Author's Note: I realized that my last posts were too long. They wer supposed to be a sum-up/conclusion of the fifty pages, yet I thought that you had to 'conclude' pretty much every sentence. Even though it took me a very long time to do, I still think that I was being modest. I must also apologies if I had some weird mistakes. My spacebar and the keys 'd' and 'r' don't tend to work all the time.
Accept my apologies. I hope this post will be better.
-
-Continuation of Chapter Four-
Sandra had forgotten her gloves and now her hands felt numb. But like the others, she followed the tour, Aki, to the dogs. She was thinking about her boys, Gráinne, Frank and his ex-wife Rosemary, who was supposed to be seeing Gráinne any time now. She felt sad for all of them, but knew that she had done everything she could for Gráinne and the boys.
They arrived at the dogs'-hangout, and Aki introdouced everyone to the dogs (or the other way around). He also tought everyone how to ride them and what they had to know about the enviorment. He warned for bad weather, going off-track and the dogs' behaviour, but assured everyone that it should be O.K.
The boys were asking a few questions from Aki, and were figthing with eachother.
Johnny and Tom went on a sled with Kalle. Kalle was the tall, finnish man they met last night, when visitng the dogs, so they knew eachother. Sandra however went on a sled on her own, and so did the others.
They rode for hours, enjoying the great scenery and wildlife around them; Snow, trees, lakes and frotsty glaciours. Everything lookedbeauiful and everybody loved it.
They all took a short break, and drank some coffee. Kalle and Aki told everyone some things about the dogs, like the fact that noother sled will run further than te leader's, and they obey o voice-commands. After a few minutes ofrest, they all went back to sledding. They went through a scary forest, until came to a clearing again. The boys yelled "Wilder-ness!" cheerfully.
-The Airport-
Gráinne was still at the airport. She saw people pouring out of one of the gates. She started looking caefully for her mother, yet she still couldn't find her. Some were too skinny, fat, old young etc. The teen then found her mother and they greeted eachother dullily. Gráinne felt anger and confusion towards Rosemary, who only apologized an cried. She talked about how she missed Gráinne, and how she felt awfully sorry for doing all of this to her. But Gráinne didn't react much, only asked questions.
-Chapter Five-
The boys had been sledding now for quite a while. They've come to a clearing, where there were no trees, only snow and horizon. Suddenly, they heard their mother fall off her sleigh (another word for 'sled'). She said that she as fine, and they kept going. Aki was at the very behind, with his snow-mobile, making sure that no-one got left behind or fell off without anyone noticing.
Suddenyl, the boys sa a giant hill ahead, with Aki on top of it, calling for them. The boys felt excited as they apporached the hill and sled to the top. They went down, cheering and loving the experience. So did everyone else, after them.
Jonhhy and Tom came t a strange place, where they knew you could get really lost in. It was a starnge forest, with sudden curves.They kept sliding, twisting and swaying across the snowy land for a long time and had been gaining a lot of distance between the others, until Kalle stopped and fed the dogs, saying that no-one will pass the leader.
-The Taxi-
Rosemary and Gráinne had met with her granny. Rosemary was talking to her, while Gráinne satayed near atxi she had ordered. She observed the two and forgot that the taxi-driver was there, who asked her if the woman was her mother. She didn't answer.
-Chapter Six-
Johnny and Tom reached a lake, where Kalle stopped. They all discussed about the lake's depths and ice.They could hear the ice making sounds of cracking, and see it melt. They were safe, yet it was very thrilling for them. The three (with dogs) went further away from the lake, and set a campfire. They met their mother, Aki ad everyoe else, soon, where they enjoyed the moment.
Tom and Johnny were also talking to the other tourists, who all were friendly towards them.
Aki showed te boys how to cut branches and use them as wood for the fire. The boys were very curious for everything that Aki did. Tom used his knife (the one that he and Johnny were hiding from Sandra), but only so that he could bring a stick to Aki.
They helped to make coffee and campfire for some time, until everyone went to sleep. Then, they snuck out and went exploring.
-The Café-
Gráinne and Rosemar were at a café, having lunch. Rosemary tried to make a conversation with Gráinne, but she either made it really short or portested that she didn't want to talk about it. It seemed to be a rough time for them both. Gráinne was still confused and upset about her mother, who slowly tried to exlain and apologize for her, telling that she has changed, and that she had missed Dublin. But Gráinne didn't want to listen- she was too hurt and angry. The more they spent time in the café,the less Gráinne wanted to be there.
