Novellas in November

Novellas in November is hosted by 746 books and Bookish Beck. Head over to their websites for more information.

I have finished three novellas so far, and am reading another two. I have already in my last post mentioned and reviewed Happy People Read and Drink Coffee.

On the Shortness of Life: Life is Long if You Know How to Use It by Seneca

I have lately read a few books by and about the Stoics. I find that many, but not all, of their thoughts and actions are relevant today. Their way of thinking can be a comfort when facing various aspects of our lives, whether we are happy or sad. I very much liked Lessons in Stoicism by John Sellars. Here some quotes from Seneca.

"Some have no goal at all toward which to steer their course, but death takes them by surprise as they gape and yawn. I cannot therefore doubt the truth

of that seemingly oracular utterance of the greatest of poets: "Scant

is the part of life in which we live." All the rest of existence is not

living but merely time."

"What, then, is the reason for this? Your sort live as if you're going to live forever, your own human frailty never enters your head, you don't keep an eye on how much time has passed already. You waste time as if it comes from a source full to overflowing, when all the while that very day which is given over to someone or something may be your last."

""Half-free," Cicero said of himself. But needless to say, the sage will never resort to such an abject term. He will never be half-free but will always enjoy complete

and unalloyed liberty. Not subject to any constraints, he will be his

own master and tower above all others. For what can there be above

the man who rises above fortune?"

The Prisoner of Zenda by Anthony Hope

I am sure most of you have heard about this film, if not the book. A traditional adventure story with bold men and beautiful women. It was quite funny to read, and the story was so "visual" that although I read, it was like seeing a film.

"Anthony Hope's swashbuckling romance transports his English gentleman hero, Rudolf Rassendyll, from a comfortable life in London to fast-moving adventures in Ruritania, a mythical land steeped in political intrigue.

Rassendyll bears a striking resemblance to Rudolf Elphberg who is about to be crowned King of Ruritania. When the rival to the throne, Black Michael of Strelsau, attempts to seize power by imprisoning Elphberg in the Castle of Zenda, Rassendyll is obliged to impersonate the King to uphold the rightful sovereignty and ensure political stability.

Rassendyll endures a trial of strength in his encounters with the notorious Rupert of Hentzau, and a test of a different sort as he grows to love the Princess Flavia."

While looking at Goodreads, I realise that this is the second book in a trilogy. Who knows, maybe I will run into the other two one day.