They say pictures are worth a thousand words. I think music is worth a lot more than that...
Saturday, 27 February 2010
Tuesday, 23 February 2010
Saturday, 20 February 2010
Bellfield Hall
by Anna Dean
Edition: Minotaur Books, 1st U.S. edition, hardcover.
Overall rating: 4 out of 5 stars
[If there are any typos in this review, let me know.]
The story: Soon after his engagement is announced, Richard Montague suddenly leaves his fiancee, Catherine, telling her he is a poor man and must release her from the engagement. Catherine's aunt, Miss Dido Kent, comes to help and advise her in her confusion and misery; but she is not long at Bellfield Hall--the wealthy Montagues' estate--before the body of a murdered woman is found in the shrubbery. Richard's actions and disappearance become two of many mysteries that puzzle Dido, and the more she discovers, the more difficult it is for her to know what she ought to do. Dido is convinced that the murderer must be one of the people staying at Bellfield Hall; and she wonders if she can still help her niece, or if the truth of all the mysteries will only serve to hurt Catherine, and others.
My thoughts: I was not really expecting this to be a good read. Recent experience has made me prepared to be disappointed in books written after the mid-20th century. Bellfield Hall, I am very happy to say, was an exception. =)
For one thing, the whole idea of combining the Regency era with the mystery genre is a very cool idea, and it worked REALLY well. Combine a Jane Austen story with an Agatha Christie type of mystery (big house in the English countryside, lots of suspects, some mysterious plot twists), and you have Bellfield Hall. Not only does this make an interesting story, but it's pretty easy for the reader to relate to.
The writing style was very, very good. It had the sense/atmosphere of the Regency era and the readability of an Agatha Christie book, and there were only a few anachronisms that really stood out. The story was fast-paced, and I loved the parts that consisted of Dido's letters to her sister. Great writing and good balance, overall.
Dido Kent is an interesting character; she has been compared to Miss Marple, but I actually didn't find her to be very like Miss Marple. She's not as quaint, and she has more of a Sherlockian way of being able to talk to people and getting them to talk to her and answer her questions. At the same time, she's still a rather nice, middle-aged lady, and (usually) her character is pretty much in keeping with the Regency era. It's good to see a character who doesn't come across as cliche, or like a copy of some other popular detective, and Dido does not seem to be either. I also found myself feeling sorry for her, as she was looked down upon for being a plain, poor, middle-aged "spinster."
The mystery was excellent. I figured out part of it, but most of it Dido figured out before I did. ;) It was not the scariest mystery I've read, but there were a few eerie moments. There seems to be an anti-abortion message in the story, and Dido Kent is the daughter of a clergyman (in fact, I don't think Christianity is ever portrayed in a negative light), so those are more reasons to approve of this book.
Now, some stuff I didn't like...
Some of the characters are introduced to the reader very vaguely...even at the end of the book, I wasn't exactly sure why they would even be at Bellfield Hall. It was not a big deal, since it didn't detract much from my understanding of the story, but it certainly confuzzled me.
Secondly, in a couple scenes, Dido pretends to be a fortune-teller/palm-reader in order to find out information. I don't claim to be an expert on the Regency era, and I don't claim to know what most middle-aged women thought of fortune-telling back then, but I had less respect for Dido as a result, and it seemed out of character/era.
Thirdly, the solutions to the mysteries were also explained in a vague way. I guess I'm used to Poirot's point-blank explanations, but there was one aspect of the story in particular that I didn't really get, and that was Richard's moral character. It seemed ambiguous.
Overall: It was a fun, suspenseful, and worthwhile read. I don't know if the local libraries have the next book in the series (A Gentleman of Fortune), but if they do, I will most likely check it out. :)
Thursday, 18 February 2010
My laptop is working again!!! =) Lately, it hadn't been starting up properly, but Dad installed the Vista service packs and now, so far, everything is fine.
And, Lindsey Vonn won gold! Watching the Olympics is highly addicting; figure skating is my favourite sport to watch, but I also like the skiing and snowboarding events, and short track skating. What are your faves?
