Callum McLaughlin's Blog, page 40

September Wrap Up

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The books I read in September

Another month; another wrap up. Throughout September I read 12 books, bringing my total for the year so far up to 96. Here are some brief thoughts on each, with links to my full reviews on Goodreads, in case you’d like to know more about the books themselves, or how I got on with them.

The Silence by Tim Lebbon

[ ] Given that this is a horror story centred around the idea of sensory deprivation, it gave me a lot of vibes of Bird Box and A Quiet Place, both of which I loved. Though admittedly not a perfect novel, it was a fun and thrilling read, with some genuinely chilling and breathless moments. The sense of mounting panic and claustrophobia as the threat closed in around the characters worked well, and I liked that the story included menace from both the plague of creatures wreaking havoc on humanity, and people pushed to the brink, desperate to survive.

The Ice Palace by Tarjei Vesaas

[ ] This is a subtle though surprisingly thought-provoking little read, which focusses on a young girl following the disappearance of her friend. The story itself is deceptively simple, but Vesaas incorporates a lot of metaphor to explore several themes, including the intoxication of youthful friendship, the letting go of guilt and grief, and the damaging effect of holding on to secrets. There’s also an undertone of queerness that runs throughout, adding another layer of interpretive meaning. The quirky nature of the prose reflects the sense of awe inspired by the book’s ethereal Norwegian setting, but also the youthful sense of wonder that lies on the knife-edge between childhood and adolescence.

Shockaholic by Carrie Fisher

[ ] This anecdotal memoir is at once brutally honesty and hilariously self-deprecating. Fisher moves deftly from poignant reminiscences about addiction struggles, electroconvulsive therapy, and the complex relationship she had with her father, to laugh-out-loud, stranger-than-fiction insights into the bizarre nature of Hollywood life and gossip culture. Another great read from Fisher that showed her evident skill as a raconteur.

N or M by Agatha Christie

[ ] I love seeing the progression of Tuppence (who is amazing) and Tommy throughout this series; the duo having grown from ambitious youngsters to middle-aged retirees. It allowed for a great thread throughout this book about society being dismissive of people’s worth as they age. The plot itself was as intricate and deftly handled as I’ve come to expect, with elements of political intrigue, war-time racial tension, action and excitement, and even some surprising pathos; topped off, of course, with a heavy dose of mystery. It was as clever and readable as ever, with well-placed twists, and an incredibly satisfying conclusion that made this a perfect case of cosy crime.

The Last Witch by Rona Munro

[ ] A brilliant, rousing, intelligent look at the struggle for power between the sexes; othering; and the inherent hypocrisy of misogyny. Munro packs a punch with this powerful and atmospheric dramatization of the story of the last woman to be executed for witchcraft in Scotland, in 1727. Our heroine is fascinating, complex, and skilfully constructed, with the level of ambiguity retained allowing for moments that are both unsettling and melancholic. I also saw an adaptation of the play on stage this month, which I reviewed here.

Skein Island by Aliya Whiteley

[ ] I adored The Beauty, also by Whiteley, and whilst this didn’t enthral me as much, I still found it very rich from a thematic point of view. The narrative – about an island that women can visit for a week in exchange for a story from their past – explores gender, storytelling, fate vs free will, and the various roles we inhabit throughout our lives. Drawing heavily on mythology, there is an element of mystery at the book’s core, but with such a heavy emphasis on imagery and deeper meaning, I found I was unable to lose myself fully in the story itself.

Womankind #17 edited by Antonia Case

[ ] I wouldn’t often include a magazine in a wrap up, but having a literary edge, being bulkier than average, and being completely ad-free, Womankind is packed with quality content. This issue was themed predominantly around Scotland and mythology, with short, easily digestible articles touching on the likes of history, culture, psychology, art, nature, and health. Aesthetically, the whole issue is beautifully put together, with the highlight for me being stunning full-page examples of Jessica Roux’s artwork. Though I enjoyed some articles more than others, the overall tone was peaceful, contemplative, and engaging.

The Corset by Laura Purcell

[ ] An intricately plotted and thematically rich gothic chiller; this was just the kind of read I was in the mood for. We follow Ruth Butterham, a young seamstress accused of murder, who claims to possess some kind of supernatural ability. Is she telling the truth; is she lying; or is she simply mad? Perhaps more importantly, if she is a killer, what could have driven her to it? At face value, this is a real page-turner, at equal turns poignant and horrifying, but it also explores the bleakness of poverty, and the notion of trauma and survivor’s guilt, whilst also criticising the class system and lack of female autonomy. Purcell maintains the perfect amount of ambiguity to leave the reader satisfied, without losing the sinister tone of the book at large.