Rosemary tried to keep postivive, and kept asking questions from her daughter. She wanted to start over again, but Gráinne said that it was just crap.
-Chapter Seven-
It was very dark, and the boys had returned from their little exploration, which turned out to be a waste of time. Luckily, no-one noticed they had left. Now, everyone were gathering their things back to their sleighs, and were ready to get moving again.
Sandra had been packing her stuff, trying not to freeze to death. She and everybody else went on their sleds and ordered the dogs to start moving, again.
Kalle's sled was at the front, and Aki had been out of sight. Everything was very dark an the boys were a little scared. Their sled was aheadof everyone elses', again, until Kalle suddenly stopped the sled and said that the dogs ad to rest.
-My thoughts:-
These pages were getting me into the story even further. It's getting very interesting, and I love reading this book. The vocabulary and expressions are dazzling me, and I truly am imagining, that I'm in Lapland, sedding with huskies. It's amazing to read a book that includes humor, friendship and wildlife all in one- since there are very few books that do.
I'm learning alot after each page, and it's absolutely thrilling for me to read it.
On the other hand, the history of Gráinne and Rosemary still make me think and have different thought about the book. It has alot of drama, and sometimes I got confused at a certain emotion or sentence that was said. But still, the story of Gráinne' struggles and Rosemary's influence made me look at a different point of view and enjoy the book even more.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
"Wilderness"- Roddy Doyle (pages 1-5) Translation into Estonian
"Wilderness" by Roddy Doyle, first five pages, translated into Estonian, by Sandra V.
Silmad
Kaks poissi vaatasid koera silmadesse.
"Mis várvi on nad?" útles Johnny.
"Ei tea," útles Tom.
Need silmad olid nagu mitte miski mida poisid oleksid náinud. Neile ei olnudki nime sellisele várvile.
"Sinised?" útles Tom.
"Ei," útles Johnny.
"Túrkiis?"
"Mitte eriti,"
Koer vaatas neile otsa. Suurema ose teistest kortest platsil ulgusid ja háálitsesid asju, mis kólasid nagu iidaegsed sónad. Nad kiskusid ja ringutasid enda rihmi. Aga see koer nende ees oli teistsugune. Ta seisis seal mustas lumes, táiesti rahulikult, ja vaatas poiste otsa, Tomi otsa, siis Johnny otsa, siis Tomi, siis Johnny.
Nad ei olnudki eriti koera silmade mooldi. Váhemalt, need ei olnud sellised silmad nagu teisted koertel mida poisid teatsid kodus. Paljudel nende sópradel olid koerad, ja nende tádil oli kaks, aga kóikidel nendel koertel olid korralikud koerte silmad. Aga sellel koeral, kes neile otsa vaatas, olid silmad mis just kui kuuluksid teisele loomale, ákki isegi inimesele.
"Tundub, agu keegi oleks seal kinni," útles Tom.
Johnny noogutas. Ta teadis tápselt mida ta vend mótles selle all.
Nad astusid taha, ikka koera otsa vaatamas. Nad kartsid enda selgi tema poole póórata. Nad astusid taha uuesti, puhta ja paksu lume sisse. Nad tegid seda veel kord, ja pórkasid millegi kóva vastu. Nad póórasid, ning nágid kóige suuremat, pikeimat, laiemat meest keda nad kunagi olid náinud.
Mees oli sirge sein nende ees. Koer oli nende taga.
"Miks - olete - te - siin?" útles mees.
Esimene Peatúkk
Johnny Griffin oli peaaeugu kaksteist, ja tema vend, Tom, oli kúmme. Nad elasid Dublinis, koos nenede vanemate ja óega. Nad olid kaks tavalist poissi. Ja nad olid vága tavalised, siis kui nende ema teagi teatuse.
Nad olid kóógis, oma kodutóód tegemas. Váljas sadas, ning vihm haamerdas kóógi lamedat katust. Sellepárast nad ei kuulnudki nende ema vótmeid eesukses ja teda móóda esikut kóndimas. Jársku, oli ta seal.
Nad alati armastasid seda, kui ta jóudis tóólt koju, aga parem oli veelgi, kuna ta oli lábimárg. Oli jubagi váikelomp tema jalge all.
"Ma olen natuke márg, poisid," ta útles.
Ta raputas end, tegemas tesit vihmasadu, mis poiste peale láks, mis tegi nad kiljuma ja naerma. Ta rabas nad ja pressis nende náod tema márga pinktsakusse. Tom naeris uuesti, kuid mitte Johnny. Ta arvas, et on liiga vana selleks.
"Lase lahti!" ta róókis pintsakusse.
