Memory and Dream
2 journalers for this copy...
I read Someplace to be Flying, enjoyed it, and decided to read this another by the same author one day. So anyways, 8 years later(my god has it really been that long) I picked this up at a local used book store. Hey, never let it be said that I'm not an awesome procrastinator.
12/16/2008
Isabelle discovers that she has the ability to literally bring her paintings to life, and while they may not be flesh and blood - they don't bleed, eat (or least, don't need to), sleep, dream, or age, they are still alive. And although she creates them, they have independent existences, lead their own lives, and have their own hopes, dreams, and personalities which she has no control over. Some of her creations are content to be what they are, while at least one of them longs to be human and have a "red crows" beating inside her.
Memories are tricky things, and the book explores the tendency of memories to play tricks on us - painful memories are made less painful, or forgotten completely. A friend's suicide becomes a terminal illness, a person who's mentally and physically abusive becomes one who deserves pity and compassion. Dreams have such power, but we ignore the power and guidance they can provide, convincing ourselves that they're not real.
Overall, I liked the book, although the bits of urban inner-city stuff that were put in here and there didn't feel very convincing, and one character's act of self sacrifice near the end seemed to come out of nowhere. The ending was pretty good though, and had a twist that I didn't see coming.
12/16/2008
Isabelle discovers that she has the ability to literally bring her paintings to life, and while they may not be flesh and blood - they don't bleed, eat (or least, don't need to), sleep, dream, or age, they are still alive. And although she creates them, they have independent existences, lead their own lives, and have their own hopes, dreams, and personalities which she has no control over. Some of her creations are content to be what they are, while at least one of them longs to be human and have a "red crows" beating inside her.
Memories are tricky things, and the book explores the tendency of memories to play tricks on us - painful memories are made less painful, or forgotten completely. A friend's suicide becomes a terminal illness, a person who's mentally and physically abusive becomes one who deserves pity and compassion. Dreams have such power, but we ignore the power and guidance they can provide, convincing ourselves that they're not real.
Overall, I liked the book, although the bits of urban inner-city stuff that were put in here and there didn't feel very convincing, and one character's act of self sacrifice near the end seemed to come out of nowhere. The ending was pretty good though, and had a twist that I didn't see coming.
I picked this up at the January meetup. It got all jumbled in my recent move so it didn't get journalled right away. I've only just found it again. Thank you! I also enjoyed "Someplace to be Flying", and I'm looking forward to reading this.
