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Title: Spring Awakening (Original German title: Frühlings Erwache)
Author: Frank Wedekind, translated by Francis J. Ziegler
Series: N/A
Published: Feb 2012 by Methuen Drama. Written 1890-1. First performed 1906.
Length: 192 pages
Warnings: rape, suicide, child abuse, and abortion
Source: Project Gutenberg
Summary from Student edition: Wedekind's notorious play Spring Awakening influenced a whole trend of modern drama and remains relevant to today's society, exploring the oppression and rebellion of adolescents among draconian parents and morals. This seminal work looks at the conflict between repressive adulthood and teenage sexual longings in a provincial German town. Highly controversial and with themes of sexuality, social attitudes and adolescence, the play is a popular and provocative text for study, especially at undergraduate level.
Review: Late 1800s Germany. Schoolboys and girls discover sexuality. It really does not go well. Among other things, Wedla Bergmann does not understand how babies are made, Moritz Stiefl is tormented by erotic dreams, and Melchior Gabor, having read about sex, now believes in nothing. In a series of scenes, we follow the teens as they try to navigate growing up.
You may have heard of the rock musical that got adapted from this play. It’s the controversial one that deals with rape, suicide, child abuse, and abortion. When the play first came out in 1906, it was criticised for sexuality, puberty, and homosexuality as well, but to be honest, that’s the least of everyone’s problems. As someone who quite enjoyed the musical and enjoys reading/seeing source material, I knew I’d have to read it someday.
I felt that some characters were quite underdeveloped. Martha’s story is only mentioned in passing, most girls don’t get any characterisation beyond fancying Melchior, and I didn’t really care for what happened to the boys other than Melchior and Moritz. We do get good characterisation for the three main characters, and we did get to know what some people were thinking in detail (see next paragraph). It could have been better though.
Giant monologues. Ugh. I know monologues are a standard part of drama, and I don’t mind a couple. But they seem to drag on and on and on, Hanschen’s “have you prayed tonight, Desdemona” one in particular, and if I were seeing this live, I would probably want the actors to just be quiet.
The plot is mostly driven by subtle indications of what’s happening. There are not that many stage directions, and if I didn’t know the story from the musical, I’d have had to reread quite a few scenes to make sure I understood what was going on.
What I really like about this play is that while it was written to criticise the repression of the 1800s, despite 120 years passing, it’s still relevant today: the young people are unprepared for life due to the inadequacy of adults. There’s a scene after Moritz dies in which the teachers are going to start discussing what to do about his death, but then they spend ages arguing over what window should be opened, which is the clearest example of adults failing to care for young people, a theme also seen when Wedla’s mother does not tell her about conception until it’s too late. The young people are victims of the society that forces academic knowledge on them (if they’re boys), does not tell them about life (for almost everyone) and leaves them to discover it on their own, which leads to tragedy.
Overall: Strength 3 tea to a tragedy that showcases perfectly what happens when sex-ed fails.
“Once again we may have to respond by organizing a vocal and vociferous campaign to minimally keep the Endowments alive and their funding at the current level. The chances of our succeeding in that effort are, if history is any example, fairly decent. Of course, the effort will take time and energy we could better put to other endeavors, but we may have no choice.”
The mayor of Vendargues, near Montpellier, announced a one-month absolute ban on clown and clown costumes following a series of incidents elsewhere in the country in which people in clown costumes beat up passersby with fists or weapons – and anti-clown vigilante groups began forming.
“The Smithsonian Institution has appointed Albert G. Horvath, its current senior finance official, as its acting leader for the first half of next year, until the incoming secretary, David J. Skorton, can take up his position in July.”
“Back in May, construction work for a new supermarket began in the center of Brest, a city in Belarus on the border with Poland. In a turn of events that wouldn’t seem out of place in a horror film, more than 450 Jewish gravestones have since been discovered in the foundations of the houses that have been demolished to make way for the store.”
“Busting graffiti artists distracts the local cops from fighting serious crime, like robberies or homicides, which have increased in Long Island City’s 114th Precinct, where 5Pointz is located, over the past year.”
“In protest of their unemployment and its endangerment of the country’s vulnerable cultural resources [and in] reaction to the government’s broken promise to hire 50 workers among the thousands of unemployed cultural heritage professionals, the Association of Culture and Art Workers is taking desperate measures.”
