Archive | July, 2024

Romeo and Juliette Retold: These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong

17 Jul

Romeo & Juliette. Those who hear those names instantly know of Shakespeare romantic tragedy. There are countless movies about it with different takes and of course books with their own variation on the tale, including changes in the ending. In many ways, the play itself has become its own genre in terms of  the trope of star-crossed lovers. Many books will have similar themes to the play, but with their own set of characters and situations that differ but take inspiration from the source material. 

These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong is one such tale. Taking place in a 1920s inspired Shanghai, it tells the story of Juliette Cai and Roma Montagov, both heirs to rival gangs, the Scarlets and the White Flowers. Juliette is a former flapper, who has returned to assume her role as heiress as head of the Scarlet Gang, whose power is higher than the law. Both the Scarlets and the White Flowers have fought for generations and the key player behind every move is the White Flowers heir, Roma. Both Juliette and Roma have a shared history as each other’s first loves that ended in betrayal. Things change when a mysterious contagion begins to make itself known and the stability of both gangs begins to crumble. Now Juliette and Roma must set their differences aside and work together before their gangs and the city are destroyed.

Gong weaves a bloody and fantastic narrative with great protagonists who are compelling as they are fun to read about.  The book also has several nods to its inspiration while still coming off as its own story as well, touching on various themes and topics that are woven quite well throughout the narrative. The mystery that makes up the primary plot of the novel is well paced and one that readers will either try to guess along the way or figure out immediately. 

There are many political references made through the book as well in regards to some of the things Shanghai was facing in reality during the 1920s, things the author handles very well and gives the readers something to think on in regards to history. 

Overall, the book is a thrilling read that will have you reaching for the sequel as soon as you reach the ending. These Violent Delights is available now along with its sequel, Our Violent Ends.

You can read several past Shakespeare inspired posts here and here and here.

Written by:
Lauren Lapinski
Information and Digital Services Library Assistant

Tags: ,

Shopping for the Ultimate Story: The Dallergut Dream Department Store and Odette Toulemonde

10 Jul

The Dallergut Dream Department Store
by Miye Lee with translation by Sandy Joosun Lee
The first in a best-selling Korean duology, that has become an international sensation, I was eager to read The Dallergut Dream Department Store when it became available for US consumption. The book follows Penny who has just gotten her fantasy job working at a Department store that sells a variety of dreams to sleepers. The sleepers remember the dreams, but not the shopping experience. The novel is built out of interlocking stories that show Penny’s progression at the store, but also bring in a variety of other dreamers and dream makers. While there is a lot of whimsy and heart in the novel (characters have charming names like Babynap Rockabye and furry clawed creatures supply sleepers with comfy pajamas), there is also a philosophical undercurrent looking at how even a nightmare of test taking may be healing and the importance of not focusing too heavily on the past or future to the detriment of one’s present path. If like me you enjoy magical realism and are fascinated by dreams and how they can have impact and relation to our waking lives, this book is sure to be an interesting and enjoyable read.

Odette Toulemonde
Odette Toulemonde is another story set in a Department Store, in this case the 2006 movie is from France but set partially in Belgium. Odette played by Catherine Frot is a middle aged sales person working at a cosmetics counter of a department store. She is widowed, but lives with her grumpy daughter. the daughter’s gross boyfriend, and a sweet son who rotates through his love interests at a rapid pace. Though Odette’s life seems ordinary and at times dull, she is able to derive great pleasure from the books by her favorite author, Balthazar Balsan (Albert Dupontel). Balsan, on the other hand, though having fame and money, is seriously depressed. When the two encounter each other at a book signing, it could change both their lives in unexpected ways. The movie weaves in some magical realism, whenever Odette gets too excited she begins to float and when she listens to her favorite chanteuse, she and even family members and friends will often break into dance routines. If you are a fan of the classic French film Amelie, than Odette Toulemonde is sure to be a treat.

Written by:
Aimee Harris
Information and Digital Service Manager

Tags: , , ,

← Older Entries
Newer Entries →