Long walks, social gatherings, awkward meetings, slow-paced romances and a bunch of characters with deeply contrasting temperament. That’s how I’d like to describe Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen.
The story revolves around the three Dashwood sisters Elinor (19 years old), Marianne (17 Years old) and Margaret (13 years old). When their father dies, leaving them nothing but a small fortune the Dashwood sisters along with their mother shift to a cottage. On the one hand we have Marianne, charmed by the handsome youth and fashionable ways of John Willoughby (who later abandon’s her by the way, for the sake of money) and then we have Elinor, who doesn’t like to share every detail of what’s going on in her mind, quite contrary to her sister. Elinor loves Edward, her sister-in-law’s brother (who also abandons her for a girl Lucy, this girl then abandons him for his brother.
Sense & Sensibility was first titled Elinor and Marianne
“Brandon is just a kind of man whom everybody speaks well of, and nobody cares about; whom all are delighted to see, and nobody remembers to talk to.”
At last, after Willoughby leaves Marianne, she is made to realize how the world is not a fairy tale and yes, she marries Brandon. As the book quotes,
A comprehensive video on Sense & Sensibility by Jane Austen
“Marriane could never love by halves; her whole heart became, in time, as much devoted to her husband, as it had once been to Willoughby.”
Sense & Sensibility
Elinor gets Edward as he confesses he loved her (okay, this subplot is un-digestible to me, first he abandons her for a girl, then he comes back when he is ditched by the other girl, I mean wth is this?)And that is Sense and Sensibility.
I I hope you all enjoy this small review. Do let me know your views in the comment section below!
Hey bookworms, it’s been such a long time since I last posted any review or anything. The reason I was occupied with online classes, freelancing work and most important is that I was really upset because of all the people being sick. A lot people I know lost their life and for the past 15 days it’s been really difficult and horrifying. I just want everything to get back to normal.
But in between this chaos I was constantly reading something or the other to take my mind off these things. As I shared in a previous post that I wanted to explore the works of Khuswant Singh, so I started with Train to Pakistan and I must say it is a very good start.
Watch the movie Train to Pakistan
First of all, I would not recommend this book to anyone who wants to read anything casual. Because this book can make you highly upset. Coming to the story, the plot is set in Mano Majra, a village situated just at the newly made border of India and Pakistan. The partition has taken place just two months ago and the Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims of Mano Majra have no clue why it has happened and why the Muslims are going to Pakistan and the Hindus are coming back from Pakistan. As Mano Majra is situated at the border, the people witness some strange happenings at the local railway station. But no one is allowed to go there. They see (from their rooftops) the train stop and soldiers setting fire to a large pit of dead bodies.
“Not forever does the bulbul sing
In balmy shades of bowers,
Not forever lasts the spring
Nor ever blossom the flowers.
Not forever reigneth joy,
Sets the sun on days of bliss,
Friendships not forever last,
They know not life, who know not this.”
― Khushwant Singh, Train to Pakistan
These happenings continue to happen when a moneylender of the village is killed and a local badmash Jagga and a Sikh Iqbal Singh are arrested as accused. The thing is Iqbal is portrayed as a Muslim by the local police encouraging communal violence. And the murder has not been committed by either of the two but a local group of dacoits. The situation of Mano Majra is very good as there is harmony among all the religious groups but the communal hatred forces the police to evacuate the Muslims and send them to Pakistan and they are successfully send off. But a certain people of the Sikh community try to manipulate the Sikhs of Mano Majra and make a plan to kills as many Muslims as they can of the next Train to Pakistan.
Jagga, who is a so-called badmash and a mast-maulaah kind of a man sacrifices his life for the sake of the Muslim people. Now what this story makes me realize is that we are very much confined to our own selfish motives. Just for the sake of religion and its commandments we don’t hesitate to hurt the people with whom we used to live. In short, we forget humanity just for the sake of making a certain community proud. The question that Khuswant Singh wants to ask through this book and something which we all should ask ourselves is that shouldn’t humanity be the first thing in our mind while doing anything? Isn’t the value of human life more important than this so-called religion which only makes us kill each other?
Last but not the least, what happened, it happened. But the real problem that needs to be addressed by every single human being is that why is this still happening in our society. Isn’t 21st century a little late for these orthodox approach? Where is it going to take us?
