Saturday, May 26, 2012

The Hundred Secret Senses, Conclusion


As might have been suspected, the author runs her characters through some pretty harrowing experiences in the final segment of the story.  Yes, we finally arrive at the intriguing caves that have been referred to.  However, anyone hoping for some real underground cave drama and action will have to look elsewhere.  This book is not about action and suspense; it is about the characters and how we relate to them, and it is about the larger questions of life.

In particular, it is gradually revealed to us that the connections between the main characters run very deep; a depth reaching over several lifetimes, in fact.  These ideas, all hinted at earlier in the story, involve reincarnation, predestination, and the power of love to conquer even death.  Very Eastern themes, to be sure. 

But we also see an appalling example of Westernism, as the scientific community – exemplified by “Western” science – comes in and despoils what has been considered a sacred place for centuries, all in the name of “science.”  The ancient ruins of a village in a cavern bordering an underground lake which emits its own bluish light are now revealed to the world.  The light from the lake is explained as plants and animals that produce light, much as glowworms or the cave crickets found elsewhere in the world do.

Kwan, our quirky heroine, is proven not to be so quirky after all, as many of the crazy stories she has always told to the first person protagonist, her sister, are explained and revealed as true.  Her disappearance at the end of the story – presumably her getting lost in the complex network of caves – lends its own mystery and poignancy to the story.  How is this connected to her lifelong ability to see dead people?  We are left with several such questions to ponder.  But that’s part of the fun of a book like this, the mystery, and the feeling that we have been connected to the great inexplicability of the universe!

In June, we’ll begin with the first 7 chapters of A Passage to India, by E.M. Forster.  See you on June 9th!

Friday, May 18, 2012

The Hundred Secret Senses, Week 3


This brings us up through Chapter 18.

We find ourselves in China.  To my mind, the author seems to effortlessly take us to another country, another atmosphere, another way of thinking.  I noticed this also in Saving Fish from Drowning, in which she transports us to Burma; a very real Burma, complete with the ever-present danger of being set upon by its military goons.  In this work, the little village of Changmian and its inhabitants are sparingly, but effectively, described and we feel we are there.

Kwan tells us that the name of the town can mean either “song-silk” – “something soft but go on forever like thread” – or “long-sleep” – “this another name for death.”  And this kind of symbolism, this poetry, continues throughout this quadrant of the book, culminating in some very admirable prose by Ms. Tan concerning the relationships between men and women.

Tantalizingly, there is a hint of things to come in the form of the legends surrounding the history of the village, and how it got the name, “long-sleep.”  There are legends of ancient settlements in huge underground caves and archaeological treasures that may be found there.  Nice Indiana Jones type imagery that would perk the interest of any young male who has managed to make it this far into a book that might otherwise be considered rather a yawn for him.

The descriptions of customs and procedures in a small Chinese village are fascinating.  One assumes the author has done her research here, and it certainly feels authentic.  The scene involving the preparation of the evening meal is mesmerizing, from the killing of the chicken (accompanied by the screams of the pigs!) to the addition of its blood into the broth.  At the same time, there is some intriguing detail concerning the art of the photographer as the heroine of the story records the events on film.  Loving this book!

In June, it might be fitting to do a little traveling.  Overseas again?  I’m thinking A Passage to India, by E. M. Forster.  If you have a different suggestion, or have already read it, by all means, let me know!

Saturday, May 12, 2012

The Hundred Secret Senses, Week 2

This brings us up through Chapter 12.

When I predicted that the humor which dominated Part I would eventually be interrupted by “tears,” I didn’t expect it to hit us right between the eyes in the first chapter of Part II! The entire passage of Simon’s recounting the death of his old girlfriend/soul-mate is a beautiful example of Amy Tan’s power as an artist. I say “artist,” not just “author” because I believe it transcends the medium.

With that in mind, however, I keep wondering if a movie made from this novel would be able to escape the label of “chick flick.” The themes: family, sisterhood, broken marriages, love affairs – all seem made for a movie like that. And yet there is so much universal depth here, of plot, character, emotion, and the Big Ideas such as race, cultural differences and religion; that I want to believe it could transcend the label of “chick flick,” as Mama Mia so desperately tried – and failed – to do.