“The decision puts pressure on its rival chain Picturehouse, which is embroiled in a dispute over pay at its Ritzy cinema in Brixton. Picturehouse, owned by multiplex group Cineworld, agreed to the demands for the living wage, but then said 20 redundancies would have to be made to accommodate the rise.”
“It’s hard to say how many people dance on the subway today, but the dancers generally put the number in the low hundreds — a spike that some older performers attribute to the sharp decline of arts and physical education funding since the recession.”
Film Critic Hulk writes in all caps. Hang in there for serious content below the Hulkiness of the writing. “SINCE HULK’S ENTIRE PHILOSOPHY OF FINDING THE NUANCE CAN’T BE EQUATED TO FINDING MERIT IN THE MERITLESS, IT INSTEAD HAS TO BE FOUND RIGHT HERE IN THE HUMANIZATION OF OUR DISAGREEMENT. BECAUSE BEING NUANCED ISN’T SOMETHING SIMPLE LIKE ‘ACKNOWLEDGING BOTH SIDES.'”
“Let us look, then, at these case studies of how stale bread becomes fresh and familiar sweets take mutant forms, and ask why people line up at an ungodly hour to eat sweets that taste odd and look new. Is the pretzel croissant the forerunner of the Cronut or merely its parallel creature? Is the Cronut a craze that, like the designer cupcake, is doomed to walk the avenues briefly and then die in shame and embarrassment, or is it a true contribution – as the croissant and the doughnut and the pretzel all were in their day – and likely to become part of the common cupboard?”
Of course we do. Last year’s amazing crop of picture books included those illustrated by artists of color such as Yuyi Morales, Brian Pinkney, Jerry Pinkney, Angela Dominguez, Bryan Collier, Don Tate, and Kadir Nelson. This year we will see picture books illustrated by Christian Robinson (two of ‘em), Yuyi Morales, Raul Colon, Duncan Tonatiuh, Jason Chin, Susan Guevara, E.B. Lewis, Kadir Nelson, John Holyfield, Pat Cummings, James Ransome….and Christopher Myers and Frank Morrison….and more? I’m not even counting the many international artists who aren’t eligible for the Caldecott. (And my off-the-cuff list also doesn’t take into consideration books like Grandfather Gandhi, not illustrated by a person of color, but featuring diverse characters.)
I don’t know if it’s the raised awareness surrounding last spring’s #weneeddiversebooks campaign or whether in truth the numbers are growing, but it feels like there is a tiny bit more representation this year, at least among the books I’ve seen, and certainly among the ones that are currently rising toward the top of my admire-it pile: Josephine; Draw!; Viva Frida; Separate Is Never Equal; Little Roja Riding Hood. More women, more illustrators of color — although the numbers for that particular overlap are still insupportably low. And although, of course, we still have a lonnnng way to go.
It somehow feels too tentative to make any pronouncements. I think Sam Bloom summed up my cautious optimism in his comment on Robin’s Monday post:
“Of course, this brings me to the single biggest issue I see in the picture book world, which has definitely been publicized well of late: the need for more diverse characters. Of course, there are comparatively few authors/illustrators of color to begin with, another well-known fact. It seems to be getting a bit better – I’ve noticed quite a few REALLY strong books by or about people of color this year – but I wonder if it truly IS better, or maybe it’s just the fact that I’m paying close attention to the situation so it seems like more.”
What are you seeing? Are you sensing some movement toward more diversity in this year’s picture books? Does anyone have any numbers to back up (or refute) my admittedly highly anecdotal experience? Equally crucially — is the actual Caldecott committee noticing the strength and award-worthiness of these titles?
Further to my blog about Lumos – the charity chaired by J.K. Rowling – I thought I’d share more about what it is trying to do. ‘Across the globe 8 million children are living in institutions that deny them individual … Continue reading →
‘What are your books about?’ That’s a question I often get asked when I say I’m a novelist writing for, or about, young adults. My first book, Vintage, is easy to describe. Vintage is about a 17 year old girl living in 2010 who swaps places with a seventeen year old living in 1962. That seems to satisfy, and interest people, including adults who were around in 1962!
