2010年1月14日木曜日

Double Cross

Title: Double Cross
Author: Philip Prowse
Publisher (level): Macmillan (3.6)
Summary: 
At an international conference in Stockholm, a politician is sniped by somebody. Monika, a secret agent for Swedish Military Intelligence, is at the scene of the crime. Therefore, she is requested to investigate the case by his boss and starts to chase the criminal with Chapman, who is a MI5 agent. As she flies across the world, she finds out that Adolf Vitjord, the leader of a right-wing party in South Africa, is the ringleader of this crime. She manages to chase down. But, suddenly, Chapman rounds on her. Actually, he is a double spy. Instead, she is helped by Mr. and Mrs. Cabinda. At last, she accomplishes her mission.
Evaluation: 5 stars
I like spy movies, such as 007, Mission Impossible, The Bourne Identity and so on. So, I felt this story is good as a spy thriller novel. At the last scene, Monika said, “You know, ever since this business started I’ve been standing on the wing of a plane.” This is thoughtful words and I am interested in her character.

The Ironing Man

Title: The Ironing Man
Author: Colin Campbell
Publisher (level): Cambridge (3.6)
Summary:
Tom and his wife Marina have moved from London to a small village. Tom continues to commute to London by train every day. While he is at work, Marina is left in the village and keeps house. So, she is tired of the housework soon and she wishes someone would do it for her. Then, a stranger visits her to help ironing. She becomes exited because he is the first man who visits her and her wish has come true. At that night, she tells Tom about the ironing man. Of course, He is confused, and wonders who he is. Moreover, he becomes to suspect that the man might be her immorality partner. On the other hand, Marina is attracted by the man. As a result, this causes both Tom and Marina to reflect what real love is.
Evaluation: 4 stars
This genre is comedy, but it is very profound story. I believe that most Japanese householders have complaints same as Marina’s against his husband. That is to say, this story shows Japanese social problems clearly. In fact, it is difficult question and I don’t know what should I do after I am married someone. So, this story shows one example.

My Fair Lady

Title: My Fair Lady
Author: Alan Jay Lerner
Publisher (level): Penguin Readers (3.2)
Summary:
Professor Higgins, who studies about dialect, comes across a poor girl. This girl speaks English with a strong London accent. Higgins immediately realizes that this accent keeps her away. As his study, he wants to try whether her accent can be corrected perfectly or not. So, he decides to do and makes a bet that she will be lady. He tries to do anything, but his plans do not very well. Anyway, he has managed to correct her accent and to let her learn upper class behavior. After that, she becomes lady and fascinates others. Finally, Higgins is fascinated with her.
Evaluation: 4 stars
I hear that this story is very famous, but this is the first time I read or watch. This story is so comical and interesting. Particularly, Higgins’ character is very nice. By the way, this originated with a musical. Therefore, I want to watch this movie version because book is silent.