Finished Mo 2/27/12
Part of a series featuring Riley Spartz who is an on-air investigator for Channel 3 News, Minneapolis, MN. A murder of a young waitress in which a chalk angel was traced around the body is linked to a serial killer working in the region. Riley is covering the murder, and soon realizes that the young woman, Kate, is the sister of her old college roommate, Laura. Riley and Laura had a falling out when Laura accused a fellow student of rape, and it was shown that the sex was consensual, and she made the accusation only to protect her reputation. Apparently, she has a history of this behavior, but this is a thread that is not really followed in the novel.
The killer is a local Minneapolis probate lawyer. This man feels that he is under the spell of 'The Black Angel' which is a statue in The Oakland Cemetery in Iowa City, IA. The statue is a bronze angel with the wings pointing down, and was erected at the gravesite of Teresa Dolezal Feldevert, her husband, and son. Many legends have circulated over the years, this sinister monument makes Oakland one of the most haunted sites in Iowa.
The novel is an easy read, and delivers a modest payoff. The interesting part of the novel is that their are some insights as to how a real TV news-network handles the news. The author, Julie Kramer has a background in television news.
My post at GoodReads:
This novel is part of a series featuring Riley Spartz who is an on-air investigator for Channel 3 News, Minneapolis, MN. KILLING KATE examines the murder of a young waitress in which a chalk angel was traced around the body, and this killing is linked to a serial killer working the region. The novel uses the legend surrounding,'The Black Angel', which is a real statue in The Oakland Cemetery in Iowa City, IA. The statue is a bronze angel with the wings pointing down, and was erected at the gravesite of Teresa Dolezal Feldevert, her husband, and son. Many legends have circulated over the years, and this sinister monument makes Oakland one of the most haunted sites in Iowa.
The novel is an easy read, and delivers a modest payoff. The interesting part of the novel is that their are some insights as to how a real TV news-network handles the news. The author, Julie Kramer has a background in television news.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Friday, February 24, 2012
LOOK AT ME Jennifer Egan
Finished Th 2/25/12
"Terrorism per se was never my intention".
My post on GoodReads:
The novel presents a high-fashion model who is in a near fatal car accident, and requires massive reconstructive surgery, and months of recovery. However, Egan treats this intriguing proposition only as a 'jumping off point', and shuns the obvious plot-line of a disfigured or changed individual who must reclaim her place in the fashion world. But instead, introduces dozens of three-dimensional characters, byzantine relationships, and colorful philosophical flights of fancy for your reading pleasure. Overall, I felt that LOOK AT ME is a tremendous novel, although it might be considered a bit 'over-written'. The novel is chock-full of delightful digressions, odd insights, and feverish descriptions, yet this is Egan's style, and made me want to read more by this author.
Charlotte Swenson, Super Model, but aging fast.
Rockford, IL
Ellen/young Charlotte- Childhood friend of Charlotte, named daughter after her?
Frank-Ellen's husband, Charlotte can't stand him
Ricky- Ellen's son, 13 years old, recovering from cancer
Moose (Edmund)-Ellen's brother, crazed professor, theory of 'glass', served time for almost setting off an explosive device.
Michael West- Muslim terrorist, math teacher and lover of young Charlotte
Anthony Halliday-looking for 'Z' which is the code name? for Michael West
Irene Maitlock-poses as reporter, but really professor who examines how contemporary culture changes a particular group. Ex-detectives are changed by reading and watching detective thriller.
Thomas Keene-Charlotte the model's manager. Has an idea to create a kind of Reality Website which focuses on the lives of Ordinary/Extraordinary people. Charlotte is profiled.
Professor's doctoral thesis: The thirteenth century's development of glass might have been one of the most significant advances in human history. Windows allowed people to actually see their environment, and they began to address the filth. Also, people began to notice each other, and this led to developments in fashion, and, maybe even chivalry. Glass development led to 'lenses', and this jump-started Science and Astronomy.
Charlotte, a high-fashion model, has a bad car accident and requires months of recovery, and is forced to undergo extensive reconstructive surgery which alters her appearance. She relocates to her hometown of Rockford, IL, and reconnects with friends and family members. Ellen, her best friend from high school, is now married with two children, Charlotte and Ricky. Charlotte is senior, and is having an affair with a math teacher from a local high school who happens to be a Muslim terrorist. And, Ricky is recovering from cancer. Ellen's brother, Moose, was a popular high school athlete, and earned his PHD, but has a history of mental instability. Charlotte the model becomes involved with a scheme to re-start her career by becoming a star of a 'reality-type' television show.
Tremendous novel, although it might be a bit 'over-written'. The novel is chock-full of delightful digressions, odd insights, and feverish descriptions, yet this is Egan's style, and made me want to read more by this author.
"Terrorism per se was never my intention".
My post on GoodReads:
The novel presents a high-fashion model who is in a near fatal car accident, and requires massive reconstructive surgery, and months of recovery. However, Egan treats this intriguing proposition only as a 'jumping off point', and shuns the obvious plot-line of a disfigured or changed individual who must reclaim her place in the fashion world. But instead, introduces dozens of three-dimensional characters, byzantine relationships, and colorful philosophical flights of fancy for your reading pleasure. Overall, I felt that LOOK AT ME is a tremendous novel, although it might be considered a bit 'over-written'. The novel is chock-full of delightful digressions, odd insights, and feverish descriptions, yet this is Egan's style, and made me want to read more by this author.
Charlotte Swenson, Super Model, but aging fast.
Rockford, IL
Ellen/young Charlotte- Childhood friend of Charlotte, named daughter after her?
Frank-Ellen's husband, Charlotte can't stand him
Ricky- Ellen's son, 13 years old, recovering from cancer
Moose (Edmund)-Ellen's brother, crazed professor, theory of 'glass', served time for almost setting off an explosive device.
Michael West- Muslim terrorist, math teacher and lover of young Charlotte
Anthony Halliday-looking for 'Z' which is the code name? for Michael West
Irene Maitlock-poses as reporter, but really professor who examines how contemporary culture changes a particular group. Ex-detectives are changed by reading and watching detective thriller.
Thomas Keene-Charlotte the model's manager. Has an idea to create a kind of Reality Website which focuses on the lives of Ordinary/Extraordinary people. Charlotte is profiled.
Professor's doctoral thesis: The thirteenth century's development of glass might have been one of the most significant advances in human history. Windows allowed people to actually see their environment, and they began to address the filth. Also, people began to notice each other, and this led to developments in fashion, and, maybe even chivalry. Glass development led to 'lenses', and this jump-started Science and Astronomy.
Charlotte, a high-fashion model, has a bad car accident and requires months of recovery, and is forced to undergo extensive reconstructive surgery which alters her appearance. She relocates to her hometown of Rockford, IL, and reconnects with friends and family members. Ellen, her best friend from high school, is now married with two children, Charlotte and Ricky. Charlotte is senior, and is having an affair with a math teacher from a local high school who happens to be a Muslim terrorist. And, Ricky is recovering from cancer. Ellen's brother, Moose, was a popular high school athlete, and earned his PHD, but has a history of mental instability. Charlotte the model becomes involved with a scheme to re-start her career by becoming a star of a 'reality-type' television show.
