I'm not sure where I first encountered Stephen Millhauser. It might have been in the "New Fiction" section of the Farmington Public Library. I liked the title, and I liked the slight bulk of the book. I was in the mood for a quick read.It's a book you could read in a single sitting -- but be careful. There are a lot of characters to follow around in the moonlight. I found it helpful to make notes in my book as I read.
By the way, the next full moon is July 7th. And then again on August 6th. Might be a good time to sit down and read (or re-read) the book at one fell swoop. And then. . .
I enjoyed the author's use of vivid imagery throughout the book. It made the experience literally "enchanting". Especially the use of colors and contrast of light/dark. To me, there was an underlying message having to do with childhood and a loss of innocence, but it was hard for me to relate that to every character. I was wondering if anyone else got something similar out of the reading.
ReplyDelete-Olivia Gray
I enjoyed reading this novel as well. After completing the book, I came away with the message that the night has a very powerful healing power as well as an adventurous side. The story reminds me of Philis Wheatley’s “An Hymm to the Evening”. The poem conveys the rejuvenating power night has. In the novel, many characters were facing tough obstacles, and they looked towards nightfall as their savior. For example, the woman who lived alone was very grateful that the night hadprovided her with visitors, even though they had broken into her home. On the whole, the novel was very well done.
ReplyDeleteI’m glad I was able to sit and complete this book in one sitting, and I do agree that there are a lot of characters to follow. I almost wish it was longer so I could contrast the characters in the daylight as well. I thought the use of the author’s imagination was vivid and helped set the tone of the book. I may have enjoyed this book so much because I felt a connection with the setting. I am a night owl, and I feel as though I hit my stride in the night, as did many of the characters in the book. Hopefully the others are just as relatable in that sense. It was overall a good read!
ReplyDelete-Monica Loller
It seems like all of the characters are lonely and are out under the moon searching for someone or something to make them complete.
ReplyDeleteOlivia- I agree about the light/dark. On the surface the tone makes the story seem very dreamy and magical but there is definitely a dark undercurrent (man with the black hair, cricket song, etc.)
I'm pretty sure this is not important but I wonder if the toys in the attic are Haverstraw's. In the beginning it mentions that his attic is cluttered with toys and things from his childhood that he wouldn't throw away.
- Mary Duffy
The thing I love about this novel is the way it totally captures the feeling of a full moon. I kept on looking up and wondering why the sun was out. Millhauser gives us just enough snipets of his characters thoughts and lives to make us understand what their feelings and motives are for doing things, which is quite a feat with all of his characters and the fact that it is only a novella.
ReplyDelete-Genevieve Senechal
I also felt a little odd reading this book during the day, I think it takes away a little bit of the feelings of concealment and possibly also a little of the feelings of evils found in the dark (such as the man with the black hair.)
ReplyDeleteHowever, I really enjoyed reading this book. Millhauser's writing style really grabbed my attention and pulled me into the next sentence with such ease.
-Adison Fontaine
Personally, I felt that this book was a little too similiar to Shakespear's 'A Mid Summmer Night's Dream', in that the entire book took place in one night and had many interweaving stories and relationships going on. Though I thought that the story overall was well rendered with great detail and many interesting plots, I wonder if the similiarities between the two works were accidental or intentional.
ReplyDelete-Kelsey Breslin
Kudos to Monica for being able to read this book in just one sitting, because this book can't hold my interest for very long. I believe it may have to do with the fact that Millhauser switches between characters so quickly, thus I cannot get into the story as much as I'd like to. I think I spoiled myself by reading A Moon for the Misbegotten first.
ReplyDelete-Mindy Sharon
This book was probably my favorite out of all 3 of the required books for this summer reading. I actually liked how there was a lot of characters, but each one only described snipits of their life and story. I think if this book hadn't been set up in the small, short chapters for each character, then I would've gotten confused, but since it was set up this way, I liked it.
ReplyDeleteI really liked the way it made the night seem so magical- I'm a night owl, so I know how life can be really different at night. Personally, my favorite character out of the book was the mannequin who comes to life. I liked her fresh voice and seeing through her eyes how new the whole world seems at night.
-Ali Hoyt
Mary, I actually think the idea about the toys was a good one. I was wondering if the toys belong to one of the girls who break into the people’s houses. It goes back to what Olivia was saying about the loss of childhood innocence. It seems that the toys themselves have even lost their simplicity and purity. They’re now fighting over one another’s affections and even feigning death which is clearly not something children would completely understand at that age.
