Canadian novelist/poet Atwood makes no large claims for the reviews and talks collected in this bulky volume. She declares that these pieces were often unwelcome assignments, that they were painful to do, that she usually acknowledged them only with embarrassment. And though this semi-disavowal has charm, the fact is that Atwood's modesty seems well-placed: few of these entries have much substance, Early on in this 1960-1982 gathering, indeed, Atwood sounds little more confident than a book-report writer. ("Reeve's book is probably the best and most comprehensive study of Blok written in English. Despite its occasional murkiness, it is stimulating reading for anyone concerned with the history of modern poetry.") Later, her opinions do grow sharper—though they're generally heavily dependent on pigeon-holing: in a collection dominated by Canadian book-world concerns, Atwood spends much of her time contrasting Canadian literary/social categories with American or English ones. Moreover, throughout the talks and addresses here, she frequently repeats herself—explaining again and again why she holds certain views (the literary-figure-as.personality) instead of developing those viewpoints in more depth. And only in three longer, more fully-worked out essays—on H. Rider Haggard, Canadian poet Al Purdy, and problems of the contemporary novel—does Atwood emerge as a full-fledged critic. In sum: a generous yet lightweight assemblage, with little interest to those not specializing in Canadian literature.
Pub Date: Feb. 1, 1983
ISBN: 0887846548
Page Count: -
Publisher: Beacon Press
Review Posted Online: Sept. 16, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 1983
This is not the Nutcracker sweet, as passed on by Tchaikovsky and Marius Petipa. No, this is the original Hoffmann tale of 1816, in which the froth of Christmas revelry occasionally parts to let the dark underside of childhood fantasies and fears peek through. The boundaries between dream and reality fade, just as Godfather Drosselmeier, the Nutcracker's creator, is seen as alternately sinister and jolly. And Italian artist Roberto Innocenti gives an errily realistic air to Marie's dreams, in richly detailed illustrations touched by a mysterious light. A beautiful version of this classic tale, which will captivate adults and children alike. (Nutcracker; $35.00; Oct. 28, 1996; 136 pp.; 0-15-100227-4)
Pub Date: Oct. 28, 1996
ISBN: 0-15-100227-4
Page Count: 136
Publisher: Harcourt
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1996
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
An extravaganza in Bemelmans' inimitable vein, but written almost dead pan, with sly, amusing, sometimes biting undertones, breaking through. For Bemelmans was "the man who came to cocktails". And his hostess was Lady Mendl (Elsie de Wolfe), arbiter of American decorating taste over a generation. Lady Mendl was an incredible person,- self-made in proper American tradition on the one hand, for she had been haunted by the poverty of her childhood, and the years of struggle up from its ugliness,- until she became synonymous with the exotic, exquisite, worshipper at beauty's whrine. Bemelmans draws a portrait in extremes, through apt descriptions, through hilarious anecdote, through surprisingly sympathetic and understanding bits of appreciation. The scene shifts from Hollywood to the home she loved the best in Versailles. One meets in passing a vast roster of famous figures of the international and artistic set. And always one feels Bemelmans, slightly offstage, observing, recording, commenting, illustrated.
Pub Date: Feb. 23, 1955
ISBN: 0670717797
Page Count: -
Publisher: Viking
Review Posted Online: Oct. 25, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 1955
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