Tremendous novel, although it might be a bit 'over-written'. The novel is chock-full of delightful digressions, odd insights, and feverish descriptions, yet this is Egan's style, and made me want to read more by this author.
STILL ALICE by Lisa Genova
Finished We 2/15/12
This book was the selection for my Contemporary Book Club, February 22, 2012.
The book was a quick and easy read, and was just as compelling as any thriller. My only problem was that I felt the ending to be just a bit too romantic. Many people with Alzheimer's are not so accepting and loving as Alice, and their families are not in a position to offer such unilateral support. This tragic condition can cause extreme states of anger and confusion, and I think that the author's message might be misinterpreted as, 'with Love, all things are surmountable'. And, with certain Alzheimer's patients, this is farthest from the truth.
This book was the selection for my Contemporary Book Club, February 22, 2012.
The book was a quick and easy read, and was just as compelling as any thriller. My only problem was that I felt the ending to be just a bit too romantic. Many people with Alzheimer's are not so accepting and loving as Alice, and their families are not in a position to offer such unilateral support. This tragic condition can cause extreme states of anger and confusion, and I think that the author's message might be misinterpreted as, 'with Love, all things are surmountable'. And, with certain Alzheimer's patients, this is farthest from the truth.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
THE KILLING OF THE TINKERS by Ken Bruen
Finished Th 2/16/12
Pithy and succinct, almost has the feel of a screenplay. Jack Taylor might be an Irish relation of Mathew Scudder. Although Scudder is only devoted to alcohol, Taylor's tastes are more catholic.
Jack Taylor is an ex-member of Ireland's national police force, The Guardians. He is cross-addicted to booze and drugs, and also has an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. This novel begins when he returns to his home city of Galway, Ireland from London. Apparently he had cleaned up his act, but now he is drinking and drugging with a vengeance. He is contacted by a gypsy tinker by the name of 'Sweeper', and he wants Jack to investigate the murders of young men in his clan. He rekindles his friendship with pub owners Jeff and Cathy, and The Nestor becomes his base of operations. We meet Jack's new wife, Kiki, his new girlfriend, Laura, Keegan, an English policeman who helps on the investigation, and Ronald Bryson, the man who IS NOT the killer.
The high-points of a Ken Bruen novel are the various(numerous)references to works of literature and music that help to define Jack Taylor's character. He might be a drunk and an addict, but his taste in music, both new and old, and the literary arts are impeccable.
Pithy and succinct, almost has the feel of a screenplay. Jack Taylor might be an Irish relation of Mathew Scudder. Although Scudder is only devoted to alcohol, Taylor's tastes are more catholic.
Jack Taylor is an ex-member of Ireland's national police force, The Guardians. He is cross-addicted to booze and drugs, and also has an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. This novel begins when he returns to his home city of Galway, Ireland from London. Apparently he had cleaned up his act, but now he is drinking and drugging with a vengeance. He is contacted by a gypsy tinker by the name of 'Sweeper', and he wants Jack to investigate the murders of young men in his clan. He rekindles his friendship with pub owners Jeff and Cathy, and The Nestor becomes his base of operations. We meet Jack's new wife, Kiki, his new girlfriend, Laura, Keegan, an English policeman who helps on the investigation, and Ronald Bryson, the man who IS NOT the killer.
The high-points of a Ken Bruen novel are the various(numerous)references to works of literature and music that help to define Jack Taylor's character. He might be a drunk and an addict, but his taste in music, both new and old, and the literary arts are impeccable.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
FRANNY & ZOOEY
Finished Tu 2/14/12
A couple of weeks ago I read an article about the 'Second Anniversary' of Salinger's death, and they said that although not quite as popular as CATCHER IN THE RYE, FRANNY & ZOOEY was the better novel. And, I agree.
Salinger's characters seem to focus (obsess?) over the 'phoniness' of the people in their lives. If only they could connect with one single honest and authentic individual. And, to this day, that's a perennial theme in the life of any young person anywhere in the world. But, what I really have always enjoyed about Salinger's work, is that he attempts to blend and demonstrate the common ground of the core beliefs of Christianity with the philosophies and religions of the East. Salinger, Thomas Merton, and Pope John XXIII helped to usher in this ecumenical movement of the 60's. Today, modern Conservative Christians are convinced that they have all the answers, and there is nothing to be learned from any other point of view. It's a shame, but America has become an evangelical nation, but not very Christian at all. I'm sure that Salinger did not approve.
A couple of weeks ago I read an article about the 'Second Anniversary' of Salinger's death, and they said that although not quite as popular as CATCHER IN THE RYE, FRANNY & ZOOEY was the better novel. And, I agree.
Salinger's characters seem to focus (obsess?) over the 'phoniness' of the people in their lives. If only they could connect with one single honest and authentic individual. And, to this day, that's a perennial theme in the life of any young person anywhere in the world. But, what I really have always enjoyed about Salinger's work, is that he attempts to blend and demonstrate the common ground of the core beliefs of Christianity with the philosophies and religions of the East. Salinger, Thomas Merton, and Pope John XXIII helped to usher in this ecumenical movement of the 60's. Today, modern Conservative Christians are convinced that they have all the answers, and there is nothing to be learned from any other point of view. It's a shame, but America has become an evangelical nation, but not very Christian at all. I'm sure that Salinger did not approve.
Monday, February 13, 2012
TIME TO MURDER AND CREATE by Lawrence Block
Finished Mo 2/13/12
This is the second in the Mathew Scudder series, and I love them all, especially the early ones where Matt is still in the depths of his addiction to alcohol. He drinks bourbon and coffee-a great way to get loaded, and stay awake. This edition had an introduction by Jonathan Kellerman and an afterward written by Lawrence Block.
Block's afterward was particularly revealing in that the he says that the title to this novel was taken from THE LOVE SONG OF J. ALFRED PRUFROCK by T.S. Eliot. And, he claims that he hadn't yet decided that all of the Scudder novels would have five-word titles. It just happened.
Plot:
An acquaintance of Scudder's asks him to keep an envelope, and in the event of his death, open it, and do what Scudder feels is necessary. The man, 'Spinner', is murdered, and Scudder learns that he had been blackmailing three individuals, and one of them must have killed him. Scudder feels that he must determine the murderer, and keep the secrets of the other two individuals. They paid for silence, and they should get it.
1) Pager- His daughter killed a three year old in a hit and run, and Pager bought off the police.
2) Ethridge- She is now in 'high society', and married to a very wealthy man, but she has a secret past as a porn star.
3) Huysendahl- A very wealthy individual who has dreams, and a real a real shot of being a future governor of New York. The envelope has proof that this man is a pedophile.
#1 Commits suicide by shooting himself in the head while Scudder waits in his office.
#2 Her boyfriend makes two attempts on Scudder's life. Once by running over the curb with a car, and once in a knife fight in which Scudder breaks his neck.