Train to Pakistan book review
Let me know if you have read this novel or not in the comment section or chat with me of any social media platform. Happy reading!!
”See, the poor dream all their lives of getting enough to eat and looking like the rich. And what do the rich dream of?? Losing weight and looking like the poor.”
“The moment you recognize what is beautiful in this world, you stop being a slave”
Introduction The story revolves around Balram Halwai, who is born into grinding poverty of the portion of India which he calls “DARKNESS”. Being a bright student he is nicknamed The White Tiger 🐯. But Balram believes himself to be one, and this thought changes his life forever. He strives to grow and make a name. He starts low but as soon becomes a successful businessman in Bangalore.
Check out this video to know the brief plot of “The White Tiger”
From a menial job at a local tea shop he manages to get the job of a driver in the high society of Delhi. But Balram is not aware of the price he has to pay for his job.
Life takes a drastic turn when Balram is accused of a crime he has never committed. But to get out of this crime he decides to commit another! These twist and turns in the book hooks you to the book. Find out how Balram becomes a successful business even after committing such a crime. Read the book you haven’t.
Instead of having a great life, do you still sometimes feel like giving up? If you have this feeling for a day or two, it is fine. But if it starts interfering with your work and life, it may be a problem. It happens with almost all of us that some days when we feel like giving up for no particular reason. This may disturb our mental peace. This feeling is also called the ‘feeling of disgust’ by the famous French philosopher Jean Paul Sartre.
To overcome this problem, you first need to be willing to come out of it. Your will power is one of the most powerful tools that can make you a positive or negative person. It is solely your choice of what you want to act upon. We have everything in ourselves.
There may be a number of reasons responsible for you feeling like giving up. You just need to analyze yourself and think about what is it. some of these reasons are:
The very first reason could be that you are not happy with the work you are doing. This is the case with many people. They do a job to become financially independent, but they don’t really like it. This leads to frustration.
You need to understand that money can’t afford happiness. So try not to relate the two.
Another very important reason behind your unmotivated mindset could be that you are depressed. Since we all have become busy in our lives. Everyone wants to be rich, successful, etc.
We all have lost the spiritual side of ourselves. The internet can be a big factor in that. It makes us more confined to the four walls of our houses.
Another reason behind getting a feeling of giving up is that we don’t talk to ourselves. We are our best friend. So we need to clarify our thoughts to ourselves. Instead, we keep on telling others what we think.
But if you are suffering from this problem, you need not worry. As every problem has a solution, so does this one. To solve this problem, we are going to recommend 10 things to do when you feel like giving up. So, lets dig-in our topic.
1. Get a little cleaned up
The very first thing on our list of 10 things to do when you are giving up is taking a long shower. Simple as it may sound, but taking a long shower is a very good start to lift your mood. This not only makes your body clean but also freshens you. You will instantly feel fresh and cheerful. Taking a shower makes you more positive no matter how disappointed and stressful you are feeling.
Other than cleaning yourself, you should also clean your space. You may also feel unmotivated because of the dirtiness around you. Get up and clean it. this will develop a sense of achievement in you. A clean and organized environment helps you think clearly. This could help you get rid of the feeling of giving up.
2. Change eating and lifestyle habits
Sometimes the reason behind our feeling of disgust and giving up could be because we are not eating healthy. Eating more and more spicy and junk food may lead to a very unhealthy feeling. This feeling may affect our psychological mindset. Because of this effect, we may feel a little nauseated and left-out.
To change this habit, you should try having healthy food and leading a healthy lifestyle. Start with making very small changes in your lifestyle. These could be:
going to bed a few hours early,
waking up a little early than your usual time,
giving a little time to walking and exercising.
To develop a positive mindset towards life and eradicate the feeling of giving up, you can also start meditating. No need to do it for hours, just do it for a few minutes every day. this transforms you very much.
3. Get dressed in your favorite clothes
If you are one of those people who love dressing up, then this trick is just right for you to uplift your mind. Get dressed in your favorite dress and maybe you can also go out to distract your mind. If you don’t want to go out, you can have a meal at home. You can even involve your family or a friend to talk about this.
Talking to your family or friends will definitely make you feel a lot better. Try to talk to someone from whom you always get positive vibes. Avoid talking to any person whom you know thinks bad about you. Try to maintain a mental distance from these types of people. They can make you feel even worse.
