Chapters 1 and 2

It's a shame that so many people make up their mind on a matter (such as reading Cion) before they give that something (again--such as Cion) a chance. I have tried reading Cion several times before for other classes and assignments but have never completely read passed chapter one. I never gave the book a chance because I accepted other people's false pretense that the book was poorly written and unexciting. However, this time I approached the with the goal that I would read the two chapters even if every word was painstaking. However, to my amazement this book has not found it's way out of my hands just yet and my eyes are still on the pages carefully reading every word. The intricacy and detail of the written work should be held in high regard, and for those who enjoy creative works, should take time to analyze the clever word choice, word play, and allusions made throughout the story. Mda truly has a talent of choosing the correct words that when stringed together and put down on paper will create not only an image, but a film in your mind. I thoroughly enjoyed the first chapter as it described a typical Athens Halloween. I remember before I experienced my first Halloween here I would ask other students to tell me about the experience, and they did, but it did not sound as exciting as the mourner is able to make it sound. Mda's careful word choice recreates a hauntingly, chilling, and exciting Halloween experience at court street. Mda is able to take the reader through the crowds of Court Street experiencing the costumes of students and the push and shove of the crowd. However, I enjoyed Chapter two the most as it gave the story of slaves on a plantation and Mda was able to take us into the bowels of the plantation. Talking about the concubines, slaves, breeding production, and the stories slaves would share one another to remain with hope of freedom through escape. Chapter two ended with much suspense and anticipation of what is to come, and whatever does follow in the book I am sure I won't be disappointed.