#3 Because of his pedophilia, Scudder keeps the information, and tells him that if he runs, Scudder will release the information.
The dialogue is vivid and succinct, and the setting of a Scudder novel is like 'time traveling' to the New York of the nineteen-seventies and early eighties. Block's writing style is elegant, yet short and to the point, and Block always conveys a sense of sulky melancholy. Block's Scudder series is one of the finest examples of the Fictional Crime genre.
This is the second in the Mathew Scudder series, and I love them all, especially the early ones where Matt is still in the depths of his addiction to alcohol. He drinks bourbon and coffee-a great way to get loaded, and stay awake. This edition had an introduction by Jonathan Kellerman and an afterward written by Lawrence Block.
Block's afterward was particularly revealing in that the he says that the title to this novel was taken from THE LOVE SONG OF J. ALFRED PRUFROCK by T.S. Eliot. And, he claims that he hadn't yet decided that all of the Scudder novels would have five-word titles. It just happened.
Plot:
An acquaintance of Scudder's asks him to keep an envelope, and in the event of his death, open it, and do what Scudder feels is necessary. The man, 'Spinner', is murdered, and Scudder learns that he had been blackmailing three individuals, and one of them must have killed him. Scudder feels that he must determine the murderer, and keep the secrets of the other two individuals. They paid for silence, and they should get it.
1) Pager- His daughter killed a three year old in a hit and run, and Pager bought off the police.
2) Ethridge- She is now in 'high society', and married to a very wealthy man, but she has a secret past as a porn star.
3) Huysendahl- A very wealthy individual who has dreams, and a real a real shot of being a future governor of New York. The envelope has proof that this man is a pedophile.
#1 Commits suicide by shooting himself in the head while Scudder waits in his office.
#2 Her boyfriend makes two attempts on Scudder's life. Once by running over the curb with a car, and once in a knife fight in which Scudder breaks his neck.
#3 Because of his pedophilia, Scudder keeps the information, and tells him that if he runs, Scudder will release the information.
The dialogue is vivid and succinct, and the setting of a Scudder novel is like 'time traveling' to the New York of the nineteen-seventies and early eighties. Block's writing style is elegant, yet short and to the point, and Block always conveys a sense of sulky melancholy. Block's Scudder series is one of the finest examples of the Fictional Crime genre.
Friday, February 10, 2012
FEAST DAY OF FOOLS by James Lee Burke
Finished Fr 2/10/12
FEAST DAY OF FOOLS is a fantastic novel with an excellent plot, and a compelling premise. Noie Barnum, chief engineer of the 'Unmanned Ariel Vehicle Program'(drones)is on the loose in Hackberry Holland's Texas county. He is either a kidnap victim, or attempting to locate agents within the Al Qaeda network to divulge his highly secret and terribly dangerous knowledge. Hackberry Holland's local police force, secret agencies within the US government, the FBI, The Russian Mafia, a private US security firm, and Mexican gangsters, all want to locate Barnum-at any cost.
The writing style can best be described as very dark and bleak. Although a contemporary novel, the story is very,'Biblical or Old Testament'. It reminded me of parts of the bible where God notes his displeasure and wrath for mankind.
(A Hackberry Holland Novel)
Pam Tibbs-lover of Holland, and top cop on his force
Anton Ling-Chinese woman who smuggles Mexicans across the Tex/Mex border. Ex-CIA from thirty years ago."La Magdalena"
Preacher Jack Collins-Psychotic killer; filled with dire visions from God; from an earlier novel. Thompson Sub-machine gun.
Cody Daniels-Wanted for bombing of an abortion clinic; Vigilante nitwit who watches the border, and shoots over the heads of illegal aliens. The Cowboy Chapel. Is crucified in this chapel.
"Krill"-Agent for Hire; his children were killed by US in Central America.
Negrito-Black Mexican lieutenant of Krill's. Stone Cold Killer, and looks like a gorilla.
Danny Boy Lorca-Drunken Indian who witnesses a brutal torture/murder.
Josef Sholokoff-Russian mobster who deals drugs and arms.
Noie Barnum-Wants to share with the world the knowledge of The Drones. His bi-sexual sister died at The Twin Towers. Jumped to her death holding hands with her lover. He really wants to infiltrate Al Qaeda and wreak havoc. A dangerous romantic.
Temple Dowling-Son of US Senator; Hackberry ran for Congress with the help of Temple's father many years before. Found both the son and father deeply corrupt. Son is pedophile. Heads a private security group.
Ethan Riser-FBI agent, friend of Hackberry. Dying of cancer
UAV-Unmanned Aerial Vehicles(Drones)
RC-deputy of Hackberry; was kidnapped in Mexico and rescued by Tibbs and Holland, although first freed by Jack Collins. RC was buried in a grave by Negrito, and made to breath through an ancient oxygen hose.
FEAST DAY OF FOOLS is a fantastic novel with an excellent plot, and a compelling premise. Noie Barnum, chief engineer of the 'Unmanned Ariel Vehicle Program'(drones)is on the loose in Hackberry Holland's Texas county. He is either a kidnap victim, or attempting to locate agents within the Al Qaeda network to divulge his highly secret and terribly dangerous knowledge. Hackberry Holland's local police force, secret agencies within the US government, the FBI, The Russian Mafia, a private US security firm, and Mexican gangsters, all want to locate Barnum-at any cost.
The writing style can best be described as very dark and bleak. Although a contemporary novel, the story is very,'Biblical or Old Testament'. It reminded me of parts of the bible where God notes his displeasure and wrath for mankind.
(A Hackberry Holland Novel)
Pam Tibbs-lover of Holland, and top cop on his force
Anton Ling-Chinese woman who smuggles Mexicans across the Tex/Mex border. Ex-CIA from thirty years ago."La Magdalena"
Preacher Jack Collins-Psychotic killer; filled with dire visions from God; from an earlier novel. Thompson Sub-machine gun.
Cody Daniels-Wanted for bombing of an abortion clinic; Vigilante nitwit who watches the border, and shoots over the heads of illegal aliens. The Cowboy Chapel. Is crucified in this chapel.
"Krill"-Agent for Hire; his children were killed by US in Central America.
Negrito-Black Mexican lieutenant of Krill's. Stone Cold Killer, and looks like a gorilla.
Danny Boy Lorca-Drunken Indian who witnesses a brutal torture/murder.
Josef Sholokoff-Russian mobster who deals drugs and arms.
Noie Barnum-Wants to share with the world the knowledge of The Drones. His bi-sexual sister died at The Twin Towers. Jumped to her death holding hands with her lover. He really wants to infiltrate Al Qaeda and wreak havoc. A dangerous romantic.
Temple Dowling-Son of US Senator; Hackberry ran for Congress with the help of Temple's father many years before. Found both the son and father deeply corrupt. Son is pedophile. Heads a private security group.
Ethan Riser-FBI agent, friend of Hackberry. Dying of cancer
UAV-Unmanned Aerial Vehicles(Drones)
RC-deputy of Hackberry; was kidnapped in Mexico and rescued by Tibbs and Holland, although first freed by Jack Collins. RC was buried in a grave by Negrito, and made to breath through an ancient oxygen hose.