ReplyDeleteJulia Jacques
I think that this book was confusing in its set up. It was a little difficult to follow at times and I had to keep looking back to the other chapters to remember which character was which. However, I do agree that this book was a better read at night (it's past midnight). I had a little confusion with the chapter "Haverstraw Speaks" on pages 32-36 and the "I" reference and was wondering if anyone could explain that to me. But the book as a whole was a great, quick read and I especially liked the way Millhauser had shown how the night can reveal people's true feelings and emotions while keeping them concealed at the same time.
ReplyDelete-Joshua Hubert
I agree with Josh that this book was confusing, it was an interesting and bizarre story. It was a quick read and I read it all in one night (which was the perfect time to read it to get into the environment). I felt as if some of the "chapters" were somewhat unneccesary (the very very short poems). I enjoyed the mysterious qualities that the night brings throughout this story to the area and to the people. The piper who played the flute for the children in the woods and the mannequin walking with coop made this story seem magical. I saw that this book was copyright 1999 so I was wondering if the name Columbine had any significance to the character of the same name. The group of young girls who broke into peoples houses were very interesting and I enjoyed the last chapters with them.
ReplyDelete-J.P. Allen
As I continued reading, I became more patient with the shorter chapters and continuous switching of scenes. I especially enjoyed the use of imagery throughout each chapter. It helped paint the vivacious scenes in my head while I read. My favorite set of characters to follow was "Summer Storm's" rebellious crew and the elegant mannequin. I loved when the mannequin first came alive and mingled around the store.
ReplyDelete-Mindy Sharon
At first I found this book confusing and a little difficult to absorb because the chapters were so short. Just as I felt I was beginning to know the character or learn of their situation, the chapter would end. As Josh said, I had to keep looking back at other chapters and often mixed up the characters and their story. Though this was annoying at first, as I kept reading I found it interesting. I enjoyed putting together all the pieces to each story and finding out more about each character. I think this was a great book to read over the summer, especially at night, because I found myself getting wrapped up in the imagery of adventure and mystery at night.
ReplyDelete-Devin Feeney
This book was really easy to read. I really liked how Millhauser switched on and off with each character. His way of describing everything in detail is what drew me in. I also liked how he delved into the secret/hidden feelings each character had. It was like the nighttime brought these latent feelings out in the open. I thought that was really cool. It was so mysterious, and the multiple characters made me want to know more as I continued to read. I think, personally, "Enchanted Night" is my favorite out of the three so far...(I'm reading "In the Beauty of the Lilies" now.) It was a different kind of book, but it was incredibly interesting!
ReplyDelete~Leah Vitello~
I found this book to be very interesting and a very easy read. At the beginning I also had trouble following the plot because the point of view kept switching, but once I saw how all the characters stories connected it made more sense. I also thought that the book was beautifuly written-the language was encapturing. My favorite part was when the mannequin came to life, which was very magical. Definitely my favorite of the three books!
ReplyDelete-Rachel Oyelola
Mindy: I definitly feel as though I'm in the same boat with you now that i've read A Moon for the Misbegotten. Looking back I feel like the book was very scattered, especially compared to such a rich play like A Moon. However, I still really appreciate the detail Millhauser used in those many characters he created.
ReplyDelete-Monica Loller
Just a little recommendation for all who enjoyed Steven Millhauser -
ReplyDeleteHe wrote a short story, "Eisenheim the Illusionist", which was adapted into an excellent film, "The Illusionist". More great use of symbolism and imagery. Great story. Check it out.
- Olivia Gray
What a bizzare book! It was fun to read though, I'm glad it was the first book I read. I found myself making "...what?" faces a lot whil I read it, but it made me laugh and was overall a good interpretation of the mysteries of the moon. I loved the mannequin that came to life, reminded me of that Twilight Zone episode. I kind of wished she had stayed alive and kept the old drunk company, as he seemed to need it. I also really liked the part where the naked girl leaves the mints on that guy's jacket... i don't know why really. But it made me smile.
ReplyDelete-Kayla Dutton
I wish that this book hadn't ended so quickly. I would have liked to find out more about the different characters and to have their stories really develop. At the same time I realize that the books brief snapshot stories really contribute to the tone and mood of the story. The random, flighty bits make the whole thing feel really fanciful and whimsical. I think that more complete stories would detract from this feeling.
ReplyDelete- Mary Duffy
First of all, I loved this book! It was very descriptive and such details pulled me into the plot right away. This book wasn't one-sitting book for me, but it instead took me few weeks... Pathetic, I know but I guess my excuse would be that I was trying to "take in the details." :)
ReplyDeleteSo in the discussion of the novel, I've been waiting for a good night to write on the blog and 3:30 in the morning on a summer night seemed like a good idea. So here I go.
