From the famous episodes of the whitewashed fence and the ordeal in the cave to the trial of Injun Joe, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer is redolent of life in the Mississippi River towns in which Twain spent his own youth. A somber undercurrent flows through the high humor and unabashed nostalgia of the novel, however, for beneath the innocence of childhood lie the inequities of adult realitybase emotions and superstitions, murder and revenge, starvation and slavery. In his introduction, noted ... (show more)
From the famous episodes of the whitewashed fence and the ordeal in the cave to the trial of Injun Joe, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer is redolent of life in the Mississippi River towns in which Twain spent his own youth. A somber undercurrent flows through the high humor and unabashed nostalgia of the novel, however, for beneath the innocence of childhood lie the inequities of adult realitybase emotions and superstitions, murder and revenge, starvation and slavery. In his introduction, noted Twain scholar John Seelye considers Twains impact on American letters and discusses the balance between humorous escapades and serious concern that is found in much of Twains writing. (show less)
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It only took a lttle time to adjust to Twain's apparently carefree, loose, meandering narrative. (It's a bit like a kid ambling down a dusty road, ... (show more)
It only took a lttle time to adjust to Twain's apparently carefree, loose, meandering narrative. (It's a bit like a kid ambling down a dusty road, kicking a can or a stone: sometimes skipping along, sometimes dawdling, distractedly.) Of course, this being a true classic, it is in fact the most accomplished, purposeful storytelling. Tom is such an unlikely hero really. He's infuriating - selfish and uncooperative.Yet we come to warm to him, even to admire his enterprising gifts. (The whitewashing of the fence is genius!) By the time he is experiencing a schoolboy's crush, we are on his side. The "pirate" scenes with Huck are terrific. Gradually the perspective tilts and we become aware of dangers in the "adult world" that the boys cannot fully appreciate. The humour and lovely observation of the first half of the book then make way for some superb thrills. The cave scene is extraordinary, and for a claustrophobe like myself, quite terrifying! This is exemplary story-telling, and a veritable gospel of childhood experience. (show less)
Liked it but its way too damn boring.....I hate writers that describe everything super detailed, I rather read something to the point and let my im... (show more)
Liked it but its way too damn boring.....I hate writers that describe everything super detailed, I rather read something to the point and let my imagination take over. (show less)
Well, I read Huckleberry Fin first, although it was written later on than Tom Sawyer. Tom Sawyer gets off to a much slower start than Huck Fin. I think the success of Tom Sawyer led Twain to jump straight into things with the next book.
Anyway, well, it was slow to start, for me, the modern "let's get on with it already" type of guy, but it very soon gets things rolling, then the momentum picks up and it becomes quite a fantastic adventure. There's not as much humour as Huck Fin... (show more)
Well, I read Huckleberry Fin first, although it was written later on than Tom Sawyer. Tom Sawyer gets off to a much slower start than Huck Fin. I think the success of Tom Sawyer led Twain to jump straight into things with the next book.
Anyway, well, it was slow to start, for me, the modern "let's get on with it already" type of guy, but it very soon gets things rolling, then the momentum picks up and it becomes quite a fantastic adventure. There's not as much humour as Huck Fin, but it's a real boy's adventure book. Boys running around playing games, skipping out on school, taking off on adventures, in the forest, on the river, on an island, in a cave, old 'haunted' house, murder, suspects, lies, truths, and all sorts of sneaking around. Really cool book. And with Twain, it's as much as how the story is told as the actual story itself. His words are almost poetically witty and full of sly humour. The part about the cave, man, it had me getting all claustrophobic reading it in the dark bedroom with my night-light; I had to make an excuse to get out of bed for a drink and a pee to remind myself that I'm not in a deep dark cave. (show less)
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My aunty Elizabeth and her family gave me this book in 1986 which they bought then for $2.95AUD. I only read it - or at least I only really absorbed it - this year (2009). Its a good laugh, great characters and a wonderful weaving together of characters into a compelling adventure story. Reflects the politically incorrect late 1800s with its attitude towards African-Americans, but if you can understand the context it is still a good read and, I feel, there are some positive sentiments (eg by ... (show more)
My aunty Elizabeth and her family gave me this book in 1986 which they bought then for $2.95AUD. I only read it - or at least I only really absorbed it - this year (2009). Its a good laugh, great characters and a wonderful weaving together of characters into a compelling adventure story. Reflects the politically incorrect late 1800s with its attitude towards African-Americans, but if you can understand the context it is still a good read and, I feel, there are some positive sentiments (eg by Huckleberry Finn) towards "negroes". The church insights I find particularly poignant and entertaining given where I am now in my spiritual journey. (show less)
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