By Doris Rivas
Jarred Into Being is the suggestive title of a novel by Pat Lawrence. It deals with the events that shape the early years of a heroine who is confronted with contemporary issues such as drugs, sex and slavery. These are so swift and extreme that the tale reads more like a suspense thriller than a domestic or romantic tale.
The fact that Pat Lawrence is really a pseudonym for a married couple raises some interesting speculations. A reader might surmise whether it is the female or male tendencies that prevail in this tale. What seems certain is that the two agree to produce a tale with thrills and suspense.
The fact that the main character is a female name Eva who is challenged by an evil man might suggest that the authors employ elements of the Gothic tale that has entertained readers in the past. The word 'jarred' can be quite onomatopoeic, suggesting the sensation of a dull thud that goes to the core of a person.
There have been some great heroines in English literature. One thing that is common to most of them is their inclination to say 'yes' to life. In the past there were many customs and conventions that kept women in domestic situations. Though wars, travel and outrageous adventures were open to men women were kept at home and expected to occupy themselves with domestic activities.
From the sharp and witty Elizabeth Bennett to the long suffering Clarissa and fiery Catherine Earnshaw heroines face the people who confront them with mettle. Perhaps biological realities, or perhaps artificially imposed social mores usually cast females heroines against a background of domesticity. Seldom are they rakes or adventure seeking fighters. Actions usually comes to them rather than the other way around. Even the title of this novel is in the passive voice, suggested that external forces acted upon the heroine.
In Shakespeare's tragedy, 'Hamlet' a young hero wrestles with a problem that faces most young people . They struggle at some point to come to terms with who they are and where they are in the world. This can all be summed up in hamlet's soliloquy beginning with the words, 'To be, or not to be'. He extends his question to ponder whether he should act or allow himself be acted upon. This is a rhetorical question without an obvious answer. It reflects the sort of dilemma faced by many young people throughout time.
This dilemma has been central to the feminist movement. Since the beginning of the twentieth century women have faced the sort of problems that Hamlet did. They have forced society to open up opportunities for women as doctors, pilots, entrepreneurs and business executives. With these victories come the sort of shocking experiences that men have faced since early hunters set out from their caves waving farewell to their female counterparts who were left to more passive gathering duties.
Jarred Into Being is an entertaining work designed to allow readers to enter imaginatively into the formative experiences of a young woman facing the contemporary world. It is also instructive as it throws light on some of the ways in which ancient themes are twisted continuously through time. Many online reviews of the work suggest that readers of many different kinds will find the book well written, entertaining and instructive.
The fact that Pat Lawrence is really a pseudonym for a married couple raises some interesting speculations. A reader might surmise whether it is the female or male tendencies that prevail in this tale. What seems certain is that the two agree to produce a tale with thrills and suspense.
The fact that the main character is a female name Eva who is challenged by an evil man might suggest that the authors employ elements of the Gothic tale that has entertained readers in the past. The word 'jarred' can be quite onomatopoeic, suggesting the sensation of a dull thud that goes to the core of a person.
There have been some great heroines in English literature. One thing that is common to most of them is their inclination to say 'yes' to life. In the past there were many customs and conventions that kept women in domestic situations. Though wars, travel and outrageous adventures were open to men women were kept at home and expected to occupy themselves with domestic activities.
From the sharp and witty Elizabeth Bennett to the long suffering Clarissa and fiery Catherine Earnshaw heroines face the people who confront them with mettle. Perhaps biological realities, or perhaps artificially imposed social mores usually cast females heroines against a background of domesticity. Seldom are they rakes or adventure seeking fighters. Actions usually comes to them rather than the other way around. Even the title of this novel is in the passive voice, suggested that external forces acted upon the heroine.
In Shakespeare's tragedy, 'Hamlet' a young hero wrestles with a problem that faces most young people . They struggle at some point to come to terms with who they are and where they are in the world. This can all be summed up in hamlet's soliloquy beginning with the words, 'To be, or not to be'. He extends his question to ponder whether he should act or allow himself be acted upon. This is a rhetorical question without an obvious answer. It reflects the sort of dilemma faced by many young people throughout time.
This dilemma has been central to the feminist movement. Since the beginning of the twentieth century women have faced the sort of problems that Hamlet did. They have forced society to open up opportunities for women as doctors, pilots, entrepreneurs and business executives. With these victories come the sort of shocking experiences that men have faced since early hunters set out from their caves waving farewell to their female counterparts who were left to more passive gathering duties.
Jarred Into Being is an entertaining work designed to allow readers to enter imaginatively into the formative experiences of a young woman facing the contemporary world. It is also instructive as it throws light on some of the ways in which ancient themes are twisted continuously through time. Many online reviews of the work suggest that readers of many different kinds will find the book well written, entertaining and instructive.