Rachel Starr Thomson

With today’s posting of Rebecca, Elisabeth F.’s excellent review, the Book Review Contest entries are all posted and winners announced. On Monday, I’ll do a final contest post, giving prize details and announcing one last surprise winner!

On Tuesday, you can expect another comma tip as Inklings falls back into its regular rhythm. I’ve got some fantastic interviews and features lined up. Thanks for coming along on this writing journey!

Review by Elisabeth F., Age 19

“She was still in the house as Mrs. Danvers had said, she was in that room in the west wing, she was in the library, in the morning-room, in the gallery above the hall. Even in the little flower-room, where her mackintosh still hung. And in the garden, and in the woods, and down in the stone cottage on the beach. Her footsteps sounded in the corridors, her scent lingered on the stairs. The servants obeyed her orders still, the food we ate was the food she liked. Her favorite flowers filled the rooms. Her clothes were in the wardrobes in her room, her brushes were on the table, her shoes beneath the chair, her nightdress on the bed. Rebecca was still mistress of Manderley. Rebecca was still Mrs. de Winter.”

I don’t think I would necessarily call Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca my absolute favorite novel, but it was one that I greatly enjoyed the reading of and one that taught me some important things about writing. I relished the writing style immensely. One develops a taste in literature just as in anything, and before I had read two chapters of Rebecca I sensed that it was just to my own particular taste. I was sure I was going to enjoy the book if only for the sake of the writing. The author combines keen descriptive power with economy of words – nothing superfluous, just enough to give you a startlingly clear picture with seemingly little effort.

The story you may be familiar with, especially if you’ve seen the movie version. A young girl, shy, awkward and unsure of herself, becomes the second wife of an older widowed man whose first wife was legendary for her beauty and personality. The ‘second Mrs. DeWinter,’ the narrator of the story, whose name is not even given, feels overshadowed and even haunted by the memory of the first Mrs. DeWinter, Rebecca—she feels that her husband can never love her in the same way he loved Rebecca. As revealed in the quote above, she feels like a stranger and intruder in her own home. I read that the author herself described this book as basically ‘a story about jealousy, pure and simple,’ or words to that effect, but I got much more from it. It has a lot to do with imagination and how a person can torture themself with it if they let it run away with them. It also has a good deal to do with hiding things, in not speaking out about how one feels at the right moment and what effect that can have. It’s partly a tale of mystery and suspense, partly a love story and also a good part about everyday life and how that can be the most difficult thing of all.

I saw the movie, a classic directed by Alfred Hitchcock, before reading the book. It is an excellent adaptation that portrays the story well. There is one major difference in the plot, probably because of 1940s production codes, but strangely enough it does little to change the actual ending of the story.

The thing that fascinates me the most about this book is the way Daphne du Maurier captures so effortlessly the way the human mind works. Reading this book was one of the major influences in forming my personal theory of what makes a great writer. I think one of the hallmarks of being a good writer is to be able to put into words the things everyone thinks but no one knows how to explain. In Rebecca we are inside the mind of the narrator, almost thinking her thoughts along with her. We are experiencing her conflicting feelings while standing outside the door of a room full of people she hesitates to meet, her inexplicable sensation of melancholy when packing to leave a hotel, the way she allows her thoughts to run away with her when she has an apprehension of some disastrous happening in the future. It all seems so real because we’ve all felt the same things ourselves, maybe without knowing it. The little practical details that always intrude even at tense moments are all there—I particularly remember a scene in which the narrator and her sister-in-law, during an awkward conversation, avoid looking at each other and busy themselves by petting a small dog who is delighted with all the unexpected extra attention. Or how the narrator notices trivial things—like a worn place on the carpet—while listening to the most important revelation of the story from her husband.

Of course, the trick in writing fiction like this lies not in directly imitating the successful work of another author, but in having or developing a sensitivity to the drama that can be found in ordinary and everyday things, and not always depending on the melodramatic to give your story interest. That’s not to say there’s no melodrama in Rebecca; quite the contrary! But the unusual events seem to have equal value with the ordinary ones, fitting into the general scheme of the story rather than being the cause of it.

When a book can combine this kind of insight with good writing, it is bound to offer enjoyment to an eager reader and writer like myself.

