Black Wine
13 journalers for this copy...
Science Fiction? Fantasy? Feminist Polemic?
Possibly set on a future Earth, this literary tale is one of the most amazing books I've read in ...well, awhile....at times it brought to mind Joanna Russ' The Female Man...
An exploration of ...self....
I will most likely try for a ring, as this deserves many readers. Warning, tho, for those who might find it offensive~~~ there is a fair amount of explicit sex, which is for the most part, neither romantic nor erotic. Also considerable use of four-letter words.
eta :
5/16/14
adding more readers on the forum, I realize I never posted the participants/order her~ duh
participants:
Llednyl~US
judyslump612~~US
kisses-cuddles UK
Billbooks~~AU
nimrodiel~~US
Blue-berry~~UK
Abi-Gibby--UK
penelopewanders~~CH (is that right??)
-Kata- ~~FI
nimrodiel
FraukeRo
bluezwuzi
toweiee <--- here
Possibly set on a future Earth, this literary tale is one of the most amazing books I've read in ...well, awhile....at times it brought to mind Joanna Russ' The Female Man...
An exploration of ...self....
I will most likely try for a ring, as this deserves many readers. Warning, tho, for those who might find it offensive~~~ there is a fair amount of explicit sex, which is for the most part, neither romantic nor erotic. Also considerable use of four-letter words.
eta :
5/16/14
adding more readers on the forum, I realize I never posted the participants/order her~ duh
participants:
Llednyl~US
judyslump612~~US
kisses-cuddles UK
Billbooks~~AU
nimrodiel~~US
Blue-berry~~UK
Abi-Gibby--UK
penelopewanders~~CH (is that right??)
-Kata- ~~FI
nimrodiel
FraukeRo
bluezwuzi
toweiee <--- here
Came in the mail today! Got one thing ahead of it, but should be able to start soon. Looking forward to it, thanks!
Here is a link to the forum post for this bookring. It looks like this is where the mailing order is for anyone who needs it: http://www.bookcrossing.com/forum/20/500009/
Here is a link to the forum post for this bookring. It looks like this is where the mailing order is for anyone who needs it: http://www.bookcrossing.com/forum/20/500009/
This has been sent off to JudySlump612!
This was an interesting book! I thought that the construction of the novel was unique and enjoyed puzzling out the connections between characters, and I also enjoyed comparing the conflict and progression (both personal and societal) between generations of women in the same family. However, I debate about what sort of rating to give it--while the writing was not particularly flawed, I never related to any of the characters or cared about them much. You also never learn too much about the world they live in, and magic suddenly shows up halfway through in random bits and pieces... so I never got immersed in the world or knew quite what to think of it. In addition, certain aspects of the novel got on my nerves. Without giving too much away, I'll just say that I didn't mind that the book was so graphic, but I did mind that a lot of the "good" sex between characters seemed awkward and unsatisfying to me. It's probably not a novel I'll read again, but it did put me in the mood for some more feminist sci-fi (Sheri S. Tepper, anyone?). Thanks so much for sharing!
This was an interesting book! I thought that the construction of the novel was unique and enjoyed puzzling out the connections between characters, and I also enjoyed comparing the conflict and progression (both personal and societal) between generations of women in the same family. However, I debate about what sort of rating to give it--while the writing was not particularly flawed, I never related to any of the characters or cared about them much. You also never learn too much about the world they live in, and magic suddenly shows up halfway through in random bits and pieces... so I never got immersed in the world or knew quite what to think of it. In addition, certain aspects of the novel got on my nerves. Without giving too much away, I'll just say that I didn't mind that the book was so graphic, but I did mind that a lot of the "good" sex between characters seemed awkward and unsatisfying to me. It's probably not a novel I'll read again, but it did put me in the mood for some more feminist sci-fi (Sheri S. Tepper, anyone?). Thanks so much for sharing!
Arrived safely here in Minneapolis - thanks!
I agree with Liednyl about the fun of discovering and working out the connections between the characters. The story is told in a very non-linear way, and maybe it would have helped to start drafting a genealogical chart to figure out relationships. But I did like being challenged and surprised.
To me, the most memorable aspect was Dorsey's study of the differences of languages. There are several good examples, including one I won't dwell on to avoid a spoiler. But the best is the sign language used by a mute slave. Dorsey totally follows the "Show, don't tell" rule in giving us lots of specific ways that the language can be made more powerful and eloquent by varying the size of the gestures, combining them, etc. Wonder if she's had training as a sign language interpreter?
To me, the most memorable aspect was Dorsey's study of the differences of languages. There are several good examples, including one I won't dwell on to avoid a spoiler. But the best is the sign language used by a mute slave. Dorsey totally follows the "Show, don't tell" rule in giving us lots of specific ways that the language can be made more powerful and eloquent by varying the size of the gestures, combining them, etc. Wonder if she's had training as a sign language interpreter?
Journal Entry 6 by JudySlump612 at By mail, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases on Friday, March 21, 2014
Released 10 yrs ago (3/21/2014 UTC) at By mail, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
Mailed to kisses-cuddles
Journal Entry 7 by kisses-cuddles at Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire United Kingdom on Thursday, April 3, 2014
Received in the mail today. Half through another book atm but excited to start this one!