And the Ocean Was Our Sky by Patrick Ness

[ ] This take on the story of Moby-Dick is an unashamedly strange little book that offers no apology for its frankly bizarre fantastical elements. I felt it was too short to allow proper adjustment to its oddity, and that it lacked the kind of emotional gut punch I have come to crave from Ness’ work. Still, it is a timely cautionary tale about the destructive power of hatred, and how rumour can birth the ugliest of truths. I admire Ness’ willingness to defy genre, and Rovina Cai’s dreamy illustrations worked well to enhance the timeless fairy tale-esque tone.

The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton

[ ] I’m very much in the minority here, but this one sadly didn’t work for me. Turton undoubtedly has some great ideas, and I flew through it despite its hefty size, so it’s certainly very readable. I felt, however, that there was just too much of everything; be it characters, plot threads, twists, or otherwise. This meant the whole thing became a bit of a tangled mess that stretched my suspension of disbelief too far. The elements that provided the greatest opportunity for plot or character development were glossed over, so that ultimately, I just couldn’t immerse myself in it the way I’d hoped.

The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang

[ ] This is an incredibly charming and heartfelt graphic novel about Prince Sebastian, who enlists the help of a talented seamstress so he can live out a double life as Lady Chrystallia. I love that it’s unapologetic in its embracing of queerness and freedom of expression, and yet not once are labels used to define any of the characters. It’s a wonderful story of friendship, loyalty, identity, gender fluidity, and love. Admittedly, things work out a little more neatly than they would have in real life, but we can all indulge in a ‘happily ever after’ every once in a while. Wang’s art is suitably delightful and expressive, capturing the vibrancy, colour, and decadence of aristocracy and high fashion in late 19th century Paris.

Sliver by Ira Levin

[ ] My 4th Levin novel, and another very satisfying read. This one follows a woman moving into a new apartment, unaware that it’s rigged with cameras, and someone is watching her every move. It’s a bit of a slow build at first, working to establish a creeping, seedy atmosphere befitting of the unsavoury subject matter, before reaching a breathless climax with some brilliantly sinister poetic justice. Given that we’re now in the age of social media and reality TV, the book’s themes of technology posing a threat to our privacy, and the addictive nature of voyeurism, have aged incredibly well. Its increasing relevance makes it all the more unsettling.

(On a side note, this was my choice of book when I won a giveaway hosted by Zuky – so big thanks to her! Do check out her blog, and her online book club over on Goodreads. They’re both excellent.)

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There we have it! My favourite reads of the month were The Last Witch and The Corset; what were yours?

Chicago | Theatre Review

Show: Chicago

Venue: Pitlochry Festival Theatre

Date: 27th September 2018

Director: Richard Baron

Musical director: David Higham

Principal Cast: Lucie-Mae Sumner (Roxie Hart), Niamh Bracken (Velma Kelly), Carl Patrick (Billy Flynn), & Irene-Myrtle Forrester (Mama Morton).

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Chicago

Allow me to indulge in a painfully obvious though no less pleasing pun, by telling you that this show had a whole lot of razzle dazzle. Going into this, I was as aware of the basic concept of Chicago as the next person (two women awaiting trial for murder, competing to achieve the greatest level of fame so that they may avoid execution), but had never previously seen any screen or stage versions. Now that you’ve finished gasping, I can gladly confirm that I loved it.

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Lucie-Mae Sumner as Roxie Hart (left); Niamh Bracken and Irene-Myrtle Forrester as Velma Kelly and Mama Morton (right). Pictures courtesy of Pitlochry Festival Theatre.

The story is a brilliant satire of ‘celebrity’ culture and corruption in the American justice system, with this particular production packed full of wicked wit, slick routines, and knock-out performances. Bracken was incredibly charismatic in the role of Velma Kelly, but Sumner’s Roxie Hart was the star of the show for me, pitching the blend of twisted humour and captivating magnetism required for the role perfectly.

The presence of a live 10-piece jazz band was very welcome, allowing the iconic soundtrack to really shine, whilst further evoking the sultry 20s vibe. The choreography, staging, costumes, and lighting were all equally on par, and by the end, the atmosphere amongst the crowd was practically tangible. I feel very lucky to have had a production with all the quality of a West End show see out the summer season at my local theatre.

Though I go to the theatre in general as often as I can, I’m still relatively new to musicals (this being only the third that I’ve seen in person). It’s safe to say that Chicago has certainly bolstered my love and appreciation for the medium, and fuelled my eagerness to explore more of it.