Elisabeth’s review was the only entry in the 18 and up age category — yet her chances of winning would have been excellent even if it had not been. She explores the fine writing and insight of a famous author, using fine writing and insight of her own. As Elisabeth herself puts it, “One of the hallmarks of being a good writer is to be able to put into words the things everyone thinks but no one knows how to explain.” Elisabeth, you’ve done a marvelous job of explaining the impact of this classic. Congratulations!

Review by Bethany M., Age 16

As a freshman, I stood staring at the dreaded bookshelf at school. Each quarter, we had to pick a different literature book to read. Scurrying to choose the shortest and easiest books, my classmates left me only two choices: Christy by Catherine Marshall, or The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien. After I read the back cover of Christy I knew that I would have the greatest chance of finishing that over The Hobbit. Instantly, everyone was advising me not to read it because of its length and difficulty. Determined to prove them wrong, I confidently picked up Christy, and my journey through Christy’s story began. Little did I know that this would become my favorite book.

Christy Huddleston, the book’s main character, was 19 years old and just discovering who she was, and what she wanted to do with her life. After attending a church conference one summer, Christy decisively knew that she would become a missionary to the people in a secluded mountain area known as Cutter Gap. Sadly, the people didn’t accept her at first. As her relationships with the people strengthened, her faith was also tested, tried, and truly tempted to give up through many hardships and disasters along the way. Fighting through the rough times, Christy and the others learn what it truly means to work together, love each other, and have perseverance. After Christy recovered from being ill herself because of a typhoid outbreak, she discovered that the doctor who nursed her back to health was also in love with her.

As I reluctantly opened the 500-page book that I just wanted to get over with, I was surprised as I was almost instantly pulled into the story of this 19 year old girl. Catherine Marshall, who is the author, did an amazing job with the dialogue of the story. For me personally, I enjoy stories like Christy because there is more interaction between characters, not just a narrative of the novel. Additionally, the language in the dialogue was easier for me to follow; more modern, yet it was still written very well as a novel. Believability of the reality of the story was incredibly effortless because of its more modern tone. When she said, “I’m not afraid. I just don’t like it,” in response to a question from Dr. MacNeill, I simply had to laugh because of the many times I have said that exact thing. I also liked how this book is written in first-person point of view. When I was wondering why I was so lured in, I realized that among other factors, it was because it felt like she was telling her story to me, talking directly to me, being written in first-person point of view.

As I walked back to that dreaded bookshelf to return Christy, I realized that it wasn’t my enemy anymore. I grinned as I thought how I had just gained a favorite book from it. Christy, because of well-written dialogue and first-person point of view, is now and unforgettable novel, which I hope, will stay on that bookshelf for all the freshmen in years to come.

Bethany’s review of Christy not only reviews a story, it tells one. This review pulled me in from the first line, making me want to know how one reader’s negative expecations were challenged and then transformed. Bethany also does an excellent job of pointing out what narrative techniques are used to bring Christy to life. Thanks for sharing this, Bethany, and congratulations!

Review by Raynie C., Age 16

Ben-Hur, written by Lew. Wallace, is an incredibly powerful story packed with emotion, action, and history. After reading this book, it felt as if I just walked out of an immensely impacting sermon on Good Friday. The vivid re-creation of Christ’s death made me feel as if I was one of those spectators at the foot of the cross. I thoroughly enjoyed Ben-Hur because it left me with an indescribable image of Christ’s ministry, death, and the salvation he left for us to receive.

In the beginning of this wonderful book, Ben-Hur is taken from everything he knows on the false account of attempted murder. When Ben-Hur regains his freedom, he stops at nothing till he finds his beloved mother and sister and takes victory over the man who cost him everything, Messala. During his search, he comes along a few encounters with the Messiah before his ministry, little knowing that this man was going to the answer to all his problems. Ben-Hur wins a horse race giving him victory over Messala. Finally, after that goal was completed Ben-Hur sets out to find his family. After years of searching, he finds them; however they could not embrace each other because they were in the final stages of leprosy. Thankfully, Ben-Hur had heard of the Messiah and his mother and sister are healed. After Ben-Hur witnessed the death and resurrection of Christ he becomes a Christian and serves Christ for the rest of his life.