"Útle palun," útles ta ema.
"Ei!" útles Johnny.
Aga ta lasi teda lahti, ja tema venna ka.
Lóunal oli ta ráákinud neile, mida ta tol páeval oli teinud. Ta oli kóndinud Reisi-Búroo poest móóda ja midagi jáital silma aknas. Ta peatus ja vaatas. Váike mági koos kunst-lumega, mille peal sóitis suuskatega kaisukaru, oli aknas. See oli reklaam talve-puhkusele.
"See oli páris loll, poisid," ta útles. "Vaene kaisukaru kandis kiivrit, mis oli talle liiga suur, ning tema suusad olid vale pidi. Aga, ikkagi, ma láksin sisse ja broneerisin meile puhkuse."
"Kuhu?" útles Johnny.
"Soome."
Poisid láksid hulluks. Tom jooksis móóda koridori, trepist úles, húppas voodites ja tuli tagasi.
"Kus on Soome?" ta kúsis.
Nad vótsis Johnny atlase tema koolikotist válja ja leitsid Soome. Nende ema náitas neile seda teed, mille móóda nad láhevad. Tema sórm láks Dublinist úle Iiri Mere.
"Me peame lendama Manchesterisse, alguses," ta útles.
Ta sórm osutas Manchesterile, ning póóras siis Póhja móóda lehte.
"Ja siis Helsinkisse."
Neile meeldis selle koha hááldus.
"Helsinki! Helsinki!"
Nad pórgutasid úksteisesse ja naersid.
"Ja siis," útles nende ema, "me muudame plaane jálle ning lendame isegi veel póhja poole."
Ta sórm láks Helsinkit kórgemale ja peatus.
"Sinna kohta, mis pole kaardil náidatud," ta útles.
"Miks?" kúsis Tom.
"See on vist liiga váike," útles Johnny.
"Óige," útles nende ema.
"Mis seda kutsutakse?"
"Ma ei máleta," útles nende ema. "Ja ma játsin brosúúri tóó juurde. Aga see náeb válja imeilus."
"Millal me láhme?" útles Johnny.
"Kahe nádala párast," ta útles.
"Surmav," útles Tom.
"Aga me oleksime ikka veel koolis," útles Johnny.
Ta oli selle ára tóódelnud. See oli Novembri keskel. Pane kaks nádalat otsa, ja siis oleks Detsembri algus, ikka veel kolm nádalat enne nende Jóulu-Vaheajani.
Silmad
Kaks poissi vaatasid koera silmadesse.
"Mis várvi on nad?" útles Johnny.
"Ei tea," útles Tom.
Need silmad olid nagu mitte miski mida poisid oleksid náinud. Neile ei olnudki nime sellisele várvile.
"Sinised?" útles Tom.
"Ei," útles Johnny.
"Túrkiis?"
"Mitte eriti,"
Koer vaatas neile otsa. Suurema ose teistest kortest platsil ulgusid ja háálitsesid asju, mis kólasid nagu iidaegsed sónad. Nad kiskusid ja ringutasid enda rihmi. Aga see koer nende ees oli teistsugune. Ta seisis seal mustas lumes, táiesti rahulikult, ja vaatas poiste otsa, Tomi otsa, siis Johnny otsa, siis Tomi, siis Johnny.
Nad ei olnudki eriti koera silmade mooldi. Váhemalt, need ei olnud sellised silmad nagu teisted koertel mida poisid teatsid kodus. Paljudel nende sópradel olid koerad, ja nende tádil oli kaks, aga kóikidel nendel koertel olid korralikud koerte silmad. Aga sellel koeral, kes neile otsa vaatas, olid silmad mis just kui kuuluksid teisele loomale, ákki isegi inimesele.
"Tundub, agu keegi oleks seal kinni," útles Tom.
Johnny noogutas. Ta teadis tápselt mida ta vend mótles selle all.
Nad astusid taha, ikka koera otsa vaatamas. Nad kartsid enda selgi tema poole póórata. Nad astusid taha uuesti, puhta ja paksu lume sisse. Nad tegid seda veel kord, ja pórkasid millegi kóva vastu. Nad póórasid, ning nágid kóige suuremat, pikeimat, laiemat meest keda nad kunagi olid náinud.
Mees oli sirge sein nende ees. Koer oli nende taga.
"Miks - olete - te - siin?" útles mees.
Esimene Peatúkk
Johnny Griffin oli peaaeugu kaksteist, ja tema vend, Tom, oli kúmme. Nad elasid Dublinis, koos nenede vanemate ja óega. Nad olid kaks tavalist poissi. Ja nad olid vága tavalised, siis kui nende ema teagi teatuse.