Sunshine Blogger Award

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The Sunshine Blogger Award

I don’t always get around to awards/tag posts, but I’m always incredibly grateful to be included in them. When I saw Marina’s questions for The Sunshine Blogger Award, however, I couldn’t resist! (Marina’s blog is excellent, by the way; you should definitely check it out if you haven’t already). Let’s just jump right in!

1. What is the first novel you ever read?

The first proper novels I remember reading and loving as a child were Huntress of the Sea by Alan Temperley, and The Breadwinner by Deborah Ellis. I read the former so many times, and eventually met the author when my class at school went to a book fair he was attending. I still have my battered old copy that he kindly signed that day.

2. What is your favorite animal?

In terms of in artwork and stuff, I have a real thing for owls and foxes. As for pets, I have two cats and a dog, and though I’m much more a ‘cat person’ in personality, I love both.

3. What is your favorite graphic novel/comic?

I loved Skim by Mariko & Jillian Tamaki; a brilliant and quietly heart-breaking story about the unease of teenage life, and the daunting first experiences of love, grief, friendship, sexuality, and self-discovery. I also love the work of Isabel Greenberg, which is all about mythology and the beauty of storytelling.

4. What’s the worst book you’ve ever read and why?

Possibly Being a Beast by Charles Foster. It purports to be nature non-fiction, but it’s little more than exploitative tripe.

5. Have you ever tried reading in another language, and which one? 

I’ve read a few basic books in French, but I’m so out of practice I doubt I could do it now, which is a shame. My sister-in-law is French though, so maybe one day I’ll get back into it.

6. Your favorite holiday, a book and a movie related to it?

Christmas, hands down. The Christmasaurus by Tom Fletcher is an incredibly charming festive read that also has some great disability representation. As for movies, I love Elf, but feel most nostalgic about The Santa Clause.

7. You can choose one Deathly Hallow. Which one and why?

The invisibility cloak. Just think of all the awkward social situations you could avoid!

8. Cats or dogs? Or horses?

See my answer for question 2, haha.

9. Do you have a hobby and what is it? You better not say reading hahaha, that’s not a hobby, it’s a life calling.

A boring answer here, but the truth is… not really. My spare time really is spent reading.

10. Do you like art? If yes, who is your favorite illustrator/painter?

Oh, yes, very much so! My favourite artists include Leonora Carrington, Georgia O’Keeffe, Shaun Tan, Jessica Roux, Jim Kay, and Robert Ingpen.

11. Are you open to a variety of genres, or do you stick to only one?

My favourite genre is gothic, but I’ll try everything and anything! I love it most of all when a book can defy genre, blending elements of several different styles to create a unique and captivating reading experience.

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A big thank you to Marina once again for nominating me. I’m going to nominate Rachel, Amalia, Chelsea, Zuky, Hannah, Ayunda, Marija, Jenna & Kristin.

There is, of course, no pressure to take part. Just think of it as my way of saying how much I’ve been loving your blogs recently. If you would like to take part, here are my 11 questions:

Which author that you haven’t read yet are you most excited to try?
What’s the best book you read before you started blogging?
What book do you most want to see as a movie/TV show?
Which genre do you want to explore more of?
Is the Hogwarts House you’d want to be in the same as the one you think you’d actually be sorted into?
Do you have any pets?
Are any of your ‘real life’ friends big readers?
What read has been your biggest pleasant surprise so far this year?
What’s been your most disappointing read of the year so far?
Who’s your favourite music artist?
If you could live in any country other than the one you live in now, which one would it be and why?

The Last Witch | Theatre Review

Show: The Last Witch

Venue: Pitlochry Festival Theatre

Date: 19th September 2018

Director: Richard Baron

Writer: Rona Munro

Cast: Deirdre Davis (Janet Horne), Fiona Wood (Helen Horne), Graham Mackay-Bruce (Niall), David Rankine (Captain David Ross), Helen Logan (Elspeth Begg), Alan Steele (Douglas Begg), & Alan Mirren (Nick)

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The Last Witch

I read the playscript of The Last Witch by Rona Munro earlier this month in anticipation of seeing this production. I adored reading it, and am pleased to say that I enjoyed watching it on stage just as much. I was delighted to see that the production was very faithful to Munro’s original script, preserving its wealth of emotional impact and thematic nuance.

Plot-wise, the play is a dramatization of the story of Janet Horne, the last woman to be executed as a witch in Scotland, 1727. We follow Janet, a brilliantly well-realised and complex character, as she does what is necessary to get by, and protect her disfigured daughter, Helen. She comes in to conflict with the rural parish’s new sheriff following an accusation of witchcraft from a neighbour disgruntled by her strange behaviour and eccentric ways. What ensues is a game of wits, a struggle for power between the sexes, and a look at the reasons why a woman may want to have others believe she is a powerful witch.