LOLA, CALIFORNIA by Edie Meidav
Finished Fr 2/10/12
Victor Mahler was a philosopher/professor, and for several decades a wildly popular cult figure within the psychiatric community. He and his wife had one daughter, Lana, and a second young girl, Rose, who was very close to the family, and BFF with Lana. The novel is told 'out of time', and it is revealed that Victor is dying in jail, and was incarcerated for the murder of his wife, Mary. He discovered that she had been cheating on him for most of their marriage. Rose has become a lawyer and for many years she had been out of Lana's life. After becoming connected with the case, she tracks Lana down at a New Age Spa on the California coast. And, she convinces Lana to visit her father, and help pressure the authorities to let Victor die in freedom. I think that this is a fair summation, but I lost interest after one hundred pages, and skimmed the next two hundred pages over almost two weeks. (And, I read at least two novels before I finally forced myself to finish).
"A cerebral novel spanning four decades and encompassing the tribal conventions and counterculture movements of the 70’s and 80’s".
"Nature vs. nurture is the constant theme of this book. Are we predisposed to be who we are or does our upbringing influence who we become. Lola, California centers on two women Rose and Lana who were inseparable during high school but slowly grew apart afterward until Lana disappears from Rose's life after her father commits a terrible crime for which he was sent to death row. The details of these events slowly unfold. We follow Rose, Lana, and Lana's family through the years but the story does not unfold in chronological order but that storytelling device is effective in providing readers a glimpse of who these individuals are. It becomes obvious there is more to these characters than you first expect, especially Lana, yet it makes sense when taken as a whole. Sometimes the author loses track of her own timeline (some of her numbers don't add up) but it's easy to overlook these lapses. Recommend for those who enjoy novels about family secrets that slowly reveal itself over the course of the novel".
I found the novel to be a rather difficult read, and it was not worth the effort.
The disjointed time-line didn't help the story, and only added to the confusion of a very complex plot-line. I guess this rather compelling tale was wasted on the 'overly clever and convoluted' writing style. For me,'Style' dampened or stifled the 'Substance' of this novel.
Victor Mahler was a philosopher/professor, and for several decades a wildly popular cult figure within the psychiatric community. He and his wife had one daughter, Lana, and a second young girl, Rose, who was very close to the family, and BFF with Lana. The novel is told 'out of time', and it is revealed that Victor is dying in jail, and was incarcerated for the murder of his wife, Mary. He discovered that she had been cheating on him for most of their marriage. Rose has become a lawyer and for many years she had been out of Lana's life. After becoming connected with the case, she tracks Lana down at a New Age Spa on the California coast. And, she convinces Lana to visit her father, and help pressure the authorities to let Victor die in freedom. I think that this is a fair summation, but I lost interest after one hundred pages, and skimmed the next two hundred pages over almost two weeks. (And, I read at least two novels before I finally forced myself to finish).
"A cerebral novel spanning four decades and encompassing the tribal conventions and counterculture movements of the 70’s and 80’s".
"Nature vs. nurture is the constant theme of this book. Are we predisposed to be who we are or does our upbringing influence who we become. Lola, California centers on two women Rose and Lana who were inseparable during high school but slowly grew apart afterward until Lana disappears from Rose's life after her father commits a terrible crime for which he was sent to death row. The details of these events slowly unfold. We follow Rose, Lana, and Lana's family through the years but the story does not unfold in chronological order but that storytelling device is effective in providing readers a glimpse of who these individuals are. It becomes obvious there is more to these characters than you first expect, especially Lana, yet it makes sense when taken as a whole. Sometimes the author loses track of her own timeline (some of her numbers don't add up) but it's easy to overlook these lapses. Recommend for those who enjoy novels about family secrets that slowly reveal itself over the course of the novel".
I found the novel to be a rather difficult read, and it was not worth the effort.
The disjointed time-line didn't help the story, and only added to the confusion of a very complex plot-line. I guess this rather compelling tale was wasted on the 'overly clever and convoluted' writing style. For me,'Style' dampened or stifled the 'Substance' of this novel.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
THE CONFESSIONS OF NAT TURNER by William Styron
Reading on the plane to Phoenix, AZ Wed 2/1/12 These are notes that I wrote on the plane, and transcribed on my laptop at Pineaire Drive.
Finished the novel, Sunday, 2/19/12 The book club meets tomorrow at noon.
My posting on GOODREADS
A gripping and multifaceted tale that contained many interesting and compelling observations. It was very curious that both the slave, Nat Turner, and his owners were Christian, and each used the bible to support their points of view. Nat found justification for armed and violent revolt in the bible, and the slave owners found a defense of slavery within the pages of the same holy book. Also, the novel forces the reader to realize just how astonishing it was that so few slave uprisings occurred in the American South, and emphasizes how psychologically toxic the institution of slavery really was. The fact that a human was denied any sort of compensation for his labor was bad, but the fact that he was robbed of all hope was much more egregious.
My only qualm was that I felt that Styron's writing style was a bit too difficult. It might have been a better approach to refer to Thomas Gray's 1831 deposition in the nineteenth century style, but contrast Nat's story using a more modern fashion of writing. However, I still loved the book, but felt a bit strained reading certain sections of the novel.
TO THE PUBLIC (italics) Written by Thomas Gray about the Confession
I. JUDGEMENT DAY Gray meets with Nat in his cell. Reeks of Apple Blossom perfume, and grimy pink gloves
Nat and the revolutionaries were on the run for ten weeks. Hark=Hercules
Discussion of 'Inanimate vs. Animate Chattle This is actually a defense of the slave owners. Only the slaves which participated the attacks will be prosecuted. The rest, will go back to being slaves
p.37 A tally of the trial results (hung, let go, etc) This is also an appeasment to The North. It shows that they did not indiscriminately prosecute everyone. They only singled out those who were really at fault, but I think it really shows that the slave is an expensive item, it it is in the owner's best interest to use him. An executed slave no longer creates income.
Fly vs. Human The 'Hell of No Choice'. The fly is a 'slave' to endless instinct. Freedom from choice, but then only forced to do one instinctive thing. Negroes do not commit suicide. The mental effort is too much. But Nat guesses that it is their awareness of the spiritual hereafter.
Nat learns that Parker is really his lawyer, and Gray is just an 'ssociate of the court', but in Grays mind, "It's all the same". And it's hard to ascertain how much of the confession is really Nat's. Gray is reading it to him, and it appears that it had been compiled on a previous occaision.
Hark claims that he can 'smell' Good and Bad White People
p. 54 Nat's ownership history. Nat is presently a wheelwright or blacksmith
Hark has never really recovered from the sale of his mother.
p.58 Nat has been thinking of violence against the state for many years, and has been looking to the bible for insiration.
