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FROM MAGS:

P.S. for dlee

IMO, "The Secret History" is not the kind of catchy bestseller novel which will capture you immediately. It requires (lots of) patience and consequence at the beginning. But once you are into the story you will see how well-worth it is not to have given up. Also, compared to other contemporary novels from the States, I'd say it is a very language-driven book and does not mainly focus on the plot or how fast the story develops. It's more the kind of book with a wonderfully unique, own atmosphere which can either lay its magic veil over you - or not touch you at all.

- What do other readers of "The Secret History" think?

Jane, hold my hand and we'll jump together (like Butch and Sundance? Ow!~) I don't want to miss the discussion you guys are having

Re Richard--I can completely understand his wanting to be part of this 'in' group and how flattered and daring he must have felt being accepted into the class by Julian. Especially having such a rejecting father. Doesn't mean I like him particularly, but I understand. (I'm still pretty early--he's just joined the group)

There was an interesting juxtaposition for me--last night I watch a typical Toshiro Mifune movie, all about the honor of the samurai and his loyalty to his chosen cause. He hated fighting and violence (unlike many of his compatriots), but became the leader protection forces (protecting the Shogun) so as to insist on honor in his men.

So here I am reading about all the ancient Greeks and Romans and the 'beauty' of violence and death making for the best poetry. And how all the heroes always emerge from military victory or manly death and I'm wondering why that's all that's been celebrated (for the most part) over the millennia. Other than a few venerated religious figures and the Renaissance artists--where are the noble peacemakers? Where is the emphasis on solving problems instead of brute force?

Such a simplistic question, I know. And I get the whole aggression=survival cave man thingy. But if our appendix and 'tailbone' can devolve from lack of necessity or purpose, why not aggression and violence? Why do we have to invent sports to stay in practice and keep those traits viable? Why is it still necessary to fight wars? Just wondering triggered by their discussion of the classics. Too bad competition can't be based on who is the kindest, the smartest, the wisest.