4. Let the music do it for you!
When you feel like giving up, music is something that can always lift your mood. We all love music. Don’t we? Why not give it a chance? It is even better if you play an instrument or like to sing a bit. And if you don’t do that, we suggest you try it once. who knows you start liking it!
But if you don’t like singing, music can still be very helpful if you want to get in a positive mood. So try listening to some of your favorite tracks. These will also bring back some of the greatest memories to you. And you will also feel relaxed. So it’s a win-win situation for you.
5. Write down your thoughts
Sometimes it happens that though we have achieved our goals, still we don’t feel that success. Don’t be so hard on yourself. This could be one of the reasons why you feel like giving up. To get out of this, you can just write some of your thoughts and achievements in a diary. You may wonder, but many people write journals to stay away from negativity.
You can also give it a try. Start this by writing what you were and what have you become. You can also write down your experiences, or some humorous incidents that may have happened years ago. These little write-ups can instantly help you lift your mood. You can make it a habit as well to clarify your thoughts.
6. Take a break from social media
In the past few years, social media have taken over our lives as anything. Although being on social media comes with many benefits, but it also brings many toxicities. It has been surveyed by many psychologists, that social media affects our mental state of mind. And I am sure you may have experienced it yourself.
But when you feel like giving up and negative about it, it is highly advised that you make a distance from social media. The reason is that it happens many times that we become insecure after seeing other people and their quality of life. It is not that we are jealous of them, but we are psychologically meant to feel this way.
So your reason behind getting a feeling of giving up maybe because of this reason. Try to maintain a distance from social media.
7. Be in the company of nature
We all have called nature as the best teacher. And if you mostly be in your office or in a room, then you need to get out. Try the company of nature. Aa good view or scenery is not only good for your eyes but also refreshes your soul.
In this materialized world, we all have lost our connection to nature. The people in ancient times were more active and positive. I guess we need to go back to our basics. When you feel like giving up, try to devotee a little time every day accompanying nature. You can also try planting a few seedlings. You may find it odd, but it will make you very much energized and satisfied.
8. Read a little fiction
Books have always been there to guide us. And they are often called as our best companion. So when you feel like giving up you can try getting lost into a fictional world. People have a little misconception that fiction books are of no use. But they can be very useful in distracting your mind when you feel like giving up.
So try to read fiction books. But if you don’t feel like reading fiction, you can also go with your favorite book.
9. Think about the practical side of life
Sometimes we are too much blown up by our idealistic thoughts. In this idealism, we often forget the reality of life. This reality hits hard which may lead to the thought of giving up everything in life.
But you need to understand that this is not how life works. To live life, we need to be a little practical. Otherwise, we will be disappointed all the time. So try to think about how can you lead a life without losing your ethics and also keeping it practical.
10. Devotee your time to your hobbies
Many of us like to paint, dance, adventure, cook, etc., but in the race of leading a successful life, we leave then far behind. Though they seem useless, they are a very important part of life. They make our life more beautiful.
Try to revive your hobbies. Start by devoting a few minutes to it. we all work to get money, which is the necessity of the soul. But we also need to think of ways we can keep our soul working. You may have seen many artists who are very positive all the time. This is because they do what they love. Our hobbies are also just like that.
Once you start giving a little time to your hobbies, you will feel more energized and positive. So our suggestion would be to try reviving your hobbies and see if it works for you.
So this was our list of 10 things to do when you feel like giving up. We hope you overcome the feeling of giving up in life. Most of the things mentioned above can be done by you without taking anyone’s support, so get started. Get up and start. Pick up whichever method you think is right for you. If one fails, try another, if that doesn’t work for you try another. Try until you feel you are motivated enough.
Never think that it is only happening to you. Almost every person experiences these things at some point in time in their life. So you are not alone and you will come out of this. Just keep trying with determination.
The great essayist Francis Bacon said, “Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested.” And the one you see in the picture above definitely belongs to the third category.
Karma Bhoomi: A world of complex relationships
We see a number of people who say that they can’t contribute to society just because they don’t have power. But the thing that Munshi Premchand conveys us is that when you have the right intentions, you don’t need power and money. They will follow you wherever you go.