First meeting with Jerimiah Cobb who will be the judge in Nat's trial. He arrives at Nat's plantation with a broken wagon axle, and begins drinking brandy.
p.63 "Black Assed" Nat's awareness that he is only merchandise
Bootlicking vs Politeness A kind of example of passive aggression. Blacks affect an over-the-top servile manner which comes across as 'smart aleck', and insults the White person. White people act excessively polite and knowledgeable to Blacks, and it really highlights the difference between the two. Also, called 'Nigger Needling'
Cobb lost his wife and two daughters to cholera, and then his stable burned to the ground. Reason for his drinking
Hark witnesses Putnam and Joel Westbrook engaging in Gay sex, and this turns Putnam against him. Hark really doesn't care what they do.Putnam is the boy owner of both Nat and Hark
p73 A bible verse which validates the institution of slavery
p78 The more badly that a slave is treated the better. However, if you allow him to hope, he will slice your throat
Hark runs away, and we learn his fear of heights. They put him up a tree. I wonder if this is just Hark 'putting one over' on the white people.
p91 Nat's only killing during the entire escapade is the single killing of Margret Whitehead- 18 years old, and it seems like she was liked by Nat, and Nat liked her as well. Gray hypothesizes that it is 'Negro Cowardice' that Nat only killed one person. And, he seems to use this as a reason that the South need not worry about a major slave revolt.
"Monads" This is kind of a 19th century 'scientific' defense of the Negro's lack of motivation. Their brains do not have enough of these 'monads'
'Characteristics of The Negro Band of Killers'
1)Nelson-50 years or older, Branded with "S"(for Slave?) His present master hit him once, and he retaliated, and it never happened again. Very odd, why wasn't he disiplined?
2)Will- Basically insane and broods about raping white women
3)Sam- Light colored skin and this earns him respect among the slaves (odd)
4)Henry- Almost deaf due to a childhood blow to the head
p115 Nat is denied a bible because Negroes are not allowed to read
p117 Gray makes the case that Nat was deluded by Christianity
SECTION TWO Old Times Past Voices Dreams Recollections p. 123
Nat is 12 years old, and a pock-marked travelling salesman is at the plantation. The man is commenting about the beautiful Springtime in Virginia. Nat is a house servant, and they are being served by him.
The man learns that Nat can spell, and he asks him to spell 'lady'. Everyone tells him to pick a harder word, so he asks Nat to spell COLUMBINE (which is a kind of flower).
Obviously this was written far before the high school shootings but it is very odd and ironic
Samuel feels that the smarter the Negro race the better for all, and Nat is his experiment
p123 Nat mentions his dream of the temple again. This was mentioned in the very beginning of the book
Nat's mother was thirteen when she was bought by Alpheus Turner, father of Samuel and Benjamin
When Nat's grandmother gave birth to his mother, she tried to tear the child apart. Loss of her freedom in Africa
Nat feels a connection to his grandmother, and is drawn to her grave.
p135 This graveyard is to be plowed over to grow yams which tends to portry the 'real' value of the Negro. As long as the Negro (dead or alive) can provide a good or service, he's OK. But, he is only valued by what he can provide. The graveyard provides nothing, so it's plowed over to make food.
Lou-Ann is the name of Nat's mother, and she died possibly of a tumor when Nat was fifteen
Nat Sr. took off when a new owner, Benjamin, 'hollered', at him, and Nat Sr. 'hollered' right back. Benjamin struck him, and Nat Sr. took off. Never seen again. Lou-Ann mentioned Philadelphia, but I don't think she has any idea
Outhouse was where the field negroes mixed or came in contact with the house negroes. Lou-Ann is insulted and feels that she is 'quality'.
Wash, who is the son of Abraham the driver, lights a stick under Nat's butt when he is sitting on the outhouse.
p140 Mr Wiseman vs Mr. Attentive. Part of this book is dropped into the narrative, and we learn later that this is the book that Nat stole. It's by John Bunyan.
Nat mentions the dullness of live as a slave. There is really nothing to do, and nothing that would interest him or someone with a high IQ. This is emphasized when Wash and Nat draw. Nat is able to recreate the sign for Jews, and Wash is unable to do anything more than just draw lines in the dirt.
Whites would believe that a Negro is capable of stealing anything, but not a bood.
Nat reveals that he has been reading the labels on the canned goods in the basement, and is able to prevent the house servants from bringing up the wrong products. LIFE AND DEATH WITH MR. BADMAN is the name of the book, and GRACE ABOUNDING is the second in the series.
SECTION TWO Old Times Past Voices Dreams Recollections p. 123
Nat is 12 years old, and a pock-marked travelling salesman is at the plantation. The man is commenting about the beautiful Springtime in Virginia. Nat is a house servant, and they are being served by him.
The man learns that Nat can spell, and he asks him to spell 'lady'. Everyone tells him to pick a harder word, so he asks Nat to spell COLUMBINE (which is a kind of flower).
Obviously this was written far before the high school shootings but it is very odd and ironic
Samuel feels that the smarter the Negro race the better for all, and Nat is his experiment
p123 Nat mentions his dream of the temple again. This was mentioned in the very beginning of the book
Nat's mother was thirteen when she was bought by Alpheus Turner, father of Samuel and Benjamin
When Nat's grandmother gave birth to his mother, she tried to tear the child apart. Loss of her freedom in Africa
Nat feels a connection to his grandmother, and is drawn to her grave.
p135 This graveyard is to be plowed over to grow yams which tends to portry the 'real' value of the Negro. As long as the Negro (dead or alive) can provide a good or service, he's OK. But, he is only valued by what he can provide. The graveyard provides nothing, so it's plowed over to make food.
Lou-Ann is the name of Nat's mother, and she died possibly of a tumor when Nat was fifteen
Nat Sr. took off when a new owner, Benjamin, 'hollered', at him, and Nat Sr. 'hollered' right back. Benjamin struck him, and Nat Sr. took off. Never seen again. Lou-Ann mentioned Philadelphia, but I don't think she has any idea
Outhouse was where the field negroes mixed or came in contact with the house negroes. Lou-Ann is insulted and feels that she is 'quality'.
Wash, who is the son of Abraham the driver, lights a stick under Nat's butt when he is sitting on the outhouse.
p140 Mr Wiseman vs Mr. Attentive. Part of this book is dropped into the narrative, and we learn later that this is the book that Nat stole. It's by John Bunyan.
Nat mentions the dullness of live as a slave. There is really nothing to do, and nothing that would interest him or someone with a high IQ. This is emphasized when Wash and Nat draw. Nat is able to recreate the sign for Jews, and Wash is unable to do anything more than just draw lines in the dirt.
Whites would believe that a Negro is capable of stealing anything, but not a bood.
Nat reveals that he has been reading the labels on the canned goods in the basement, and is able to prevent the house servants from bringing up the wrong products. LIFE AND DEATH WITH MR. BADMAN is the name of the book, and GRACE ABOUNDING is the second in the series.
p. 149 McBride rapes Lou-Ann ('Uh-Huh, Aw Right) Odd scene, and it seems that she says ok in the end, but still would be considered rape. Wash and Nat are watching unobserved.
p 151 Nat cosiders "My Niggerness" as he observes McBride
Little Morning, an old black slave(house), catches Nat with the stolen book. He is jealous of Nat because Nat is only ten, and he can read. He had previously insulted Little Morning because he was able to read the canned goods, and LM could not.
