Reviews for Homefront

The average rating for Homefront based on 2 reviews is 3 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2015-07-04 00:00:00 Carol Mikoski Homefront is a comfortable read for progressives. The story unfolds around the death of a young man during the opening days of the second Gulf War. The characters are the man and his immediate family (mother, father, sister, brother) and some extended family: an uncle (who is also a U.S. senator), a cousin. A journalist and a war protester make brief appearances as well. Each chapter or group of chapters is devoted to hearing the perspectives of these characters reflecting on the loss of a loved one and on war and politics. The book is light on dialogue between characters. Much of what is said is internal monologue or long paragraphs of speech by one character as he or she speaks to the reporter. The words and thoughts are compelling, particularly in the case of those who have had direct involvement with war and politics. Characters are developed through their thoughts and their gestures, and the characters occasionally repeat themselves'an interesting device given that they are all struggling to come to terms with their pasts, the facts of the war, and their own complicity in the war as citizens and voters of the war's aggressor. Much of my political awakening happened in the months and years after 9/11, and I participated in war protests and educated myself through independent media about the war and the policies of not just the Bush II administration but also other presidents before him. My thoughts echo many of those in the book, and therefore it resonated with me to hear the words coming from their mouths and the truths that they were speaking. I was also challenged to consider the larger picture of a country perpetually at war. What are our responsibilities as citizens? Is it enough to know the truth while continuing to participate and reap the benefits of living in a well-defended and wealthy country? Are we all just cogs in the machine, easily replaced when we dissent? Do our votes even matter? Will corruption and murder be carried out whether we participate or not? The novel leaves those answers to the reader, and clear answers to not come easily or without angst.

Review # 2 was written on 2012-08-15 00:00:00 Travis S. Soleski Voltaire's novel introduces the reader to Candide, a wide-eyed, calm and slightly bland young gentleman who resides at Castle Westphalia and who believes in the philosophy that "everything in the world is for the best." One of the first scenes is filled with two emotional opposites for Candide who first gets to kiss his love, Cunegonde behind a screen, only to then be kicked out of the castle, literally, by the Baron of Thunder-ten-Tronckh. Here then begins Candide's incredible, fantastical adventure which takes him all over the globe with his mind always believing in the viewpoint that "the folly of optimism". Moving on from being a soldier in the Bulgarian army to being shipwrecked, being involved with the aftermath of an earthquake to being robbed and swindled more times than seems fair - our hero has a lot of bad luck. One of the overarching issues of this narrative is to present that it isn't just Candide that bad things happen to and that the world is just pretty damn horrible. Tragic things happen to all our main characters including philosopher Dr. Pangloss and a nice old lady who saved Candide from certain death. The tale is humorously and satirically presented in short, sharp chapters by Voltaire. Some descriptions of doom and degradation are presented in a comic fashion because if they were not they might be too unspeakably horrid and upsetting to read, and therefore would not keep us readers interested in, well, reading further. The heartlessness, negativity, and cold-heartedness of humans is a frequent aura and undertone throughout. The novel features all sorts of nastiness such as rape, murder, prostitution, and slavery among other diabolical nastiness and nonsense. The only part of this book where Voltaire excludes any use of humour is when he talks about slavery after we meet a mutilated man. This is quite poignant when the author has presented all the mephistophelian activities previously that slavery doesn't deserve any humour - arguably making this the crime Voltaire begrudges the most in this world. There are many heart-rending, pitiful and distressing moments throughout, sprinkled with humour and comedy. Candide and his valet Cacambo, after nearly being eaten by indigenous people; arrive in Voltaire's Utopia El Dorado. This was my favourite section of the book as this unobtainable existence is a polar opposite of everything that the two young men have faced so far. Gold and diamonds litter the streets as pebbles, there is no law, scientific advancements that make the Western world jealous, no prisons and is opposite to the popular viewpoint of the story that "all is misery and illusion". The main plot progression throughout the book is Candide trying to find his love Cunegonde as he wishes to marry her which is his reason for (stupidly in my opinion) leaving this wonderful place. The whole cast is likable. Some of the times they meet up with friends spontaneously all over the world is amazingly far fetched. Two of the main characters are previously mentioned optimistic philosopher Dr. Pangloss and ultimately pessimistic scholar and travel companion of Candide's, Martin. The juxtaposition here is very interesting. It is very "black and white" for these extreme viewpoints. There is no compromise or middle ground. A great amount of philosophy is discussed throughout the book in conversations usually prompted by Candide who wants answers to how the world works. It may very well be that he changes his optimistic opinion throughout the narrative. I probably shouldn't like a book with so much negativity but it is incredibly written. It reminded me of Verne's - Around The World In Eighty Days. Both being high octane adventures transversing across the globe but with Candide's undertones being a lot more macabre. My favourite scene was when Candide discusses classic literature such as Homer, Virgil, and Horace to a King who dislikes everything. "You will agree that this is the happiest of mortals, for he is above everything he possesses." Negativity and hatred is the main theme throughout the whole novel. The problem with reviewing classic literature like this is that many greater wordsmiths over previous centuries have written more poetic and moving opinions. I'm an ant looking up at these amazing intellects and just trying to give my thoughts. I struggle to write about legendary books however I enjoyed the book so much I had to write down a few blurbs of thoughts even though the quality will be lacking when compared to previous critics. If you haven't already, this book is very well worth reading! James Tivendale.