Issue 51 - University of Surrey's Student Union

18 LITERATUREThe Stag | Wednesday 14 th November 2012literature@thestagsurrey.co.ukLiteratureMe Before You by Jojo MoyesBy Rachel Burgess, Literature TeamAt first, Jojo Moyes’ debut novel, Me Before You,appears as your average girl meets boy lovestory, but in reality it’s a sensitive, heart-warmingtale, with an interesting twist.The novel focuses on Lou Clark, a youngwoman whose comfortably consistent life getsusurped when she loses her job, as well as herindependence. Desperate to offer her parents somesupport while she lives under their roof, she findsa new job working with Will Traynor who showsno enthusiasm for her employment or her help. Hecomes across as angry, frustrated and unsatisfiedwith life. While Lou makes it her mission to changehis attitude, she in turn discovers an adventurouspart of herself which she had buried away amonglong hidden memories. What consequently ensuesis a story full of laughter, tears, and poignancy.Moyes successfully portrays realisticcharacters with authentic feelings and reactionsto everyday events, but who also have their ownstories to tell, and it’s a thrill to uncover. Lou isthrown from her nondescript lifestyle into a newand challenging position, which in turn allowsher to become more of the person she alwayswanted to be. Will transforms from a hostile andunsociable individual, to a man full of compassionand humility. Their differences eventually pullthem together with an uplifting tendency.However, what gives this book its winningformula is the author’s ability to portray asensitive and particularly controversial subjectin a refreshing and moving perspective. Thematter is dealt with tenderness and empathywhile considering both sides of a much debatedargument. The ending is unexpected, but writtenbeautifully and delivers a thought-provokingpunch; should someone that unhappy with life beallowed to leave it behind?Roald Dahl’s collection of books, well worth re-reading when you have the time!Reminising over childhood booksat Guildford Book FestivalBy Marilyn Johnston, Literature TeamRecently I volunteeredat the Guildford bookfestival and I had the fortunateopportunity to sit in on one ofthe children’s events. AndrewCope was promoting his books;the fantastic Spy Dog series (Iam now a proud owner of asigned copy!). He was asking thechildren what their favouritebooks were and one repliedGeorge’s Marvellous Medicine. Thisbrought me right back to mychildhood when Roald Dahl wasmy own favourite author.When I was younger, likeMatilda, I read avidly. I’m sureI am not alone in saying thatI marvelled at the chocolatefactory with Charlie, washorrified by the witches whoturned children into miceand laughed when the vicarof Nibbleswick reminded hiscongregation “not to krap allalong the front of the church.” Infact, Roald Dahl has been such aresounding influence on my life;he’s created memories (howeversmall) that will remain with meforever.I remember reading aboutMatilda’s visit to Miss Honey’sbare house and being filled withglee because my mum let meeat bread and butter with them,despite it being almost bedtime.Another fond memoryis the day when I thought itwas a clever idea to stick gumbehind my ear to save for later;just like Violet Beauregarde.Unfortunately, a lot of my hairhad to be chopped off and Iwas left with a shameful ‘boyhaircut’ for weeks. And to thisday I can still chant off by heart:“Boggis and Bunce and Bean,One fat, one short one lean,These horrible crooks,© Wee Sen Goh / FlickrSo different in looks,But nonetheless equally mean! “I could ramble on foreverabout how Roald Dahl’s legacyhad such an impact on mychildhood, but I just don’t haveenough words.At the event Andrew Copeasked the children what the mostimportant thing about readingwas. After some very creativeand intelligent answers, still noone had guessed. The audience,including myself waited ontenterhooks to discover the trueanswer. Cope then revealed thatthe most important thing aboutreading is to have fun. Of course,being swamped in an endless listof tedious books to read for ourstudies, we forget that reading issupposed to be enjoyable. Nexttime I go home I’m going to dustoff my Roald Dahl collection andremind myself of just that.Top novels you mustread before you die, asrecommended by studentsBy Samantha Goodburn, Literature TeamI don’t know about you, but I’m fed up of being toldthat I should’ve read certain canonical novels becausethey’ve achieved all these ostentatious awards bypompous critics. So The Stag have decided to asknormal, everyday people like you, the students ofSurrey, to recommend their own personal favouritesthat must be read at some point in your life.1) Rebecca – Daphne du Maurier:Becky Richmond recommends thisone as it’s ‘an unconventional lovestory.’ Published in 1938, the noveltells the story of the unnamednarrator as she reminisces about herpast, and more importantly, the lifeand death of her husband’s previouswife. The book is mysterious andgothic; the unknown pulling you inas you desperately want to know thefate of the Previous Mrs de Winter…2) Invisible Monsters – Chuck Palahniuk:Author of Fight Club, Palahnuik’snovel Invisible Monsters is suggestedby Sam Curtis, who explains thatthe novel is ‘about the eventssurrounding a model who had her jawshot off whilst driving, leaving herdisfigured and incapable of speech.’The subject matter is questionable;but like Palahnuiks’ other books, thenon linear plot means there are manygreat twists in the story. Sam notesthat she’s read the book ‘countlesstimes and still feels shocked andsurprised!’When reading the book, onemust expect nihilism, dark humourand beautifully crafted one-linersthat really make you think aboutyour perspective on life, and withan ambiguous ending, the reader isleft with hundreds of unansweredquestions.3) The Great Gatsby – F. Scott Fitzgerald:This canonical novel may appearon those pompous lists I mentionedabove, but Lewis Hobday states thatit’s his favourite book because ‘it isso articulately written, presentingnot only a love story but a depictionof American history and metaphorsfor the American dream.’ The novelis told by Gatsby’s neighbour, whotells us of Gatsby’s complicatedlife, and those surrounding him.4) Catcher in the Rye - J. D. Salinger:This 1951 novel was recommendedby Mungo Bain, who simply statesthat ‘it can make you laugh out loud,make you want to cry AND makeyou want to meet Holden Caulfieldfor a pint. What more does a bookneed?’ I personally don’t think youneed any more persuading thanthat, but if you did want more detail;seventeen-year-old narrator HoldenCaulfield, who addresses the readerdirectly from a hospital in SouthernCalifornia., retells the story of hismental breakdown and struggle.5) Up From Slavery – Booker T Washington:Nicholas Allen believes thatWashington’s autobiography isdefinitely worth a read. Followinghis life as an African-American civilrights campaigner who was actuallya slave during his younger life, thebook is ‘both inspiring and realisticfor his time. He is an undervaluedhero.’ Up From Slavery focuses on afifty year period of Washington’s life,wherein he climbs the social ladderthrough hard work and establishesa variety of relationships with greatpeople.