“Religion is merely the law which binds man to his Creator: in purity it has but these elements- God, the Soul, and their mutual Recognition; out of which, when put into practice, spring Worship, Love, and Reward.” Honestly this quote is probably one of my favorite quotes in Ben-Hur. Reading Ben-Hur was such a joy because Lew. Wallace had tons of wise and profound sayings in there. Along with that, Wallace practically painted a picture so vividly of every new scene that it was constantly impossible not to be lost in the story, Wallace’s writing contained lots of biblical history, which was interesting because it gave you an example of what was going on around the life of Christ. These are just some of the writing techniques that let me fully enjoy Ben-Hur. 

In conclusion, Ben-Hur is an outstanding book, which I think everyone should read once in his or her lifetime. I fully enjoyed it and would gladly read it again.

Rachel’s Note: This winning review combines an interesting plot summary with a review of several writing techniques which Lew Wallace used to tell his classic story. Raynie points out — and praises — a technique that is not commonly used today: that of filling a book with “wise and profound sayings,” or using your novel to openly teach something. Great job, Raynie, and congratulations on your win!

Review by Savannah D.

Have you ever wondered how the night life of a field mouse could be so interesting?  John Steinbeck, expert of imagery, can make a field mouse’s night life seem important and interesting.  Some think that his writing is very slow and detailed, but I think it’s a style that makes you want to read more and really find out what happens.

When Steinbeck writes, he really tries to make the image of the setting or of the character in the reader’s head.  When he is describing the setting, he will describe in deep detail.  The imagery he creates is so diverse, it expands from the condition of the petrified, mistreated crops on the near-by field, to how desolate the gas station looks to a passing family on the highway.  When he describes the characters or the scene, what allows you to picture it in your head is the immense amount of detail.

It’s almost as if he wanted to be a scientist instead of a writer.  His attention to nature is simply colossal.  He loves to draw the attention of the reader away from the plot in the middle of the story to concentrate on a very minor detail that’s probably more prominent in his eyes.  I like it when he decrypts every detail of nature because it helps me picture it as if it were a motion picture.  And because of the many minor details, the panorama is better appreciated; in the same way a blind man appreciates music.  His attention to nature definitely makes me value the environment more.  I notice how the animals around us are affecting our ecosystem and that humans can relate to animals in the same way, such as starvation.  I have learned that the Earth and humans are connected in a way, where we have to work together as one, to survive. 

“In the water-cut gullies the earth dusted down in dry little streams.  Gophers and ant lions started small avalanches.  And as the sharp sun struck day after day, the leaves of the young corn became less stiff and erect; they bent in a curve at first, and then, as the central ribs of strength grew weak, each leaf tilted downward.” 

This quote is especially meaningful to me.  Normally, when a person lives life, they don’t stop to think about components of nature and wildlife, and the fact that they’re living in the same world as us.  This quote really shows how our human lives aren’t the only lives that exist and that the earth doesn’t revolve around us.  It’s a great lesson he portrayed because we are always entangled in our own lives so our minds are blind and think about what is going on in the outside world.  It’s really egotistical of us to think of only ourselves and not the world around us. It made me stop for a second and really take in the descriptions and I really thought about what is probably going on in all the rivers.  This is just one example from the abundance of themes Steinbeck portrays in the novel.

Steinbeck is a master at imagery.  He revokes an image into your mind that is dreadfully vivid.  The daily life of a gopher is exemplified as something worthwhile to read.  I think that words, which provoke imagery, are a really important technique to have in books because without it, it would become a textbook.  A piece of writing can only be called great literature if it involves personification to the point where you have to wonder if there really is a “talking sun,” or “a hand with its own mind.”

Rachel’s Note: In her review, Savannah concentrates on Steibeck’s use of detail and the way it can open up a fascinating new world — our own — to us. Literature is powerful when it makes us see our lives and surroundings in totally new ways. Savannah does a great job of using quotes and opinions to point that out. Thanks so much for sharing this!

Second Note: This is one of two reviews which were ineligible for judging because no age was given for the reviewer. I’m glad to share it with my readers regardless. Enjoy!

Review by Sarah M.

Did you know the temperature for which book paper burns is 451? The phenomenon of Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451 hit the shelves in 1953, but has been notably acclaimed for the past 5 decades.

