First Impressions
Posted by sb on October 11, 2005, 2:26 am Is Sinai Tapestry merely an introductory book, or is it meant to stand alone? Does the plot of Sinai continue in Jerusalem Poker, or is that just another story with some of the same characters reappearing? Nice website by the way... Thanks
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Re: First Impressions
Posted by Joseph on October 11, 2005, 7:55 am, in reply to "First Impressions" As for the characters, we all draw our own conclusions. I find Strongbow's arrogance/confidence admirable, Wallentstein's devotion impenetrable, Haj Harun's aloofness uplifting, Joe's spirit heroic, and Stern's dream tragic. And what too can be said for Maud, Catherine, Sophia, Yakouba, Ziwar, and Sivi? I hope you well stomach the final chapters. Sincerely,
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Re: First Impressions
Posted by Anne on October 11, 2005, 7:55 pm, in reply to "Re: First Impressions" Thanks for your message on the board and also for your complimentary comments on the site. The writing in Sinai Tapestry is indeed beautiful and does not pall after multiple re-readings. In fact Whittemore's writings become quite addictive. As for the characters being unlikeable, I never found that so. I was touched by Haj Haran, moved by Joe O'Sullivan Beare, awestruck by Strongbow and amused by Wallenstein. I encourage you to continue with Jerusalem Poker when it all may begin to make sense. The true hero of the novels is Jerusalem. The books are Whittemore's love letters to the city. He was very much affected by it and I believe it was love at first sight. Anne --Previous Message--
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Re: First Impressions
Posted by sb on October 12, 2005, 12:23 am, in reply to "Re: First Impressions" I was touched by Stern's relationship with Maud, and his overall idealism/ambition. I think, for now, he's my favorite character. I will definitely picking up Jerusalem Poker. Only about 40 pages to go with Sinai Tapestry....unfortunately, because of my work schedule and other commitments, i only have that precious hour or so at night before i go to bed to read. But this book is certainly keeping me up late! Thanks again for your input. --Previous Message--
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Re: First Impressions
Posted by sb on October 12, 2005, 12:33 pm, in reply to "Re: First Impressions" Wow...those final chapters were stunning. Some of most beautiful (and brutal) passages i have ever read. I keep re-reading that last paragraph. Thanks for turning me on to such a wonderful writer!
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Re: First Impressions
Posted by Joseph on October 14, 2005, 12:20 am, in reply to "Re: First Impressions" Regarding the Smyrna affair, there is a wonderful book by Marjorie Housepian called "Smyrna 1922" that recalls letters, diaries, news clippings, and memories of the incident. To get a full historical understanding of the massacre, I recommend reading it. She even tells a detailed account of Whittemore's hero, Asa Jennings. The tragic end to Stern's life, as you read in the final paragraphs, bears much irony: killed by a random, chaotic act, while he himself strove to restore order to the Middle East. Enjoy Jerusalem Poker. "To mention the name of Sherman to a Southerner of the United States is to fill him with burning indignation. Even the most ignorant yokel knows that name Attila is associated with untold horrors and vandalism. But the Smyrna affair has been somehow soft-pedalled and almost expunged from the memory of present day man." Sincerely, --Previous Message--
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Re: First Impressions
Posted by Anne on October 12, 2005, 9:17 pm, in reply to "Re: First Impressions" The Smyrna chapter is a remarkable piece of writing and very accurate in terms of what really happened. Whittemore is like that - his historical facts are always spot on even though he couches them in a fantastical way. You are in for a treat with Jerusalem Poker. A lot of people regard it as the best of the Quartet. Oh I wish I was reading it for the first time again. I'll have to wait until I have Alzeimers before that happens. Thanks for sharing your first impressions - it is always wonderful when Whittemore is discovered by a new reader. Anne --Previous Message--
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