When Sam is aware that Nat can read, he is happy that his thesis is correct. Slaves can benefit from education, and they are clearly more than children or pets.Although Nat acknowledges an attraction to Sam, he feels that he is only an experiment.
p156 Nat reviews his life if he had been just a 'bright house slave'. Maybe with regard to education, half a loaf is worse than none at all
Nell and Louisa continue to tutor Nat, and call it, "riding their hobby"
Scene in which Benjamin and Samuel disagree about slavery. Benjamin feels that the Negro only has the brain of a child, and can only be controlled or inspired by 'Intimidation, Cajolery, and Threat'.
Although both men are against slavery, Ben feels that they cannot exist on their own, and Sam feels that they can, and even sam admits that it would be folly to free slaves without educating them. Benjamin suggests that he would be in favor of a machine to replace slavery. It would even be better than the present system because they would not have to care for them until they were 95 years old! During this discussion it is the first time that Nat realizes that he is a slave. He had never been referred to as a slave.
Ben maintains that Negroes can only appear to be educated because all the know is by rote. Kind of no understanding, only memorization.
Nell continues to tutor Nat, and now it is pretty much only the bible.
Months later, Ben is killed by a falling tree. He was drunk, and although there was probably no foul play, nobody went out of their way to prevent the incident.
At 14 years of age, Nat becomes very sick, passing blood and is delerious.
Notes made on the concourse at O'Hare Sunday 2/5/12 around 2pm This was the section of the novel that I read on the flight from Phoenix this morning.
From page 163 After illness, he is still a house servant, but learns that he will become an apprenticed carpenter with 'Goat'.
Emmeline is raped. The man doesn't see it like that, he acts as if he is in love. She alludes to being a whore when she was in Baltimore. The only man she ever loved was her pimp.
p191 Sam tells Nat that he will work for Bushrod Pemburton for several years. By the time that Nat is twenty-five he should earn his emmancipation(freedom). Half his wages go to Sam, and Nat gets to keep the rest.
Nat's replacement with Goat as carpenter is Willis.
Gay Sex Scene. Shock and embarrassment causes Nat to babtize both Willis and himself.
Gay relationship between King David and Jonathan?
p211 Nat learns that Willis and three other boys are sold. Sam maintains that he didn't know of any relationship between Nat and Willis, and he is just trying to keep the money coming in to keep Turner's Mill
p243 A description of a slave who could read, and after his death, he was dissected. His brain had wrinkles. Some slaves ate small pieces thinkin that it would make them smarter. KASPER HAUSER?
Master Turner and the family moves deeper into The South, and Nat is placed in the care of Reverend Eppes. A grim preacher who tries to force himself on Nat sexually. Nat is 'farmed out' to the other people who live in the tiny village of Shiloh for cash.
Nat is the only slave in the area. These people are too poor, and they treat him reasonably well.
Nat says the two words that God spoke to him were, "I ABIDE".
Nat is auctioned to Thomas Moore around 1822.
PART III STUDY WAR
A discussion of his hatred of Whites.
Scene of beautiful White woman who is lost near the town square. A Black by the name of Arnold tries to help her, but he has affected a phony negro drawl and she can't understand what he is saying. Nat is very much turned on by the encounter, and indulges in an extreme sexual fantasy.
Nat spends almost ten years with Moore
p. 263 A description of the two different kinds of Negro Character
1) Extreme servile and jocular manner. Step'n Fetchit...... Bowing and Squatting, just like a nitwit
2) Extreme arrogance or bossiness Running the kitchen or whatever job that they are doing.
ends at p. 263
p266-275 Harks run to freedom. Not bright enough to comprehend the journey. 1825-Nat hears a rumor of famine among Free Blacks. Fasts with Hark(he doesn't partake), and Nat is looking for a sign from God. Weak Black by the name of Isham who had a child that died of starvation. Ishma swore at Moore, and this terrified the slave owner.
Nathaniel France-A bloodthirsty white owner (p.286) Francis forces Will and Sam to fight a kind of 'to the death' duel. Nat is alarmed that the other Blacks find this funny.
Nat has a vision of violence, and tell the crowd 'you are not beasts'.BLACK PRIDE
Ethelred T. Brantley-'sodomite'. He wants Nat to save him from his lustful thoughts(evil).
Nat asks Margaret Whitehead's brother, who is a preacher, if he can baptize Brantley.NO!!
p.322 Margaret in aslip temps Nat, and is not aware of here sexual power over him. She doesn't see him as a sexual being.
p.325 Moore dies in a birthing accident, he's drunk
p.337 Nat hopes that his revolt will occur on The Fourth of July, but it happens in August.
p.347 Margaret says that darkies should be free.
p.359 THE FIRST SHALL BE LAST, AND THE LAST SHALL BE FIRST....Nat's group chant
p.370 The first killings
p.392 Nat kills Margaret. Stabs her and then clubs her with a log.
p.397 Nat's dream of the temple. Opening scene of the novel.
NOTES
60 to 80 slave rebels killed approx 60 Whites in August of 1831
The deposition by Thomas Gray took three days, Nov 1-3 1831 Executed Nov.
Styron was friends with James Baldwin who had written a novel, ANOTHER COUNTRY, in which the protagonist was a White woman. Critics reacted violently, but Baldwin thought Styron would get it worse when he read 'Turner'.
SOPHIE'S CHOICE Catholic at Auschwitz; Nathan-deranged American Jew; drug user; Stingo-narrator (stand-in for William Styron).
DARKNESS VISIBLE -memoir of his depression
Died of pneumonia 2006.
Finished the novel, Sunday, 2/19/12 The book club meets tomorrow at noon.
My posting on GOODREADS
A gripping and multifaceted tale that contained many interesting and compelling observations. It was very curious that both the slave, Nat Turner, and his owners were Christian, and each used the bible to support their points of view. Nat found justification for armed and violent revolt in the bible, and the slave owners found a defense of slavery within the pages of the same holy book. Also, the novel forces the reader to realize just how astonishing it was that so few slave uprisings occurred in the American South, and emphasizes how psychologically toxic the institution of slavery really was. The fact that a human was denied any sort of compensation for his labor was bad, but the fact that he was robbed of all hope was much more egregious.
My only qualm was that I felt that Styron's writing style was a bit too difficult. It might have been a better approach to refer to Thomas Gray's 1831 deposition in the nineteenth century style, but contrast Nat's story using a more modern fashion of writing. However, I still loved the book, but felt a bit strained reading certain sections of the novel.
TO THE PUBLIC (italics) Written by Thomas Gray about the Confession
I. JUDGEMENT DAY Gray meets with Nat in his cell. Reeks of Apple Blossom perfume, and grimy pink gloves
Nat and the revolutionaries were on the run for ten weeks. Hark=Hercules
Discussion of 'Inanimate vs. Animate Chattle This is actually a defense of the slave owners. Only the slaves which participated the attacks will be prosecuted. The rest, will go back to being slaves
p.37 A tally of the trial results (hung, let go, etc) This is also an appeasment to The North. It shows that they did not indiscriminately prosecute everyone. They only singled out those who were really at fault, but I think it really shows that the slave is an expensive item, it it is in the owner's best interest to use him. An executed slave no longer creates income.