The story is told in first person through the character Guy Montag. The story is in the future, where Montag is a fireman who, instead of putting out building fires, starts fires on books. In the future world that Bradbury imagined, the society was pleasure- oriented and they thought that books provided knowledge, which then could produce stress, sadness, or sorrow. The phrase, “ignorance is bliss” was that world’s motto.

When Montag meets Clarisse, Montag realizes that there’s more to life than just electronics and pleasure. He understands the unusual quality of Clarisse’s wisdom beyond her age. Montag is influenced by Clarisse and he was inclined to re-think and question his life: his job, his wife and what the world has come to at this point. Montag critically thinks of what the meaning of his job is and, more importantly, “do I want to burn books?” Throughout the entire story, Clarisse’s spirit stays with him, and helps him reflect on the meaning of life.

Ray Bradbury’s style is an example of an intellectual, elevated writing style. He has been known to have personal input towards his works by filling his words with emotion and authorial comments. I think that his writing is in the style of science-fiction with a poetic edge. Although his books are considered science fiction, the futuristic factor doesn’t overwhelm the key component of the plot. His style is also based heavily off of his experiences as a child. He expresses reminiscence of his innocent childhood, while he approaches the future hesitantly.

Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451 was written long before the idea of “talking walls,” or “seashell radios,” yet he was accurate on the effect that it has on society. Ray Bradbury is not just a role model in science fiction, he is a political paragon. His books are awashed with important messages, critical questions and incredibly relevant concerns of current events. “That is what my book is full of–solutions that are perfectly obvious, once you’ve read them. It’s not that I’m such a genius; it’s just that I pay attention (Ray Bradbury—interview with John D. Spalding).” But I beg to differ with Bradbury, he is a genius! Bradbury has the courage to speak his mind, against what is thought “right” in society, through literature, which is genius. Since Bradbury has power in the literary world, people listen to what he has to say. He uses his power to our advantage, not for his own personal gain. From his book, I have learned to speak my mind, no matter what people might think, because, in the end, I could make a significant difference in life.

Rachel’s Note: “Science fiction with a poetic edge” is a wonderful way to describe the unique writing of Ray Bradbury. I enjoyed this review, which shares the story and the impact of Bradbury’s classic Fahrenheit 451. As Sarah points out, the message of this book is incredibly relevant to the world today. Every time we choose to read, to explore new worlds both outside and inside of us, we challenge the idea that “ignorance is bliss.” Thanks for this great review, Sarah!

Second Note: This is one of two reviews which were ineligible for judging because no age was given for the reviewer. I’m glad to share it with my readers regardless. Enjoy!

I’m currently reading Huckleberry Finn. At first I saw how poor the grammar was and I thought to myself, “Why am I reading this at a college prep school?” Shortly after, I remembered that it’s supposed to be Huck writing and Huck’s not educated. Being said, I enjoyed learning language that I’m not exposed to. Going back in time, I also see what our nation used to look like as we were going through rough stages. Reading old books is interesting because they talk about when our nation was under a system of slavery and there were those people who called black people the “N” word.

Abused by his drunk uncle, Huck was so poor he couldn’t even afford to go to school because his uncle would only spend his money on alcohol. In the beginning of the book, Huck gathers up a gang of robbers. Because of their lack of food, they go to people’s houses and ask if they can “borrow” canned food. Desperately, they steal the food and keep it for themselves. Later in the story, Huck’s uncle drinks way too much then he hunts Huck with a knife and tells him he’s the angel of death. Shortly after, Huck hides in a room and pretends to be dead when his uncle comes in. After his drinking period, he goes to the doctor and the doctor turns him into a newborn man. And oh no! The king and the duke come in.

Rachel’s Note: In this review, Will makes a fascinating observation: Mark Twain used the colloquial, slangy speech of an uneducated boy to write one of the greatest classics in American literature. Will’s review reminded me that writing is not all about following a set of grammar or other rules, but of reaching people’s hearts through storytelling. Thanks for the reminder, Will!