Probably the most memorable part of this novella would be "The Daughters". So, what's their purpose in the town? The lady who gave them lemonade feels as if they are the rebels against the restraints of their house. Their lives. Their status. So, their purpose in their story could easily be seen as the "effect of moonlight upon teenage girls and drive them wacko." But to me, it seems to be more than that. Summer Storm lets her guard down when she encounters the "lemonade lady". She is clearly following the courtesy and respect usually followed in the normal world even when the moonlight is in its full effect. Thus, it cannot be stated that the moonlight merely drives them wacko, but instead it brings out a certain qualities hidden within their personality. The novella supports this by illustrating that the people are driven out of their usual characteristic, but nevertheless, these characteristics are not created momentarily. Instead, they are hidden in the characters' daily lives, and whatever setting or power the moonlight provides brings these hidden characters out.
So what are "The Daughters" rebelling against? On a superficial level, they are rebelling against the rules in the society as previously mentioned. They bring fear into peaceful homes. But why? They are conscious of the illegal activities they are doing, since the girls become very uneasy when the "lemonade lady" approaches them, yet they choose to continue. They find such actions meaningful and fulfilling in some sort of weird way because they cannot do so during the day. So the ultimate question is... Why do they do it?
It is because they want to explore the limited. The dark land from which they are bound to stay away from. Thus, the word "rebellion" is wrong. Rebel implies the existence of dualism within the situation and the rebel chooses one over the other. Yes, the exploration of the limited can be seen as rebellious. However, their actions when encounter by the "lemonade lady" or their feeling of guilt and anxiousness at certain times shows that the situation is NOT ENTIRELY REBELLIOUS. Instead, the author uses these characters to illustrate the curiosity embedded deep within people as opposed to the rebellious nature.
A clear line can be drawn easily when one understands the difference between the effects of such acts. Rebellious acts bring about, or attempt in, drastic changes in the society- thus the word "rebel". However, curious behaviors do not necessarily have to bring such changes. Through such examples, it is clear that, although very fine, there is a distinction between the two words. Moreover, "The Daughters" are curious.
That was my random post Number 1. Two and Three will be soon on their way. :) Gnite everyone
-Ted
I really love how this book is like something someone would think up as a kid. We all used our imaginations and such, it was like Millhauser thought this up as a child, and decided to write it down. When I was a kid I thought it would be so cool to write a book, but now that I'm older, I don't think my ideas could be as creative as Millhauser portrays. I used to dream of my dolls and toys coming to life. I really like how he made that idea into a story. I also like how brief the sections are keeping me detached and wondering.
ReplyDeleteThat last post was by Erin Sullivan. whoops, sorry=)
ReplyDeleteAlthough "Enchanted Night" used vivid description and fairly unique techniques, it left me wanting more. Although this feeling was probably created intentionally, it did not leave me overly elated. The plot of the book remained elusive for far too long considering the short length of the book. Although each character and situation is ultimately related by the effect of the night, I wanted to believe that there would be a greater connection in the end. As I read I kept wondering when everything would come together. It seemed to me like the individual story lines came together in two's and three's instead of uniting as a single group. That was a little bit of a disappointment to me.
ReplyDeleteHowever, despite "Enchanted Night's" shortcomings Millhauser did captivate me well enough to read the book in one sitting. The constant questions that were posed forced me to continue reading.
-Sal
I found "Enchanted Night" to be a very enjoyable read. I actually liked seeing the different points of view throughout the story. While some people have said they struggled relating or adjusting to each character, I liked the change in perspective. Even if I didn't have the same views or experiences of most if not all of the characters I found it interesting learning how each character spent their summer night. I found that the differences in character actually helped me get through it. Other books that I have read with the constantly changing point of view have confused me because the characters melt together, but in this story I could differentiate. Within the first few sentences I was able to tell which character the story was being told through.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with majority of the people that the imagery and description was very well put. The only part that I did not completely enjoy were the short poems that were only a few lines. I didn't always understand the relevance of those short chapters.
Through the story I wanted to keep learning about each character and the almost magical and bizarre feeling of it enticed me even more.
Caitlin Commins
As I continued to read other people comments who agreed that the book was relatively confusing, I discovered another technique that was used in the writing. Millhauser used the stream of conscience, a technique in which the author writes a group of thoughts in the order they come to a person's mind (we studied this last year in the short story "The Jilting of Granny Witherall"), which may have made it seem more confusing.
ReplyDeleteI also have to agree with Sal. I was hoping that all the stories would join together in the end. If Millhauser had done this, I feel like the story would have had a more powerful ending.
