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                                                       I read this book primarily because a film adaptation of it is being made at the moment and stars my favourite actress, Maria Bello, as Jocelyn. Wanting to get a heads-up on the story line and the character, I was also curious on how Fowler would create a novel with the help of Austen. Of all Austen's novels, I am most familiar with Pride and Prejudice as it was not only my high school text in Literature but also because there have been so many film adaptations of it. Yet I go to Austen only to be entertained because while I appreciate the irony and satirical characterizations of Austen and her deftness in plots and witty Edwardian lines, I find her novels somewhat lacking in depth. I thus approached Fowler's book with the same light attitude.

In JABC the book club is organised by Jocelyn and consists of five ladies and a sole man. They rotate the host for the club as they discuss each novel of Austen. Unlike Austen, Fowler's book does not have so much a plot but more a collection of vignettes of the characters' past and current maladies. Single, to-be-divorced, lesbian, married, many times married are the status of the book club members. The range of characters and their backgrounds are mostly an interesting read. I also liked the subtleties and hints used by Fowler rather than writing the obvious. As relationships are deepened, broken, reconciled and formed, one knows even at the end of the book that nothing remains permanent in the lives of these members. Perhaps the only exception would be the lasting friendship between Jocelyn and Sylvia, and for that the book is a boon.

 

Having read The Secret Life of the Bees, Kidd's debut novel, which I thoroughly enjoyed, I looked forward to The Mermaid's Chair, her second novel. A married woman falling in love with a monk was certainly an interesting scenario. But half-way through the novel, which is filled with rich metaphors and symbols, I began to have mixed feelings, especially when Jessie, the protagonist and Whit or Brother Thomas, the monk, begin to consummate their attraction for each other. Perhaps I was expecting Jessie to be able to resist and not give in to the temptation of adultery risking hurting her marriage, her loving and dedicated husband, Hugh, as well Dee, their daughter. The fact that Whit who had consecrated himself to the Lord and made his vow of celibacy (albeit temporary) also seemed to have been disregarded if not trivialized by both parties.  The fact that both Jessie and Whit "fell" for each other immediately based primarily on physical attraction without even getting to know each other first also seemed shallow and unrealistic.

Yet as I read the second half of the novel, I began to appreciate how Kidd tried to reveal the human frailty in each of us, the vulnerability and the desire for love, intimacy and understanding. Most of all, the innate need to be free to be oneself and grow to one's full potential, without any inhibitions set by others and society. Jessie, who was in her early 40s was no doubt having a mid-life crisis. Although her marriage was glued with love, she still felt stifled and somewhat stunted. It was time for her to break out of the mould she and others had set. Unfortunately this comes with a price.

As Jessie unravels the dormant areas of herself, and brings them to birth, the novel can be paralleled with Secret Life of the Bees as a "coming of age" tale. Jessie also discovers certain truths about the past, her parents, and her father's death, and amidst the pain and torment she undergoes, she is somewhat healed by the truth, and is set free from the wounds of the past.

The reconciliation between Jessie and Hugh is somewhat clumsily written yet the beauty of the forgiveness and love from Hugh is brought forth in the closing pages, reminding me of the parable of the Prodigal Son. Perhaps an alternative title for this novel could have been The Prodigal Wife if not Hosea's Wife. Life is not perfect and each person is never perfect. Yet when there is love, the forgiveness and understanding which flows from love redeem our human imperfections, sinfulness and weaknesses.

In the last issue of The Catholic News, the article, Pornography Plague, touched on the concerns and effects of pornography to marriage. In an upcoming adult film, Little Children, we see that effect on the big screen when neglected wife, Sarah (Kate Winslet) discovers that the waning of her husband’s interest in her is largely due to his addiction to a pornographic website. Frustrated with her life (she also dropped out of graduate school), she begins an adulterous affair with Brad (Patrick Wilson), a stay-at-home father who struggles with his own insecurities as his wife (Jennifer Connelly) brings home the bacon and centres her affections on their young son.

A sub-plot portrays Ronnie (Jackie Earle Haley), a convicted paedophile, now living with his mother in the neighbourhood, but who is harassed by a former cop, Larry Hedges (Noah Emmerich). As Larry vandalises Ronnie’s property and wakes the neighbours at night with his tirades, some observers may rightly attribute Larry’s “war on terror” against Ronnie as the film’s political comment on the rash violence inflicted upon another nation in the name of security.

In their struggle for identity, Ronnie becomes a distraction and excuse for the other characters to rationalise their own fears without looking within their true selves. It is only when disaster strikes that each person learns to take responsibility for their actions, start to grow up, and discover who they are. Although the end is not a neat fairy tale ending, it strongly hints at redemption for the characters.