And, I've also been reading Percival Keene (really good so far), and I just started Bellfield Hall, so far it's pretty good. Book review coming soon, hopefully!
And, Lindsey Vonn won gold! Watching the Olympics is highly addicting; figure skating is my favourite sport to watch, but I also like the skiing and snowboarding events, and short track skating. What are your faves?
Friday, 12 February 2010
Rules:
1. Do a quick post about the person that tagged you saying thanks
2. Answer the 10 questions
3. Follow 3 new blogs and list them.
4. Tag 6 people
5. Challenge one person to do something fun or crazy
Thanks, Ashley, for the tag! Go check out her blog if you haven't done so yet!
the 10 questions:
1: Have you ever been to a rodeo? No
2: Have you ever tried to ride a cow? No
3: Have you ever milked a cow or goat? No
4: Have you ever been to a Demolition Derby? No
5: What is your favorite Country song? Ghost Riders in the Sky
b: Who's the artist? Sons of the Pioneers
6: Do you like to hunt? I've never gone hunting.
7: Have you ever cooked your breakfast over an open fire in your backyard? Not yet. ;)
8: Have you ever thought that the muck was shallow and when you stepped in it, you sank knee deep? No...
9: What is the hardest thing you have ever done? Tried snowboarding.
10: (The question is optional) What's one of your most embarrassing moments?
Snowboarding lessons.
I tag anybody who wants to do it!
1. Do a quick post about the person that tagged you saying thanks
2. Answer the 10 questions
3. Follow 3 new blogs and list them.
4. Tag 6 people
5. Challenge one person to do something fun or crazy
Thanks, Ashley, for the tag! Go check out her blog if you haven't done so yet!
the 10 questions:
1: Have you ever been to a rodeo? No
2: Have you ever tried to ride a cow? No
3: Have you ever milked a cow or goat? No
4: Have you ever been to a Demolition Derby? No
5: What is your favorite Country song? Ghost Riders in the Sky
b: Who's the artist? Sons of the Pioneers
6: Do you like to hunt? I've never gone hunting.
7: Have you ever cooked your breakfast over an open fire in your backyard? Not yet. ;)
8: Have you ever thought that the muck was shallow and when you stepped in it, you sank knee deep? No...
9: What is the hardest thing you have ever done? Tried snowboarding.
10: (The question is optional) What's one of your most embarrassing moments?
Snowboarding lessons.
I tag anybody who wants to do it!
Wednesday, 10 February 2010
When it comes to sewing, few things (if any) are more inspiring to me than watching a good costume drama. :) So, I sewed a costume from The Young Victoria--it's based on the yellow dress she wears to the king's birthday, and I made it for an 11 1/2 inch doll:
The lovely flower-print lace was something someone gave me a couple years ago; the ribbon is also from the lady who gave me the lace, and the rest of the fabric/trim was stuff we had already...
The gloves were an experiment, first time I'd attempted to make them.
If I were to do it over, there are a couple things I'd change; but overall, I'm really happy with how it turned out. =)
BTW, the DVD is set for a release date of April 20; you can pre-order it from Amazon.
The lovely flower-print lace was something someone gave me a couple years ago; the ribbon is also from the lady who gave me the lace, and the rest of the fabric/trim was stuff we had already...
The gloves were an experiment, first time I'd attempted to make them.
If I were to do it over, there are a couple things I'd change; but overall, I'm really happy with how it turned out. =)
BTW, the DVD is set for a release date of April 20; you can pre-order it from Amazon.
Tuesday, 9 February 2010
The rules are simple:
1. List 8 stories or books that you would like to live in (for two weeks)
2. List 8 other bloggers who deserve this award
3. Comment on their blog, and tell them they won an award
My list:
- The Fellowship of the Ring...particularly in The Shire! It's so pretty and green and English. :)
- Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass. A bit scary, but it would be cool!
- The Silver Chair (from Chronicles of Narnia)
- Treasure Island
- Journey to the Center of the Earth
- Sherlock Holmes series. Of course. =)
- The Lost World (by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)...maybe, maybe not...
