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Title: The Country of the Pointed Firs: And Other Stories by Sarah Orne Jewett, Anita Shreve ISBN: 0-451-52757-7 Publisher: New American Library Pub. Date: February, 2000 Format: Mass Market Paperback Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $3.95 |
Average Customer Rating: 3.96 (23 reviews)
Rating: 3
Summary: For 40 and Over
Comment: After reading The Country of the Pointed Firs, I felt indifferent about the novel, although I considered recommending the book to my mother. Even though the characters were fully developed I could not relate to or identify with any of them. Therefore I finished the book without any strong reactions, negative or positive, about its content. I could not identify with the characters such as Mrs. Todd, Mrs. Blackett, Captain Littlepage, or William because they were all senior citizens and Jewett never described their interactions or relationships with young people. The closest look the reader gets of their relations with younger people is through the characters' memories of earlier stages of their lives. For instance, Mrs. Todd takes the narrator to her and her late husband Nathan's favorite spot. Captain Littlepage reminisces about his seafaring days. Mrs. Fosdick described the hermit behavior of poor Joanna. In addition to the memories of the characters, Jewett included articulate descriptions of her natural surroundings as well as the details of the characters everyday lives. For example, she described the atmosphere of the funeral procession as well as Mrs. Todd's occupation of picking and selling therapeutic herbs. I found these passages difficult to get through since my attention drifted several times while reading them. Even though the passages were boring to read I think that if I actually experienced the moments Jewett described I would find them fulfilling. Floating along the water, seeing those pointed firs, and listening for the tide would be breathtaking, but reading about it made my eyelids droop. I would recommend this book to my mom because she enjoys visiting and chatting with older folks. Plus, she always talks about moving to Maine because she thinks it is so beautiful. To truly appreciate this book, I think the reader must possess a level of maturity that most people don't achieve until they have lived a good 40 years. In general the other readers who reviewed this novel made good points about its content. The reader who responded on February 10th explains the book in the second sentence excellently by recognizing that it is a novel about personalities in a beautiful place. The experience of the reader in Sacramento is an example of my theory that you must posses a certain level of maturity to appreciate Jewett's writing. What seemed pointless at twenty for that reader was wonderful at fifty. Kavlie's review was one I didn't agree with because it was very closed minded. While this student may not have found anything meaningful in the novel, the response that it does not deserve to survive a library fire is ignorant. If a reader takes the time to examine Jewett's writing, he or she should be able to recognize that The Country of the Pointed Firs is a good literary work. So if you read this book and are disappointed keep it on your bookshelf for a later day because it may surprise you.
Rating: 4
Summary: This book brought me peace from start to finish
Comment: Sarah Orne Jewett keeps her readers interested from page to page, not through action and adventure, but through intellectual conversation. Usually I would not have picked up The Country of the Pointed Firs, because nine out of ten of the books that I read contain constant action sequences from one page to the next. Although after reading this book from beginning to end, I began to understand the characters in the book and could relate to the peaceful community that they belonged to. The narrator brings us into her everyday peaceful life through the emotion and laid-back style that she puts into every description. The narrator's love for nature helps us to understand New England as she sees it. She helps all of us "city people" to accept New England for what it is, paradise. The narrator, with the help of Mrs. Todd, Mrs. Todd's mother, and William, help give the reader some background and history of New England specifically Maine where they live. The small part that I enjoyed most though, was the narrator's discussion with the old and wise Captain Littlepage. His description of the island that he had visited while he was out at sea brought a very mysterious feeling to the book. I was upset to find out that this was where the mystery ended. I also enjoyed Jewett's ability to describe some of the close and personal family relationships in the story. At times I felt like I knew the entire life story of all the characters in the story. All in all I really enjoyed the book. I do not recommend it to a younger crowd, but I know all old and young adults will enjoy it as I did. Sarah Orne Jewett has created a masterpiece that will last for years to come.
Rating: 5
Summary: Balm for the soul
Comment: I'd have to disagree that this title is for older readers. But I can see how, in general, a more sedate pace is required to truly enjoy the read.
I'm 27 and currently undergoing chemotherapy for metastatic breast cancer. I'm an avid reader, but since treatment began I haven't been able to focus so well.
I happened to pick up this book on a whim, and I do no regret it. While there is no plot, and the chapters are really just a series of character sketches, this book is pure magic. You have to be in the right frame of mind to appreciate it though.
I've been sick a lot through treatment and when I've tried to read "lighter" books, they've barely aroused my interest for long.
This book is in no way light. It is quiet and subtle and still and profoundly deep. It is exactly what I needed, a literary balm for the soul--taking me to a place and allowing me to meet people long lost to time, immersing me in a beautiful world I don't really wish to leave.
It draws you in, as if it's winter and you are welcomed into a warm room with a cozy fire--and it wraps around you with all the comfort of heaven.
I'll be disappointed when I reach the last page and thus the end of this particular journey.
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Title: A Country Doctor by Sarah Orne Jewett ISBN: 0553214985 Publisher: Bantam Pub. Date: 06 April, 1999 List Price(USD): $4.95 |
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Title: A White Heron and Other Stories by Sarah Orne Jewett ISBN: 0486408841 Publisher: Dover Pubns Pub. Date: 23 December, 1999 List Price(USD): $2.50 |
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Title: The Rise of Silas Lapham (The Penguin American Library) by William Dean Howells ISBN: 0140390308 Publisher: Viking Press Pub. Date: April, 1983 List Price(USD): $12.00 |
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Title: McTeague: A Story of San Francisco by Frank Norris, Eric Solomon ISBN: 0451528913 Publisher: Signet Pub. Date: 05 August, 2003 List Price(USD): $7.95 |
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Title: The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton, Anna Quindlen ISBN: 0451527569 Publisher: New American Library Pub. Date: February, 2000 List Price(USD): $4.95 |
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