Not Always for the Best

Voltaire's, Candide (ISBN 978-1-59308-028-0, 130 Pages, Translated by Henry Morley) is what many consider to be a venerated book detailing themes and theories consistent with the age of enlightnement and western literature. Voltaire glorifies reason and empiricism at the expense of optimism, blind faith, and societal institutions like religion and government. However, is it a true classic? Scholars and authors disagree to this day and William Bottiglia dubiously penned the phrase labeling Candide as a 'miniature classic'.

The fictional satire follows Candide of Westphalia through adventures that are comprised of true occurrences in the world and fictional odysseys such as the city of El Dorado. All the while tragedy after tragedy befalls our hero and the people surrounding him, making him stretch to justify his teacher Pangloss' philosophy of optimism and eventually question that mindset. Some events that transpire include: Candide's conscription into the army, the earthquake at Lisbon, an inquisition in Portugal that hangs dear Pangloss, the prostitution of Candide's beloved Cunegonde, and the discovery of El Dorado.

Voltaire's tale is short, humorous, and meaningful with constant quips directed at his contemporaries and critics. Despite the profound and poignant criticism of optimism and blind faith, the rapidity of the adventure both defines and hurts its impact. The very fact that Voltaire seeks to undermine and satirize traditional writing methods makes his own style the anti-classic rather than a miniature masterpiece. Perhaps I would presume too much in saying that he would appreciate this definition rather than others labeling it as a lesser version of some other bona fide novel due to its size.

Please do read the introduction by Gita May. Informative and analytical, she does an exemplary job of introducing and explaining the tale that will follow and how it connects with Voltaire's life and personal points of view.

I would personally recommend that most if not all should read this tale. The wit and style find their way into today's modern works and have influenced quite a few great minds. Just remember, far from falling short to the classics of antiquity and canon of modern day, Candide should honestly be considered an anti-classic set aside from any comparisons to larger traditional tales. It has been established as and most likely is the precursor and father to a category all its own.

Hyenas, Tigers, and Man, OH MY!

Life of Pi by Yann Martel

In an attempt to find my own voice and to create an innovative and more personable review of the material I look at and analyze, I think it would be best to reformat and incorporate first person point of view. Without further ado, “Life of Pi” by Yann Martel.

What can I say? The storyline and events of this novel are quite addictive and more importantly, fluid. Young Piscine, “Pi”, Patel details the shortcomings of his own name and his childhood in India with numerous curiosities and triumphs that set his childhood apart from the average kid. His father runs and owns a zoo which becomes a critical piece in Pi’s growth and later survival while stranded at sea for over half a year with only a few surviving zoo animals as companions on a small rescue boat.

I found myself continually bemused and emotionally attached to Pi’s antics and cleverness in survival which speaks especially to Mr. Martel’s ingenuity and creativity in the development of this fantasy adventure. I was, and readers most likely feel the same, continuously considering how well Mr. Martel was able to relay and inspire feelings.

My best example of this comes towards the end of the second portion of the book when Pi has become blind with hunger and suddenly another castaway appears who is French and blind as well. I found myself utterly bewildered attempting to ascertain what was going on. However, this confusion is likely due to Martel’s hand and displays the confusion and blindness that Pi himself must have felt being blind and suddenly meeting another person after tens of days with no companion but a Bengal tiger. It was almost kafka-esque.

I would be detracting from my job and obligation if I did not mention the spiritual undertones and discussion in this novel. Pi is a practicing Hindu, Christian, and Muslim who makes compelling arguments and points about loyalty to one religion and ultimately the larger picture of what belief and piety truly is.

I was, overall, very impressed with “Life of Pi” and consider it something that should be put on anyone’s list to read if your interests lay in adventure, survival, and the new. My only criticism lay in wanting to know the true occurrences and events that surround the plot!