'Ear' by Jan Prochazka

Ear, Jan Prochazka (4)

The Ear in the title of this novel refers to the Soviet listening devices prevalent in Czechoslovakia in the 1950’s. The author was a famous novelist and screenwriter who wrote fiction about the very real happenings of the time after WWII when Czechoslovakia was part of the Soviet Union. It was hard to get into this book as it is written much like a screenplay – jumping from one scene to another with little description. Barring that, once you get into the groove of the prose, it is riveting. Mainly focusing on two characters, a deputy minister and his wife, the story unfolds as they get home from a dinner. The tension mounts as the husband starts to believe they are being watched and listened to by the ‘authorities’. Unfortunately, his wife is not on the same page and the scene progresses very much like the night in ‘Who’s Afraid of Virginia Wolfe?’- much misunderstanding and arguing as they start to realize the danger they may be in. If you like that play/movie, this book adds another element of real danger.

'Lonesome Dove' by Larry McMurtry

Lonesome Dove, Larry McMurtry (4.5)

While not a big western/cowboy fan, I really enjoyed this story. Well written and with interesting characters, this very long tome passes quickly. The main characters are two Texas Rangers retired after the Civil War, who in trying to find purpose in a much quieter life, decide to take a herd of cows to Montana. After assembling the cowboys for their team, the majority of the story is the perilous journey they undergo including the treacherous weather, defensive indigenous people and various good and bad people they encounter. McMurtry does not sugar-coat the times- the hardships feel real. My only complaint was the ending. Most characters’ stories were wrapped up, but for some reason it felt off. Still one of the best books I’ve read in some time and well worth it.

'When China Ruled the Seas: The Treasure Fleet of the Dragon Throne, 1405-1433' by Louise Levathes

When China Ruled the Seas: The Treasure Fleet of the Dragon Throne, 1405-1433, Louise Levathes (3.5)

This is a fascinating review of China’s seafaring culture in the early 1400’s. Written in a rather text-book manner, the author manages to review some of the preceding dynasties (given China’s long history, this is not easy to do without becoming very confusing) while spending most of her time on the 30 years or so a surprisingly outward reaching era. The most shocking fact may have been the size of the ships built (>400 ft long). A graphic shows many Mayflower type ships would have fit in one of the Treasure Fleet ships. In those 30 years one adventure seeking Emperor would send 300 ships to as far as East Africa with many of China’s treasures (silk, porcelain, etc.) to trade. Upon his death, his son reverted to the typical Confucian attitude of isolation and the potential world domination of China was halted. I’m surprised how little has been written about this era, this book seems to do a good job summarizing it.