Jonfaith’s Comments (group member since Jan 15, 2015)

Jonfaith’s comments from the On Paths Unknown group.

While I should be working (smile) I have been considering the unchanging absence of B's hotel room and whether it represents either a dearth of possibility/change; or whether, it is similar to the sixty four spaces of the chessboard which we traverse through a set of limited moves?

I like nesting, it affords something organically warm to a sequence.

I intended "framing narrator" as it is his experience in the novella as listener and participant which frames/links the myriad narratives within.
Likewise I should read more of Zweig's fiction. we own several of his novels and his famed memoir. Alas I largely know him from his biographies: Erasmus. Balzac and Marie Antionette.

Sorry, I should have said framing narrator.

Biographically I only know of Zweig in exile. My best friend bought me The Impossible Exile: Stefan Zweig at the End of the World which I enjoyed, though unfairly I appreciated the contrast between his and Thomas Mann's situations.

Wasn't aware of Freud's interest in Zweig, but not surprising given Zweig's fame. I should acknowledge that I regard Zweig's work as entertainments, similar to the distinction Graham Greene made with respect to literature. It also echoes the protagonist of this novella in terms of his approach to chess. Despite the historical context of the author, I have never been able to approach his work with any trappings of the tragic, unlike, say, Babel or Benjamin.

One of the crucial tensions of the novella explores the human capacity for focus but a vital need for distraction. The Yugoslav grand master lacks an ability to parse much of life, thus lacking any sort of historical context, he can imagine himself superior based upon his prowess on the chessboard. Likewise the genius of torment that B faces is an environmental/sensory vacuum.

I’m only halfway through the piece which I have read before, though I didn’t realize such until I was a few pages into the narrative.

Traveller wrote: "Hi everyone! A quick heads-up: Since Chess Story got the majority of votes (6) and Rashōmon and Seventeen Other Stories came second with 4 votes, we may as well do two or ..."

Count me in for both, both appear to be a good fit for a bleak month.

Such frustrations are very familiar. It does appear that hopes have led to over-extension. No one's at fault. It happens. Anyone thinking about horror for October?

Consider it a defect, but I'm not normally curious on resolution. Narratives end and if I'm privy to such, fine, but I remain okay otherwise. I think it must have been the discussion here which kept pushing. It was discovered that an adjacent town had the trilogy in the stacks of their public library. I dashed over and grabbed the remaining volumes and have since leaped into Authority. This is strange news: it must be the spores.

Whitney said, "But I don't know that having an alien intelligence is the same as having comprehensible or compatible motives." such gave me considerable food for thought at lunch today.

Very astute, thank you. I remain guarded against full acceptance of the idea that the Area doesn't have a deeper meaning as its physical manifestations belie a measure of intent, its responses appear defensive. The legacy of the fortification against the sea appears disjointed from that of the Tower. I remain surprisingly intrigued by these associations and their obscured origins.

Reflecting upon annihilation, I remain somehow muted by its uncertainty and its menace. Reading reviews here hasn't helped. After consideration, I think the altered state of the biologist removed my keel; that is a masterful stroke on the part of Mr. Vandermerr.I pondered initially that I could shrug and walk away from the Trilogy, that is no longer the case. I placed holds on the other two volumes when such are returned to the library.

I think a term like estranged doesn't begin to capture the soft sense of dread which seems to pulsate around the Zone. Equally Hrabal and Lovecraft (thankfully more the first) the area appears to offer a strange Hell- one where the Biologist is both appeased and effaced.

I appreciate this thread. I am curious about the ecological crisis alluded to in the text. Given the protagonists is a biologist, are we presently in 2016 in the throes of such a conflagration? I say this as she is undoubtedly more sensitive and aware than most lay people. Maybe I've inhaled the spores, went native.

The narrative unfolds with an unhealthy admixture of arrogance and displacement. The combination was effective but annoying as hell. I wasn't sure I was going to push on. I did.

Sorry to be tardy to the party. The first volume of the trilogy was checked out from the local library and I didn't wish to buy it new, being bereft of experience and to a degree enthusiasm. Finding a copy this morning at a book sale I plunged, fortune 's favor and whatnot.

Yes Traveller - we viewed both seasons of TD, the 2d this last weekend.

I'm all about paper and this appears interesting, although likely not scary as such.

Okay, just bought it online.

Likewise I found it effectively inviting and finished it in a single throw.

I agree as to SLF's deft protagonist. I haven't encountered any hystericism yet and i'm a third of the way.

Thanks. I'm rather excited.