some of us



I've read couple books about wars. Mostly about World War II. Aside the fact that they're all fiction, those books show a glimpse of heartaches of the people involved. What was the purpose of war itself, I guess I could never understand. More like a sick game for terribily sick minds. I don't know how could men ever find this twisted idea of massacre as a way to gaining/maintaining world peace.

The Street of A Thosand Blossoms was a beautiful story about how Japanese cope during and after World War II. How was it like having your life turned upside down in one night? Having not the slightest to really understand the situation you're in.

Most of all are just ordinary people. One of millions of citizens of a country. What's it like to put your life, your everything on the hand of a country that cannot defend your being? How frustrating. How helpless. We all just try to survive, in our own way. Some works from 8 am to 5 pm a day, trying to earn some decent payment. Some manipulates others to gain even bigger cash. Some steals or robs. Some takes it the easy way and begs on the street, taking advantage of other's good intention. Some betrays her country, some hides beneath the mask of his honor and loyalty.

The Piano Teacher spoke it all. Defenseless state and survivals. It was the last book I read and I finished it in one day. As if I have no better-urgent things to do except locking up my room a whole day. But this book is THAT good. It's flowing, like I actually was watching a movie. Surprisingly not boring at all. I think the author did very well with the plot. It's rather funny in the beginning with such angsty-twisted ending.

The story is about Claire Paddleton, an English woman, who lived in HongKong because her husband was transferred there. Long story short, she soon began to develop an affair with a chauffeur of the rich family she's working on. This affair then led to the unrevealing of tragedies during the invation of Japan to HongKong.

I can see a little bit clearer of why HongKong loaths Japan. It's only friction of the whole war thing, and it's already unforgivably cruel. And to think that HongKong was invaded only because it was a British colony... I wonder if the Queen could sleep soundly at night during this period. So many people had to suffer and struggle, all because of one man say: "Let's bring this on!"

Who is the moron who said 'don't ask your country what it can do for you, but ask yourself what you can do for your country' anyway? Geez, some of us just want to live in peace and enjoy life as it is.

Anyway, back to the book. The writing style is too much American-like, in my opinion. A tiny-weeny intriguing as it's supposed to be a story about the affair of England and China. I don't do well with movies. My definition of good movie goes around 'The Devil Wears Prada' and 'Sex and The City'. But I'm really into books. And this one is a highly recommended.

about me

Foto saya
Contact me: devy.nandya@gmail.com