Nad olid kóógis, oma kodutóód tegemas. Váljas sadas, ning vihm haamerdas kóógi lamedat katust. Sellepárast nad ei kuulnudki nende ema vótmeid eesukses ja teda móóda esikut kóndimas. Jársku, oli ta seal.
Nad alati armastasid seda, kui ta jóudis tóólt koju, aga parem oli veelgi, kuna ta oli lábimárg. Oli jubagi váikelomp tema jalge all.
"Ma olen natuke márg, poisid," ta útles.
Ta raputas end, tegemas tesit vihmasadu, mis poiste peale láks, mis tegi nad kiljuma ja naerma. Ta rabas nad ja pressis nende náod tema márga pinktsakusse. Tom naeris uuesti, kuid mitte Johnny. Ta arvas, et on liiga vana selleks.
"Lase lahti!" ta róókis pintsakusse.
"Útle palun," útles ta ema.
"Ei!" útles Johnny.
Aga ta lasi teda lahti, ja tema venna ka.
Lóunal oli ta ráákinud neile, mida ta tol páeval oli teinud. Ta oli kóndinud Reisi-Búroo poest móóda ja midagi jáital silma aknas. Ta peatus ja vaatas. Váike mági koos kunst-lumega, mille peal sóitis suuskatega kaisukaru, oli aknas. See oli reklaam talve-puhkusele.
"See oli páris loll, poisid," ta útles. "Vaene kaisukaru kandis kiivrit, mis oli talle liiga suur, ning tema suusad olid vale pidi. Aga, ikkagi, ma láksin sisse ja broneerisin meile puhkuse."
"Kuhu?" útles Johnny.
"Soome."
Poisid láksid hulluks. Tom jooksis móóda koridori, trepist úles, húppas voodites ja tuli tagasi.
"Kus on Soome?" ta kúsis.
Nad vótsis Johnny atlase tema koolikotist válja ja leitsid Soome. Nende ema náitas neile seda teed, mille móóda nad láhevad. Tema sórm láks Dublinist úle Iiri Mere.
"Me peame lendama Manchesterisse, alguses," ta útles.
Ta sórm osutas Manchesterile, ning póóras siis Póhja móóda lehte.
"Ja siis Helsinkisse."
Neile meeldis selle koha hááldus.
"Helsinki! Helsinki!"
Nad pórgutasid úksteisesse ja naersid.
"Ja siis," útles nende ema, "me muudame plaane jálle ning lendame isegi veel póhja poole."
Ta sórm láks Helsinkit kórgemale ja peatus.
"Sinna kohta, mis pole kaardil náidatud," ta útles.
"Miks?" kúsis Tom.
"See on vist liiga váike," útles Johnny.
"Óige," útles nende ema.
"Mis seda kutsutakse?"
"Ma ei máleta," útles nende ema. "Ja ma játsin brosúúri tóó juurde. Aga see náeb válja imeilus."
"Millal me láhme?" útles Johnny.
"Kahe nádala párast," ta útles.
"Surmav," útles Tom.
"Aga me oleksime ikka veel koolis," útles Johnny.
Ta oli selle ára tóódelnud. See oli Novembri keskel. Pane kaks nádalat otsa, ja siis oleks Detsembri algus, ikka veel kolm nádalat enne nende Jóulu-Vaheajani.
Monday, October 3, 2011
"Wilderness"- Roddy Doyle (pages 22-50)
The Bedroom:
Gráinne was in her room, sitting in her bed, her eyes closed. She was trying to ignore the sound that was coming from the kitchen, by her parents. They were talking about her. She tried to listen to her MP3, and forget them. She hated them, and they hated her.
My thoughts:
Yes, this was another half-chapter. It only concisted a few sentences, but it was very intresting. It tells you (again), that one of the family members clearly has other feelings and reactions to people around her.
Chapter Two:
Johnny, Tom and Sandra had packed their things and were ready to go, soon. But they had some things they had to get from a shop. The boys suggested skis and pocket-knives, but their mother refused.
Back at home, the two boys heard a frightening sound. They saw that their mother had spilled her coffee. The boys went to watch the 'telly' (Television). Gráinne said that her mother would take her away from them, and that neither of the boys can keep her room. They hoped that she would leave.
The boys and Sandra were at the airport. They were getting their bags checked, and found out that the flight wouldn't take too long.They waited for another plane in Helsinki's Airport. They were actually going to Lapland- in the far North of Finland.
