Today is especially drum-rollable (or trumpet-worthy), as I am writing my first, and hopefully not final, entry for Jack Lewis Balliot's give away. Learn the rules and how to get an entry in order to win a free, signed copy of her new book, Haphazardly Implausible (coming out December 14, 2012) HERE.
...*taps fingers and looks at clock nervously while figeting*
I guess I should write about a book that I've recently. Only problem is that I haven't exactly finished any fresh reading material lately. School work tends to suck the time of your life right outta you.
*begins to reconsider something*
And yet...school work does bring it's nice surprises (as far as literature goes), every once in the wild blue while.
And yes, I purposely mixed my puns.
Therefore, seeing as I have pray little newly-published novel, novella, or series to harp upon, I will begin with something of a classic. GK Chesterton's short story concerning Father Brown: The Hammer of God.
(As a quick side note, you can read the full story, The Hammer of God, for free on this web page)
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To be honest, I stink at reviews. It's not that I don't have an opinion (Nooooo, not that at all). Instead, it's that I rant or rave. There's no in-between space. That is my struggle.
The Hammer of God.What a curious name. One might wonder what on earth this book is delving into. Chesterton was known for his Father Brown mysteries, but when a mystery starts with a title that includes something bigger and better and beyond our own little minds and ideas (such as God), we start to wonder: how on earth is this supposed to make sense? One of the crucial aspects that you must include if attempting to write a successful mystery is that each event that happens needs to be believable (to an extent), and not simply depend on chance or a miracle.
And although one could argue that miracles happen every day, all around up, 24/7, that's a whole new can of worms that will be left to open another day.
As far as background information goes, Father Brown is a Catholic priest. Depicted as short and non-noticeable, this generally overlooked priest is not only a devout believer and leader of the church, but a Sherlock in disguise.
The Hammer of God begins with the typical introduction to the characters of whom the story concerns itself with. Chesterton's collection of Father Brown short stories are...well, short stories, thus, most characters are not expected to make appearances in multiple adventures. Unlike Sherlock Holmes, Father Brown has no Watson, and his tale is told in third person rather than first person narrative. This allows for Father Brown's first appearance to maintain a more "incognito" feeling. His presence is not announced, instead Chesterton only makes a quick note about a "...little priest [who] was not an interesting man to look at, having stubbly brown hair and a round and stolid face."
The story takes place completely on church grounds. I loved the way this made it simple and aided in unfolding the tale, piece by piece, until all was clear and in place. It seems to me that not only does a limited location keep a short story simple and easy to keep up with, but keeps everything uncluttered and allows Chesterton to add a flourish on his character development, without confusing or losing the reader.
In a way, this short reminded me of that board game "Clue". Quite entertaining to the very conclusion.
Though the storyline was good and captivating, I must confess to you that the most shining element of plot was the to-be-greatly-admired Father Brown himself. Though I'm quite new and unlearned so far as Chesterton stories are concerned, I've already grown extremely fond of the detective-priest, and I'm quite sure you would too. His easy-going nature, calm composure, and witty quotations are outstanding. I really cannot recall the last time that I read a story with so many thought-provoking remarks. I shan't share them with you in this post, as it would take me far too long to find and decide on the best, and also because I believe that quotes are more of an impact when reading them straight from their origination, yet I do urge you read them for yourself in the link above.
The beginning was enticing, the middle was compelling, and the falling out, satisfying. As far as I can tell, this is most definitely a short story worth reading. In addition to all of the obvious elements that cause this tale to run smooth and flawlessly, their are a handful of discrete foreshadowing techniques (the stained glass painting of the angel with the lilies) that make it an excellent read.
As far as cons go, I can't find many. I do regret to say that Chesterton has such a flourish with words, that it can become overwhelming at some times, and a struggle to follow the train of the story at others. Taking this into account, it is probably not best to read Chesterton's collection at 11:00pm on a night before an early morning. However that may be, I'd still say that these works of literature (particularly The Hammer of God) are certainly works of art, and quite commendable ones at that.
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That is my entry Jack, I hope you enjoyed it! =)
On another note, I just realized that I've forgotten to do a Christmas Music Monday. Drat.
*bounds off to find a good Christmas song to post*
K-Minty