Journal Entry 8 by kisses-cuddles at Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire United Kingdom on Thursday, May 8, 2014
This book was very hard to read. I got half way through ti and it still didn't make any sense at all. Just as i was about to abandon it and pass it on, I decided to read one more chapter and it happened to be when everything started to make sense and actually relate to each other. From that moment on I was hooked. It took me 2 weeks to read the first half and mere days to read the second! Hang in there it does make sense... eventually.
Will be posted in the next few days to the next person in the Bookring.
Happy reading!
Will be posted in the next few days to the next person in the Bookring.
Happy reading!
Arrived today here in Australia. Sounds like an interesting read. Let me finish my Terry Pratchett book and my bookgroup and I shall soon move onto this.
I haven't read this book I am so far behind in my reading that I will p[ass this onto the next person - many apologies for the delay
Book is on its way to Nimrodiel
I just noticed that this never got journaled when it got here!
I've had this way longer than planned as it came right during the end of the semester craziness of final projects and finals. I had a bit of trouble keeping the different storylines straight when I started it over the holidays and set it down. I'm a little over halfway done with this and have made it my commute reading this week to hopefully finish it up by the end of the week.
I've had this way longer than planned as it came right during the end of the semester craziness of final projects and finals. I had a bit of trouble keeping the different storylines straight when I started it over the holidays and set it down. I'm a little over halfway done with this and have made it my commute reading this week to hopefully finish it up by the end of the week.
I liked this, however I have to agree with the previous readers, the first 150 or so pages of the book are hard to keep track of. I ended up setting this aside for a couple of weeks before returning to it last week because of this. I liked the way the story was constructed, and the non linear movement of the plot. I just had a really hard time keeping the story tellers apart at first as they were all written from the same point of view just about other events.
However when the three story lines started to tie together the novel became very quickly paced. I didn't mind the addition of magic at the end as it was done in a subtle way that worked with the events that had put Essa where she was in her life. I would have loved to have had the world a little more built up I felt teased by not being able to become more immersed in the surroundings that shaped the story. I also was left wanting to know more about Etha and the music she makes in her future.
However when the three story lines started to tie together the novel became very quickly paced. I didn't mind the addition of magic at the end as it was done in a subtle way that worked with the events that had put Essa where she was in her life. I would have loved to have had the world a little more built up I felt teased by not being able to become more immersed in the surroundings that shaped the story. I also was left wanting to know more about Etha and the music she makes in her future.
Book is on it's way to Blue_berry in the United Kingdom.
Journal Entry 15 by Blue_berry at Croydon, Greater London United Kingdom on Tuesday, January 27, 2015
Received with thanks! I have another BR book ahead of this but I'm trying not to take too long.
I enjoyed this book, quite original dystopian science fiction which deals with themes such as individual's rights and freedom, women's role, sexuality etc. and also how we are trapped to certain extent by our own personalities which make us individuals. Very well written and the story was gripping! Thanks for sharing.
Journal Entry 17 by Blue_berry at -- Somewhere in London 🤷‍♀️ , Greater London United Kingdom on Monday, March 9, 2015
Released 9 yrs ago (3/9/2015 UTC) at -- Somewhere in London 🤷‍♀️ , Greater London United Kingdom
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
Sent to the next reader in the BR, enjoy!
Book arrived safely today :) arrived just in time as I've just finished another book
Congratulations, you have picked up a travelling book!
If you have a moment, we'd love you to let us know you have the book as we're keen to follow its journey. You can even post a review when you've read it before passing it on to the next lucky person.
Happy reading!
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4) Ready to pass the book on? Click on "make release notes" to let us know where it's going! Leave the book in a public place or give it to a friend!
If you have a moment, we'd love you to let us know you have the book as we're keen to follow its journey. You can even post a review when you've read it before passing it on to the next lucky person.
Happy reading!
Not sure what to do? Follow these steps!
1) You may continue as an Anonymous Finder. Or, Register as a member , then you too will receive future journal entries on this book and track its journey around the world!
2) Make a journal entry on this book to let us know how you found it!
3) If you choose to read the book, please make another journal entry when you finish it to let us know what you thought!
4) Ready to pass the book on? Click on "make release notes" to let us know where it's going! Leave the book in a public place or give it to a friend!
Congratulations, you have picked up a travelling book!
If you have a moment, we'd love you to let us know you have the book as we're keen to follow its journey. You can even post a review when you've read it before passing it on to the next lucky person.
Happy reading!
Not sure what to do? Follow these steps!
1) You may continue as an Anonymous Finder. Or, Register as a member , then you too will receive future journal entries on this book and track its journey around the world!
2) Make a journal entry on this book to let us know how you found it!
3) If you choose to read the book, please make another journal entry when you finish it to let us know what you thought!
4) Ready to pass the book on? Click on "make release notes" to let us know where it's going! Leave the book in a public place or give it to a friend!