- The Magician's Nephew
I award:
Jonathan, Gray, Maggie, Celtic Traveler, Nibs, Kiwi da Fruit, Ashley, and Emily, if they want to do it; and anyone else who wants to do it!
I also have a tag from Ashley, coming up..... :)
Monday, 8 February 2010
Well, yesterday was the last part of Emma, and (not being a football fan) I also finished rewatching Lord of the Rings for the umpteenth time--actually, I've been keeping track, and this is approx. the 6th time I've seen Fellowship and Two Towers, and the 4th time I've seen Return. I'm still impressed by how good they are! I keep noticing things I didn't notice before, and certain scenes are almost just as amazing as when I first saw them--Emiko and I ran out of Kleenex more than once.
This version of Emma is definitely one of my top favourite Jane Austen movies, and it wins the award, imo, for best Regency costumes ever! Most of the dresses are pretty, colourful, creative, and relatively modest; and all the costumes in general look pretty realistic...I mean, they actually look wearable! Episode 2 inspired me to make a Regency blouse, not finished yet but I'll post pics when it is. :) And forget Darcy; MR KNIGHTLEY IS THE BEST!!! I think I like this version of him just as much as Northam's version, and that's saying a lot, lol. This Emma Woodhouse is also the best version I've seen, actually a little bit likeable; I love the scene where she echoes "Badly done!"--that was brilliant on the part of the scriptwriters. Overall, the most enjoyable adaptation of Emma yet. Most of the cast is excellent, and I love the use of flashbacks, narration, and Emma's imagination. I wouldn't call myself a Jane Austen purist, but I still think this series kept to the spirit of the book well, and most of the stuff the scriptwriters added was in good taste and in keeping with the original story and portrayals.
Now if they would only do some Bronte adaptations that kept to the spirit of the books. *sigh* Maybe someday!
What did you think of "Emma"?
Also, thanks to those of you who've tagged or awarded me! I'll be posting those soon, as well as some photos......
This version of Emma is definitely one of my top favourite Jane Austen movies, and it wins the award, imo, for best Regency costumes ever! Most of the dresses are pretty, colourful, creative, and relatively modest; and all the costumes in general look pretty realistic...I mean, they actually look wearable! Episode 2 inspired me to make a Regency blouse, not finished yet but I'll post pics when it is. :) And forget Darcy; MR KNIGHTLEY IS THE BEST!!! I think I like this version of him just as much as Northam's version, and that's saying a lot, lol. This Emma Woodhouse is also the best version I've seen, actually a little bit likeable; I love the scene where she echoes "Badly done!"--that was brilliant on the part of the scriptwriters. Overall, the most enjoyable adaptation of Emma yet. Most of the cast is excellent, and I love the use of flashbacks, narration, and Emma's imagination. I wouldn't call myself a Jane Austen purist, but I still think this series kept to the spirit of the book well, and most of the stuff the scriptwriters added was in good taste and in keeping with the original story and portrayals.
Now if they would only do some Bronte adaptations that kept to the spirit of the books. *sigh* Maybe someday!
What did you think of "Emma"?
Also, thanks to those of you who've tagged or awarded me! I'll be posting those soon, as well as some photos......
Monday, 1 February 2010
Fanny left the room with a very sorrowful heart; she could not feel the difference to be so small, she could not think of living with her aunt with anything like satisfaction. As soon as she met with Edmund she told him her distress.;)
"Cousin," said she, "something is going to happen which I do not like at all; and though you have often persuaded me into being reconciled to things that I disliked at first, you will not be able to do it now. I am going to live entirely with my aunt Norris."
"Indeed!"
"Yes; my aunt Bertram has just told me so. It is quite settled. I am to leave Mansfield Park, and go to the White House, I suppose, as soon as she is removed there."
Been re-reading Mansfield Park...I also want to re-read S&S and Emma (which was my favourite). I'm not much of a fan of Austen's writing style, but I've been appreciating it more this time around. What's your favourite Jane Austen story, and why?
BTW, thanks to everyone for voting on the poll--and if you haven't voted yet, I'd appreciate it if you did! =)
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