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Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Rideau and Angola
I wasn't planning to read In the Place
of Justice by Wilbert Rideau, but Claudia Fowler recommended it, and , since I trust her judgment, I wanted to give it
a try. I am glad I did, as it was nothing like what I expected. As you may know, Wilbert Rideau spent 44 years
in prison. Most of that time, he was at Angola where he became editor of the newsmagazine, the Angolite, for which he won
many awards. He also had articles published in several major publications (Penthouse for one). No doubt,
his years editing a newsmagazine have honed his style, which is understated and economical. For the most part,
he tells his story objectively, avoiding bitterness and self justification. Reading this book, I learned a lot, about
Angola, about the criminal justice system, and about the man himself.
Monday, July 19, 2010
The Art of Racing in the Rain
“That which we manifest is before us.”
This line from The Art of Racing in The Rain by Garth Stein resonates, as many of the passages do, as a statement
that is ostensibly about racing, but could have much broader applications. There are many such statements in the book
and I am quite sure I have a new and deeper appreciation of formula one racing. However, to me the most memorable thing
about the novel is the unforgettable narrator, a dog named Enzo. He laments his lack of opposable thumbs, but he can
view the human condition with detachment and compassionate understanding. Enzo has much to say about running and finishing
the race and about what makes us human, and what bonds us to others--humans and pets. The story holds your attention,
while Enzo and his wisdom quietly take up residence in your heart. I loved the book! It was certainly written
by an animal lover (as well as race car enthusist). As was mentioned, it was truly Enzo who was the memorable character, though.
When he described what he thought had happened when his master had been arrested, based on his viewing of Law & Order,
etc. I just laughed out loud. He was so believable, I thought! (A dog...I am saying this about a dog?!) There were some very
"truthful" moments, though. When he early on said that he detected that the wife was very ill (he could tell with
his sense of smell), there are dogs that CAN detect certain cancers in urine, and I felt that was a good point the writer
put in the book. He died with dignity and with those who loved him nearby. Just what I hope for in my last moments of life.
Is it "safe" to even compare this book to one like Benji or Me and Marley? I hope that no one tries to make a movie
of this one. I don't see how they could possibly do it justice but then Hollywood will try most anything for the $$$$$$, I
guess. I thoroughly enjoyed Enzo's reaction to people,
and I loved the part when Denny takes him around the track. Formula One racing and a dog...odd combo, certainly.
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