The second book, Closer, is harder to describe. In the blurb on the back we chose to focus on Mel, the main character - on who she is, her gritty and quirky take on the world, and on her finding the courage to speak out. But I was a bit naive if I thought it would stop there. As soon as the book came out, the reviews on Amazon and in magazines spelt out the story - Closer is about a girl whose stepfather gets too close. It involves sexual abuse.
Some parents have said that they don’t think their children are ready to read it, and I can understand that. Some young people have said they don’t want to read about incest or abuse (yukk!, as one graphically put it). But the feedback I’ve had from those who read it is that they find Closer inspiring, compelling and not remotely explicit. And some of the best feedback has been from teachers and social workers who have said that it’s realistic - better than reading a case study, one said. I have to admit I'm really proud of that.
There’s something about ‘issue’ books which puts me off too. If I feel I’m being asked to think in a particular way, if I feel lectured or taught, it’s a huge turnoff. I want to be told a story. I want to find a way of getting inside someone else’s world and knowing something I’d never otherwise have known. I want to be gripped, to have to read on, and to be satisfied by the ending even if it doesn’t give me all the answers. I want to be interested in the characters and where they’re going. I want to make my own mind up.
I've learned so much from reading novels about difficult times in their characters' lives. Sylvia Plath's The Bell Jar comes to mind, and Roddy Doyle's The Woman who walked into Doors. Most recently, Patrick Ness wrote so movingly about grief in A Monster Calls. When something new comes up in my life, whether it's working out how to knit socks or how to find a way through grief, I'll reach for a book, or the internet, or a friend - or all three.
It’s a conundrum, how to pose questions about an issue without giving easy answers - and then how to describe the book without giving away the story. I wrote Closer partly because I’d read the YA novels I could find at that time about sexual abuse, and the outcome in the stories was often disastrous. I knew from my work as a psychotherapist that this wasn't always the case, or it didn't have to be. I imagined a reader, possibly young, who read these books and had gone through something like Mel’s experience - or had a friend going through it. I wanted her, or him, to have a story where there are no monsters, and where there’s a way through. I feel passionately about that. And when sexual abuse has been so much around in the news in the last few months, we need ways of making sense of it, and stories about coming through.
So that's my first blog for ABBA - phew!
But I still don’t know how to say what Closer is about...
Bloomsbury has published my story about Facebook in their series Wired Up for reluctant readers. It's called Breaking the Rules.
I've retold three Thomas Hardy novels for Real Reads - The Mayor of Casterbridge, Tess of the d’Urbervilles and Far from the Madding Crowd. They're read by 9-13s, and by adults learning English as a foreign language.
8 Comments on What's it about?, last added: 2/2/2013
A couple of the best answers to the question 'What's it about?' come from the world of music. Bob Dylan, asked "What's this song about?" once replied "It's about three and a half minutes."
But my favourite is from Don McClean, who, when asked "What does American Pie actually mean?" answered "It means I never have to work again."
Oh yes, wouldn't a Don McClean be nice! Welcome to Abba, Maxine. If I might make a suggestion, it's a good idea to put your name at the top with the title - I always want to know who the writer is right from the start!
Welcome, Maxine! Thanks for an interesting post. I've had similar responses to my book from many readers, ranging from 'It's too scary and emotionally terrifying' (that from an adult blogger!), teachers have said that it's better than a lecture on stranger-danger, but teens have generally loved the book because it's thriller. My book isn't graphic either although it is about two boys who are abducted by a monster - a real one; and I wouldn't call it an 'issue' book. John - wish I could use Don Mcclean's answer just once...
I won't describe what I look like. Whatever you're thinking, it's probably worse.
August (Auggie) Pullman was born with a facial deformity that prevented him from going to a mainstream school—until now. He's about to start 5th grade at Beecher Prep, and if you've ever been the new kid then you know how hard that can be. The thing is Auggie's just an ordinary kid, with an extraordinary face. But can he convince his new classmates that he's just like them, despite appearances?
R. J. Palacio has written a spare, warm, uplifting story that will have readers laughing one minute and wiping away tears the next. With wonderfully realistic family interactions (flawed, but loving), lively school scenes, and short chapters, Wonder is accessible to readers of all levels.
Kimberly's Review:
August Pullman was born with a facial deformity. His life so far has been his family, a couple of friends, and homeschool. But all that's going to change. Auggie is going to his first day of fifth grade at a new school. And no one, not even Auggie, knows what to expect.