Review by Rachel Armiger, Age 15

Marley and Me: Life and Love with The Worlds Worst Dog, a true story written by John Grogan, tells the story of The Grogan’s and their dog, Marley. In hopes of eventually having children, the newly married couple decides to test their parenting skills- with a dog. What John and Jenny Grogan don’t realize is that even a cute puppy can become a handful! From tearing couches open, ripping up drywall, and eating fine jewelry, the action never ceases. At one point, Marley even manages to chase everyone off a public beach! To top that off, Marley is scared to death of thunderstorms! With this problem, he causes hundreds of dollars in damage to his home. This causes his owners to take certain measures, like purchasing a dog crate. Does this stop Marley? Certainly not! John Grogan does a great job of telling his story with descriptive writing. He does an even better job of making the reader feel like they are in the story, and that they are sharing every up and down with the characters. Every dog owner or animal lover can relate to one or more of these stories, and Grogan will have you excitedly reading page after page, eagerly wanting to know what will happen next. Even people who are not animal lovers will eagerly devour this book. Despite all the drawbacks, Marley, a Labrador Retriever, is loving and loyal. Throughout the story, he is there to comfort his family through tough times and always eager to wag his tail in happier times. From Marley’s life, the Grogans learn some of life’s most important lessons- to live each day with excitement and joy and to appreciate life’s simple things. This bestseller is a great book that I would recommend for teens and up. A movie, of the same name has recently been released to the public.

Rachel’s Note: Most of the entries to this contest reviewed novels, but Rachel has chosen to review a true story — a memoir — that is written much like a novel. She clearly shows us that such stories can be told with every bit as much power as any novel, making us want to “eagerly devour” the experiences of fellow human beings — and the animals they share their lives with. Thanks for sharing this review, Rachel!

Review by Keith C., Age 15

Dylan Thomas wrote “A Child’s Christmas in Wales” as a recounting of his own memories of how Christmas was when he was a child growing up in Wales. He uses the exploits of himself, Jim and other friends and family to transport us back through time to Christmas’s long ago.

My favorite character was Jim’s aunt, Miss Prothero. She is my favorite because of the way she could make light of bad situations. Dylan Thomas used a lot of colorful descriptive words (imagery) to help his characters come to life in my imagination. At times the story seemed scattered but Thomas manages to bring the reader back to the story quickly.

I would recommend this book to others because it gives a mental picture of what life was like in Wales long ago. Thomas is famous for his lyrical use of language and this book is a good example of it.

Rachel’s Note: This is a short review, yet it covers a lot of ground. Keith not only addresses this book’s strengths, but also notes what he feels is a weakness — yet, his overall opinion is clear throughout. His writing is concise and effective. Great work, Keith! On a personal note, I’m eager to check this book out. I only discovered the poet Dylan Thomas two years ago (though he’s been famous a lot longer than that), and I quickly fell in love with his “lyrical use of language.”

Review by Luke H.,  Age 16

I had really liked this book because this book has a part in relationship with my dog that I had and also the book bought my attention of friendship about that book. I really enjoy reading this book called Where The Red Fern Grows by the author of Wilson Rawls. When I read this book, I had a better understanding about friendship. Since the day I had read this book, my life has been changed. Reading the book you will understand friendship.

On the book of where The Red Fern Grows there are three main characters. Two of them were the dogs and the other is a young boy that is the owner of the dogs. In the first chapter it starts off that the boy buys two dogs that were in the pound. Amazingly the dogs are coon hunters. The dogs and the boy go’s out to the woods to hunt coons. While the dogs sniffed out the coons, the boy tries to find the coons that are in the trees because he wants to help the dogs out.

What I’ve learned about writing is that it is important and it is very useful in life. Although it is useful because you have to learn and how to use it. After you know how to use it, you will become a good writer.

All in all, I know that writing is important because you will need it always and the book of Where The Fern Grows tells you how the friendship of the boy and the two dogs. Every day I hope I can become a strong and understandable writer hoping people will read the things that I write because I think that people would understand it.

Rachel’s Note: In this second contest review of Where the Red Fern Grows, Luke highlights one of the deepest themes in this enduring book: friendship. In the earlier review of the same book, Morgan C. named its themes as doing the impossible and becoming more open-minded. In their different approaches, both entrants show us the unique power of literature to speak differently to different people, or even to impact us differently at different times. In this way, stories can reach into our lives more deeply than many more straightforward forms of communication. Thanks for sharing this, Luke!