with books has always been my passion. Although this convention is not common among Indians, it is very much in vogue among Europeans. Books can be a part of any type of room. You can adorn your kitchen with Cooking, Soup or Cocktail Books. A room with pretty flower décor can host Gardening Books. Be it the original version hard cover, or good bestsellers, the living room is the place. A study room can be decorated with books of reference and a sitting room with fashion or gardening books. Packing a small stack of interesting books in the guest room is also a good idea. Whether orderly or not picture books and fairy tales beautify a kid’s room.

Books not only make the room appealing, it gives it a certain status to the occupant as well. So guys, start collecting books.

Cookson and Cox

I do agree with anu’s comment on Book Juggling that we choose books to satisfy our wildest dreams. I have always fancied books written by Catherine Cookson and Josephine Cox. There is something so original in them. The senses of continuity in their books have fascinated me. Their books teach the readers to fight back against any injustice. I am reading Catherine Cookson’s hundredth book, Kate Hannigan’s Girl, a sequel to her first novel, Kate Hannigan. This book was posthumously published. This book is set in Northumberland in the fifteen streets as in the first book. Often, we get an impression of having met these characters time and again. Cox’s novels overflows with Blackburn, the place she was born. In fact Cox is hailed as a storyteller in the tradition of Catherine Cookson. I feel that I have visited Blackburn after having read so many of her books. She says, “I love writing, both recreating scenes and characters from my past, together with new storylines which mingle naturally with the old.”

Probably my deep desire of stability urges me to read their books.

A joy to read if you come across their books!

An Amazing Sight!

It has been quite some time since my last blog. Although many a times I have seen movies or pictures showing various animal behaviours, a recent incident surprised me. Do animals have human feelings? Do they go through the love-hate sentiments? Recently, when my family visited the Crocodile Park in Chennai, I was amazed by the actions of two turtles. As one turtle, which I assumed was female, reclined in a corner, the male swam around it. Everytime he came near its partner, he would pat her. The female would look up with a smile in its face, its eyes adoring its mate. This incident surprised all the visitors that day. Though many argued that animals especially tortoises are not capable of human behaviours or feelings, the romantic and sentimentalist were more inclined to believe this odd actions.

This reminds me of the two pigeons which resided near the school where I taught. These two would be so possessive of each other. When ever any other bird flew near by one or the other would chase it away. Their favourite pastime would be flapping their wings at each other or jumping around one another. When one got sick, the other would even fetch food. I miss watching these two pigeons!

But then studies have shown that even fish can feel pain.

World Book Day

Last Saturday (April 23) I had a visitor. She was selling educational books on the occasion of the World Book Day. It was an encouraging thought. But I was surprised at the girl’s behavior. She first pointed out the importance of reading books for children. I informed her that being a book fan myself, I had always encouraged my daughter to read books. My daughter’s tiny library adorns her room. She has always collected books through out the years. It comprises of picture books to those written by Enid Blyton. The girl insisted that I look through some of her books. As I had already gone through the collections recently when I visited Landmark Book Shop, I refused. She became sarcastic. She pointed out that we would visit shops like Landmark but would ignore books from her.

This whole behavior surprised me. The whole point of World Book Day is to celebrate book reading. Although I understood that the girl must have been working hard in the sun, I felt her behavior was inexcusable. She contradicted the whole objective of World Book Day.

Incidentally, World Book Day was designated by UNESCO as a celebration of books and reading. It originated in Catalonia, where it was the custom to gift books on St. George’s Day.