...热气腾腾地聊一个沉重的话题
We had a productive discussion of a seemingly simple story. We are delighted to discover a character Mary that we can't quite put our figure on her essences. She has a story that the deeper we dig, the heavier it gets. She was happy from 16 till her marriage in her 30s. Her childhood experiences were revealed to readers through her dreams. Her marital relationship with Dick was considered as less fortunate, some of us think her fate was doomed. Very much symbolize "apartheid" in South Africa. She died as a symbol, some of us say. Yet, we are not sure of the nature of her relationship with another central figure Moses. Was it friendship, was it a sexual one? It must be an intimate enough relationship to provoke Mose's rage against her. Moses speaks with his action -- was it a mere individual emotional/cruel action, or was it a collective rebellious act against the oppressors?
Some suggested that we invite Lessing who is now 89 years old to answer our burning question on the nature of the relationship. Maybe we should, however, writing a novel may share the same mystery as a woman giving birth. We gave birth, but babies are all mystery to us, especially when they grow into their own personalities. If we were to be summoned about our kids and why and how of their personalities, it might be hard for moms to come up with an answer.
Couple of things derived from this discussion:
1) Doris Lessing is a incredible writer. Let's check her other writings out on our own
2) Watch a movie Amazing Grace when you have a free moment
3) Read a bible, or any other spiritual scripture when you can; we need that collective wisdom
4) Solitude is good, but not when we feel lonely. Participation is a key. Which leads to the last item of the discussion
5) Yoyo Poker Club. Finally we have a community leader in this major development.
We wish all of us and our families a happy, healthy, joyful and prosperous 2009.
