audio: october 2007

Couldn't put it down! Interesting to read about the seven ancient wonders. Reminded me of Raiders of the Lost Ark.

Finished 2/8/07

A novel of multiple subplots and parallel narratives evolving around the sinking of the Nazi cruise ship Wilhelm Gustloff in January 1945. The vessel was torpedoed by a Russian submarine near the Pomeranian coast with about 9000 East Prussia refugees on board. The non-chronological, erratic structure of the novel resembles crab walk hence the title.

Main characters: David Frankfurter, Wilhelm Gustloff, Tulla Pokriefke, Aleksandr Marinesko, Paul Pokriefke, Konrad Pokriefke, David Stremplin.

Rated 4 not 5 only because I personally do not particularly like the slightly chaotic structure. Otherwise a very good read - highly recommended.

It is not surprising that during periods of social and economic instability, such as we find ourselves in today, there should be a revival in escapist literature that counters the grim reality of daily existence. Nor should it be surprising that there is a revival in a spiritual, as opposed to an empirical, understanding of the world. In Blue Dharma: The Story of Anaiyailla, by Joseph Hunt and Alan Adams, both of these desires are met in an engrossing tale that takes the reader on a trip to another world, but one that nevertheless resonates with the Earthly human condition.

Blue Dharma: The Story of Anaiyailla will unquestionably please fans of fantasy fiction, with its obvious parallels in Tolkien. But it might equally offer something to those just curious about the more spiritual dimensions of life.

For more details about the book, visit site http://www.blue-dharma.com/

This was a powerful and thought provoking book about compassion and suffering. While it is set during Jesus' fasting in the desert, the narrative focuses more on the other people in the same area and their struggles and dreams. I especially liked the interactions between the women Miri and Marta.

I could not finish this book -- just very uninteresting for me.