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Deirdre Davis & Graham Mackay-Bruce as Janet and Niall (top), and Fiona Wood & Alan Mirren as Helen and Nick (bottom). Pictures courtesy of Pitlochry Festival Theatre.

There is a brooding and ominous atmosphere throughout, and though it is punctuated by moments of black humour, it culminates in a powerful, rousing climax. All of this was convincingly brought to life by the cast of seven, with particular praise owed to Deirdre Davis for her performance as Janet; she is able to capture moments of wit, anguish, and poignancy with equal vigour and charisma.

The striking set design, and clever use of light and sound, further enhanced the impact and general mood of the show, making it one of my favourite theatre experiences for some time. If the show tours following its residency at the theatre in the hills, or another production of The Last Witch comes your way, I highly recommend checking it out. It is historic fiction at its best; immersive enough to evoke times gone by, and yet relevant enough that it can still resonate with a modern audience.

What Makes a Five Star Read?

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Let’s chat!

In many ways, a five star read is a very personal thing. With our own individual tastes and expectations, what works for some won’t necessarily work for others. I also think there can be discrepancies in what the same reader looks for from genre to genre.

Generally speaking though, we all have our weaknesses; those literary devices that draw us in time and time again, greatly increasing the likelihood that we’ll dish out a much coveted five star rating. Aside from a gripping and immersive story, which sort of goes without saying, here are some features that I can’t help but love. I’d be very interested to know what equivalent elements work for you, so let’s chat about it in the comments.

Atmosphere

I already alluded to liking books that are immersive, and for me, well-crafted atmosphere is the number one way to achieve that – hence why gothic fiction is my favourite genre. I want my books dark, brooding, and sinister; I want the hairs on the back of my neck to stand up, and a shiver to snake its way up my spine. If an author can transport me to their world and give me that feeling – which I usually refer to as ‘the five star tingles’ – they’re already well on their way to getting a perfect rating from me.

Flawed characters

I love it when an author can blur the lines between right and wrong, with morally complex characters that feel fleshed out, and all the more believable for it. Give me a flawed hero or a redeemable villain over the clear-cut good and bad guys any day of the week.

Beautiful language

Have you ever read a book so stunning in its use of prose that it leaves you feeling literally breathless? That it has you rereading passages to better absorb its stunning imagery? I adore that feeling. Obviously, there’s a time and a place for this, and overly poetic language doesn’t work well in certain genres; but when it’s implemented in a way that enhances the mood and impact of the story, drawing us deeper and deeper into the author’s world, it’s such an impressive feat.

Isolated settings

This is a particularly personal one, I admit, but I suppose it goes along with the idea of atmosphere and immersion. There’s something about rural, isolated settings (think islands or woodlands; deep in a dessert or far out at sea) that instantly ramps up the atmosphere, and makes the stakes feel that much higher, allowing for an incisive exploration of its characters and themes.

Layers

I like my fiction like I like my onions (and my ogres) – with layers. By this, I mean I love it when an author can craft a story that works at face value as a damn good read, with a compelling plot and engaging characters, but which also hides greater depth of meaning with regards to its imagery and themes for those who care to look. It’s an amazing feeling when your appreciation for a book grows the more you reflect on it, picking apart its layers and discovering just how intricately it was constructed.

Stories about stories

Most of us read because we love stories, and I am no exception. That’s why I get excited when a book can deftly explore the beauty and power of storytelling itself. This can manifest in everything from a book being a re-telling of a classic myth, to characters that tell lies to protect themselves from the truth; and from meta works that reference other books, to characters that seek comfort in fiction. The more I look back on favourite reads, the more I can identify this as a theme that unites many of them.

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There we have it; by no means a comprehensive list, but a few of the most frequently present elements of my five star reads. What makes a five star read for you?

OMG That Song | Book Tag

I love books, and I love music, so when I saw this tag over on Jenna @ Bookmark Your Thoughts’ blog, I had to get involved!

MY JAM: A song you have to listen to no matter how many times you’ve heard it and a book that you’ll never get sick of

Song: Oh, lots! But given that I’m currently very hyped for the release of her second album, I’ll say Tilted by Christine and the Queens.

Book: I read it like two years ago, but I still seem to be thinking and raving about Bird Box by Josh Malerman all the time. It’s so unnerving, and plays with the senses and fear of the unknown brilliantly.

THROWBACK: A song that reminds you of the cringiest time in your life and a book you read that you wouldn’t like now

Song: If you’re under the age of 30 and didn’t have an angsty Avril Lavigne phase, you’re lying.

Book: At the time I read it, I thought the Legend series by Marie Lu was okay at best, but I know I’d find it incredibly frustrating now. It’s a perfectly readable YA dystopian series, but the prose is bland, and it has a few too many clichés for my liking.

