Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Setting
I really love the diversity of setting in the book. Most books don’t appeal to me as much because of the constant location, and the single perspective. But I love how “People of the Book” is all over the place. True, the book did travel throughout Europe, BUT- the author pulled away from Europe by having Hanna be Australian. One reason might be that the author is Australian herself, but I also like to think that it is a completely new perspective. How many books do you find involving Australia? It might be just that I love the continent/country, but I also think it provides a newer, more modern touch to the story about an ancient book. Aside from Australia, I also love how Bosnia, where Ozren lives and the book is currently located, is so religiously diverse. Despite my lack of interest for any kind of religion, I think it is extraordinary how the three core religions of Judaism, Christianity and Islam all merge in one city. One of my favorite parts of the book so far was when Ozren pointed out the Mosque, Church and Synagogue within walking distance. That is definitely something you don’t find every day.
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I also love how the books travels thoughout Europe. I find European histroy and the culture to be very interesting. I like how you experience it all in one book. The religous diversity is also intersting. It creats lots of tensions in the book, especially during the time when Anti-semitism was on the rise. If all the relgions were to find peace between on another, then perhaps the book would have been on display for people to enjoy many years ago.
ReplyDeleteI loved the part where Hanna was describing, when she had first arrived, how they had just stopped shooting at eachother. I can only imagine, muslims, christians and jews in so small a city, all equal. That can't be too safe.
ReplyDeleteShe said that the city used to be one of the most beautiful in the world until all the fighting. After that all the beauty was destroyed.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it sad the way Ozren speaks of his city?
ReplyDeleteHe seems very patriotic, even in this mess his people are in, but still he seems to love Sarajevo. I actually think he is an admirable person despite not being able to control his temper all the time.
I also think that the different settings keep my intrigued in the book. It keeps me interested and leaves several cliff hangers that also keep me reading. This book has also helped me find a new prospective on World War II. Even though this book took place a while ago, it still feels new and modern.
ReplyDeleteIt intersting how the book travels though time periods. Hanna lives in modern day, while Lola lives during WW2, and then next characters also live during different time periods too. I think the war has really had an effect on the character of Ozren.
ReplyDeleteI agree that it is odd to have the main character of the book from Australia. I wonder if Geraldine Brooks is from or has any ties with Australia?
ReplyDeleteI agree with Saharie that Ozren is admirable despite not being able to control his temper. I think he was probably a much friendlier person before the war took so much from him.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Aimee that it is interesting how the book travels through time periods. Usually if a book does that it will be the same character in two different time periods, but People of the Book is different.
ReplyDeleteI also LOVE the diversity of the book too. Because its like a mystery its supposed to be all over the place and give different perspectives. I also found the whole mixture of religions really interesting.
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