Was thinking about the significance of giving books. I am reminded of this little anecdote:
Back when she was in Katong Convent (a breeding ground if there ever was one), Purple Cow was given a copy of Thomas Hardy's Tess of the D'Urbervilles. A saintly priest gave it to her. He tells Purple Cow that Tess reminds him of her.
Purple Cow was pleased to be so honoured by the priest.
Then the day came when she finally read Tess of the D'Urbervilles - and realised what the priest truly meant to tell her: she reminded him of a spirited fallen woman who will come to a bad end.
It was a gift of caution.
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