REPLAY: A recent song that you have on repeat and a recent favourite book

Song: Eivør recently shared a stunning cover of a Leonard Cohen song from her new live album, and I’m obsessed.

Book: My favourite read of the year so far is The Lightkeepers by Abby Geni. It’s a gorgeously written meditation on the savage power of the natural world, and storytelling as a means of survival.

GETS ME: A song that is literally me and a book that is me in book form

Song: Bachelorette. A song by Björk, with a video that incorporates elements of nature, fairy tale, and literature, is basically all my favourite things colliding.

Book: Other than of course relating to Hermione Granger’s book-swat ways, I’ve never really been one of those readers to ‘find’ themselves in fiction (*sigh*). So, the only way I could think to answer this was to pick something that epitomises my favourite qualities in a book: gothic, atmospheric, immersive, mysterious, and beautifully written. For me, that’s Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier.

WUT: A weird song that you liked anyways and a unique book that stuck out to you for some reason

Song: Vessel by Zola Jesus. The vocal delivery in some of Zola’s early work is so deliberately skewed that you can’t even make out a lot of what she’s saying, and yet she creates so much atmosphere and feeling that I still love it.

Book: The Travelling Cat Chronicles by Hiro Arikawa is a recent unique read that really stood out, not least because it’s narrated in part by a cat. It was a charming, bittersweet, and surprisingly human tale about finding family, and making peace with the past.

LET’S GO: Pick your best pump up song and a book that inspires you

Song: Alive by Sia. This song makes me feel POWERFUL.

Book: Frankenstein by Mary Shelley inspires me, in that any writer longs to pen something as intelligent, layered, and timeless as it has proven to be.

CHILL: Your best chill or relaxing song and a book you’d curl up with on a rainy day

Song: Aventine by Agnes Obel. (Or anything by London Grammar.)

Book: A rainy day read, for me, should be something gripping and pacy that can sweep you up, but with a timeless, cosy quality. That said, I’d opt for something like And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie.

ADDICTING: A guilty pleasure song and a light, trashy read you can’t help but love

Song: Still Alive by Lisa Miskovsky. I don’t feel guilty per se, because I think it’s a genuinely good song, but I suppose the theme from a video game is a fairly random pick – and this video for it is pretty cringe in fairness.

Book: I wouldn’t describe it as ‘trashy’, but a light read I found very charming is Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day by Winifred Watson. It’s about a somewhat stilted, middle-aged governess who ends up inadvertently drawn into the glamourous life of a socialite/club singer, who teaches her to let loose.

NOSTALGIA: A throwback song you look back on fondly and a book you read and loved when you were young

Song: I’m a big fan of Annie Lennox, and despite winning an Oscar, the song she did for the Lord of the Rings soundtrack is supremely underrated. Thank you for coming to my TED Talk. (Also, it’s a song linked to a book; I am quietly smug about that train of thought.)

Book: It wouldn’t have been a tag if I hadn’t mentioned Harry Potter somewhere, so here it is!

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There we have it! Since I wasn’t tagged myself, I’ll leave it open to anyone who’d like to take part.

Women in Fiction | Sansa Stark

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Sansa Stark, as portrayed by Sophie Turner

There are many great female characters in the Game of Thrones / Song of Ice and Fire saga that I could have chosen to highlight here, but I chose to start with Sansa simply because she is the one many others would be quick to overlook. She began the series as an arguably meek, naive young girl; easy to dismiss and seemingly little more than the epitome of a damsel in distress. Watching, learning, and developing the skills she needs to survive, however, Sansa has gone through one of the series’ biggest developmental arcs, and has since stepped from the shadows of dragon-wielding Daenerys, warrior-woman Brienne, cunning orchestrator Cersei, and brutal vengeance seeker Arya, to emerge as every bit the interesting, complex, and valuable character – female or otherwise.

Sansa now embodies a quieter, more introspective kind of survivor; one who has overcome great trauma to form the strategic intelligence, emotional maturity, and hardened resolve that have proven necessary to save both herself and her people. Some survive by leading from the front, sword in hand (or dragons overhead), but Sansa has proven that there are different kinds of strength, and that there is more than one way to go the distance in the game of thrones.

August Wrap Up

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The books I read in August

Another month; another wrap up. Throughout August I read 12 books, bringing my total for 2018 thus far up to 84. I review everything I read over on Goodreads, but as always, here are some thoughts on each of them.