Beautifully written, Wonder took my breath away. August is a kid who is physic
4 Comments on Wonder - Review, last added: 3/1/2012
When Cameron Post’s parents die suddenly in a car crash, her shocking first thought is relief. Relief she’ll never have to tell them that, hours earlier, she had been kissing a girl.
But that relief soon turns to heartbreak, as Cam is forced to move in with her conservative aunt Ruth. She knows that from this point on, her life will forever be different. Survival in Miles City, Montana, means blending in and not making waves, and Cam becomes an expert at this—especially at avoiding any questions about her sexuality.
Then Coley Taylor moves to town. Beautiful pickup-driving Coley is a perfect cowgirl with the perfect boyfriend to match. To Cam’s surprise, she and Coley become best friends—while Cam secretly dreams of something more. Just as that starts to seem like a real possibility, her secret is exposed. Ultrareligious Aunt Ruth takes drastic action to “fix” her niece, bringing Cam face-to-face with the cost of denying her true self—even if she’s not quite sure who that is.
The Miseducation of Cameron Post is a stunning and unforgettable literary debut about discovering who you are and finding the courage to live life according to your own rules.
This sounds like a sweet read that simultaneously deals with real issues -- her parents death, her sexuality, her aunt's ignorance and horrifying "fix". Cam's aunt sounds so much like a lot of close-minded people I know that I think this book will feel very authentic to me -- and I'm excited to see how it turns out (Cam's got to br
20 Comments on Waiting on Wednesday: The Miseducation of Cameron Post by Emily M. Danforth, last added: 8/24/2011
Hmm, I think LGBT characters in general definitely need more representation in YA but you're right that lesbians seem to be even more underrepresented than gay men. There often seems to be a gay best male friend in books; rarer to find gay females for sure. Great pick!
I haven't read much LGBT themed books, but this one just sounds too good I have to read it! Great pick! I just found out about this book a few days ago, and I'm already looking forward to its release!
Haha, I can already tell this book will frustrate me--Cam's aunt sounds like a horrible person! Grr. Anyway, I'm looking forward to this as well; I'm excited to see how Cameron's "miseducation" turns out. :P
Very cool! I would love to read about the other side of the coin. I agree about the different (but similar) stigmas for gays and lesbians. It's an interesting conundrum. I think this might be a refreshing read in that it deals with more serious issues that other books may shy away from. Great pick.
I also agree that LGBT characters should be more prevalent in literature, just as they are prevalent in real life. One of my female gay friends said she too feels that gay males are more present in books. I haven't heard of the above book, but it sounds like it may be an important read to many people.
So many great links today. You are the sole reason why I sit here still, at 10 am, still in jammies and showerless!
You guys are so wonderful to put this all together. I love picking and choosing what i need most from your categories, and I love seeing all the good news for the people I care about and share the writing path with! Thanks as always!
We are pleased to introduce author Miriam Halahmy, who has written novels, poetry and short stories for children, teens and adults. Her work has been read on the radio and performed on stage. HIDDEN is her debut Young Adult novel. It is in the first in a cycle of three novels set on an island off the south coast of England. A minor character in the previous novel becomes the major character in the next. Otherwise they are stand alone stories. The second and third titles, ILLEGAL and STUFFED, will be published in 2012.
Miriam was a teacher for 25 years and now mentors writers. She has worked with refugees and asylum seekers for many years, helping them to write their stories. Some of the inspiration for HIDDEN comes from her husband and his large Iraqi family. Miriam believes that all young people have a future and that reading helps to provide the route map forward. You can visit her online at http://www.miriamhalahmy.com/ or http://miriamhalahmy.blogspot.com/.
How do you weave edgy contemporary issues into teen fiction?
By Miriam Halahmy
My novel HIDDEN deals with the complex issues of immigration and human-rights laws, through the eyes of teenage Alix. A coming-of-age novel it focuses on courage, prejudice, judgement and the difficulty of sorting right from wrong.
Fourteen year old Alix lives at the bottom of Hayling Island, near the beach. It is a quiet backwater, far removed from the international politics of war, terrorism and refugees. Alix has never given a thought to asylum seekers, she has enough problems of her own; Dad has a new life that doesn’t include her, Grandpa is dead and Mum is helpless and needy.