Evident from its name, ‘Karma Bhoomi’ is a story that tells the importance of your deeds for the society. No matter how small they are, your actions can impact the whole society.
The most interesting as well as a unique thing about this book is that it does not revolve around a single person. Though we have the main character, even the most minor characters play a very important role in the development of the plot and teaching us the meaning of life. ‘Karm Bhoomi’ is set in pre-independent India and shows the whole spectrum of patriotism, nationalism, and other independence movements.
Another thing which is worth noting is that it not only shows the picture of India in a generalized form but even gives a very clear picture of what was the situation inside the dwelling of common people.
One more very prominent facet that Premchand describes beautifully and that keeps us glued to the book, is its array of complex relationships. The relationship between parents-children, husband-wife, sister-brother, and so forth. Almost all the relationships in the book are complex and there is a lot to learn from each.
Read this book if you want to know about the tumultuous background of pre-independent India. For me, this is my favorite book by Munshi Premchand. Reading this has been a learning journey.
A day out with Bakha, a sweeper and a toilet cleaner. One of my professor always keeps quoting, “LITERATURE IS THE MIRROR OF THE ERA“. And time and again some books make me realize the truthfulness of this quote.
𝓤𝓷𝓽𝓸𝓾𝓬𝓱𝓪𝓫𝓵𝓮 𝓫𝔂 𝓜𝓾𝓵𝓴 𝓡𝓪𝓳 𝓐𝓷𝓪𝓷𝓭
I read this book almost 6 years ago or even before that, I don’t remember clearly. But one thing I remember clearly is that when I finished it I had one question in mind, do this really used to happen in our society? I didn’t know the answer to this simple question then, but now I can surely say that It does not USED TO happen IT IS still happening. Tell me in the comments if you agree or disagree with me.
A Little briefing of the story (no spoilers)
‘Untouchable’ takes us on a day tour with Bakha who is, as I earlier told you an 18-year-old sweeper or more exactly a toilet cleaner. Being an outcaste he has to suffer discrimination on a daily basis. Mulk Raj Anand, dissects the hypocrisy of Hindus that exist out society, and I think this book is very relevant today as well.
“How queer, the Hindus don’t feed their cows although they call the cow “mother”!”
The book is set in pre-independent India and throws light on many social issues especially UNTOUCHABILITY.
Read it if you love reading something meaningful and informative. Happy reading!
“All animals are equal. But some animals are more equal than other.”
George Orwell, Animal Far,
The first thing I want to say about this Orwellian satire is that this is why we read fiction at all.
Since the time I read about the Russian Revolution of 1917 during the last year of my graduation and I really wanted to read this piece of work as it was highly recommended by my professor as well as my father. So finally, I read it today.
A thought provoking parable
The novella is an allegorical representation of Russia and it’s ideology if Communism which is stated as ‘Animalism’ in the book since the story is set in an animal farm.
The story revolves around the ‘Manor Farm’ which is again an allegorical representation of Russia. The story starts when the animals of this farm are pumped up with the principles of ANIMALISM by a boar called Old Major. Here it is important to tell that Old Major represents the great theorist Karl Marx and Vladimir Lenin who were the progenitors of Communism.
After Old Major’s death, one day tired of the continual hard work and no benefits, the animal’s rebel against their master who I think is a representation of the capitalist class. Victorious in driving out their master, the animals start living with full freedom.
As they enjoy living freely, it becomes important to work also as they had to feed themselves. They start working after making a commandment decree consisting of 7 major principles based on the equality of all the animals. But gradually, some animals such as pigs, who are given more importance because of their cleverness and education start taking over the farm. One of the cleverest pig named Napoleon self declares openly that he is the leader and slowly and steadily all the principles on which the Animal Farm used to work collapses.
The principles of ANIMALISM are dashed down to dust and the principles of totalitarianism are established. ‘Animal farm’ is declared Republic and Napoleon as the president.
My review In just 142 pages George Orwell gives us a warning about the injustice we are committing everyday and even today. The inequality that lives in our society is what Orwell wants to point out. We may say that we are Democrats or Republicans but the reality is that we are living in a society where everyone is selfish and want to get his own pockets filled in.
What is Orwellian Satire?
What really surprises me the simplicity in which the story is told. If you don’t know anything about the Russian Revolution you might feel what the hell is this? But once you put two and two together you’ll be awestruck at the brilliance of Orwell. I have to say Orwell was way ahead of his time.