If you have a moment, we'd love you to let us know you have the book as we're keen to follow its journey. You can even post a review when you've read it before passing it on to the next lucky person.
Happy reading!
Not sure what to do? Follow these steps!
1) You may continue as an Anonymous Finder. Or, Register as a member , then you too will receive future journal entries on this book and track its journey around the world!
2) Make a journal entry on this book to let us know how you found it!
3) If you choose to read the book, please make another journal entry when you finish it to let us know what you thought!
4) Ready to pass the book on? Click on "make release notes" to let us know where it's going! Leave the book in a public place or give it to a friend!
Journal Entry 21 by 
penelopewanders
at Hasliberg, Bern / Berne Switzerland on Saturday, March 21, 2015
penelopewanders at Hasliberg, Bern / Berne Switzerland on Saturday, March 21, 2015
This arrived here in the Swiss Alps today, along with the rain! I have a very busy end of term time ahead of me, but holidays are on the nearish horizon, so I hope to take this along and post from France where the postal fees are far lower than in Switzerland. Thanks for sending and making available.
Journal Entry 22 by penelopewanders at Hasliberg, Bern / Berne Switzerland on Tuesday, March 31, 2015
penelopewanders at Hasliberg, Bern / Berne Switzerland on Tuesday, March 31, 2015
Hmm. Although there were parts of this I enjoyed, I can't say it was really my cup of tea.
When I read it some forty years ago, I loved One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, and the irritation of not knowing who exactly was being referred to, the mix of generations and names was soothed by the astoundingly strong and beautiful prose and imagery. There are pictures from that book which still haunt me.
Here too, I found it very irritating trying to decipher which generation, which character I was reading about, and there were some strong images which I will no doubt retain, but the overall impact was more frustration than enchantment. Perhaps if I'd read this at 20 rather than 60 I would be won over. Now I found parts tedious and annoying. This being said, I am always glad to discover new books and am grateful for the bookcrossing ring which lets me read this and then send it on. Thank you.
The book is already parcelled and ready to travel to Finland, as soon as I can get a lift to the post office here in France.
When I read it some forty years ago, I loved One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, and the irritation of not knowing who exactly was being referred to, the mix of generations and names was soothed by the astoundingly strong and beautiful prose and imagery. There are pictures from that book which still haunt me.
Here too, I found it very irritating trying to decipher which generation, which character I was reading about, and there were some strong images which I will no doubt retain, but the overall impact was more frustration than enchantment. Perhaps if I'd read this at 20 rather than 60 I would be won over. Now I found parts tedious and annoying. This being said, I am always glad to discover new books and am grateful for the bookcrossing ring which lets me read this and then send it on. Thank you.
The book is already parcelled and ready to travel to Finland, as soon as I can get a lift to the post office here in France.
I've taken advantage of the impressively low postal rates for books here in France, and this is now heading to Finland to -kata- . Thanks so much for making this available. Enjoy!
The book has arrived, thanks! This was a nice surprise: I had totally forgot this book ring! :)
I loved this book! It has such unique ideas written beautifully. I don't know what more to say about it but it fills my head with thoughts and warmth. :)
The writing style reminds me of Ursula K. Le Guin.
Thank you SO much Erishkigal for sharing this gem, and introducing a new author for me!
The writing style reminds me of Ursula K. Le Guin.
Thank you SO much Erishkigal for sharing this gem, and introducing a new author for me!
Released 8 yrs ago (6/9/2015 UTC) at Tampere, Pirkanmaa / Birkaland Finland
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
To the next reader. Enjoy! :)
Wow, this time the book travelled very fast! And it arrived perfectly timed for the beginning of my summer holidays :-)
A fascinating book! When I tried to find out more about this book before signing up for this ring, I was slightly confused but also intrigued by all the vague descriptions about it. I was equally confused and intrigued by the first part of the book, but finished the entire story within a few days. Now I know that there is simply no way of sumarizing the storyline(s), the characters or even the setting in a more explicit way without recouting the entire book.
What really amazed me was the description and use of all the different languages that felt genuine even though the text itself never moved away from English (except for some names). Maybe because I am fascinated with languages and cultures myself, but I really felt the shift between the different people and surroundings - and how ardous but at the same time rewarding it can be to adapt to new ones.
Thank you very much for the opportunity to read this amazing book that I might never have found by myself! I will send it on to the next reader when I get back to Germany in July.
What really amazed me was the description and use of all the different languages that felt genuine even though the text itself never moved away from English (except for some names). Maybe because I am fascinated with languages and cultures myself, but I really felt the shift between the different people and surroundings - and how ardous but at the same time rewarding it can be to adapt to new ones.
Thank you very much for the opportunity to read this amazing book that I might never have found by myself! I will send it on to the next reader when I get back to Germany in July.
Moving on to bluezwuzl - enjoy!
Arrived on Saturday. Thanks for sending it. Sounds interesting, according to the reviews of the previous readers...
Journal Entry 31 by tohweiee at Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur Malaysia on Tuesday, December 1, 2015
I actually received this about a fortnight ago but didn't have time to journal it. Fortunately I am the last on the list.
