Shantaram

I haven’t yet finished this book however so far in is incredible! 

I had been recommended it by so many people and from the end of the first chapter i was so excited to get lost in the story. The blurb itself describes an amazing story and as you read it you feel part of Lin’s journey. He was a convict who escaped prison in Australia and embarks on a journey to India. Personally I love India and the colours and the busyness so when I read his description it is really meaningful but he also just describes it so well. I have to say I would edit out some of his extensive illustrations. It is also an insightful look into life on the run and exploring the amazing India. Although his philosophies come across quite pretentious the majority of what he writes is beautiful. 

I cant wait to finish.

Daisy

Animal Farm

Animal Farm is a classic and I decided to read it having read “A Night In Winter” which followed the children of the leading powers of Russia in a similar time. Based on a revolt against the Communism, led by the Pigs. Their ‘motto’ as such was “All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others.” It was quite shocking to read about how the animals treated each other, and knowing that the pigs represent the Soviet Union leaders, it was hurtful to know humans could do that to each other. Orwell’s interpretation of the situation was seamless and very clever, the whole idea of this book is litary pervasion which seems crazy but actually works really well.  Orwell himself explains the story line as “the history of a revolution that went wrong” and it really did. The novel can therefore be seen as the historical analysis of the causes of the failure of communism but that would be boring, I saw it more as a  fairy-tale,  it tells a good story and is eloquently written that aims to prove that it is human nature and diversity that prevent people from being equal and happy and I guess also equally happy.

A must read.

Daisy