-Joshua Hubert
I also found the book confusing at first, and after completing it I had to read it a second time in order to differentiate between some of the characters. However, what I did notice is that using this style of writing I paid much more attention to every character than I do reading many books, because I was never able to predict what characters may increase in importance later in the story.
ReplyDelete-Benjamin Law
I forgot one more thing. This book made me feel more like it took place in CT due to the scenery descriptions. In The Moon For the Misbegotten, I felt that the scenery descriptions were not as well related to the CT I know. It may be due to the fact that Tolland isn't as much of a farmland as the Hogan farm. Enchanted night had more of a suburb scenery description.
ReplyDeleteThis was the book I started with, and I found it rather difficult to follow all the different characters. Once I became accustomed to the constant character changes, I enjoyed this book. I found myself seeing the short lengths of the chapters as an expression of the mere moments of time we all are. In a single night, which most of us miss due to what feels like too little sleep, so much happened to these people. They were each caught within the briefest moment of their lives, which are brief moments in the seeming eternity of the world around them, and us.
ReplyDeleteOne thing I loved about the feel of the book was that I depended more on the tone and the setting of each chapter to connect with each character, rather than depending on their names. My favorite chapters were those from the point of view of the night itself. I believe this to be because there was no name, just a conciousness.
I agree with Josh and Sal that I wished for the characters to connect in the end while i was reading. But I find that the coming of the dawn was as satisfying an ending, if not moreso, than if the characters had connected, because, in a way, they did. It was a good closing to a magical night.
-Sydney Twarz
Although the different story lines did not directly connect, I think the stories were all connected in a way that kept them both similar and different. It shows that people can have a connection in their everyday lives, even with people they have never met through something as simple as the moon. Despite the fact that each of these people had their own lives and their own situations, they were all connected through the moon.
ReplyDeleteJulia Jacques
I also would have liked all the character's paths to cross along the way, but I believe that their connection with the night is how they all ended up coming together. In the end, all the characters showed an appreciation for the setting the night provided for them, and the experiences they had as a result.
ReplyDeleteI found that the girls breaking into the houses were the most intriguing characters in the book. I spent much of the time reading trying to understand why they felt the need to break into others houses not to destroy, but simply to sit on couches and leave mysterious notes. Was it because they wanted to experience the feeling of power, authority, importance? Does anyone have other ideas?
ReplyDeleteThis was by far my favorite of the three books. I really enjoyed how short the novel was, an easy read yet still very enjoyable and intriguing. I realy liked all the different stories and characters going on all at once, it kept me engaged in the story and made it much easier for me to read. However, like Kelsey and others have stated before, I did wish their paths crossed more, but all of the characters did come together with the connection to the night and moon.
ReplyDeleteKelsey-I agree with you that the girls were the most intriguing characters and I also believe they did it for a feeling of power and freedom. They felt as if they could do as they pleased in the night with nobody to stop them. I think they also enjoyed the feeling of being mysterious and being able to pretend they were someone they aren't and can't be during the day.
Ashley Engelbert
I'm only about halfway through this book, but one thing that has consistently stood out to me is how "choppy" the book feels. This is definitely most prominent in the short chapters and frequent change of characters, but it is also very apparent in the flow of certain individual chapters. Some of them, especially the chapters about Laura, feel like the ideas are unconnected, similar to the "stream of consciousness" narrative style. It makes the book incredibly difficult to maintain focus on. I'm hoping that somehow this feeling is lessened further on, because there are parts that can be very engrossing, which hopefully becomes more prominent.
ReplyDelete-George Day
When I first started reading this book I was quickly discourged because of the short chapters and many characters but as I began to read more i found myself looking forward to certain story lines and it therefore made the book alot more interesting and a much quicker read then I thought it was going to be.
ReplyDeleteI, along with many others, wish the characters all connected in some way. I felt it was a shame that this enchanted night occured and no one knew the effect it had on the people in their surroundings. I also wish the enchanted night changed the lives of the people, but instead they all went to sleep and woke up the next day without change.. The lonley lady will still be alone in her home, and the daughters will still continue to steal.
The theme of loneliness was prominate in this book alone with a moon for the misbegotten, and the way being alone affected different people was shown in each book.
I was surprised with myself at the end of the book how I did not want their enchanted night to end, and I was wishing I got to hear more stories.
Kate Werbner
Most of you are mentioning how the characters are not "connected". I guess I am alone on this one, but I felt that a physical closeness among the characters drew them together. As I was reading, I pictured everything happening on one street. They all could have known each other if they lived in the same neighborhood. It is a weaker connection than one that is direct and personal, but it made a link between the characters for me. I also found the short chapters and quick transitions interesting and refreshing.
