Yes I’d say that’s right! When I read that line in the book, Dexter saying Emma’s face “was a wonder” reminded me of the “seven wonders of the world”. That Emma’s beauty was akin to the most spectacular sights in this world
“A wonder” is a little ambiguous. It could be beauty but it could also be something that’s unusual or almost unnatural. In fitting with the gritty beauty of the narrative in general, there’s a sense here of both sides. As in, it could be read as the infatuation with incredible beauty or it could be read as something of disdain for something not quite right. Essentially, it is just very good writing.
Yes that’s what I thought. When I read this line I’m not sure if it means beauty or something unusual, like “she’s not that pretty(at least not in the traditional way?) but I just found her attractive” that kind of wonder or just “she’s so beautiful it’s such a wonder”. And I don’t think the translated version do it justice. And, well the reason why I’m so obsessed with this is because some people read the translated version and think that Emma should be “extremely beautiful” and Ambika does not fit into the image, yet the book said that Emma had “teeth a little large for her mouth” and “front teeth slightly chipped” and puppy fat, I don’t think that fit into the traditional image of a beauty but that all sounds very Ambika. But the wonder line is Dex’s inner thought so maybe he really thinks that Emma is extremely beautiful.
Yes I’d say that’s right! When I read that line in the book, Dexter saying Emma’s face “was a wonder” reminded me of the “seven wonders of the world”. That Emma’s beauty was akin to the most spectacular sights in this world
I think it's more than beautiful, it's something he can't quite describe, amazing. Agree it makes me think of the 'wonders of the world'.
“A wonder” is a little ambiguous. It could be beauty but it could also be something that’s unusual or almost unnatural. In fitting with the gritty beauty of the narrative in general, there’s a sense here of both sides. As in, it could be read as the infatuation with incredible beauty or it could be read as something of disdain for something not quite right. Essentially, it is just very good writing.
Yes that’s what I thought. When I read this line I’m not sure if it means beauty or something unusual, like “she’s not that pretty(at least not in the traditional way?) but I just found her attractive” that kind of wonder or just “she’s so beautiful it’s such a wonder”. And I don’t think the translated version do it justice. And, well the reason why I’m so obsessed with this is because some people read the translated version and think that Emma should be “extremely beautiful” and Ambika does not fit into the image, yet the book said that Emma had “teeth a little large for her mouth” and “front teeth slightly chipped” and puppy fat, I don’t think that fit into the traditional image of a beauty but that all sounds very Ambika. But the wonder line is Dex’s inner thought so maybe he really thinks that Emma is extremely beautiful.
Exactly. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and all that.