Harrrowing Memoir

I, Pierre Seel, Deported Homosexual: 

A Memoir of Nazi Terror 

by Pierre Seel

“I had to bear witness in order to protect the future, bear witness in order to overcome the amnesia of my contemporaries.”  ― Pierre Seel, I, Pierre Seel, Deported Homosexual: A Memoir of Nazi Terror

Seel describes his experiences in this compelling memoir, including his arrest in Nazi-occupied Strasbourg in 1941 at the age of 17, his stay in the Schirmeck-Vorbruch concentration camp, and the horrifying crimes he saw, such as the murder of his lover. His candor, bravery, and dignified restraint in describing such extreme suffering are frequently praised by reviewers.

Because of the persistent discrimination against homosexuals in society, even in post-war France, Seel lived in shame and terror for almost forty years after the war, keeping his experiences a secret. His choice to speak out in 1981 is regarded as a great act of bravery and evidence of his resolve to pursue justice and recognition for the gay victims of the Nazis. His decision was frequently spurred by outrage at the persistence of homophobia.

Seel's life after the camps is also covered in the book, including his challenging marriage, his attempts to hide his homosexuality, and the psychological effects of his trauma that persisted for a long time. This demonstrates that for many gay survivors, persecution and humiliation persisted even after their "liberation" from the camps.

The book is an important piece of history. It serves as a reminder of what happens when groups are dehumanized and a warning against all forms of prejudice by offering a first-hand account of the Nazi persecution of homosexuals and their treatment in concentration camps.

Winter Mystery

Elegy for April 

by Benjamin Black

"It was the worst of winter weather, and April Latimer was missing." - Benjamin Black







The novel is less of a conventional whodunit and more of an atmospheric character study, with a focus on the relationships between the characters, particularly the fragile one between the protagonist, Dr. Quirke, and his recently discovered daughter, Phoebe.

The author has an ability to evoke the mood of 1950s Dublin, with its foggy streets, repressed society, and underlying tensions. His writing is elegant, precise, and beautiful, elevating the book beyond a typical crime novel. While the characters, especially Quirke, are complex and well-developed. The novel delves into Quirke's personal struggles with alcoholism and his difficult relationship with Phoebe, which adds a powerful emotional layer to the story.

Overall, I recommend "Elegy for April" for its literary quality and its atmospheric portrayal of a city and its people.

How Many Times

The Sheltering Sky 

by Paul Bowles

“Death is always on the way, but the fact that you don't know when it will arrive seems to take away from the finiteness of life. It's that terrible precision that we hate so much. But because we don't know, we get to think of life as an inexhaustible well. Yet everything happens a certain number of times, and a very small number, really. How many more times will you remember a certain afternoon of your childhood, some afternoon that's so deeply a part of your being that you can't even conceive of your life without it? Perhaps four or five times more. Perhaps not even. How many more times will you watch the full moon rise? Perhaps twenty. And yet it all seems limitless.” - Paul Bowles, The Sheltering Sky


The narrative tracks affluent Americans Port and Kit Moresby and their companion Tunner as they travel across the North African desert following World War II. They are "travelers" as opposed to "tourists," looking to escape the monotony of their lives and fully immerse themselves in a new culture. However, the harsh realities of the desert, their own internal conflicts, and their encounters with the unfamiliar quickly undo their attempts to rediscover themselves and rekindle their strained marriage. The story devolves into an unsettling examination of human frailty in the face of the Sahara's immense, merciless emptiness.

The inherent meaninglessness of life and the struggle of the individual to find meaning in a world devoid of intrinsic values are major themes. This existential emptiness is powerfully metaphorically represented by the vast, uncaring desert. While Kit attempts to avoid meaninglessness in a number of ways, characters such as Port struggle with the "infinite sadness" at the center of consciousness.

The conflict between Western sensibilities and the strange North African culture is portrayed by Bowles in a striking manner. Despite their desire to be "travelers," the Americans eventually fall short of truly understanding or connecting with the locals and their customs. Tragic outcomes from their ignorance underscore the perils of cultural conceit and unsophisticated exploration.

A common theme is the contrast between "tourists" who are looking for familiarity and comfort and "travelers" who welcome the unknown. Although Port considers himself a true traveler, the book challenges ideas of identity and purpose by implying that true self-discovery frequently comes at a terrifying cost. The characters feel incredibly alone, even in their own relationships. Distance and a lack of genuine intimacy plague Port and Kit's marriage. They become even more estranged from one another as well as from any feeling of home or belonging as a result of their journey.