ReplyDeleteI found this book to be perfect for a summer read, and also easy and enjoyable. Each of the characters were so different and multi-dimensional that I found myself looking forward to hearing about their quirks.
ReplyDeleteI, however, enjoyed how short each section was, because I found it easier to complete when I was looking forward to find out what happened next with each character. I do agree with everyone who wished the characters connected more.
I thought it was fun and quite fitting, showing how a summer night can make the youthful and mischevious side individuals come alive.
-Taylor Staiger
I really enjoyed this book becuase I liked how Steven Millhauser had many different stories going on at once. Then towards the end of the story you see how some of them come together. The mannequin and William Cooper, the man with the shinny black hair sees a girl walk across a parking lot and the girl ends up being Laura. I also enjoyed this book becuase I feel like I could connect to Millhauser by also agreeing that the night is a very peaceful place, and you see everyones true colors in the dark because in the light people are watching them and they are afraid to be themselves.
ReplyDelete-Kelsey DeGiacomo
This book was not my favorite of the three summer books. As many before have said I had kept hoping that the characters would be drawn magically to each other under the full moon to fill the gap of loneliness each character has. I would've liked to have seen Millhauser extend the length of this story by having them meet but I do respect the way he ends it at dawn. It's a very fitting ending and to me it only captured the way he portrayed the magic under the moon better.
ReplyDeleteWhat I was confused by were the little poems/songs/choruses of the voices of the night. Was it only to try and bring it out the magic of the night? Thanks..
-Jordan Bridge
Upon reading Enchanted Night, I found myself thinking how odd it was that all of the characters were doing these things in what seemed to be close proximity, without them interfering with one another. I liked this aspect of the book because it is not the stereotypical plot, which is something that I look for and find enjoyable when reading.
ReplyDelete- Miranda Bassage
Although I found the plot of Enchanted Night to be a bit offbeat, and at times somewhat frustrating that there was no connection between most of the characters, I did find it to be somewhat inspiring. It isn't the type of piece that I would typically go for, but the magical atmosphere that the moon inspires in this town was interesting to read about. The book seemed to say a lot without saying much at all if that makes any sense..
ReplyDeleteMany of my classmates seemed to enjoy Enchanted Night, but I must say I am among the few who did not like it. As a matter of fact, I hated it. I kept waiting for a plot to arise, for some action to give the novel purpose. I never found it. The fact that it was written in short chapters seemed like a gimmick to me, and I feel like the author must have needed to meet a quota, because there is no point to the book. I thoroughly enjoyed putting this book down after I read it, not because i enjoyed it, but simply because it was over.
ReplyDelete^
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you. I read this book after I read In the Beauty of the Lilies, and although they were similar, I found this book to be even more abstract. I also feel like there were many parts of the book where you would just say "why is this in here, this has no influence on the story". This mainly came from the sections titled "Song of the _____". I found most of them to be completely pointless.
I was able to note the themes of people changing in the light/dark, but besides that I really did not see much meaning in this book. Overall I felt like the book was too short, had too many characters, and those characters were not developed well enough.
Even though this was an easy read, I felt like it did not have much meaning or depth compared to the other books.
Mitchell Cook
This book for me was a very easy read. I did not enjoy it though. I did not really see the point in it. The only thing that I noticed was that people can act different in different settings. For example, the girl that takes off all her clothes would never have done that in the daytime. It seems that at night a person is more comfortable with themselves. If a person is more comfortable they are more likely to do things that they would normally never do. Other than that i did not gain much from this book. Like I said before I just did not really see the point.
ReplyDeleteAlyssa May
I actually didn't like Enchanted Night. The book was too abstract and bizarre for me to really appreciate it. Nonetheless, one part I find particulary meaningful is the crickets. Because they are presented a few times throughout the story chanting "by and by", the crickets seem to represent the passing time as night and summer slip away. Reaffirming this fact, the crickets chant "you too shall die" and Mrs. Kasco refers to them as the sound of "the end of everything." Furthermore, Mrs. Kasco mentions her father told her that aknowledging the latter will teach you how to live. Although much of the story is full of fantasy, here we see a a theme applicable to real life: life is short and we must realize this and "live it up, live it up."
ReplyDeleteThis was by far my favorite book out of the three. The characters moonlit experiences kept me interested and intrigued. However, at some points in the story I found it hard to keep all the characters straight. Much like "A Moon for Misbegotten" the light of the full moon enhances and exposes the characters true feelings. I felt that the characters were able to let their true feelings and emotions out without fear. The moon offered all the characters, especially the teenage girls an opportunity to do things they would not have done in the daylight.