Elmet by Fiona Mozley

[ ] This atmospheric and almost ethereal read immerses us in the lives of a family living in the lawless outskirts of rural England. The influence of classic tales by the Brothers Grimm echoes throughout, as the narrative explores themes such as familial love, the rule of the land, warring factions, violence, and revenge. There’s an interesting look at gender expectations, and a simmering undertone of tension that reaches boiling point in the harrowing climax. My only reservations were an uncertainty regarding the need for a specific unresolved plot point that I won’t spoil; and the lyrical prose which, though great in crafting the book’s setting and tone, lent the teenage protagonists’ dialogue an overly philosophical edge at times.

Irmina by Barbara Yelin

[ ] This graphic novel explores the effect of Nazi rule on those who existed on the periphery. Irmina is a highly ambitious, outspoken, principled, non-Jewish, German woman. She speaks up in the face of injustice, and has big dreams for her future. As war breaks out, and tension grows, we watch as each of these qualities slowly leave her, and she turns the other cheek. I enjoyed the tonally appropriate moody colour palette. The impact of the book at large is understated (I expected a bigger sense of revelation or development for Irmina in the book’s final third), but it does leave us to ponder its themes of complicity and culpability. As such, it is in many ways a story about what is left unsaid.

Snap by Belinda Bauer

[ ] This is a pacy and very readable thriller, with a great initial concept: Three children attempting to survive off the grid following their mother’s murder years prior. It is, however, rife with clichés, including eyeroll worthy coincidences, plot points that stretch our suspension of disbelief, and unexplained holes in the narrative. What happened and whodunnit become clear early on, with too much of the book focussing on the unlikable police officers proving what we already know. I can’t deny that the book’s inclusion on the Man Booker longlist raised my expectations, and in turn contributed to my frustrations. Not only is this far from one of the best books of the year; it’s not even a great example of what the crime genre can achieve.

The Finishing School by Muriel Spark

[ ] There were themes and ideas in this that were really interesting. Namely, professional jealousy, and art feeding from toxic relationships. Sadly, I just found the whole thing a little too jarring. The setting, characterisation, and dialogue felt too much like historical fiction for a modern novel supposedly set in the early 2000s. The strange, slightly hypnotic atmosphere could have been really effective, but by far the most interesting parts of the narrative were glossed over in just a few pages at the very end of the book, meaning its oddness was left feeling somewhat inexplicable. Overall, it’s a book comprised of a great concept that sadly never reached its full potential.

The Travelling Cat Chronicles by Hiro Arikawa

[ ] Despite purporting to centre around a cat, this is a remarkably human story. Arikawa somehow makes the quirkiness of the narration (with the story told, in part, from the perspective of the eponymous cat) really work, without it feeling overly sentimental. We follow Nana and his owner, Satoru, as they travel to meet various people from Satoru’s past. Through their reminiscences, we piece together Satoru’s life, as old wounds are reopened, and closure is found. It’s a delightfully offbeat, beautiful, and bittersweet book about finding family and making peace with the past, with a tone of nostalgia and pathos throughout. Subtle and surprisingly nuanced, this was a real unexpected gem.

Visitation by Jenny Erpenbeck

[ ] This was one of those frustrating reading experiences where I liked the book a lot more in intent than I did in actual execution. Erpenbeck captures Germany throughout a period of great change and unrest by focussing on a single property, and giving us snapshots of the various people who come and go from it over the years; exploring the idea that we never truly ‘own’ the land. Our time with each character is so fleeting, however, that I never felt emotionally invested in their fate. Much of the book is given over to documenting the mundane, cyclical aspects of day-to-day-life, which, though deliberate, failed to keep me engaged. It’s a shame, as I really wanted to love this one, and could appreciate nonetheless what Erpenbeck was saying.

The Diving Pool by Yoko Ogawa

[ ] There’s something about Ogawa’s work that I find effortlessly unsettling. The three novellas that comprise this book all explore suppressed emotion, with her heroines’ slightly off kilter view of the world and inner frustrations manifesting in a sense of detachment, and casual everyday cruelty. In this way, she exposes the dark side of human nature that is never far from civilised society, using elegantly simple prose that is punctuated by imagery that tips the balance between beauty and revulsion. She doesn’t hand us all the answers, nor does she want us to feel comfortable, and yet somehow, she hooks you in for the ride.

Thin Air by Michelle Paver

[ ] This book follows a group of mountaineers in the 1930s attempting to conquer a notoriously deadly summit, on a mountain plagued by ill omen and rumours of a haunting. It had some decently creepy moments, and Paver painted the intense, sinister nature of the setting very well. The climax felt a little rushed to me, however, and so wasn’t hugely satisfying. That said, the mood was pitched well overall, being the kind of ghost story that plays with ambiguity; meaning that we’re left pondering what was down to the supernatural, and what was caused by a combination of paranoia and altitude sickness. I also liked the theme of haunting in general, with the characters each ‘haunted’ in different ways; some by war, some by stories of the past; and some, perhaps, by ghosts.

