Book Reviews

While we have been internet and TV challenged, I have had plenty of time to read. So here are reviews from my two most recent reads:

Four Queens: The Provencal Sisters Who Ruled Europe by Nancy Goldstone:
This is a history book and since I am in Europe now, I found it really interesting. So much I don't know about European history. Also, interesting to me because it focused on the females in an important historical period. It was well written and kept me interested. And also made me incredibly thankful that a) I wasn't born in 13th century Europe, 2) Am not a member of a royal or influential family, 3) Married Dave. Recommended for those who like non-fiction history.

The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde:
I had this on my list of classics from years ago and have always meant to read it since I like Oscar Wilde's plays The Importance of Being Earnest and An Ideal Husband so much. I didn't know any of the background. Turns out this is Wilde's only novel and was used against him in some indecency trials. Oscar was pretty openly homosexual and that was taboo in his day. I am not sure what exactly was used in the trials since the Dorian character is not homosexual in any open sense. He does have VERY close male friends, but Wilde doesn't go into any detail about it. Wilde did serve time in prison for his indecency, i.e. homosexualness. Anyway, the book itself was interesting because Dorian Gray is a beautiful youth that has his picture painted. The picture is beautiful and Dorian says that he wishes he could stay that young and handsome. From then on the picture ages and Dorian does not. It had some of Oscar's wittiness, but wasn't as fun as his plays. Recommended for those who like classic novels, Irish writers, or books used against their authors in courts of law.