Johnny and Tom were arguing for having the Window Seat in the plane for the whole flight.
When they got off the plane, a man greeted them and took them on a mini-buss, to a Winter Safari. They waited for a while, until they arrived.
They saw the trees, snow and a small village, when they were arriving. The boys and Sandra got a small little motel, with one room for them. It had more people who had come for a trip to Lapland, aswell. The same people who were coming with them on the sled-dog-safari.
Sandra stayed inside the room- she was exhausted. But the boys went outside to see the dogs and look around. They heard a howl.
My thoughts:
This was an intresting chapter. It explained the arriving perfectly, and also the explanation of Lapland. Though, there were some words/communications, which I didn't quite understand. I guess it's because they're all Irish, and I've learned the American-like way. Again, a new experience.
The Bus:
Gráinne had gone on a bus, to catch her mother at the airport. She was alone- just the way she wanted. She took a photograph and put it back in her back, knowing that she wouldn't need it to indicate her mother.
My thoughts:
It was intresting. Gráinne is so far my favorite charecter- she's strong, hot-tempered and solitary. She seems to have alot of sad background, and even sadder future.
Chapter Three:
Johnny and Tom had followed the strange howl, and found a whole pack of dogs, chained, with their their poop and pee and bowls everywhere. They were howling, as if crying. As they looked around, they saw a lane beside the fence. As they approached, they discovered snow-mobiles. They boys went on and smelled more dogs. They found a few, eating and drinking, and staring at them. All of the dogs were chained- again.
The boys were staring at their beautiful eyes, and found an ordinary one. It was the mystery-eyed one, the one that they thought had a person it it.
Suddenly, after arguing and taking a few steps back, they bumped into a tall, strong man with bad-English. The man wared them, but the boys stayed. They followed him to the bales. He handed them some bales, and the boys helped him re-clean the kennels.
Back at the motel, their mother smelled their stink- which was horrible. She asked them what they were doing, and they answered simply. They were prepearing for tommorrow. But, there was one thing that they didn;t tell Sandra; Tom had bought a knife.
My thoughts:
Another intresting chapter. I like the way Johnny and Tom interact with their surroundings, and how the man interacted with them. It's another charecter developing moment. Again, very intresting.
The Airport:
Gráinne had been waiting in the Airport. The plane her mother was on had delayed. She looked at her photograph, and at the "landed" sign next to the number of the flight, as the area got busier.
My thoghts:
Another short pause. Nice. Though I really like these, they should've been longer, or atleast more detailed. Sometimes it just gets a little frustruating when you have no idea who that "he" or "she" is.
Chapter Four: (half of it)
Sandra and the boys woke up very early. They got to the motel's restaurant and ate their breakfast. They all met their new companions for the trip, most of them married and older than all of them.
They all me Aki, their guide. He was Finnish, and he was speaking a little funny. He told the boys and Sandra and everyone else about the dogs and their food, and some other things they should know about Lapland and sledding. Sandra felt grossed out, since she didn't bring her gloves. They were going to set up their sleds and dogs.
My thhoughts:
Now, this (half of the) chapter was more humorous than the others. It was nice to have a little optimism at some point, since the rest were a little depressing. I liked it, because of the new taste (aka humor).
Gráinne was in her room, sitting in her bed, her eyes closed. She was trying to ignore the sound that was coming from the kitchen, by her parents. They were talking about her. She tried to listen to her MP3, and forget them. She hated them, and they hated her.
My thoughts:
Yes, this was another half-chapter. It only concisted a few sentences, but it was very intresting. It tells you (again), that one of the family members clearly has other feelings and reactions to people around her.
Chapter Two:
Johnny, Tom and Sandra had packed their things and were ready to go, soon. But they had some things they had to get from a shop. The boys suggested skis and pocket-knives, but their mother refused.
Back at home, the two boys heard a frightening sound. They saw that their mother had spilled her coffee. The boys went to watch the 'telly' (Television). Gráinne said that her mother would take her away from them, and that neither of the boys can keep her room. They hoped that she would leave.
The boys and Sandra were at the airport. They were getting their bags checked, and found out that the flight wouldn't take too long.They waited for another plane in Helsinki's Airport. They were actually going to Lapland- in the far North of Finland.
Johnny and Tom were arguing for having the Window Seat in the plane for the whole flight.
When they got off the plane, a man greeted them and took them on a mini-buss, to a Winter Safari. They waited for a while, until they arrived.