Yet the film invites us to go deeper. While we may not indulge in adulterous affairs or harass criminals, each of us too is flawed and sinful. Yet do we self-righteously condemn others or do we offer them the compassion and gentleness of Christ?  At a Book Club meeting in the film, Sarah comments on what led the title character of Madam Bovary (thus also implying herself) to lead a life of infidelity, “It’s the hunger for an alternative and the refusal to accept a life of unhappiness.” It was from unhappy homes where love and understanding were somewhat lacking that led Sarah and Brad to each other’s arms. When we honestly question our own sinfulness and that of others, we realise that as one body in Christ, what we do (or don’t do) affects others. We are responsible for not only our actions but indirectly that of others. In our search for happiness and love, we make choices that can be made responsibly and maturely or childishly and selfishly. But even as we behave like children who are never satisfied as Jesus comments in Matt 11:16-19, we are assured that he also says, “let the little children come to me” in Mark 10:14. It is only when we turn to God through prayer and discernment that we can be assured that our choices and actions lead not to fleeting happiness but lasting joy.

Directed by Todd Field, Little Children will be released in Singapore on Feb 8, 2006. With adult themes and scenes the film has been rated M18. Caution is advised as some scenes could be offensive to viewers.

(published in The CatholicNews Feb 12, 2007)

Starring: Keisha Castle-Hughes, Oscar Isaac, Shohreh Aghdashloo
Director: Catherine Harwicke
Screenplay: Mike Rich
Producers: Wyck Godfrey, Marty Bowen.
Genre: Drama, Bibilical, Christmas
Rating: PG
Duration: 101 mins

Synopsis:
The Nativity Story chronicles the arduous journey of two people, Mary and Joseph, a miraculous pregnancy, and the history-defining birth of Jesus. The dramatic and compelling film traces the perilous journey of a young couple who must travel from their home in Nazareth to Bethlehem, Joseph’s ancestral home, to register for a census ordered by King Herod. It is a journey of over 100 miles, through treacherous terrain, made much more difficult by the fact that Mary is nine months pregnant.

Perhaps for the first time in film history in the biblical genre, we find a film that portrays Joseph and Mary on a very human level. Many Catholics often place both Joseph and Mary on high pedestals - saintly figures whose holiness are beyond the ordinary person’s reach. The Nativity Story commendably sets them with down-to-earth humanity as ordinary persons, reminding us that saints are also very human and it is in their human struggles that they find holiness.

Combining the infancy narratives found in the gospels of Matthew and Luke, the film also expands and infers what is not found in scripture verses, imagining probable scenarios in the lives of the teenage Mary, “God’s favoured one,” and Joseph, a “righteous man,” whose lives are turned upside down when they are called to be parents of the Son of God.

The physical and spiritual journey that Joseph and Mary undergo in the film can be a parallel reflection of our own inner life journeys. Despite their fears, doubts, struggles and uncertainties of the future, their faith in God and his promises pull them through. Models of faith, hope and love, they provide inspiration for anyone experiencing trails, hardships, and misunderstandings. It is a difficult and challenging journey that they endure but one which eventually leads them to wonder and joy, as they welcome into their lives Emmanuel, God with us.

Like Mary who finds consolation in her cousin Elizabeth, we see the importance of spiritual friends or mentors, who can provide us with encouragement, guidance and friendship along our journey in life. And we too are invited to be friend and mentor to our fellow travellers.

In Joseph, we find a steadfast human love that is sacrificing, patient and kind (just as described in 1 Cor 13) as he struggles first over what is the most loving thing to do with Mary’s unexpected pregnancy, and then being her source of strength and faith-companion when he decides to abide by the angel’s call to take Mary as his wife.
The Magi in the film provide some comic relief to the tense emotions found in Mary and Joseph though at times their scenes tend to drag. The portrayal of Angel Gabriel is perhaps the most disappointing depiction of an angel and it is hoped that audiences will not imagine celestial beings as represented in this film. Great effort went into finding appropriate locations and the design of sets in this film to recreate conditions and situations of the time, from the domesticity of making cheese to the use of ancient construction tools. The result is an authentic peek into life of first century Israel.

This peek also includes the oppression that the Jews suffered under the Romans, an oppression that many continue to face today under varied and diverse forms, and from which true redemption is found only in the Messiah.