Then one day on the beach Alix pulls a drowning man out of the incoming tide; a refugee escaping certain death in Iraq. Alone, helpless and desperate not to be deported, Mohammed’s destiny lies in Alix’s hands. However, hiding an injured refugee is fraught with difficulties. Faced with the biggest moral dilemma of her life, what
Absolutley, LM, that's why I set the book in a quiet place. And Natalie, its great to be able to use the different experiences of life in fiction. Thank you both for your comments.
Your book sounds fascinating and I think your approach is a great way to get teens interested in the subject of illegal immigrants. It'll hopefully get them asking themselves what they would do in the same circumstances.
That is a neat idea, taking a minor character from one book and making him/her the major character in another book. :) Sounds like you are a good person to write these stories, with your background! And it's great for teens to have an exposure to world-aware topics, to balance out the lighter/shallower YA fare.
Thanks for your comments. I did a lot of research and had my facts checked by an expert on immigration as I was worried about making errors. But the humour definitely helped to keep thing moving.
This was great, thanks. I love reading books about challenging subjects. Often I read about another side to an issue I hadn't thought of. It opens our minds, and that's a good thing.
Loved hearing about your background, and how this story came to be. And your final paragraph is so important -- we're here to challenge, not lecture, our readers.
Wow, there's so much great stuff out there. Can I just say how much I love blogging writers? Thanks so much for all you do, and for the kind mention of my blog post.
Here it is as promised-- Submissions Contest! [Coming Down the Mountain: From Reclusive Writer to Published Author] WiDO Publishing query and sample chapters contest. Enter by 3/1/11.
Another giveaway, FYI to writers! Deborah Halverson, award-winning author and former editor, is celebrating the completion of her latest book by offering a MG/YA manuscript critique! Enter the drawing by January 31. Rules and info at: Dear-Editor.com
I love this list--I've never gone through it without finding a new website or blogger to follow, and I always learn something new. Thank you for maintaining it.
Wow. Good thing you put these Friday lists into categories. If anyone has an idea how to comb through this list, get all the "pertinent" stuff, and not spend all morning/day about it, please let me know. LOL
Hey girlfriends, great job as usual. Amazing list here -- again. Thanks for the mention and I hope you can pop over and check out my other blog. It's new and can be found here: http://www.yorkblog.com/buffy/ Blessings, Buffy
Hi guys! Great list as always. FYI I kicked off a new series on my blog. It's a How I Got My Agent for picture book writers. First up was the amazing Corey Schwartz. Here is the link: http://wp.me/pIkHt-Y7
Quickie: I read this just before Thanksgiving Day this year. I thought it apropos.
My review: At first I thought, not another depressing book about eating disorders. I have to say, the anorexic-as-Famine twist to the story makes the whole thing much more readable. I didn't want to be so thoroughly sucked in and sucked dry as I was while reading Wintergirls (also a great, but much more emotionally demanding novel about eating disorders/depression/family issues by Laurie Halse Anderson). In Hunger I could appreciate reading about the symptoms, obsessive thoughts and emotional explanations behind the diseases portrayed, while being able to maintain a safe observer's distance. In this sense I was able to enjoy a book of a type that is not usually enjoyable in any way. Heck, I even laughed a couple of times.
I loved the simple but striking characterization of the Horsemen of the Apocalypse (including their steeds, in particular the mount that Lisabeth names Midnight)--Death as a sort of emo ex-rock-star, the wry and witty Pestilence, the big and blustery War. I liked Morse's admission, through her characterization of Lisabeth's parents and friends, that no one is perfect, and that people are not always as they seem. Lisabeth'
1 Comments on Hunger - Review, last added: 11/29/2010
The cover certainly doesn't look like it's a book on eating disorder. But glad to know that it's not super emotional demanding, I don't think I can handle that D:
Thanks for the usual great list! I particularly enjoyed the Dark Angel interview (under To Market) with agent Kathleen Ortiz, since I've been stalking--I mean following--her around cyberspace lately while she has my manuscript. ;o)
Holy crap! This is a list and a half this week! Whew! You do SUCH a great job of this! I'll be busy all night checking these out. also, you did ask if there's anything else - I've got a 6 book giveaway on my blog!