ReplyDeleteBesides the theme of night and the moon, I found this book to be very shallow. I couldn't find much meaning in it.
-Nicole Rubino
I wonder why Millhauser seemed to give every character in this story only a little satisfaction at the end of the story. None of the characters seemed particularly excited about their lives except possible Janet. They all had a bittersweet feeling: the bitterness from the state of their lives which they were not entirely happy with, and the sweet facet of that from the moon and the enchanting night and its beauty. It seems to say a lot about people as a whole that we can only seem to find happiness in things that are detached from us like the moon. We find it difficult to be completely and totally emersed in joy about something. And one thing I did not enjoy about this book was that the reader was only priveledged to this single night. Very little background information was given about each of the characters so I found myself continuously wondering why the gang of girls found the need to break into homes and leave notes saying "We are your daughters" or why Laura kept beaming thoughts to the moon and asking it to take her away from her present state? And what was Haverstraw's deal? His book that he was writing gave him no pleasure or satisfaction except its continued progress. Only when he beat off an intruder to Laura's nakedness did he feel slightly worth something, along with her gift to him and his pride in it. Shouldn't that have been a clue to him that maybe he would be happier if he left the confinement of his attic and went out and lived every once in awhile? Overall, it was a bittersweet book. Characters became different people during the enchanted night, but it was not a permanent change. They returned to themselves holding on to just the memory. I think that's a lesson to the reader to go out and take some chances out of one's comfort zone so that we don't all spend our lives and end them completely unsatisfied.
ReplyDelete-Erin Sullivan
This book was rather abstract and offered the description of various characters as they endeavored through a moonlit night. It seems that through the sustainable plot of a summer’s night the characters will eventually become intertwined providing for a further developed plot. However, it soon becomes evident that such a simplistic notion will not occur. In its stead comes a chopped story which offers no fluency, essentially causing a great dislike. Individually the minute stories present within the broader spectrum of the novel are intriguing yet offer no conclusive end.
ReplyDelete-Derek deBoer
The mixed matched scenes sort of annoyed me at first and it was hard to piece together everyones individual story with so little given at a time. But I was sort of glad of it at the end. It tied everything together, and let themes sort of blend for me.
ReplyDeleteThe short feature of the beach, sort of was an over view of the rest of the book. Loners and lovers all trying to hold on to their own piece of peace, and it fit most of the stories perfectly. Well, all except the little kids roaming alone in the woods. But gave off the Shakespearian felling, with such a Puck-like character leading mortals into the woods.
Danny, Haverstraw, Laura, and the Daughters all filled the roles of the loners. The were lost from what they took for the rest of the world, Haverstraw as a 39 year old nobody, Danny as a shy teenager, who dreams of love, Laura just wanted open, freedom, and the Daughters so desperately wanted to escape their smalltown boredom.
The lovers also were represented, from Pierrot and Columbine to Coop and the mannequin. They were just entangled in each other, the rest of the world seemed to flow off them as they spent time in each others hands.
But what I don't get were the songs, and little blurbs. They really didn't add much for me, and how they helped along the stories was a little over my head.
Alex Lavernoich
Though I did find this book to be a bit abstract for my taste, I did enjoy the flow and the rhythm of the book. I enjoyed the suspense that Millhauser created via the short chapters and the stylistic choice of leaving certain things as cliffhangers - for example when the boys broke into the library or when the girls were found by the woman who lives alone. This suspense kept my interest in a book which otherwise may not have. I was disappointed, however, when I reached the end of the book and not all of the stories had been intertwined. I expected a far more climatic ending then any of the stories seemed to provide. Likewise, I was similarly disappointed at the use of the moon. I believe that Millhauser stressed its importance far too bluntly, at least for my taste anyway. I enjoyed though way the moon was used as a illumination upon the true nature of the characters but I feel as though the effect Millhauser desired could have been achieved in a different, less direct way.
ReplyDeleteLike JP, I also was intrigued by the name of Columbine in the story. It is of my opinion Millhauser choose this name for the significant effect it should bestow upon the reader. As for the other characters, I found some to be rather one-dimensional and stereotypical. I do wish Millhauser would have spent a bit more time in character development.
Overall I enjoyed thus book much to my surprise, mostly because I believe its tales or loneliness and desires are applicable to almost everyone. I enjoyed its various contrasts and its effect upon the mind; I often found myself imagining certain scenarios or turn if events for the characters.
