This will be my first installment in the Blahg. A strange coincidence of events started me reading SOPHIE’S CHOICE by William Styron. First published in 1979. I found the book in the swap bin at our timeshare in Germany this March. Admittedly, a strange place to find this book, as its story line follows Sophie's years in Auschwitz. Stingo (the author) and Sophie live in Brooklyn
My college Literature class had Mr. Styron visit as a guest. My college age (21) at this meeting was close to the age of Stingo in “Sophie’s Choice” 1947, New York setting. Our literature class of about 20 students made this meeting with Mr. Styron up close and personal. I read Wm Styron's short novel "The Long March" prior to his visit. The Long March is based on Styron's service in the US Marine Corps in the mid/late fourties. Myself being a recent release from active marine duty gave me plenty to talk with the author about during the class visit.
I've never seen Meryl Streep's academy award winning portrayal of Sophie. I should see the movie at some point. It did take me sometime to finish the novel.
Mr Styron is from the south (Virginia). "Sophie's Choice" is a story about racism. Southern vs the North, Polish vs Jewish, black vs white, and obviously German vs Jewish/Polish. It struck me mostly as a story of guilt. Southern guilt towards blacks, survivors guilt, and Sophie's choice, her unspeakable guilt you learn near the stories tragic end. This is a dark, historical novel. Well written by an American great. “Semper Fi” William Styron!
No comments:
Post a Comment