The Point is to Change It! by John Molyneux

Taken from a quote of Karl Marx, 'The Point is to Change It!' is an introductory reading into Marxist philosophy. And it's not an easy one. That's not to say it wasn't interesting.

Having recently joined the Socialist Workers Party I've found myself looking for books which will educate me a bit more in Socialism and so this was recommended to me.

Throughout, it gives the reader the basics on all or most points which Marxist philosophy is based around: dialectics, racism/sexism, class struggles, materialism and capitalism (or the fight against it) amongst others. Some bits I understood having studied them previously at college, but others I found myself re-reading or wondering what the hell I just read. However, I did feel that I had learnt something from this book.

The language within is simple and mostly avoids lengthy or confusing words which haven't previously been explained, nor does it go into too much detail too early on. It is, therefore, a worthy read for anybody who has recently or is interested in joining the SWP. Or maybe you aren't interested in joining the party and just want to know what all the fuss is about? Then read this book.

Admittedly it wasn't an easy read in parts, but it was one I was determined to finish in order to learn more. I can safely say it was better than Henry James's 'Turn of the Screw' (previously reviewed) or Gearge Gissing's 'Nether World'. However, Molyneux has clearly done his research and knows what he is talking about as I don't recall finding any unsurities or the like. But really, what do I know? I'm just a new party member.

Overall I'll give this book a 3.5/5 (possibly higher if it wasn't tricky in parts. Damn dialectics!).

The Turn of the Screw by Henry James

I had little choice but to read this book as it was one of the set texts for my course. However, if it wasn't such, the likeliness of me reading the whole book is almost equal to none.

Allow me to tell you why through the medium of a review.

The synopsis/blurb on this book includes the words "Widely recognised as one of literature's most gripping ghost stories". Those words couldn't have been more wrong, to put it modestly.

As I read through this book I found myself startng to daydream, updating my Facebook statuses and reading just one chapter at a time. The characters were boring, the ghosts non-existent and the events worth paying attention to far and inbetween.

The story was slow and the presence of any ghosts was rare. When I read the blurb I expected to read something which would be quite stereotypical yet interesting i.e. Scary ghosts and haunted castles with secret passageways. Maybe something similar to Bram Stoker's Dracula. Instead I found myself reading some very dull dialogue and prose which told of a semi-well dressed ghost standing at the window.

As I think back to what I've just finished reading I can't think of anyone I would recommend this book to. Gripping ghost story? More like the literary equivalent to 'The Amazing Spiderman'.

Will I read another Henry James story in the future? It's possible, but after this, I may have to admit being put off from doing so anytime soon. I can sense it having potential to be a really good tale, but in all honesty, it just doesn't cut it.

Overall rating: 2/5