Bowles contrasts the untamed, unadulterated forces of nature and human impulse in the desert with the ostensible order and reason of Western civilization. "The Sheltering Sky" is a difficult but unquestionably influential piece of writing. Although it's not an easy read, its examination of important existential issues and its realistic, frequently disturbing portrayal of human nature under pressure make an impression. This book compels readers to face difficult realities about who they are and the state of humanity.

Inspiring Erudition

Religio Medici / Urne-Buriall 

by Thomas Browne

 

“We carry within us the wonders we seek without us.” ― Sir Thomas Browne, 

Two of the most renowned and enduring pieces of prose from the 17th century in England are Religio Medici and Urne-Buriall, written by Sir Thomas Browne. These works demonstrate Browne's singular intelligence, mastery of style, and profound reflections on faith, life, death, and the human condition. Together, these pieces provide a striking window into the thoughts of a Renaissance man pondering the eternal questions of life and the scientific discoveries of his era. 

Religio Medici is a profoundly intimate and reflective work that was first circulated in manuscript form before being published in an authorized edition in 1643. It functions as Browne's spiritual autobiography, an open examination of his Christian beliefs as they relate to his work as a doctor. This was a radical undertaking in a century marked by severe religious conflict because it dared to offer a complex, accepting, and frequently contradictory understanding of belief.

Urne-Buriall is a meditation that was published in 1658.ion on mortality, memory, and the futility of human attempts to defy oblivion. The work was prompted by the discovery of ancient burial urns in Norfolk, near Browne's home, leading him to explore diverse funerary customs across history and cultures.

Reading Religio Medici and Urne-Buriall together provides a comprehensive experience of Thomas Browne's unique genius. Both works highlight his eclectic knowledge, his deeply introspective nature, and his unparalleled command of the English language. They are not easy reads, requiring patience and an appreciation for the baroque style and dense allusions. However, the reward is an encounter with a mind that effortlessly traverses the realms of science, philosophy, theology, and poetry, offering timeless insights into the human condition.

For those interested in 17th-century literature, the history of ideas, or simply magnificent prose, these two essays are indispensable. They remain a testament to Browne's enduring legacy as a singular figure in English letters. This is an inspiring work for all who love words and appreciate erudition. That does not take away from the imaginative largesse of Browne's prose. The glossary and notes included in this edition are helpful to all who are not scholars of the history of literature.

A Complex Life

The Invisible Man: 

The Life and Liberties 

of H.G. Wells 

by Michael Coren

"the literate teenager ... was free to read whatever happened to catch his interest." - Michael Coren, The Invisible Man.





Michael Coren's "The Invisible Man: The Life and Liberties of H. G. Wells" offers a provocative and often critical look at the complex life of the renowned author. Unlike many earlier biographies that tended to gloss over Wells's less admirable traits, Coren aims to present a "warts and all" portrait, challenging the perception of Wells as an unblemished utopian visionary.

Coren brings an intention to provide a more balanced, if not overtly critical, account of Wells. He aims to expose aspects of Wells's life and views that previous biographers might have omitted or downplayed. In doing so the book delves into Wells's personal life, including his numerous affairs and his often difficult relationships with women, portraying him as a "misogynistic womanizer." More significantly, Coren brings to light Wells's disturbing views on social engineering, eugenics, and, most notably, his alleged anti-Semitism, which Wells apparently defended even into the 1930s. This is a point of considerable debate and interest for many readers, as it often contradicts the commonly held image of Wells as a champion of liberal tolerance.

Coren emphasizes the paradoxes within Wells's character: a brilliant mind who could envision incredible futures and advocate for social progress (like women's suffrage), yet simultaneously held deeply problematic and intolerant personal views. I found the book to be well-researched, informative, and engaging, providing a concise yet thorough biography. It offers a fresh perspective by focusing on areas often overlooked. This is not a hagiography. It's a biography that seeks to unmask the "invisible" darker sides of H. G. Wells, prompting readers to confront the complexities and contradictions of a truly influential, yet deeply flawed, literary and social figure. I recommend it for those who want a more critical and nuanced understanding of Wells's life beyond his celebrated literary achievements.