This is a film that is a wonderful vehicle to spur on discussions with non-Catholics on how we regard Mary and Joseph and their roles in the Church. It is also a chance to share with non-Christians the true meaning of Christmas, and that “with God, nothing is impossible.” Most of all, it is a film that can help us reflect on how our faith and trust in God can result in our own magnificat where we cay say as Mary did, “the Mighty One has done great things for me and holy is his name.” (Luke 1:49)

Suggested Scripture Readings before watching the film: Matthew 1-2; Luke 1-2

Sr Wendy Ooi, fsp

A Christian Appreciation

                                            

Harry is in his fourth year at Hogwarts which opens its doors to host the international Triwizard Tournament. Although officially under aged, he is named the 4^th champion to compete in the tournament and faces the greatest challenge of his life.

Defending Harry

22 July 2005

by Sr. Wendy Ooi, FSP                                                

Platform 9¾! Howling telegrams! Diagon Alley! From the moment I first read Harry Potter and the Philosopher's (Sorcerer's) Stone, I was hooked. Hooked to the genius of Joanne Kathleen Rowling (b July 31, 1965). Her brilliant imagination, engaging narration and amazing plots have captivated audiences across the globe, creating an extraordinary sensation and world wide phenomena to the tome industry. Thanks to the Harry Potter (HP) books, the children's publishing world is experiencing the dawn of a renaissance as children willingly abandon their Gameboys and begin to take an interest in reading. The remarkable success of the books unsurprisingly led to equally blockbusting movie adaptations. Children and adults continue to revel in the magical world of HP as their imagination soar to newer heights by leaps and bounds just as if they were on the Firebolt! The fantasy/adventure/mystery genre has never before created such a stir. As with most fantasy worlds in fairy tales written throughout the centuries, we also typically find in Rowling's books the presence of magic and witches.

Unfortunately this means that inevitably there would come along narrow-minded HP bashers or beaters (and we are not talking about Quidditch here). These critics claim the books to be evil and promoting anti-Christian ideology since they contain witchcraft, and are a bad influence to children. Some of those who make and spread such claims possibly have their own personal agendas and probably never even read a single copy of HP.

But just as there are defamers of HP, there are also fans and promoters, myself included. Jewish rabbis and Christian ministers, including Catholic priests have praised the HP books. Some ministers also use HP in their sermons.  Parallels have also been made between Rowling and both CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien whose fantasy worlds of Narnia and Middle Earth respectively are filled with Christian themes.

While Rowling may not have intentionally written the HP series with spiritual themes in mind, her books (as we can also discover in many secular books and films) are nevertheless imbued with Christian morals. Parents of young children can point out these themes to them, while at the same time, help them distinguish reality from fantasy. However most children who are old enough to read HP and who have been brought up with fairy tales would, I believe, be able to determine the difference between reality and fiction.

Low Hui Chih, a teacher and Catholic parent of 2 children aged 13 and 7 says, "It all depends on how parents relate to their children. If children have a vivid imagination and start to take on the fantasy as life then you have to help them draw the line between fantasy and reality, and say 'You cannot do magic!' But we must expose them to all kinds of literature."

Both Hui Chih and her 13 year old son, Guillaume-Marc Caza are currently taking turns in reading the newly released Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. He describes the HP books not so much as a tale about magic and witchcraft but "A beautiful story of a boy who is victimised by his uncle and aunty, like being a martyr…. It's adventure, mystery, fun, friendship."

Other children who share their enthusiasm for HP also hardly emphasise the wizardry aspects of the story, like Sharon Tan, 14, "It's really exciting and funny, and if you're an adventurous person you'll love the books. I totally recommend it even for old people!"

Theresa Khoo, who has served in Children's Liturgy says, "I like it because it's fantasy, fiction, has good plots, with well rounded characters. For children as in all things, there must be guidance. Parents need to know if their kids are susceptible to influence. Harry Potter is essentially good but he is very human. Like computer games, we have to supervise children so that they don't get mesmerised by it."

When we find parents and children both enthralled by the same book, it is a grace-filled opportunity for them to communicate and strengthen their ties by discussing their shared interest. In the process, as in the case of HP, it is also an opportunity to discuss Gospel themes. In doing so, parent and child are partaking in what is called Media Spirituality - finding God and deepening their understanding and relationship with God through the media.

Some Christian/Moral Themes to look out for in Harry Potter:

Good vs Evil, Sacrificial Love, Friendship, Courage
The most evident and prevailing theme in HP is the struggle between good and evil, and the ultimate victory of the good through the power of human love and the courage and faith of the human spirit. In the very first book and a recurring point of emphasis in the series, Baby Harry survived the attack of the evil Lord Voldemort (who killed his parents) due to the power of his mother's love and her willingness to sacrifice her life for him. The theme of sacrificial love as a powerful form of magic in itself is a continual theme throughout the series. Voldemort is repeatedly defeated by Harry and his closest friends through the bond of their friendship and their combined gifts – the power of goodness implanted in Harry, the faith and loyalty of Ron, the ingenuity of Hermione, and the courage and chivalry of all three (they belong to Gryffindor after all!)