You should definitely read this book if you want to read something unique as well as meaningful.
Why I am an atheist is a quite remarkable discourse written by our country’s one of the youngest revolutionary activist, Bhagat Singh. He was hanged at the young age of 24 for his revolutionary approach by the same British people who were doing the same for their selfish interests.
Bhagat Singh wrote this book while waiting in his cell to be hanged. Though it was also illegal to do so but he wrote many such discourses as he wanted people not to stop from revolting against the Britons.
This essay, in particular focuses on his desire to defend himself from the charge that he has started denying the existence of God or have become an ATHEIST because of his PERSONAL VANITY. Thus, he says that it became really important for him to keep his points why he has come to disbelieving in God.
The first thing he clears WHO IS A TRUE ATHEIST?
He says that his disbelieve in god has not risen from his PERSONAL VANITY because if it is so then this itself means that he considers himself as equal to God or above God. And in both the cases, he is accepting His existence. Thus, he cannot be called an atheist. A true atheist is the one who denies the very existence of God.
He says that he met many people who boasted that they were atheists but they did not dare to deny His existence. Thus he started reading about this subject, extensively as he loved to read. He says,
“Realism became our cult. Use of force justifiable when resorted to as a matter of terrible necessity: non-violence as policy indispensible for all the mass movement.”
Bhagat Singh, Why I am an atheist?
After reading Lenin, Trotsky and Marx, he became convinced of the “baselessness of the theory of existence of an almighty Supreme Being, who created guided and controlled the universe”.
He further says that the belief in God makes our hardships less hard and without this belief a man has to fully depend on himself, which is not an easy job. But now he could not help it. He had become a staunch believer of atheism.
Some of the really important reasons given by him that why he denies the existence of God are given below:
He says how God is any different from Nero or Chenghez Khan when he is giving so many hardships and difficulties to his poor children.
If God is so powerful then why doesn’t he use that power to drive the difficulties from people’s lives? Does he also get pleasure in doing such petty things?
He asks though Hindus can say it is because of the sins committed by them in their previous birth but how can Mohammadens and Christians defend themselves on that?
And for Hindus he says that they should tell how do their so called supreme being be happy in punishing their people with a punishment which forces them to commit even more severe deeds.
These are a few questions which he asks and tell us to open our minds to things.
He says, “Any man who stands for progress has to criticize, disbelieve and challenge every item of the old faith. Item by item he has to reason out every nook and corner of the prevailing faith.”
Must watch video
In conclusion, he briefly talks about how people came to start believing in God and suggest reading Charles Darwin’s ‘Origin of Species’ to get deep knowledge on the topic. He says that he considers it a shameful thing to start praying to God when in a difficult situation and he says that he will never make himself do that. And this he even tells to one of his friend, read the last paragraph of the discourse:
“One friend asked me to pray. When informed of my atheism, he said, “During your last days you will begin to believe.” I said, No, dear sir, it shall not be. I will think that to be an act of degradation and demoralization on my part. For selfish motives I am not going to pray. Readers and friends, “Is this vanity”? If it is, I stand for it.”
I loved the book and I suggest every one of you to read it, to get your ideas challenges. It does not matter if you are atheist or an atheist, you should just read it with an open mind. Happy Reading!!
“Life is strange, isn’t it? You can be totally entranced by the glow of something one minute, be willing to sacrifice everything to make it yours, but then a little time passes, or your perspective changes a bit, and all of a sudden you’re shocked at how faded it appears. What was I looking at? you wonder” – SCHEHERAZADE
Seven stories about men without women
‘Men without women’ is a book that tells seven stories or let’s put it this way the experiences of seven men who have lost women in their lives i.e. Men without women.
DRIVE MY CAR
The very first story ‘Drive my car’ which shares its name with Beatles’ song of the same name, tells the story of Kafaku, who is a veteran and a widowed actor and in search of a driver for his car. His search ends when he meets 24-year-old driver Misaki Watari. The fragments of Kafaku’s life are unfolded by his small yet deep conversations with Misaki. He tells her how he befriended his wife’s boyfriend intending to harm him but instead, he ended up sympathizing with him. The theme, throughout the story, is of loneliness and how we humans need someone to talk to or share our loneliness with. And one question which this story asks is how we all run toward that perfect relationship and in the process, we lose the one we already have.
