An intriguing concept studded with insights, but, plagued by noise, it falls short in the delivery.
Ruminations on the seemingly endless meanings behind silence.
Employing a kind of stream-of-consciousness style, Wilde-Menozzi explores the concept of silence in the context of literature, art, religion, nature, technology, politics, and more. She shares colorful descriptions of moments of silence in the wild (“The Baltic Sea in November on the edge of Saint Petersburg was a color, again, where the brain met the universe”), meditates on the legal right to remain silent, and describes schoolchildren finding joy in reading. “Reading a book,” she writes, “is a way of withdrawing into silence.” The author also contemplates sounds heard during her morning walks or when she is trying to work or sleep. She shares memories of meeting a composer who makes recordings of empty churches and cathedrals during the night and an abortionist who feels fearful and alone, silenced by those who do not believe in choice. Wilde-Menozzi contends that stereotypes about race are now being challenged with “resistant and audible speech,” and her assessment of the Trump administration’s use of social media is sharp and unique: “Noise and ideology bang unchecked in sentences and a single lie can cast doubt.” She also shares a meaningful quote from Rachel Carson about why she felt compelled to write Silent Spring. Upon publication, writes Wilde-Menozzi, Carson “justified her commitment: ‘There would be no peace for me if I kept silent’….It was an extraordinary act, singular and brave.” Many of the entries the author shares are incisive and well written, but some feel out of place in relation to the theme of the book, creating a less-than-coherent whole. Perhaps sensing possible reader disconnection, at times Wilde-Menozzi interjects with comments regarding why she is writing about the topic or why she is using a particular arrangement of words, which further disturb the narrative flow.
An intriguing concept studded with insights, but, plagued by noise, it falls short in the delivery.Pub Date: Dec. 7, 2021
ISBN: 978-0-374-22629-9
Page Count: 432
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Review Posted Online: Sept. 28, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 15, 2021
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Worthwhile reference stuffed with facts and illustrations.
A compendium of charts, time lines, lists and illustrations to accompany study of the Bible.
This visually appealing resource provides a wide array of illustrative and textually concise references, beginning with three sets of charts covering the Bible as a whole, the Old Testament and the New Testament. These charts cover such topics as biblical weights and measures, feasts and holidays and the 12 disciples. Most of the charts use a variety of illustrative techniques to convey lessons and provide visual interest. A worthwhile example is “How We Got the Bible,” which provides a time line of translation history, comparisons of canons among faiths and portraits of important figures in biblical translation, such as Jerome and John Wycliffe. The book then presents a section of maps, followed by diagrams to conceptualize such structures as Noah’s Ark and Solomon’s Temple. Finally, a section on Christianity, cults and other religions describes key aspects of history and doctrine for certain Christian sects and other faith traditions. Overall, the authors take a traditionalist, conservative approach. For instance, they list Moses as the author of the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Hebrew Bible) without making mention of claims to the contrary. When comparing various Christian sects and world religions, the emphasis is on doctrine and orthodox theology. Some chapters, however, may not completely align with the needs of Catholic and Orthodox churches. But the authors’ leanings are muted enough and do not detract from the work’s usefulness. As a resource, it’s well organized, inviting and visually stimulating. Even the most seasoned reader will learn something while browsing.
Worthwhile reference stuffed with facts and illustrations.Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2005
ISBN: 978-1-5963-6022-8
Page Count: -
Publisher: N/A
Review Posted Online: May 23, 2010
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
This a book of earlier, philosophical essays concerned with the essential "absurdity" of life and the concept that- to overcome the strong tendency to suicide in every thoughtful man-one must accept life on its own terms with its values of revolt, liberty and passion. A dreary thesis- derived from and distorting the beliefs of the founders of existentialism, Jaspers, Heldegger and Kierkegaard, etc., the point of view seems peculiarly outmoded. It is based on the experience of war and the resistance, liberally laced with Andre Gide's excessive intellectualism. The younger existentialists such as Sartre and Camus, with their gift for the terse novel or intense drama, seem to have omitted from their philosophy all the deep religiosity which permeates the work of the great existentialist thinkers. This contributes to a basic lack of vitality in themselves, in these essays, and ten years after the war Camus seems unaware that the life force has healed old wounds... Largely for avant garde aesthetes and his special coterie.
Pub Date: Sept. 26, 1955
ISBN: 0679733736
Page Count: 228
Publisher: Knopf
Review Posted Online: Sept. 19, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 1955
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