The Vulgar Eclectic

Vulgar: of the usual, typical, or ordinary kind*
Eclectic: composed of elements drawn from various sources*

* definitions courtesy of Merriam-Webster

recent blog posts

• The Lower Depths by Maxim Gorky

  I just finished reading The Lower Depths (translated by David Magarshack), a play written by Maxim Gorky in 1902. It brutally depicts the lives of several poor Russians who are living in the cramped basement of a boarding house.

  The characters are superbly drawn. Through the dialogue, Gorky is able to ask profound questions regarding life and suffering, reality and hope. I’m left still wondering about the thoughts and actions of Luka, the pilgrim, and to what degree his views are justified and useful, or misguided and harmful.

  This was an excellent reading experience.

  “Well, you see, there’s a moral to it. It shows that however much you paint yourself, it’ll all come off in the end. Yes, sir, it will all come off.”

  

• Robots, dinosaurs, and monsters!

  A few months ago, my daughter and I set up a bit of a diorama using old figurines I had as a child and that I have since given to her. I recently added a few robots to the mix (the orange guy atop the stone is one of the new ones). I would have loved them as a kid!

  

  

  

  

• The Pathfinder by James Fenimore Cooper

  I just finished reading The Pathfinder (1840) by James Fenimore Cooper. Although it’s the fourth novel Cooper wrote in the Leatherstocking Tales, it is the third in the chronology of the series.

  The novel is set around the year 1758, in the midst of the French and Indian War. Pathfinder (known at various times throughout the series as Nathaniel Bumpo, Natty, The Deerslayer, Leatherstocking, La Longue Carabine, and Hawkeye) is working for the British military as a scout and guide in the Great Lakes region of North America. Most of the story takes place in the wilderness—on Lake Ontario, in the nearby rivers, on small islands, and among the forests. Cooper paints a vivid and beautiful picture of the pre-industrial landscape and the peoples who lived there.

  The story itself is engaging…full of adventure, friendship, honor, treachery, love, and mystery. The novel explores the emotional and moral character of Pathfinder, and succeeds in portraying a simple yet profound personality. The ending is especially poignant and memorable.

  “There is honor in doing what’s right, and unhonor in doing what’s wrong…”

  

• The Power of Darkness by Leo Tolstoy

  I finished reading The Power of Darkness (1886) by Leo Tolstoy. It’s a five act tragedy set in a peasant village in 19th century Russia. Several of the characters commit increasingly depraved acts, culminating in a particularly vile crime.

  As these actions and their outcomes are contrasted with another, sympathetic character, I was left with thoughts about what constitutes accountability, justice, redemption, and forgiveness.

  “I would have shaken it off, however great my grief, I would have shaken it off, but this thing is here—in my heart—and I can’t take it out, however much I try.”

  

• Indiana Jones and the Peril at Delphi by Rob MacGregor

  I just finished reading Indiana Jones and the Peril at Delphi (1991) by Rob MacGregor. It’s the first in a series of novels written after the third Indiana Jones movie. The book begins with Indy graduating from college and his first experiences in archaeology, which, of course, are full of danger and excitement!

  I was given a copy of this book when I was a kid, probably about 13 or 14 years old. I started reading it back then, I think, and again in college, but never got past the first bit. I’m glad I returned to it now and gave it a chance.

  This was a well-paced yarn, with good storytelling that felt true to the character of Indiana Jones. I really had fun reading it! MacGregor does a good job of adding historical and cultural details that help make the story feel enmeshed in a real time and place in the past. Plus, the reader gets to see Indy develop into the character we see in the films.

  “Don’t worry, Indy,” Conrad said, “If you really want it, you’ll find what you need.”

  

…older blog posts