YESTERDAY
‘Yesterday’, yet another story that shares its name with a Beatles’ song tells us the story of Kitaru through the narrator Tanimura. The story of Kitaru is yet another story of the search for a perfect relationship. Kitaru, who is a little unconventional way of life causes his girlfriend Erika to feel uneasy in their relationship. And proving himself even more unconventional, Kitaru sends her on a date with his friend i.e. the narrator. On the date, Erika tells him that she feels insecure about the relationship and she is seeing some other guy. Despite her disloyalty, she admits that Kitaru fills a special void in her hear which can never be filled with anyone else. Thus, they broke-up.
Now, sixteen years later Tanimura and Erika’s road cross when they meet at a wine-tasting party. Erika is still single. I don’t think anything needs to be said, this shows she has not been able to forget Kitaru.
AN INDEPENDENT ORGAN
In the third story, our narrator Tanimura narrates the story of a Dr. Tokai, who is a 52-year-old cosmetic surgeon and a bachelor. He has had several affairs but no serious long term relationship. Suddenly he falls in love with this 36-year-old married woman. He asks Tanimura for advice and also confesses that he has been thinking about his existence in the world. Suddenly, he starts skipping the gym and after two months we get to know that he has died. Lovesick, he gives up on his life.
SCHEHERAZADE
The fourth and my favorite story of this book is ‘Scheherazade’ which tells the story of Habara, who is not able to go outside his apartment and thus relies on a nurse whom he calls Scheherazade. She tells him a story each time after making love to him. Habara goes awestruck when he hears her narrate the story of her crush and how she had broken in into his house several times just get a little close to him. After some time she forgets about him and this is where the above-quoted quote comes in.
I loved this story because it is so general and relatable to everyone. Every one of us has someday or the other has fallen in love and have experienced that one-sided love. Believe it or not, we all have cherished that feeling. It’s such a pure, innocent, and true feeling.
KINO
Kino is the story of a man who has been created by his wife and hence resigns his job and with the help of his aunt establishes a bar. But soon he starts to have problems with himself. Everything goes fine till one day when he starts seeing snakes coming to his bar. Murakami has made use of imagery in showing the interpretation of Kino’s unconscious mind and repressed feelings. He never addressed how hurt he felt after his divorce with his wife.
SAMSA IN LOVE
Samsa in love retells the story of Gregor Samsa, a central character of Franz Kafka’s novella ‘ Metamorphosis’. The narrator wakes up one day and finds himself to have become Samsa, who I guess here symbolizes innocence. Soon a locksmith girl comes home and Samsa is unsure of his surroundings and very uncomfortable with the girl and even with himself.
MEN WITHOUT WOMEN
In the final and concluding chapter, named ‘ Men without Women’, Murakami talks about how it feels like to be men without women and why a unicorn should be declared as a symbol of men without women….as he is always alone …never in a couple….
So this was my review of MEN WITHOUT WOMEN. It is not the best of Murakami but it is a one time read. Happy Reading!!!
“Why is straight the default? Everyone should have to declare one way or another, and it shouldn’t be this big awkward thing whether you’re straight, gay, bi, or whatever. I’m just saying.”
Simon vs the homo sapiens agenda
🌈🌈🌈❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤🌈🌈🌈
A lovely love story❤
So today is the last day of #pridemonth , but honestly I think love and respect is somethinh which should be celebrated everyday bot just a month. Well that’s my opinion.
So in the excitement of #pridemonth I picked up this book . As I’m not that much into #romantic genre I was not sure if I should read it or not. But as this book was recommended many of my favourite bookstagrammers, I finally decided to give it a go and honestly I liked it very much. FYI this is my first full fledged gay centric love story, and yes I found it cute, sweet and even adorable for that matter.
The story revolves around Simon (who btw loves Oreos and a Potterhead). The problem is that he’s not out yet and one of his classmates named Martin finds out about it and blackmails him. The thing is Simon kind of have an online boyfriend Blue (who is one of his classmates). He communicates with him through e-mail and they fall in love as the story evolves. Read this beautiful love story as Simon comes out because he’s done with keeping his story straight. Happy reading!
Thoughts of solitude 