Balzac and the Little Book Group

Linda Sappenfield — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 17:26:00 GMT

If you're a book clubber, you've probably noticed this, too: the most satisfying discussions result when some of the group didn't care for the chosen title and, in airing their grievances, point out facets the rest of us missed or perhaps even incite a spirited debate.

Everyone who attended this week's Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress event apparently liked the book, but the conversation flowed nicely despite universal approval. As discussion leader, I claim no credit; Dai Sijie's first novel is pretty much a can't-miss selection, either for individual pleasure reading or for group consideration. The narrative showcases the author's cinematic eye, personal experience in "re-education" during China's Cultural Revolution, and use of imagery and touches of the fairy tale and the fable to incorporate plot elements into a surprisingly compact tale.

Nine attendees contributed insightful comments, and as the conversation progressed, I realized that the majority of the group has actually traveled in China. Hearing others recount anecdotes from their visits and place their trips into the context of recent Chinese history added another dimension to the story.

Relaxing around a table and sipping a latte in the comfort of Star Co.'s back room enhanced my enjoyment of the Balzac exchange. I missed July's Three Cups of Tea event but heard compliments about Friar Tuck's Pantry, another prime location for treating oneself to snacks, beverages, and good talk about books. Of course I love the library, but I could easily get accustomed to more off-site discussions at these great downtown Round Rock venues.

If film viewing is wrong, I don't wanna be right

Linda Sappenfield — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 16:31:00 GMT

Shannon's question (who is the better on-screen Sherlock Holmes: Basil Rathbone or Jeremy Brett?) may prove controversial, but here's my vote: Jeremy Brett.

Rathbone's portrayal is intriguing and suggestive of hidden depths, but Brett's depiction offers even more of the arbitrariness (sometimes downright hostility) that hints at smoldering emotions and something repressed.

On a scale of 1-10 in casting appropriateness (1 is "disastrous", e.g., Leslie Howard as Ashley Wilkes in Gone with the Wind"; 10 is "ideal", e.g., Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy in Pride and Prejudice or Zachary Quinto as young Spock in Star Trek), I rate Basil Rathbone an 8 as Sherlock Holmes, compared to Jeremy Brett's 9. The Holmes character is so difficult that both ratings are sincere compliments; a 10 may not be possible. There, those opinions should stir up an argument or two!

At least we can agree that enjoying movies doesn't hinder our literacy and doesn't constitute cheating on the books. I have finally gotten past feeling unprofessional whenever a great novel-related movie comes to mind and I'm compelled to mention it. Surely it's OK to share that, for example, Gillian Anderson was wonderful as Lily Bart in The House of Mirth, or that Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress is available on DVD. After all, who's to say which literary format speaks more eloquently to the individual?

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Balzac and the Little Book Group

If film viewing is wrong, I don't wanna be right