They saw the trees, snow and a small village, when they were arriving. The boys and Sandra got a small little motel, with one room for them. It had more people who had come for a trip to Lapland, aswell. The same people who were coming with them on the sled-dog-safari.
Sandra stayed inside the room- she was exhausted. But the boys went outside to see the dogs and look around. They heard a howl.
My thoughts:
This was an intresting chapter. It explained the arriving perfectly, and also the explanation of Lapland. Though, there were some words/communications, which I didn't quite understand. I guess it's because they're all Irish, and I've learned the American-like way. Again, a new experience.
The Bus:
Gráinne had gone on a bus, to catch her mother at the airport. She was alone- just the way she wanted. She took a photograph and put it back in her back, knowing that she wouldn't need it to indicate her mother.
My thoughts:
It was intresting. Gráinne is so far my favorite charecter- she's strong, hot-tempered and solitary. She seems to have alot of sad background, and even sadder future.
Chapter Three:
Johnny and Tom had followed the strange howl, and found a whole pack of dogs, chained, with their their poop and pee and bowls everywhere. They were howling, as if crying. As they looked around, they saw a lane beside the fence. As they approached, they discovered snow-mobiles. They boys went on and smelled more dogs. They found a few, eating and drinking, and staring at them. All of the dogs were chained- again.
The boys were staring at their beautiful eyes, and found an ordinary one. It was the mystery-eyed one, the one that they thought had a person it it.
Suddenly, after arguing and taking a few steps back, they bumped into a tall, strong man with bad-English. The man wared them, but the boys stayed. They followed him to the bales. He handed them some bales, and the boys helped him re-clean the kennels.
Back at the motel, their mother smelled their stink- which was horrible. She asked them what they were doing, and they answered simply. They were prepearing for tommorrow. But, there was one thing that they didn;t tell Sandra; Tom had bought a knife.
My thoughts:
Another intresting chapter. I like the way Johnny and Tom interact with their surroundings, and how the man interacted with them. It's another charecter developing moment. Again, very intresting.
The Airport:
Gráinne had been waiting in the Airport. The plane her mother was on had delayed. She looked at her photograph, and at the "landed" sign next to the number of the flight, as the area got busier.
My thoghts:
Another short pause. Nice. Though I really like these, they should've been longer, or atleast more detailed. Sometimes it just gets a little frustruating when you have no idea who that "he" or "she" is.
Chapter Four: (half of it)
Sandra and the boys woke up very early. They got to the motel's restaurant and ate their breakfast. They all met their new companions for the trip, most of them married and older than all of them.
They all me Aki, their guide. He was Finnish, and he was speaking a little funny. He told the boys and Sandra and everyone else about the dogs and their food, and some other things they should know about Lapland and sledding. Sandra felt grossed out, since she didn't bring her gloves. They were going to set up their sleds and dogs.
My thhoughts:
Now, this (half of the) chapter was more humorous than the others. It was nice to have a little optimism at some point, since the rest were a little depressing. I liked it, because of the new taste (aka humor).
Sunday, October 2, 2011
"Wilderness"- Roddy Doyle (pages 0-21)
The Eyes- (p. 1-2)
Two boys, Johnny and Tom were looking at a husky. They were trying to figure out what color its eyes are, while the hound stared back at them. Other dogs, from the 'pack' were wither howling or making noises, hyperactively. But the dog the two boys looked at was different- it was quiet and calm, having eyes that don't resemble a dog. Johnny and Tom remembered that their friends had dogs, with all of them having proper eyes, unlike the one they were looking at. They thought that maybe those were a human's eyes, instead of dog's. The two shared theit thoughts about the strange dog, until they took a few steps back, and found out that there was a very tall man standing behind them, asking, in beginner english 'Why are you here?-
My thoughts:
It looks like it was some kind of an introduction to the book, though it never explained who the two kids were, what were they doing, why were they there etc. I'm not really used to that kind of "chapters". But, it was a nice touch, since it was something I've never seen in other books.
Chapter One: (p. 3-21)
Johhny, a twelve year old boy, and his younger brother Tom- aged ten, were living in Dublin with their parents and step-sister. They were ordinary boys, and so they were aswell, when their mother made an announcement. On one rainy day, they were in the kitchen, doing their homework, not hearing their mother keying the door and stepping into the hall. They loved it when she came home, so wet that there was a pool underneath her. She 'announced' that she was a little bit wet, and the boys came running to her, hugging her tightly. Tom laughed, but Johhny didn't. He didn't want to hug that much, and shouted to her to let him go. Soon, she did- to both of them.
