Tuesday, February 23, 2010

After Casablanca..

The café had changed very little. In fact, it looked quite the same. The tables were mostly full, and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. The only thing missing was music.
Rick approached the bar, where a sweaty young bartender greeted him. “What can I get you, sir?”
“You can just tell me where the owner is. I’d like to talk to him.” Rick heard the piano start playing in the background.
“Why he’s just right back there, sir, at the piano.”
Rick turned, “Sam?”
“That’s right, sir. You know ‘im?”
“I thought I did.” Rick said with a smile, “Thank you.”

“Mr. Rick! It’s you!”
“It’s me, Sam.”
“How’ve ya been, Mr. Rick?”
“Oh, I’ve been all right, Sam. It looks like you’re doing pretty well.”
Sam smiled sheepishly, “Well, I couldn’t just let the ol’ place die, Mr. Rick.”
“Do you own the café now?”
“That I do, Mr. Rick.”
“What happened to Ferrari?”
“He just couldn’t keep both places going. I had a good bit of money set aside, Mr. Rick, so I bought the place for a good price.”
“All that money you didn’t have time to spend, huh?”
“Somethin’ like that, Mr. Rick” Sam chuckled, and played a happy tune on his piano.
“Well, if you’re the owner, why are you still sitting at the piano?”
“Oh, I like it best out here, Mr. Rick.”
“It’s good to see you again, Sam.”
“Good to see you too. I wish you had told me before you went and disappeared.”
“I’m sorry, Sam. It was quick thing.”
“I understand. What are you doing back now, Mr. Rick?”
“I don’t really now, Sam. I thought maybe I’d stick around for a bit. You need someone else to work?”
Sam smiled his jolly smile, “I think we could work something out, Mr. Rick.”

Saturday, February 13, 2010

A Review of "The Other Boleyn Girl"

Most people know from experience in a history classroom the fate of Anne Boleyn. She married the divorced king of England, Henry the VIII, and was later beheaded for adultery and witchcraft. Not as many people are familiar with the story of her sister, Mary Boleyn. Philippa Gregory, in her book The Other Boleyn Girl, takes this obscure historical figure and weaves around her a tale of suspense and intrigue.

Mary Boleyn is a girl trapped into following her family’s orders. The ambitious Boleyns see an opportunity for advancement when the king begins flirting with Mary. From that point they do everything they can to get her into the king’s bed. They succeed in their efforts and Mary has two children by the king. However, the king’s interest does not last, and Mary is left behind while her sister, Anne, is pushed forward.

The book was difficult to put down. I eagerly flipped pages, anxious to know what would happen next. Near the end of the book the excitement takes a downward turn. The reader knows the fate of Anne Boleyn so her imprisonment, and trial seem to drag out. That is only a small fault in the book since Mary Boleyn captivates the reader throughout the rest of the story. Gregory has masterfully taken a character that history knows little about and fleshed her out into a person that the reader will relate to and sympathize with.

Tuesday, February 2, 2010