Our Numbered Days by Neil Hilborn

[ ] I discovered Hilborn through his viral poem, OCD, and as someone with the condition myself, I knew I wanted to check out more of his work. There were some poems in here that really spoke to me, and others that didn’t, but that’s always the way with a collection as personal as this. There’s a bold and immediate feel to Hilborn’s poetic voice. He’s a writer of obvious talent, with rage, passion, and humour charging every word.

The First Men in the Moon by H.G. Wells

[ ] A lesser-known but equally enjoyable novel from Wells. As always, I admired how much he based the fantastical elements of his stories in genuinely interesting and (for its time) plausible speculative science. There’s a great sense of wonder and adventure in this one, as well as some delightfully vivid prose that shows off the power of Wells’ lightyears-ahead-of-its-time imagination. In another trademark of his work, however, there is also some very interesting social commentary and discussion of morality at play.

Everything Under by Daisy Johnson

[ ] This wonderful novel takes classic myths and fairy tales, and spins them anew, exploring a myriad of fascinating themes and ideas; from fate vs. free will, to identity and gender fluidity; from acceptance of the truth, to the duty of a child to honour their parents, even if they haven’t earned it. Above all else, I adored its musings on the power and importance of language, and the preservation of memory. It’s a beautifully written, highly immersive tapestry of storytelling.

Hamlet by William Shakespeare

[ ] The commentary on psychology and gender relations was really interesting in this, and of course, it’s a characteristically tragic and intricate story. I’m very much enjoying my foray into reading Shakespeare for pleasure.

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There we have it. My favourite read of the month was definitely Everything Under; what was yours?

The Greatest Showman Tag

It’s time for another tag, this time courtesy of Andrea @ Andrea’s Nirvana. She has created her own original tag, no less, with prompts inspired by the tracks from The Greatest Showman. This is where I admit that I haven’t actually seen it, but anyone who knows me knows I’m late to everything. Nonetheless, the tag looked fun, so let’s just jump right in!

The Greatest Show | In Which The Intro Is Amazing

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All We Shall Know

As soon as I read the stark yet shocking opening paragraph of All We Shall Know by Donal Ryan, I knew I’d found a new favourite author: ‘Martin Toppy is the son of a famous Traveller and the father of my unborn child. He’s seventeen, I’m thirty-three. I was his teacher. I’d have killed myself by now if I was brave enough.’

A Million Dreams | In Which Things Get A Little Too Dragged

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Snap

Snap by Belinda Bauer is a recent example that springs to mind. It’s essentially a mystery novel, but by the halfway point, the reader already knows whodunnit, and we simply have to watch as a band of supremely unlikable police officers attempt to scrape together enough evidence to actually prove it. With all sense of intrigue gone, we’re left anticipating a follow-up twist that never comes…

Come Alive | In Which There’s A Nice Plot Twist

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A Kiss Before Dying

A Kiss Before Dying by Ira Levin has several incredibly clever and well-placed twists. He manages to catch you off-guard just when you think you’ve got it all sussed.

The Other Side | In Which A Villain Turns Into A Good Guy or Vice Versa

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Little Deaths

The heroine of Little Deaths by Emma Flint feels like an appropriate pick, as she’s undoubtedly complex and flawed, and yet the more we see of the circumstances surrounding her, the more we realise she may not be as evil as everyone likes to think. Depending on whose perspective you look at her from, she could be deemed either the villain or the good guy.

Never Enough | In Which You Hate The Love Triangle

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The Hunger Games

The love triangle in The Hunger Games always irritated me. Katniss is painted as a brave, proactive leader, and yet much of her story revolves around which boy she’ll end up with. *eyeroll* She’s trying to lead a rebellion for crying out loud; why can’t young women be allowed to have platonic male friendships?!

This Is Me | In Which Representation Is Amazing

Ah, an answer for this came to mind right away, as I just so happened to watch A Quiet Place a few nights ago (See, I wasn’t kidding when I said I’m late to everything). It’s set in a post-apocalyptic world, where humanity has been decimated by strange creatures that hunt using sound. We follow a family attempting to live in complete silence. They are able to communicate via sign language, as one of them is deaf (played by real-life deaf actress, Millicent Simmonds). For a major blockbuster to be almost entirely in sign language, and for the deaf character to be played by an actual deaf person, was so refreshing, and a great example of how to normalise good, diverse representation, without the character being defined solely by their differences.

