I’m always torn about whether to read the book then see the movie or vice versa. This one was a no brainer since I’ve seen the movie more times that I can count and only decided to read the book before I watch the latest iteration. After reading the book I want to watch the original movie again! A group of Anglican nuns going to a deserted palace in the Himalayas to open a convent, school, and hospital makes for an intriguing plot. However, once they get to their destination and begin to turn it into their new home, St. Faith, they begin to experience feelings and old memories that affect not only their performing God’s work but also their relationships with each other. Added to the mix is Mr. Dean who helps the sisters with repair work around St. Faith and also assists with their accepting and being accepted by the local residents.
Each of the sisters experiences her own epiphanies. These run the gamut from a simple reexamination of their reasons for being there to massive mental collapse. It’s interesting to witness the slowly evolving changes in the sisters’ personalities which are exhibited in not only their personal reflections but in their interactions with each other as well as some of the local inhabitants but mostly with Mr. Dean.
The imagery throughout the book is impressive and at times enveloping. I could occasionally identify with some of the feelings and almost find myself on the mountaintop. As for comparing it to the 1947 movie: the movie was an enjoyable, enchanting experience; a paint-by-numbers rendering. The book: a haunting, emotion-filled rendering by an old master. Now on to the current Black Narcissus series!
Each of the sisters experiences her own epiphanies. These run the gamut from a simple reexamination of their reasons for being there to massive mental collapse. It’s interesting to witness the slowly evolving changes in the sisters’ personalities which are exhibited in not only their personal reflections but in their interactions with each other as well as some of the local inhabitants but mostly with Mr. Dean.
The imagery throughout the book is impressive and at times enveloping. I could occasionally identify with some of the feelings and almost find myself on the mountaintop. As for comparing it to the 1947 movie: the movie was an enjoyable, enchanting experience; a paint-by-numbers rendering. The book: a haunting, emotion-filled rendering by an old master. Now on to the current Black Narcissus series!
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