She said that they'll be going somewhere, where there is no rain, but snow- Helsinki, Finland. She also lied to them, that she had been seeing a travel shop, with a cute poster on it, so she ordered three tickets. (Actually, she had a plan to go to Finland for a long time, but never told anyone.) The boys took their map, and searched for Finland. Their mother explained that they were going to Manchester, first, and then to Finland. The boys liked the sound of the place, and repeated it, happily. She also said that they'll be going in two weeks, and that she had talked to the school's principal. Johhny and Tom's mother was called Sandra Hammond. She told them that their father and sister won't be coming with them, for good reasons (sister didn't want to, and father was too lazy).
Their sister was called Gráinne.
The boys heard their father coming home, as they heard loud music from the car, which was meant to anger their rude neighbour. It was a long time ago, when their father- Frank, came to live in that place, when Gráinne was little. The neighbour- Mrs Newman, was cutting he bushes, and almost got Frank's finger off, when he tried to greet her.
Frank had been married before, to Rosemary, who now lived in America. She was Gráinne's real mother. They had fights over stupid things, which included yelling at eachother and the neighbours calling the police.
Sandra was talking to the boys, when Frank came in. She told him the news. He was a little surprised, and went to talk with boys all about the trip.
Gráinne, the oldest child in the family, had a rough childhood. When her mother left, she had been staying with her father, not knowing where she had left, and for how long. Her father had only told her lies, which she believed in. Frank had met Sandra, afterwards, and had gotten along with her very well. Sandra had her boyfriend in a cinema, when they fell in love. So, they married and Sandra met Gráinne. One night, when she was still little, shetried to get in bed with her father- to get warm, but Sandra was 'in the way'. Every day, she felt lefout, and replaced. She also knew that she was going to have a sibling- and two.
Gráinne didn't quite like Sandra. She wasn't like her real mother. She missed her, and still does. But she was still pretty friendly towards Tom and Johnny. Then, when she got older, she was very dodgy, angry, rude and solitary, bearly speaking to anyone. She slammed doors everywhere she went, and stayed in her room for the most of the time.
Frank felt guilty, he thought he was a bad father. There were times when Gráinne shouted at him and her step-mother, usually slamming the door on the way back. Sandra kept encouraging Frank that this would last only a few years, even thought she felt bad and sad, too. Frank stayed away from her, respected her solitariness and only wished her the best. He hoped that he was doing OK in school and at weekends, and at night, that she would be in bed. But it was hard to do so.
Gráinne had been caught mitching from school and shoplifting. Luckily, the guards weren't called, and Frank apologized. Gráinne had left school two months before Leaving Cert exams, and she wouldn't obey to go back. Her father couldn't even make her. Now, she was a monster, and a terrible child. So, Sandra and the boys decided to take a break.
Frank wished that he had the 'good old days' back, and Sandra kept making herself guilty for it. They argued about money, and Frank promised to talk to Gráinne. Sandra wasn't convinced. They stood out of her way, and she stood out of theirs- as simple as that. One day, Sandra saw the three children lying on the couch, cuddled up, but as soon as Gráinne noticed her watching them, she got up and glared at her, leaving to her room.
Finally, the news came, that Rosemary was coming for a visit. Frank told Sandra that it was probably not for good, and she decided to go on the planned trip with the boys anyway, which she anounced to them th next day. She didn't want to meet Gráinne's mother.
My thoughts:
The whole chapter pretty much gathered up the basic information I needed; the family, their history, their personalities and ways of interacting with each other. The writer gathered it all up very nicely into one chapter, which surprises me, since I've never read a book where in one chapters it explains everything I need to know. So, another new experience. So far, I can see that the family has had rough times, and that they're going to face more. I can't wait to read the next chapter!
(Minor note: Since the mother's name is Sandra, every time I read her part, I feel more mature, for some reason. It's just so funny, and ironic.)
Two boys, Johnny and Tom were looking at a husky. They were trying to figure out what color its eyes are, while the hound stared back at them. Other dogs, from the 'pack' were wither howling or making noises, hyperactively. But the dog the two boys looked at was different- it was quiet and calm, having eyes that don't resemble a dog. Johnny and Tom remembered that their friends had dogs, with all of them having proper eyes, unlike the one they were looking at. They thought that maybe those were a human's eyes, instead of dog's. The two shared theit thoughts about the strange dog, until they took a few steps back, and found out that there was a very tall man standing behind them, asking, in beginner english 'Why are you here?-
My thoughts:
It looks like it was some kind of an introduction to the book, though it never explained who the two kids were, what were they doing, why were they there etc. I'm not really used to that kind of "chapters". But, it was a nice touch, since it was something I've never seen in other books.