Fly vs. Human The 'Hell of No Choice'. The fly is a 'slave' to endless instinct. Freedom from choice, but then only forced to do one instinctive thing. Negroes do not commit suicide. The mental effort is too much. But Nat guesses that it is their awareness of the spiritual hereafter.
Nat learns that Parker is really his lawyer, and Gray is just an 'ssociate of the court', but in Grays mind, "It's all the same". And it's hard to ascertain how much of the confession is really Nat's. Gray is reading it to him, and it appears that it had been compiled on a previous occaision.
Hark claims that he can 'smell' Good and Bad White People
p. 54 Nat's ownership history. Nat is presently a wheelwright or blacksmith
Hark has never really recovered from the sale of his mother.
p.58 Nat has been thinking of violence against the state for many years, and has been looking to the bible for insiration.
First meeting with Jerimiah Cobb who will be the judge in Nat's trial. He arrives at Nat's plantation with a broken wagon axle, and begins drinking brandy.
p.63 "Black Assed" Nat's awareness that he is only merchandise
Bootlicking vs Politeness A kind of example of passive aggression. Blacks affect an over-the-top servile manner which comes across as 'smart aleck', and insults the White person. White people act excessively polite and knowledgeable to Blacks, and it really highlights the difference between the two. Also, called 'Nigger Needling'
Cobb lost his wife and two daughters to cholera, and then his stable burned to the ground. Reason for his drinking
Hark witnesses Putnam and Joel Westbrook engaging in Gay sex, and this turns Putnam against him. Hark really doesn't care what they do.Putnam is the boy owner of both Nat and Hark
p73 A bible verse which validates the institution of slavery
p78 The more badly that a slave is treated the better. However, if you allow him to hope, he will slice your throat
Hark runs away, and we learn his fear of heights. They put him up a tree. I wonder if this is just Hark 'putting one over' on the white people.
p91 Nat's only killing during the entire escapade is the single killing of Margret Whitehead- 18 years old, and it seems like she was liked by Nat, and Nat liked her as well. Gray hypothesizes that it is 'Negro Cowardice' that Nat only killed one person. And, he seems to use this as a reason that the South need not worry about a major slave revolt.
"Monads" This is kind of a 19th century 'scientific' defense of the Negro's lack of motivation. Their brains do not have enough of these 'monads'
'Characteristics of The Negro Band of Killers'
1)Nelson-50 years or older, Branded with "S"(for Slave?) His present master hit him once, and he retaliated, and it never happened again. Very odd, why wasn't he disiplined?
2)Will- Basically insane and broods about raping white women
3)Sam- Light colored skin and this earns him respect among the slaves (odd)
4)Henry- Almost deaf due to a childhood blow to the head
p115 Nat is denied a bible because Negroes are not allowed to read
p117 Gray makes the case that Nat was deluded by Christianity
SECTION TWO Old Times Past Voices Dreams Recollections p. 123
Nat is 12 years old, and a pock-marked travelling salesman is at the plantation. The man is commenting about the beautiful Springtime in Virginia. Nat is a house servant, and they are being served by him.
The man learns that Nat can spell, and he asks him to spell 'lady'. Everyone tells him to pick a harder word, so he asks Nat to spell COLUMBINE (which is a kind of flower).
Obviously this was written far before the high school shootings but it is very odd and ironic
Samuel feels that the smarter the Negro race the better for all, and Nat is his experiment
p123 Nat mentions his dream of the temple again. This was mentioned in the very beginning of the book
Nat's mother was thirteen when she was bought by Alpheus Turner, father of Samuel and Benjamin
When Nat's grandmother gave birth to his mother, she tried to tear the child apart. Loss of her freedom in Africa
Nat feels a connection to his grandmother, and is drawn to her grave.
p135 This graveyard is to be plowed over to grow yams which tends to portry the 'real' value of the Negro. As long as the Negro (dead or alive) can provide a good or service, he's OK. But, he is only valued by what he can provide. The graveyard provides nothing, so it's plowed over to make food.
Lou-Ann is the name of Nat's mother, and she died possibly of a tumor when Nat was fifteen
Nat Sr. took off when a new owner, Benjamin, 'hollered', at him, and Nat Sr. 'hollered' right back. Benjamin struck him, and Nat Sr. took off. Never seen again. Lou-Ann mentioned Philadelphia, but I don't think she has any idea
Outhouse was where the field negroes mixed or came in contact with the house negroes. Lou-Ann is insulted and feels that she is 'quality'.
Wash, who is the son of Abraham the driver, lights a stick under Nat's butt when he is sitting on the outhouse.
p140 Mr Wiseman vs Mr. Attentive. Part of this book is dropped into the narrative, and we learn later that this is the book that Nat stole. It's by John Bunyan.
Nat mentions the dullness of live as a slave. There is really nothing to do, and nothing that would interest him or someone with a high IQ. This is emphasized when Wash and Nat draw. Nat is able to recreate the sign for Jews, and Wash is unable to do anything more than just draw lines in the dirt.
Whites would believe that a Negro is capable of stealing anything, but not a bood.
Nat reveals that he has been reading the labels on the canned goods in the basement, and is able to prevent the house servants from bringing up the wrong products. LIFE AND DEATH WITH MR. BADMAN is the name of the book, and GRACE ABOUNDING is the second in the series.
SECTION TWO Old Times Past Voices Dreams Recollections p. 123
Nat is 12 years old, and a pock-marked travelling salesman is at the plantation. The man is commenting about the beautiful Springtime in Virginia. Nat is a house servant, and they are being served by him.
The man learns that Nat can spell, and he asks him to spell 'lady'. Everyone tells him to pick a harder word, so he asks Nat to spell COLUMBINE (which is a kind of flower).
Obviously this was written far before the high school shootings but it is very odd and ironic
Samuel feels that the smarter the Negro race the better for all, and Nat is his experiment
p123 Nat mentions his dream of the temple again. This was mentioned in the very beginning of the book
Nat's mother was thirteen when she was bought by Alpheus Turner, father of Samuel and Benjamin
When Nat's grandmother gave birth to his mother, she tried to tear the child apart. Loss of her freedom in Africa
Nat feels a connection to his grandmother, and is drawn to her grave.
p135 This graveyard is to be plowed over to grow yams which tends to portry the 'real' value of the Negro. As long as the Negro (dead or alive) can provide a good or service, he's OK. But, he is only valued by what he can provide. The graveyard provides nothing, so it's plowed over to make food.
Lou-Ann is the name of Nat's mother, and she died possibly of a tumor when Nat was fifteen
Nat Sr. took off when a new owner, Benjamin, 'hollered', at him, and Nat Sr. 'hollered' right back. Benjamin struck him, and Nat Sr. took off. Never seen again. Lou-Ann mentioned Philadelphia, but I don't think she has any idea
Outhouse was where the field negroes mixed or came in contact with the house negroes. Lou-Ann is insulted and feels that she is 'quality'.