- Alex Kops
I have never read a book quite like Enchanted Night. I didn’t like the fact that there were about 6 stories wrapped into one. I started reading a few pages here and there but soon realized that you needed to read them all at once to fully understand each story.
ReplyDeleteI thought it was interesting how different each story was; from a mannequin coming to life to a group of girls breaking in to different homes each night. Although throughout the book I found the stories were unrealistic and I found myself skimming the pages.
I have mixed feeling about Enchanted Night. I enjoyed how there were several characters to follow, my favorites being the "daughters" who broke into houses, and the woman who lived alone. Although I can't say I really enjoy poetry all that much, the poetic nature of Millhauser's writing kept me interested. I sometimes became almost distracted by his metaphors and style; I found myself stopping to think about the line "His life hurt" as if his life was an object.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand, I thought most of the characters were hard to relate to, and some of the stories a bit too outlandish. It wasn't a book that I would have picked on my own.
Upon finishing this book, I began to see how much the characters really did connect in the end. They all feel this need for mischief and they are all connected through the moon and it's effect on all of them.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I found myself having to stop and reread multiple times to understand some of the things he said and to unravel his longer sentences. Other than this aspect, however, I found this book to be very enjoyable and easy to read. His use of descriptive words and phrases really made it easy to picture the characters and the setting.
-Miranda Bassage
This book by far has been my favorite. I found the character list intriguing due to the fact that it is not very often you see as many lives intertwined within the plot of one book. As many have already stated, I was also fascinated by fact that all of the characters were at different stages within their own lives and on this one night they were all searching for something(whether it be something new and awakening,or old an comforting) under the guidance of the moon.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed that I could finish it remotely quick, but I also felt myself wanting to know more of what happened after that one night under the moon.
-Julia Nadeau
This book was definitly mezmerizing and an easy read. I read on the way to visit family in Brooklyn while in the car. This book reminded me a liitle of A Midsummer's Night Dream by Shakespeare due to the influence of the night and the moon. So many different plotlines all connected by the calling of the moon.Of all the plot lines I found the mannequin's, Laura's, and Janet's the most compelling due to their own compellance of the moon, waiting for something to happen, whether it be for a lover, a fist noton of what life is, or a private moment of oneself and discovering your spirit in a moonlit green.
ReplyDeleteAnd like all the characters, their night of adventure and passion ends with the breaking of dawn.
The impulse to listen and dance and just be there with the moon was beautifully portrayed in this book with fierce emotion and almost lyrical wording.
-Danielle Trice
At first, this book was very confusing. I did not like how their were so many different characters and how they each had their own story. But slowly, as they all started to connect, by the power of the moon, it became easier to understand. Even so, this book was not my favorite.
ReplyDeleteOne thing I did like about this book is that it was set in southern Connecticut which made it a little bit easier to relate too. I was personally reminded of that full Connecticut moon that brightens the night so beautifully. I can understand the inspiration behind the book, but unfortunately i did not get Mr. Millhauser's point of writing the book.
-Taroob Cheema
I have always liked when an author takes a moment in time and expands it from a single person to many different people with different lives. It puts an iteresting perspective to the story and makes the reader anticipate how all the characters fit in together. I found the story confusing however. Sometimes I would have to go back to the last chapter on the character to remember who they were and what they were doing. I also found the characters unrelateable. I felt that I was being "informed" more than being "shown" the events of night. So far its my least favorite. I could not connect to the story and was a bit relieved when I finished it. Maybe I read it to literally. Part of me feels that I should have viewed it less literal and more figurative. The part about the manniquin and the dolls just confuses me. That and the man in the woods and the children and the voices of the woods. I could find no point to their involvement. I also felt that with all the characters I didnt learn anything about them. They werent three dementional to me. They were fake and hard to relate to or even understand what they are feeling or thinking. I couldnt get into their heads which was a big reason I feel I just read the book. I think theres a difference between "reading" and book and being sucked into a story and relating to it and getting inside the characters heads. I felt I was just reading the whole time. When it was over I literally sat back and thought "okay...". I like reading stories that leave me with something afterwards. At least make me think but I got nothing out of this one.
ReplyDeletecorinne huschle
ReplyDeleteI agree with Taylor in saying that this was the perfect summer read. It was quick and easy to get through and I enjoyed it. I also agree with Kelly. I think that Millhauser's somewhat poetic twist on the story was a great thing to add throughout the book.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I enjoyed the book I found that I had to sometimes go back and refresh on which characters did what. However, I did like how each section was of a different character because it kept me reading and wanting to find out what would happen to each one.
