Now, I used to be an avid reader, but recently the books I've been reading are compulsory readings at uni. (Yeah, we were practically forced to read them...) Anyhow, I read about 5 books in total (Hey, still better than nothing), and now it's time to rate them. What I read this year opened my eyes to certain things, so I'm grateful for all 5 of them.
So, what did I read? I'll guide you from my least favorite to the most.
Sons and Lovers by D.H Lawrence
Remember I said that we were forced to read this? Well, I don't know about anyone else, but I was. The book starts with the somber beginnings of Mrs. Morel, who is later revealed to be the worst mother (and wife) ever.
What's unique about this novel is that D.H. Lawrence uses Freudian theories (yeah, the psychoanalytic theories that made me go crazy), specifically the Oedipus complex.
Now, if you don't know what the Oedipus complex is, it's the phenomenon where the son is attracted to the mother, and vice versa, sexually. (I know, yikes) But this is mostly unconscious, according to Freud.
So you can get the gist, Mrs. Morel controls her son, Paul's love life, and yikes, that becomes so ugly so quickly.
How did this book open my eyes?
Reading this book allowed me to recognize Mamma's boys, (Which Lanka is full of btw) along with their toxic traits. Even though the plot and the narration are horrible (imo guys imo), this book did offer an insight into the society. So, Kudos to you, Lawrence.
My rate? 2.5/5
The Awakening by Kate Chopin
Hopping all the way back to 19th century New Orleans, The Awakening centers around the story of Edna, a housewife of a businessman. Now, this book was easy to read, with easy dialogues, an easy story, and easy everything! But the story is bland, not one that I'd volunteer to read if it were up to my decision.
Critics say it's an American Madam Bovay, and hey, it is. Edna is a lover, but a married one with kids. She has two lovers and a husband, but she dearly loves only one. ( and that ain't her husband)
Edna also desires to put back her motherly duties and wishes to be independent. (Now that's more like it gurl) The novel is ahead of its time, and Kate has done a great job representing feminist ideas, misogynistic mentality as well as naturalistic tendencies all in one book.
What did I gain from the novel?
I gained an insight into the 19th-century working class and the struggles of women in that time. Highly relevant to Sri Lankan society, where most women struggle between choosing motherhood vs independence.
My rate? 3 / 5
One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garçia Marquez
Let's settle one thing first, I love magical realism. (Even though it's hard to read and I understand very little of it). The novel centers around the imaginary village of Macondo and its core inhabitants; hundreds of Buendias. All the Aurelinios and Arcadios drive me crazy with the hundreds of wars, adultery, and incest scenes.
Altogether, the novel is a complete mess, jumping from one timeline to another, showing how Macando gets corrupted day by day.
What did I get from the book?
Impact of capitalism. Yep. The book is full of many other themes, (like solitude duh) but what stands out the most are corruption and capitalism. A great insight into the Lankan society too, If you ask me.
My rate? 3.8 / 5
The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
Now, this one traumatized me to the core. (When I say to the core, it's to the coreee)
The book follows the story of a handmaid called Offred and shows the horrors of reproductive slavery.
Dystopia is not my thing, but this novel takes a great narrative to keep you hooked till the end. Unusually, the bone-chilling horrors are what keep you going. Unfortunately, the book ends with a cliffhanger (Why Atwood?)
But if you're interested, there's a whole TV show with five seasons, but the storyline is different from the novel.
What did I gain?
The book takes one step further from naturalism. The extreme post-modernist nature and the extreme religious nature are the end of humanity, if you ask me. The notes on extreme religious cults and totalitarian power are haunting. Makes you double-check your reality and how close you are to a nightmarish regime.
My rate - 4.2 /5
The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy
Now, this was my fave out of all. Again, this novel has notes of magical realism, which makes it so much better than normal novels. Roy illustrates the story of two twins in Kerala, and their haunting childhood. But really, it's the story of Ammu ( Twin's mother) and her Dalit lover, Velutha.
I personally loved the novel because of the poetic prose. Roy knows how to play with words. (But in a beautiful way of course). The novel is a tragedy, it always is, isn't it, in case of caste clashes?
What did I learn?
I learned the love laws in society, about who should be loved, and how much, in Roy's words. The colonized mindset is so applicable to the Lankan society, so this is definitely a good read. (If you're into South Asian literature, that is)
My rate? 4.8 / 5
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