Wash, who is the son of Abraham the driver, lights a stick under Nat's butt when he is sitting on the outhouse.
p140 Mr Wiseman vs Mr. Attentive. Part of this book is dropped into the narrative, and we learn later that this is the book that Nat stole. It's by John Bunyan.
Nat mentions the dullness of live as a slave. There is really nothing to do, and nothing that would interest him or someone with a high IQ. This is emphasized when Wash and Nat draw. Nat is able to recreate the sign for Jews, and Wash is unable to do anything more than just draw lines in the dirt.
Whites would believe that a Negro is capable of stealing anything, but not a bood.
Nat reveals that he has been reading the labels on the canned goods in the basement, and is able to prevent the house servants from bringing up the wrong products. LIFE AND DEATH WITH MR. BADMAN is the name of the book, and GRACE ABOUNDING is the second in the series.
p. 149 McBride rapes Lou-Ann ('Uh-Huh, Aw Right) Odd scene, and it seems that she says ok in the end, but still would be considered rape. Wash and Nat are watching unobserved.
p 151 Nat cosiders "My Niggerness" as he observes McBride
Little Morning, an old black slave(house), catches Nat with the stolen book. He is jealous of Nat because Nat is only ten, and he can read. He had previously insulted Little Morning because he was able to read the canned goods, and LM could not.
When Sam is aware that Nat can read, he is happy that his thesis is correct. Slaves can benefit from education, and they are clearly more than children or pets.Although Nat acknowledges an attraction to Sam, he feels that he is only an experiment.
p156 Nat reviews his life if he had been just a 'bright house slave'. Maybe with regard to education, half a loaf is worse than none at all
Nell and Louisa continue to tutor Nat, and call it, "riding their hobby"
Scene in which Benjamin and Samuel disagree about slavery. Benjamin feels that the Negro only has the brain of a child, and can only be controlled or inspired by 'Intimidation, Cajolery, and Threat'.
Although both men are against slavery, Ben feels that they cannot exist on their own, and Sam feels that they can, and even sam admits that it would be folly to free slaves without educating them. Benjamin suggests that he would be in favor of a machine to replace slavery. It would even be better than the present system because they would not have to care for them until they were 95 years old! During this discussion it is the first time that Nat realizes that he is a slave. He had never been referred to as a slave.
Ben maintains that Negroes can only appear to be educated because all the know is by rote. Kind of no understanding, only memorization.
Nell continues to tutor Nat, and now it is pretty much only the bible.
Months later, Ben is killed by a falling tree. He was drunk, and although there was probably no foul play, nobody went out of their way to prevent the incident.
At 14 years of age, Nat becomes very sick, passing blood and is delerious.
Notes made on the concourse at O'Hare Sunday 2/5/12 around 2pm This was the section of the novel that I read on the flight from Phoenix this morning.
From page 163 After illness, he is still a house servant, but learns that he will become an apprenticed carpenter with 'Goat'.
Emmeline is raped. The man doesn't see it like that, he acts as if he is in love. She alludes to being a whore when she was in Baltimore. The only man she ever loved was her pimp.
p191 Sam tells Nat that he will work for Bushrod Pemburton for several years. By the time that Nat is twenty-five he should earn his emmancipation(freedom). Half his wages go to Sam, and Nat gets to keep the rest.
Nat's replacement with Goat as carpenter is Willis.
Gay Sex Scene. Shock and embarrassment causes Nat to babtize both Willis and himself.
Gay relationship between King David and Jonathan?
p211 Nat learns that Willis and three other boys are sold. Sam maintains that he didn't know of any relationship between Nat and Willis, and he is just trying to keep the money coming in to keep Turner's Mill
p243 A description of a slave who could read, and after his death, he was dissected. His brain had wrinkles. Some slaves ate small pieces thinkin that it would make them smarter. KASPER HAUSER?
Master Turner and the family moves deeper into The South, and Nat is placed in the care of Reverend Eppes. A grim preacher who tries to force himself on Nat sexually. Nat is 'farmed out' to the other people who live in the tiny village of Shiloh for cash.
Nat is the only slave in the area. These people are too poor, and they treat him reasonably well.
Nat says the two words that God spoke to him were, "I ABIDE".
Nat is auctioned to Thomas Moore around 1822.
PART III STUDY WAR
A discussion of his hatred of Whites.
Scene of beautiful White woman who is lost near the town square. A Black by the name of Arnold tries to help her, but he has affected a phony negro drawl and she can't understand what he is saying. Nat is very much turned on by the encounter, and indulges in an extreme sexual fantasy.
Nat spends almost ten years with Moore
p. 263 A description of the two different kinds of Negro Character
1) Extreme servile and jocular manner. Step'n Fetchit...... Bowing and Squatting, just like a nitwit
2) Extreme arrogance or bossiness Running the kitchen or whatever job that they are doing.
ends at p. 263
p266-275 Harks run to freedom. Not bright enough to comprehend the journey. 1825-Nat hears a rumor of famine among Free Blacks. Fasts with Hark(he doesn't partake), and Nat is looking for a sign from God. Weak Black by the name of Isham who had a child that died of starvation. Ishma swore at Moore, and this terrified the slave owner.
Nathaniel France-A bloodthirsty white owner (p.286) Francis forces Will and Sam to fight a kind of 'to the death' duel. Nat is alarmed that the other Blacks find this funny.
Nat has a vision of violence, and tell the crowd 'you are not beasts'.BLACK PRIDE
Ethelred T. Brantley-'sodomite'. He wants Nat to save him from his lustful thoughts(evil).
Nat asks Margaret Whitehead's brother, who is a preacher, if he can baptize Brantley.NO!!
p.322 Margaret in aslip temps Nat, and is not aware of here sexual power over him. She doesn't see him as a sexual being.
p.325 Moore dies in a birthing accident, he's drunk
p.337 Nat hopes that his revolt will occur on The Fourth of July, but it happens in August.
p.347 Margaret says that darkies should be free.
p.359 THE FIRST SHALL BE LAST, AND THE LAST SHALL BE FIRST....Nat's group chant
p.370 The first killings
p.392 Nat kills Margaret. Stabs her and then clubs her with a log.
p.397 Nat's dream of the temple. Opening scene of the novel.
NOTES
60 to 80 slave rebels killed approx 60 Whites in August of 1831
The deposition by Thomas Gray took three days, Nov 1-3 1831 Executed Nov.
Styron was friends with James Baldwin who had written a novel, ANOTHER COUNTRY, in which the protagonist was a White woman. Critics reacted violently, but Baldwin thought Styron would get it worse when he read 'Turner'.
SOPHIE'S CHOICE Catholic at Auschwitz; Nathan-deranged American Jew; drug user; Stingo-narrator (stand-in for William Styron).
DARKNESS VISIBLE -memoir of his depression
Died of pneumonia 2006.
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