“A Tale Of Two Cities” By Charles Dickens

Based on the real story of King Louis 16 of France who was along with his wife Marie sent to guillotine in 16^th century this story depicts french revolution in the most lucid manner.In the story,London has been depicted as a haven for all those who have been persecuted.There comes the comparison between the 2 cities – London & France.

A Tale Of Two astonishingly look alikes,one from the royal evremonde family of france & the other one an advocate from england.The story begins from Charles’s,the former one,who has renounced his legacy & has taken a new surname Darnay,trial for spying against the England but he is saved by his look alike Sydney Carton.Both of them fell into love with the same girl Lucie manette but Darnay marries her.Lucie’s father who plays a crucial role in the story is suffering from relapse because of the time he spent in jail many a years ago.One day Charles Darnay receives a letter from his old servant for his help & he returns to paris,the city which is undergoing a bloody coupe under the leadership of Defarge & Madam Defarge,whose sister,brother & father were killed by Darnay’s father.Darnay is caught in france & undergoes a trial.First time he manages to escape unscathed but next time he is voted death within 24 hours.Then comes the main protagonist of the story Sydney who once again saves Charle’s life by dying himsellf in his place for the sake of his love Lucie.In the meanwhile,madame defarge is killed by Miss Pross,lucie’s companion to france while escaping from france.The entire family returns to England  lives happily ever after.Thus,Characters triumph through love ,heroism &  sacrifice.

No doubts an interesting story which catches hold of you & doesnt allows you to leave the novel midway.Longing to read the original version by Charles Dickens himself.What I have read is the story retold by Lucinda Dickens great great great granddaughter of Charles.
 

“Chronicle Of A Death Foretold” By Gabriel Garcia Marquez

Original masterpiece is in spanish which is translated in english by gregory rabassa.Quite an interesting story.The main protagonist is Santiago Nasar who is brutall murdered by vicario brothers – pedro & pablo for violating the chastity of their sister angela vicario before her marriage.Her loving ,wealthy & caring husband,Bayardo San Roman sent her back the moment he realised the truth.Though angela took santiago’s name but author has at times  hinted that it was not santiago who did the sin.The description is detailed & very lively.A chain of coincidences leading to a brutal death have been picturised beautifully & dont allow the reader to leave the story midway.Englih used is subtle & some words are really impressive.Detailing done by the author is really good & with no doubts is mesmerizing.Reconstructing a murder that occurred 27 years before the chronicle moves backward  & forward in time with great smoothness & ease.Half accurate memories,equivocation,contradictory versions trying to establish what happened & why,the chronicle is really haunting. 

Who Moved My Cheese?

Yesterday finished reading “Who Moved My Cheese” By Dr. Spencer Johnson.A book all about changes in one’s life & different ways of handling those changes by different people.The story is about 2 mice sniff,good at sniffing the food,scurry,good at scurrying into action & 2 littlepeople hem,good at hemming only & wants to remain in the familiar territory rather than venturing out for new possiblities,chance or new cheese & finally,haw,good at envisaging the new cheese,learns to adapt in timw when he sees changing can lead to something better.
The story rotates around these 4 main characters & their way of tackling the situation when their cheese is moved.This is one of the simplest & most meaningful stories I have ever read.Its surely gonna help all those who are undergoing a change in their lives.
Excerpts from The Book –
Change Happens-keep moving with the cheese
Anticipate Change-get ready for the cheese to move.
Monitor Change-smell the cheese often so u know when its geting old.
Adapt to change quickly-the quicker u let go of old cheese,the sooner u can enjoy new cheese
Change-move with the cheese
Enjoy Change-Savor the adventure & enjoy the taste of new cheese
Be Ready To Change Quickly & Enjoy It Again & Again