Lady Chatterley's Lover - D.H. Lawrence

Connie’s marriage to Clifford was shaped more by social expectation than true love. At first, she tried to be a loyal and supportive wife, unfortunately Clifford returned from the war, paralyzed. Their relationship lacked physical intimacy as Clifford became more absorbed in his writing and intellectual world. Connie still young and full of life, began to feel lonely and invisible till Connie met Mellors, the gamekeeper of Wragby and Clifford’s servant, and over time, their quiet understanding grew into a deep and unexpected love.

It’s like—I don’t fully agree with what Connie to Clifford. I feel pity for Clifford—a  but is crippled, powerless, and impotent. He’s trapped in his own pride and intellect, unable to truly connect with Connie emotionally or physically. On the other hand, I also sympathize with Connie, who feels no joy or warmth at Wragby. It’s not entirely her fault; a man like Clifford never truly tried to understand her needs as a woman. Connie longs for freedom—to live by her own choices rather than stay imprisoned in an unhappy marriage. True love rarely comes in a lifetime, and when she found it in Mellors, she felt lucky. She surrendered to it, even if it meant giving up her social status, because for the first time, she truly felt alive.

Connie was raised with a sense of freedom, nothing could stop her from choosing her own happiness. She decided to follow her heart and trust in Mellors, the only man she truly loved. Some might say this is selfish in a world led by men, but the truth is, we women also have a choice—to live fully, not just to endure.

Lady Chaterley's Lover is not only about adultery and intimacy; it also serves as proof that Connie and Mellors relationship becomes a lens that subtly explores issues of class difference, economic disparity, the changing geographical landscape of old England, and the emotional damage caused by industrialization and social expectation. They reach a kind of primordial happiness—simple, natural, and deeply human. Away from the noise of society and industrial life, they find joy in each other’s presence, both physical and emotional bond.

Okay, maybe I’m a bit weird for liking this scandalous author, and I feel a little ashamed for reading this book. But somehow, despite the controversy, the story speaks to something real. I think, the readers in the early 20th century were not ready for Lady Chatterley's Lover because social and moral values at that time were much more conservative, especially involving a married woman and a working-class man, and were considered inappropriate and even scandalous. I don't know in this century, book like this become a common though I rarely read contemporer fiction, but the question is "why" ? people nowdays is more liberal to express their art and tought,  and the publisher does not censor strictly and basicly sales the book based on provit oriented. Nevertheless, classic authors stand out not just for their breakthroughs in literature, but also for their courage to speak about taboo subjects that reflect real human experiences. The more controversial, the more interesting for me, and the more forbidden the more I want to read. This is the second reading from D.H Lawrence, I would like to read more books from him. I also curious with The Rainbow.

"One may go against convention, but one must keep up tradition.”

Ruang Buku Megga Rated : ✬✬✬✬(4/5)

Title : Lady Chatterley's Lover

Author : D.H Lawrence
Publisher : Signet Classics

Year : 2011 (First Published in 1928)
Format / Pages : Softcover /368 pages
ISBN :  9780451531957

Bleak House - Charles Dickens

I pledge to read at least one Dickens novel each year, as a way to stay connected with the richness of classic literature. When I came across Bleak House, I didn’t expect much—until I found myself completely absorbed into the world Dickens created. His words drew me in so deeply that it felt like I was living alongside the characters, wandering through the fog of London, feeling their struggles and hopes. It was an unforgettable, immersive reading experience—one that reminded me why Dickens remains timeless.

The case of Jarndyce and Jarndyce is a very old and confusing court. It is about a group of people fighting over a large amount of money left in a will. The case had been going on for many years, so long that even the people involved didn’t fully understand it anymore. It wasted everyone’s time and money, and many people’s lives were ruined while waiting for the result. 

Esther Summerson, Richard Carstone, and Ada Clare are closely connected to each other through both personal relationships and the Jarndyce and Jarndyce case. Esther is the kind and humble narrator of the story, who becomes a companion and guardian to Ada. Ada and Richard are young cousins who fall in love, and both are wards in the Jarndyce case, meaning their futures depend on the outcome of the lawsuit. They all live together at Bleak House under the care of Mr. John Jarndyce, who acts as a father figure. While Esther tries to keep peace and offer wisdom, Richard becomes obsessed with the court case, which causes tension and worry, especially for Ada. Their lives become more complicated and emotional as they try to support each other while dealing with the harmful effects of the endless lawsuit.

Bleak House has many mysteries, many subplot are conected to each other, at first, the novel seems to have many separate storylines, but as the story goes on, Dickens slowly shows that all these plots are interwoven. The mysteries about Lady Dedlock's past become a central of the story, is about where she really comes from and the secret she hides. Mr. Tulkinghorn, her husband's serious and cold lawyer, becomes suspicious and starts watching her closely. He tries to find out the truth, like a cat chasing a mouse. As he digs deeper, he uncovers a hidden connection between Lady Dedlock and Esther Summerson. Their pasts are secretly tied together, and this mystery becomes one of the most important parts of the story.

In this novel, Dickens shows how the law system is full of problems and corruption. The lawyers make the case go on for many years without ending it, just so they can keep getting paid. They do not really care about helping people, but only about making money. This makes the people suffer while the lawyers and the court waste time and money. 

Dickens made Esther’s character is truly angelic, she is kind, patient, humble, and always puts others before herself. Esther was admired by several gentlemen, including the clerk law clerk at Kenge and Carboy, William Guppy and the surgeon Allan Woodcourt.

I like the character of Lady Dedlock, she is truly a noble lady. She remains strong, elegant, and graceful even when facing difficult and painful situations. Despite the secrets and dangers around her, she keeps her dignity and never loses her composure, she shouldering the flawless future of the Deadlock family.

Afterwhile, we see that Bleak House has so many characters, too many to mention. Many of them are "devil-like" figures, such as Mr. Tulkinghorn and Mr. Vholes, the sly lawyer who drags out Richard Carstone’s case just to make money. There are also disgusting and selfish characters like Mr. Skimpole, who pretends to be innocent while taking advantage of others. But the most devil-like figures is the Chancery Court itself, because its broken system creates suffering without responsibility. 

I almost forget to mention Mr. Bucket ! 

The character of Mr. Bucket is a pioneer of the modern detective, as he shows sharp observation, calm thinking, and clever methods long before the classic detectives of later fiction. Mr. Bucket solved the central case of this novel.

Though it is long, every page builds a rich world filled with mystery, emotion, and unforgettable characters.  His writing may take time, but it rewards the reader with wisdom, beauty, and truth that still matter today. 5 stars for Bleak House.

Ruang Buku Megga Rated : ✬✬✬✬✬(5/5)

Title : Bleak House

Author : Charles Dickens
Publisher : Penguin Classics (black spine)

Year : 2003 (First Published in 1853)

Format / Pages : Softcover / 989 pages