(1) Villette, Charlotte Brontë
Lucy Snowe embarks upon a journey of self-discovery. To find, understand, and assert oneself is hard. On one hand, she considers herself so prosaic, a shadow that submits to fate and flow, lives and circumstances; on the other, she deep down seeks and prides herself with notions of independence – submission to fate and suffering yet voluntary, teeming with morals, faith and trust in God. It is with this belief, self-respect and dignity that she finds paths, affronts injustice and asserts herself not only in heart but also with action. Through her voice and openness she also finds something more than her own that is worth living for.
(2) Mayflower Lives, Martyn Whittock
It’s been 400 years since the Mayflower passengers sighted Plymouth, Massachusetts. It has interesting spicks and specks of how “Pilgrims” fled from England in the first place, settled in Leiden, Holland, and embarked on Speedwell but ultimately found themselves being on the same “boat” with the “Strangers”. What a tough sea journey of 102 passengers. More importantly, it’s also about how Natives coped with the newcomers rather than the other way round. I hope to read more detailed non-fiction of this topic in future.
(3) The Black Robe, Wilkie Collins
One of the most poignant novels of Wilkie Collins and one of my top five favourites of his. There are so many things to ponder and reflect. It’s not only about the intense rivalry between “priestly patriarchy” and “petticoat government”, but it also embeds a deep study of human nature and unfulfilled means. A person’s vulnerability is another’s gain.
(4) John Halifax, Gentleman, Dinah Mulock Craik
It includes the most beautiful friendship I have ever come across. Listening to “Chase the Night Away” by Keane while reading the passages, because this song defines all the relationships and characters I had made acquaintance with in the novel. I love the didactic messages in the book!
(5) The Discomfort of Evening, Marieke Lucas Rijneveld (translated by Michele Hutchinson)
So unsettling in how teenagers cope with a sibling’s death by experimenting with cruelty and pain only to avoid numbness, and vent their feelings in farm surroundings on their own.
Reading & Roaming 