November Meeting, The Country of the Blind by H.G. Wells

The Book

Source: Amazon

"The Country of the Blind" by H.G. Wells is a thought-provoking short story first published in 1904. It tells the tale of Nuñez, an explorer who accidentally stumbles upon a secluded valley in the Andes where all the inhabitants are blind. Over generations, these people have lost not only their sight but also any concept of vision, creating a society where the sense of sight is unknown and considered a delusion.

Nuñez initially believes that his ability to see will make him superior in this "country of the blind." However, he quickly discovers that the people do not value his sight; they view him as the one who is impaired, and they reject his insistence on the existence of the sense of sight. Ultimately, Nuñez is forced to confront the idea that his perception of superiority might be an illusion.

The story reflects Wells' interest in questioning societal norms and challenging accepted truths. Written during a time when ideas about progress and science were rapidly evolving, the tale explores themes of perception, power, and the relativity of human experience. Wells suggests that what is considered "normal" or "true" is often dictated by social context, rather than objective reality.

The Author

Source: Wikipedia

H.G. Wells (Herbert George Wells), born on September 21, 1866, in Bromley, England, was one of t most influential writers of the early 20th century. Often referred to as the "father of science fiction," Wells is known for his imaginative works that blend scientific concepts with social commentary. His most famous novels include *The Time Machine* (1895), *The War of the Worlds* (1898), and *The Invisible Man* (1897).

Wells' writing was shaped by his deep interest in science, evolution, and human society, which he explored in his many works of fiction and non-fiction. While much of his early fame came from his science fiction, Wells also wrote short stories that delved into philosophical and societal questions, such as *"The Country of the Blind"* (1904).

Though less known than his major science fiction novels, *"The Country of the Blind"* stands as one of Wells' most insightful works. It reflects his interest in human perception, societal norms, and the limits of knowledge, themes that pervade much of his later writing. The story showcases Wells' ability to challenge the reader’s assumptions and to explore deep questions of power and human experience, contributing to his reputation as a masterful storyteller with a philosophical bent.

External interesting links - The country of the blind by HG Wells

Info about the author and his context:

> Wikipedia H.G. Wells

Info about the story:

> Wikipedia - The Country of the Blind

Links to the story and other stories, in case you are interested in further reading by the author:

> Project Gutenberg    > H.G. Wells    > The Country of the Blind, and Other Stories     > The Country of the Blind

Link to audiobook:

> LibriVox    > H.G.Wells    > The Country of the Blind, and Other Stories     > The Country of tje Blind (audio)

YouTube

YouTube - ChapterVox - The Country of the Blind

October Meeting, "Nunc Dimittis" by Roald Dahl

October 24 Meeting

Source: Amazon

The Book

Warning: there are spoilers for the story in the text

"Nunc Dimittis" is a short story by Roald Dahl that delves into themes of revenge, vanity, and betrayal. The protagonist, Lionel, is a wealthy and conceited man who prides himself on his taste in art and society. After being publicly humiliated by a woman named Janet de Pelagia, whom he had romantically pursued, Lionel crafts an elaborate scheme to get back at her. He invites her to a dinner party where he unveils a portrait of her painted by an artist, deliberately exaggerating her physical flaws. Janet is visibly devastated, and Lionel feels triumphant. However, his victory is short-lived. Shortly after, Janet takes her own life, and Lionel's hollow triumph turns into regret and guilt as he realizes the severity of his actions.

First published in 1953, *"Nunc Dimittis"* resonated with readers due to its dark twist and the psychological depth of its characters, traits that would later define Dahl's adult fiction. The story captivated audiences by exposing the cruel nature of human vanity and revenge. Its chilling ending left a lasting impact, reminding readers of the dangerous consequences of pride and humiliation.

Source: Biography.com - Roald Dahl - Photo: Tony Evans/Getty Images

The Author

Roald Dahl (1916-1990) was a British novelist, short story writer, and screenwriter renowned for his whimsical and darkly humorous tales that have captivated generations of readers. Born in Llandaff, Wales, Dahl's early life was marked by adventure and tragedy, having served as a fighter pilot during World War II and later enduring personal hardships, including the loss of his daughter, Olivia.

Dahl's literary career took off with works like "James and the Giant Peach" and "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," where his inventive imagination and witty storytelling thrived. He had an uncanny ability to connect with young readers, infusing his stories with unforgettable characters and fantastical worlds. His macabre tales for adults, such as "Tales of the Unexpected," showcased his versatility as a writer.

Throughout his life, Dahl's work garnered critical acclaim and widespread popularity, solidifying his status as one of the world's most beloved and enduring children's authors. His legacy lives on through his timeless stories, which continue to enchant and entertain readers of all ages.

Roald Dahl | Nunc Dimittis - Full audiobook with text (AudioEbook)

The EBC Meetings Dates

What are you reading? 'The Book of V' by Anna Solomon

Noelia's contribution 

The Book

Source: Amazon

After reading several novels without finishing them, I started with the novel 'The Book of V' by Anna Solomon is a captivating novel that intertwines the lives of three women across different time periods, all connected in some way to the biblical figure of Esther. The narrative unfolds through the perspectives of these women: Esther, the queen from the Old Testament; a modern woman named Lily who is grappling with her life and role as a mother; and Vee, senator's wife who was involved in the watergate case.

At first,  the story hooked me,  I thought It would be a  page-turner novel but some parts of the story might drag on, making it challenging to stay engaged, especially when switching between the different timelines. The connections between the characters can sometimes feel forced or not fully developed, leaving readers wanting a deeper exploration of their relationships.

One of The best aspects of the book  is that  it allows reader to explore themes such as power, identity, and sacrifice. The novel invites reflection on the roles of women throughout history and how their stories have been told or silenced over time.

I'm torn between to recomended it or not, as I see It, the most intresting story of The three women is Vee's. Beca use the way the book is structured makes It difficult to understand the ssories of these women.

The Author

Source: Amazon

Anna Solomon is an American author known for her engaging novels that often explore themes of identity, motherhood, and the complexities of women's lives. She was born in 1972 and has a background in literature and writing. Solomon earned her MFA from the Iowa Writers' Workshop, a prestigious program that has produced many acclaimed authors.

In addition to her fiction writing, Solomon has contributed essays and articles to various publications, showcasing her versatility as a writer. She currently resides in Brooklyn, New York, where she continues to write and teach