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Millicent Simmonds and Emily Blunt in A Quiet Place

Rewrite The Stars | In Which It’s ‘Us Against The World’ [Not Necessarily Romantic]

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We Have Always Lived in the Castle

We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson focusses on two sisters following the deaths of almost their entire family. They have shut themselves away in the family manor, maligned by their community, and plagued by vicious rumours and an air of mystery. It’s gothic, and unsettling, and brilliant, and very much captures an ‘us against the world’ vibe.

Tightrope | In Which The Love Triangle Took A Wrong Turn

Truthfully, I don’t read/watch a huge amount of stuff with love triangles in them, so I was struggling to think of something… I’m not sure this strictly counts as a love triangle, because that definitely would be wrong, but once you know that Luke and Leia are in fact twins, it’s a little weird that they initially tried to imply a sense of rivalry between Han and Luke for Leia’s affections in the original Star Wars.

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Luke, Leia, and Han

From Now On | In Which The Main Character Only Gets Their Stuff Together In The End

The first thing that came to mind was LOST, as the whole final season is pretty much about all the characters trying to get their stuff together!

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The huge ensemble cast of LOST.

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There we have it! Thanks again to Andrea for tagging me; since it’s an original tag, it would be fun to see lots of people getting involved, so if you want to take part, consider yourself tagged.

Three Bookish Things Tag

I saw this tag over on Kristin Kraves Books’ blog and thought it looked fun, so let’s just jump right in.

THREE READ ONCE AND LOVED AUTHORS:

I had been wanting to read John Wyndham for ages, and finally picked up The Day of the Triffids last month. I loved it, and am excited to explore his extensive back catalogue. Church of Marvels by Leslie Parry was one of my favourite reads a couple of years ago, and I’m still eagerly awaiting more from her. I’m also eager for more from Jung Yun after loving her debut, Shelter.

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Wyndham, Parry, and Yun.

THREE TITLES I’VE WATCHED BUT HAVEN’T READ:

I’m usually a read-before-you-watch kind of person, but there must be a few exceptions… The first one that comes to mind is Jurassic Park. I absolutely loved the film as a kid (and still do), but I’ve never read the book. I do own a copy though, so hopefully one day! The Lord of the Rings is another. Part of me would love to read the original trilogy, and perhaps one day I will, but I’ve often heard how dry they are, which puts me off. Thirdly is Still Alice. This one wasn’t on purpose. It was on TV just a few nights ago coincidentally, and I happened to switch on as it was starting. I ended up watching the whole thing, largely because Julianne Moore’s performance as a 50-year-old with an aggressive form of early-onset Alzheimer’s was so good.

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Jurassic Park, The Lord of the Rings, and Still Alice.

THREE CHARACTERS YOU LOVE:

I could obviously pick loads here, but I’ll stick to my guns and name the first few that come to mind. I love how flawed and complex Melody Shee is in All We Shall Know by Donal Ryan; Tuppence Beresford of the Tommy and Tuppence series by Agatha Christie is incredibly charismatic, driven, and endearing; and Hermione Granger is great for obvious kick-ass book nerd reasons.

THREE SERIES YOU BINGED:

The temptation was to say Harry Potter, as I binged each book as soon as it came out, but I suppose that wouldn’t really count as binging a series, since I had to wait a year each time for the next release. I don’t even read a huge amount of series, truth be told, but ones I can remember reading in pretty quick succession are Chaos Walking by Patrick Ness, The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, and His Dark Materials by Phillip Pullman.

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Chaos Walking, The Hunger Games, and His Dark Materials.

THREE UNPOPULAR BOOKISH OPINIONS:

As sweet as the idea of them together might be, Hermione and Ron would never actually work as a couple.
Despite wanting to, I cannot get on with Virginia Woolf’s work at all.
I generally prefer hardbacks to paperbacks.

THREE CURRENT FAVOURITE BOOK COVERS:

Again, I could get carried away naming lots here, so I’ll just go with the first three I thought of. Starfish by Akemi Dawn Bowman, Vixen by Rosie Garland, and I am, I am, I am by Maggie O’Farrell.

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Pretty, huh?

THREE BOOKISH GOALS FOR THE YEAR:

I wanted to read 90 books (I’m currently on 82, so I should hit that pretty comfortably!). I wanted to read by whim, rather than tell myself I had to prioritize certain reads at certain times. I’d say that’s been going pretty well so far. As for a more recent goal, I’d like to read some more Shakespeare by the end of the year. I picked up A Midsummer Night’s Dream a little while ago (the first time I’d read anything by him out of education), and it definitely sparked an interest in trying more of his work.

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There we have it. I wasn’t tagged, so I won’t tag anyone else specifically either, but free to take part if you’d like to. Pingback to me if you do so I can check out your answers! Thanks for stopping by.