Chapter One: (p. 3-21)
Johhny, a twelve year old boy, and his younger brother Tom- aged ten, were living in Dublin with their parents and step-sister. They were ordinary boys, and so they were aswell, when their mother made an announcement. On one rainy day, they were in the kitchen, doing their homework, not hearing their mother keying the door and stepping into the hall. They loved it when she came home, so wet that there was a pool underneath her. She 'announced' that she was a little bit wet, and the boys came running to her, hugging her tightly. Tom laughed, but Johhny didn't. He didn't want to hug that much, and shouted to her to let him go. Soon, she did- to both of them.
She said that they'll be going somewhere, where there is no rain, but snow- Helsinki, Finland. She also lied to them, that she had been seeing a travel shop, with a cute poster on it, so she ordered three tickets. (Actually, she had a plan to go to Finland for a long time, but never told anyone.) The boys took their map, and searched for Finland. Their mother explained that they were going to Manchester, first, and then to Finland. The boys liked the sound of the place, and repeated it, happily. She also said that they'll be going in two weeks, and that she had talked to the school's principal. Johhny and Tom's mother was called Sandra Hammond. She told them that their father and sister won't be coming with them, for good reasons (sister didn't want to, and father was too lazy).
Their sister was called Gráinne.
The boys heard their father coming home, as they heard loud music from the car, which was meant to anger their rude neighbour. It was a long time ago, when their father- Frank, came to live in that place, when Gráinne was little. The neighbour- Mrs Newman, was cutting he bushes, and almost got Frank's finger off, when he tried to greet her.
Frank had been married before, to Rosemary, who now lived in America. She was Gráinne's real mother. They had fights over stupid things, which included yelling at eachother and the neighbours calling the police.
Sandra was talking to the boys, when Frank came in. She told him the news. He was a little surprised, and went to talk with boys all about the trip.
Gráinne, the oldest child in the family, had a rough childhood. When her mother left, she had been staying with her father, not knowing where she had left, and for how long. Her father had only told her lies, which she believed in. Frank had met Sandra, afterwards, and had gotten along with her very well. Sandra had her boyfriend in a cinema, when they fell in love. So, they married and Sandra met Gráinne. One night, when she was still little, shetried to get in bed with her father- to get warm, but Sandra was 'in the way'. Every day, she felt lefout, and replaced. She also knew that she was going to have a sibling- and two.
Gráinne didn't quite like Sandra. She wasn't like her real mother. She missed her, and still does. But she was still pretty friendly towards Tom and Johnny. Then, when she got older, she was very dodgy, angry, rude and solitary, bearly speaking to anyone. She slammed doors everywhere she went, and stayed in her room for the most of the time.
Frank felt guilty, he thought he was a bad father. There were times when Gráinne shouted at him and her step-mother, usually slamming the door on the way back. Sandra kept encouraging Frank that this would last only a few years, even thought she felt bad and sad, too. Frank stayed away from her, respected her solitariness and only wished her the best. He hoped that he was doing OK in school and at weekends, and at night, that she would be in bed. But it was hard to do so.
Gráinne had been caught mitching from school and shoplifting. Luckily, the guards weren't called, and Frank apologized. Gráinne had left school two months before Leaving Cert exams, and she wouldn't obey to go back. Her father couldn't even make her. Now, she was a monster, and a terrible child. So, Sandra and the boys decided to take a break.
Frank wished that he had the 'good old days' back, and Sandra kept making herself guilty for it. They argued about money, and Frank promised to talk to Gráinne. Sandra wasn't convinced. They stood out of her way, and she stood out of theirs- as simple as that. One day, Sandra saw the three children lying on the couch, cuddled up, but as soon as Gráinne noticed her watching them, she got up and glared at her, leaving to her room.
Finally, the news came, that Rosemary was coming for a visit. Frank told Sandra that it was probably not for good, and she decided to go on the planned trip with the boys anyway, which she anounced to them th next day. She didn't want to meet Gráinne's mother.
My thoughts:
The whole chapter pretty much gathered up the basic information I needed; the family, their history, their personalities and ways of interacting with each other. The writer gathered it all up very nicely into one chapter, which surprises me, since I've never read a book where in one chapters it explains everything I need to know. So, another new experience. So far, I can see that the family has had rough times, and that they're going to face more. I can't wait to read the next chapter!
(Minor note: Since the mother's name is Sandra, every time I read her part, I feel more mature, for some reason. It's just so funny, and ironic.)
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