I love you guys and your blog, but wanted to let you know that when I tried the first 2 links under "Other Weekly Roundups," there were problems. The first one was dated in May. The other was a fail. FYI. Thanks for ALL that you do, which is a ton. xox, k
Great list! Thanks for the mention. I also have a monthly list of writing contests and markets available (I'm not sure if you already receive it). The November list has deadlines out to January. www.excuseeditor.com
Are there untouchable topics in literature? No, of course, not. But there are topics that are difficult to do well, or it feels like you are preaching.
You know the ones: alcoholism, abortion, medical ethics, underage drinking, etc. These are hard to put into a story or novel and have it work.
Dealing with Flash point, Difficult Topics
I’ve been listening to Mary E. Pearson’s novel, The Adoration of Jenna Fox and she does a stunning job of addressing medical ethics. It’s reminiscent of Peter Dickinson’s 1989 novel, Eva, but takes the discussion in new directions. Here are some of the things she does right as an author treading lightly.
Character. The novel works because the character is front and center. This is above all a character novel, with all the ethical dilemma from the medical “miracle” taking place within the character. She IS the ethical problem and has to resolve how she feels about herself. So, it’s not a theoretical issue; it’s an issue of identity.
Voice. Written in first person, the character’s voice is stunning. First person was a good choice, because it allows the reader to experience the dilemma along with the character. The voice never falters, it’s flawless.
Backstory. The bane of any sort of difficult topic is the mountain of data, the historical arguments, the cultural context. It is a trap, though, for the unwary author who tries to insert all this back story into the novel. Pearson walks that fine line between planting necessary information, but putting it in naturally.
All sides are presented fairly. Pearson populates the story with a variety of characters who represent the various points of view about this question of medical ethics. This is perhaps the hardest thing to do in a novel dealing with issues that set off fireworks in our culture. It’s easy to include stereotypes, believe cliches. Instead, Pearson creates fully developed characters who are passionate about issues, but are conflicted by the dilemma that confronts them. The grandmother, the friend at school, the mysterious next-door neighbor — each has a life perspective to bring to the story that enriches the conflict, without cheapening it.
Are you passionate about some topic facing our culture? I’d recommend you read this book just for pure enjoyment of Pearson’s language and storytelling. Then, re-read it, study it, as an example of how to do it right.
It’s sold movie rights: we can only hope they do the novel justice.
Also see the website for the book, Who is Jenna Fox?
Of course we do. Last year’s amazing crop of picture books included those illustrated by artists of color such as Yuyi Morales, Brian Pinkney, Jerry Pinkney, Angela Dominguez, Bryan Collier, Don Tate, and Kadir Nelson. This year we will see picture books illustrated by Christian Robinson (two of ‘em), Yuyi Morales, Raul Colon, Duncan Tonatiuh, Jason Chin, Susan Guevara, E.B. Lewis, Kadir Nelson, John Holyfield, Pat Cummings, James Ransome….and Christopher Myers and Frank Morrison….and more? I’m not even counting the many international artists who aren’t eligible for the Caldecott. (And my off-the-cuff list also doesn’t take into consideration books like Grandfather Gandhi, not illustrated by a person of color, but featuring diverse characters.)
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Welcome to ABBA, Maxine!
Yes, welcome aboard!
A couple of the best answers to the question 'What's it about?' come from the world of music. Bob Dylan, asked "What's this song about?" once replied "It's about three and a half minutes."
But my favourite is from Don McClean, who, when asked "What does American Pie actually mean?" answered "It means I never have to work again."
Welcome Maxine...and John, those two answers are good. Wish I could use the second more often!
Oh yes, wouldn't a Don McClean be nice! Welcome to Abba, Maxine. If I might make a suggestion, it's a good idea to put your name at the top with the title - I always want to know who the writer is right from the start!
Welcome, Maxine! Thanks for an interesting post. I've had similar responses to my book from many readers, ranging from 'It's too scary and emotionally terrifying' (that from an adult blogger!), teachers have said that it's better than a lecture on stranger-danger, but teens have generally loved the book because it's thriller. My book isn't graphic either although it is about two boys who are abducted by a monster - a real one; and I wouldn't call it an 'issue' book.
John - wish I could use Don Mcclean's answer just once...
Welcome to ABBA Maxine. I would love to hear more about how you work as a psychotherapist informs your writing and vice versa.
Welcome to ABBA!
Thank you!