I also have to agree with most people that I wish that the characters had all somewhat connected at the end. I feel like if they had it would have pulled the whole book together.
Krissy Karlson
After reading this book and all the posts I keep going outside to check the moon, i know weird right, but i can't help but feel this presence and i feel like i'm relating to the book more. The mystery of the moon and the fact that time seems to stand still.
ReplyDeleteJordan Bridge
Looking back upon this read I seem to be overcome with some personal angst regarding some of that characters. The first of these is Haverstraw. His general position in life is troublesome because it offers no conclusive reasoning as to why. How did Haverstraw end up living with his mother as his life spindled towards seniority? He, as his age suggests, would place him at the pinnacle of his career. Yet, this is not so. We see him struggling to find answers to the many questions surrounding his indifference toward life. He sees his life’s work in disdain and looks down upon himself with dismal affection. His refusal to see purpose in life is seemingly unjustified, causing him to seek the aid of others. Such beneficial gain is never achieved or withheld. It is my own ideology that one must maintain self confidence in the darkness that is failure. Without such individuality facing a society based on the premise of conformity is daunting. It see self preservation key to the accession towards wealth and overall happiness. However, I do admit I scorn those who are overly confident to the point where criticism is not engaged and used. I find myself angered at Haverstraw. It is as though I beg him to see new meaning, to be compelled towards completion of his own works.
ReplyDeleteThe other character whose actions anger me is the girl who becomes so enchanted by the moon she sheds her clothes. To me this is highly illogical and warrants no benefit. I fail to see the point or purpose of such an ill-conceived notion. Why can one not achieve the same inner thought and feelings while clothed?
-Derek deBoer
When I was thinking over different ideas for my thesis I found myself re-reading this book and enjoying it alot more. I was able to understand the characters more and appreciate their struggles better because I knew what they were all looking for. All the characters had different needs but mostly everyone in the book was looking for meaning in their lives. Haverstraw is a prime example of one the characters just searching for something that would put meaning in his life.. All he wishes to do is create work that means something to someone and proves his life was worth living. He searches for that day after day as he spends his life sitting at a desk.
ReplyDeleteThis book shows the power of belief and how anyone can change if they believe the circumstances are different, under the moon Haverstraw finds meaning by helping the girl and the the lonley lady finds comfort in the daugthers. I am glad I re-read this to find deeper meanings in the characters and see things i missed during my first read.
Kate Werbner
While double-checking my summer essay, I find my self rather dissappointed that the story ended so abruptly. Although I understand the point of the plot was to take the reader through a summer night, I am still finding myself anxious to know what happens to the characters, specifically Haverstraw.
ReplyDelete-Taylor Staiger.
I enjoyed the book even though the idea that Haverstraw could spend years and years working diligently on a book for hours a night, and never get any where with it seems a little pathetic. I thin this book was written very well and it was dramatic enough that it kept my attention and unlike the last books i had to read for english it did not make me never want to read again. I like books with multiple plots so it gives the reader a better understanding of the other characters thoughts and feelings, such as the creepy guy that Haverstraw found going after the girl, i liked being able to hear his thoughts so that i could hate him more, and i liked being able to know in the end that the girl had thanked Haverstraw for saving her and that he had thought so too. I hope the next book is a little more exciting but i look forward to them either way.
ReplyDeletePS i had to type this twice cause i hit the wrong button which was EXTREMELY frustrating
I also agree with krissy in that, by changing characters each chapter, it keeps you interested if only to find out what happens to your favorite one
ReplyDeleteI found myself really able to enjoy this book. I found it to be quite interesting and an easy read. I think what made it such an enjoyable and easy read was the variety of unique characters. However, it was sometimes difficult in the beginning to keep track of them all.
ReplyDeleteThe thing that I enjoyed the most about the novel was the personal progression of certain characters, especially Haverstraw and the mannequin. I found it interesting how their insight of life changed throughout the novel.
Like Taylor also said I was somewhat dissapointed that the story ended so abruptly. But, I believe that it is quite characterstic of the night. It seems before we know it, the sun is rising and the "Enchanted Night" is over.
-Kyle Sprague
Out of all of the novels we had to read this summer, I enjoyed Enchanted Night the most. I loved the way Millhausser wrote sentences as how they would be said aloud (like fragmented sentences). Also, i found his chapters about the dolls to be extremely cute, how Pierrot continued to strive for Columbine's attention to no avail and the song of the one eyed cuddly bear. It was completely random, yet adds to the books charm. I also wish this book had not ended so abruptly, but I suppose it was necessary.
ReplyDelete-Lauren Putira