I did see the movie made from another superb Tan novel, The Joy Luck Club. As valiant an effort as that movie was, it ultimately lapsed into Chick Flick Land. Saving Fish From Drowning, however, would be an excellent candidate for a movie showing what Ms. Tan is really all about, really communicating in her works.

One major idea being explored in Senses is that of having an intimate relationship with a person who has lost The Love Of His/Her Life, and having to live in the shadow of that person from now on. Surely most mates would be more sensitive to this than Simon apparently was, but the issue is a very real one. At this point in the book, Tan is exploring the equally daunting relationship hazard of trying to be Just Friends with an ex-spouse, and even working together in a business relationship with them. Interesting themes, compellingly told.

The next section should take us through Chapter 18.

Friday, May 4, 2012

The Hundred Secret Senses, Week 1

Brings us up to Part Two.

Amy Tan's humor is turned up full force - for her - in this novel. Not laugh-out-loud knee-slapping funny, but not at all reserved, either, as one might expect from a female Asian. (Actually, many of the female Asians I know can be pretty wacky at times, but they have generally been "Americanized" by being raised here, as Ms. Tan was, or having lived here a long time.) This author's brand of humor hits me in just the right spot.

Call me crazy, but I keep comparing her to Kurt Vonnegut. His humor does run out of control sometimes, and the reader revels in it. Tan pulls her punches more - but not much more. The real comparison between Vonnegut and Tan, though, is their technique of skipping all over the timeline of the plot. I'm sure there's a name for this, and I wish I knew what it is. Some authors have used this device in a way that I find irritating. Tan (and Vonnegut) use it brilliantly, making me wonder why I like it so much in their contexts.

When I first read Tan, it was The Joy Luck Club, in which the humor seemed not so pronounced - or maybe I just didn't notice it as much. After that, I was surprised to find much more humor in the relatively tragic tale of Saving Fish From Drowning. In this third foray, the humor almost seems to be the whole point - though it's a little early to judge. Something tells me there will be tears eventually.

Written in first person, the story so far revolves around the secondary character of Kwan, the protagonist's half sister. Kwan is one of those unforgetable, implacable characters in fiction (and sometimes, real life) who just may be crazy, but...probably not. Think Owen Meany, from A Prayer For Owen Meany, by John Irving. (And if you haven't read that, by all means, do!) She sees dead people. Think Odd Thomas, by Dean Koontz. (Yet another "must read"!) And her meddling in Olivia's (Libby-ah's) love life is a big part of the fun, so far.

Next stop, beginning of Chapter 13.

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

77 Shadow Street, Week 4

Conclusion.

Nicely wrapped up at the end, as one might predict of a Koontz novel.  No big surprises, but closure on all but the most trivial questions that remained to be answered.  The "how it came about" and the "why it unfolded this way" cleverly linked.  And the Horror all explained away - all but eclipsed by the resolution of the Mystery. 

One odd twist is the fact that the hero commits what is usually seen as a very unherioc act in order to Save The Universe.  Bailey essentially carries out an unprovoked execution of the "bad guy" out of hand.  How many stories can get away with that?!  Once it is established that the scientist that brought the end of the world about; and feels no remorse and would do it all again; Bailey simply pulls a gun and blows him away.  The usual plot device here would be that the bad guy tries to kill him first, or tries to go for the hero's gun.  Something to force the issue.  You have to wonder what DK is saying here, that he doesn't include the device.  Simply that it's overused or trite?  Is this something the editor(s) asked for? 

After the climax, the characters go on with their lives and we get a glimpse of how that goes for some of them, presuming that we have become attached to them and actually care.  But more importantly, some "clean up" is effected, including the fatal auto "accident" of the partner of the bad guy, who might - just might - be able to reproduce the results without him. 

Not quite as satisfying an ending as many of his works, but mercifully short. 

Overall, a good addition to Dean Koontz's works, and an indication that, after some 70 novels, he hasn't gone stale, no, not even close.  It should keep his fans (including this one!) coming back for more.

The book club choice for May is Amy Tan's The Hundred Secret Senses.  The first quarter will take us up to Part II very nicely.  Enjoy!