Murphy (Samuel Beckett)

Samuel Beckett

Murphy

Excellent story centred around someone who is beloved by all, well, lusted after, and his self fulfilling prophecy that him having to work to please his squeeze will result in her losing him. Wittily written with more than a few passing references to either expressions, languages, events or simply words that I'm not familiar with so probable even more witty and enjoyable to either those living in the 1930s who were better educated than what I am and have lived in Paris and other exotic locations. Nevertheless a very enjoyable read ranging from a serious analysis of what is deemed madness to laugh out loud situations and pathos. There you go. I do know Greek.

Fahrenheit 451 (Ray Bradbury)

Ray Bradbury

Fahrenheit 451

Classic I've not read before harking back to the Nazi's book burning and also the more current American reds under beds witch hunts of the McCarthy era. Still going on in a lot of the world whether by public burning or simply closing down internet sites. The story follows a "fireman" (as in one who burns houses containing books rather than saving houses) who comes round to a different way of thinking. It's a dystopian world that we seem to be at least half way into where the population are encouraged to enjoy their trite entertainment (now a hell of a lot worse than in the 50s) and not to worry themselves about thinking too much. Or not at all. Hence the banning, and burning, of all books. Sound familiar? As in other similar books we follow one person who's fighting the system although not too sure why or how. An interesting ending. One scary bit is the mechanical dog which is now a reality if you've seen the MIT cheetah robotic dog jumping. Be afraid. Be very afraid.