Prejudice and racism* – we are all one body in our Communion in Christ
The wizard world is composed of "pure-blood" and "half-blood" or "muggle born." Gender prejudice however is non-existent – it is taken for granted that every profession has personnel who are both male and female; even the sports teams are mixed.

Choices* – the Narrow Path that is difficult or the Broad Path that is easy
In Chamber of Secrets, Dumbledore, the headmaster of Hogwarts, makes perhaps his most famous quote on this issue: "It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities." Through the books, Harry must repeatedly choose between what is right and what is easy, and the choices Harry must make become increasingly more difficult.

Suffering and Humility*
Harry has to spend many tedious years in the muggle world with his abusive relatives, who ill-treat him. He is the scapegoat, like the image of the suffering lamb and servant of Yahweh who is persecuted. When Harry learns that he is the famous "Boy Who Lived", he is more concerned about living up to his reputation than using it to his own advantage – a contrast to his counterpart, Draco Malfoy. Harry turns out to be a highly skilled Quidditch player with a talent for Defence Against the Dark Arts. Instead of basking in the glory of his abilities, he is humble, and even bashful, when complimented on his skills.
(* adapted from Wikipedia.org)

With just a sample of some the themes found in HP listed above, many would agree with me that Rowling is unlikely to be what some of her detractors accuse her of - an advocate of sorcery or witchcraft. Her background was in education. She was a French teacher in the UK, and for a short time, an English teacher in Portugal. However before she taught, she worked longest in Amnesty International (AI) which indicates surely a compassionate, if not Christian, heart for the victims of injustice and abuse. Links in her official website do not lead to any Black Magic or Occult societies. Rather, apart from publishing and publicity links, there is a link to AI, as well as to a charity, the Multiple Sclerosis Society (she lost her mother to MS in 1990). A few years ago, Rowling donated proceeds from the sale of two companions to the HP books to Comic Relief, a charity which raises funds for the poor in Africa and in the UK.

For me, the HP books are a welcome, recreational and delightful read. Adapting the famous London Sunday Times' review on Lord of the Rings, I'd say "The world is divided into those who have read Harry Potter and those who are going to." Before we stop children from enjoying one of the greatest literary marvels of all time, which will expand their imaginative powers and widen their horizons in the process, the best thing a doubting parent could do is to first read the books themselves. Read the books starting from the first and form your own opinion, rather than rely on the opinions of others, including mine. Discover the magical, yet spiritual, world of Hoggarts! I don't think you'll regret it.

Reflections on a hammock

July 2005

Last month I was graced to have the privilege of returning to the Philippines (where I lived for the first 8 years of my religious life) for a renewal programme as well as to spend my annual retreat. I¦#39;ve always loved hammocks – perhaps it has to do with being suspended between heaven and earth – so it was to a delightful surprise for me to discover that some hammocks were available for quiet reflection and prayer at the retreat house I stayed. So I¦#39;d often be swaying on a hammock, under pine and palm trees, overlooking the truly breath-taking view of Lake Taal in Tagaytay. Many reflections came, pertaining to my life of religious consecration but also others which can be applied to anyone seeking a closer relationship with God. Here are a couple I scribbled:

• As the sun rose, the morning mist on the lake slowly cleared and the colours of the mountains and trees grew deeper and richer as they emerged from their silhouettes. The entire earth is in darkness, if not for the sun, illuminating the rich beauty of nature on the planet. God¦#39;s love in my life is like the sun. Without it, I¦#39;m just in darkness. His grace in my life enables me to reflect on His infinite beauty in my finite ways. Increase my trust and faith in you O Lord. Let your love shine within me and empower me with the gift of the Holy Spirit. 

•  I'm surrounded by hundreds of plants, flowers, and trees with the cool mountain breeze refreshing the earth after the rain. Each plant I realise had first to die – their seeds had to be buried and ¢broken¢ so that they can be brought to new life, and what a transformation! Flowers of different patterns, shades of colour and scents! Trees of varied shapes, sizes and designer leaves designed by the Master artist! My life too is in constant transformation, with areas that also have to be ¢emptied¢ - to face death - so that the Lord can transform me into a thing of beauty to behold, and give others and God delight. A community also contains a variety of different personalities – each having his or her own beauty and colour to contribute, enriching the entire landscape. The rains which come are our problems and trials that not only nourish us but help make us grow stronger in faith. All of us are in constant revision and rebirth, symbolised aptly by that empty shell of an insect I saw on a leaf. The question is, how willing are we to let go, to surrender to the Master, to ¢die,¢ so that He can transform us to new life?