novel

“Wide Sargasso Sea”, by Jean Rhys

Book Reviews

I’ve just finished reading “Wide Sargasso Sea” and I have to say it is now one of my favourite novels. After studying Jane Eyre for two years, I’ve always felt there were so many uncertainties in the book, mostly revolving around Bertha Mason. Rhys has exceptionally filled in those gaps, and given a true voice to such a marginalized character. Not only is Antoinette, or Bertha, dehumanized by Bronte, she was labelled as mad before the reader was even given a chance to form their own opinion. I’m so glad I read this book, it was mind-blowingly thought-provoking and really made me empathise and appreciate everything Bertha Mason stood for. Although, it’s incredibly insulting to still call her Bertha Mason. Ultimately, I felt a sense of relief when she came to a sudden realisation at the end of Part Three. She found freedom in the saddest of ways, but she found freedom nonetheless. Rhys also addresses the underlying issues of colonialism exquisitely; not only is she very accurate, but she paints a perfectly understandable picture of what it was like for the colonized and the colonizer.

Lord of The Flies: Oh, Ralph

Original Writing

Ralph was the epitome of weakness – superficial and mean. He mocked the spiritual and the wise, and was blissfully unaware of his identity from the moment he landed on the island. He craved the respect of barbaric leaders yet desperatly desired control over everyone and everything. He became the beast when his ignorance and uncertainty made him a coward, and yet he somehow escaped the hands of death almost enitrely unscathed. He only embraced maturity with open arms when death looked him in the eyes and taunted him.

Ralph’s innocence and nativity died only when the others did.

F. Scott Fitzgerald 

Literature

Things are sweeter when they’re lost. I know – because once I wanted something and got it. It was the only thing I ever wanted badly, Dot, and when I got it, it turned to dust in my hand.

The Beautiful and the Damned

Sing You Home – Subverted

Quotes

He puts his hands on either side of my face, and the room falls away. I have never gotten so lost in a kiss before. And then, the space between us explodes. My heart keeps missing beats and my hands cannot bring him close enough to me. I taste him and realize I have been starving. I have loved before, but it didn’t feel like this. I have kissed before, but it didn’t burn me alive. Maybe it lasts a minute, and maybe it’s an hour. All I know is that kiss, and how soft his skin is when it brushes against mine, and that even if I did not know it until now, I have been waiting for this person forever.