Callum McLaughlin's Blog, page 49
June 30, 2017
June Wrap Up
All the books I read in June
Throughout June I finished a total of 10 books (5 novels, a short story collection, a poetry magazine, a graphic novel, a Little Black Classic and an art book). This took my total for the year so far up to 63.
The standout read amongst them was definitely Donal Ryan’s All We Shall Know. It opens with a woman pregnant to a man other than her husband and a secret from her past that continues to poison her life. It’s a powerful, harrowing exploration of guilt and forgiveness told in beautiful prose, and packed full of twists, emotion and wonderfully realised, flawed characters.
I also thoroughly enjoyed The Invisible Man by H.G. Wells, a compulsively readable classic of the sci-fi genre that is something of a cautionary tale about pushing science too far and the responsibility that comes with power. It was, as is so often the case with Wells’ books, way ahead of its time, and stands up as a compelling, relevant and thought-provoking read to this day.
The art book was Museum of Hidden Beings by Arngrimur Sigutdsson which I picked up on my most recent trip to Iceland. It contains paintings that are the artist’s interpretation of various weird and wonderful creatures from Icelandic Folk Tales. Though I found the accompanying descriptions and excerpts from stories featuring the beasts a bit clunky in their translation and lacking context at times, it was worth it for the dark, whimsical artwork alone.
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Some examples of the artwork found within the book
The biggest disappointment of the month was sadly The Small Hand by Susan Hill, a ghost story that simply wasn’t very ghostly. Lacking the creep factor and any emotional impact, I found it very underwhelming, which is a shame as I have enjoyed some of Hill’s work in the past.
Other enjoyable reads however included Daphne du Maurier’s atmospheric tale of switched identities, The Scapegoat; Emma Flint’s fascinating character study, Little Deaths, in which a woman accused of murdering her own children has her character assassinated by the police and the media to orchestrate her downfall; The second volume of Postal, which centres around a town that harbours former criminals and a whole lot of secrets; and There Once Lived a Woman Who Tried to Kill Her Neighbour’s Baby by Ludmilla Petrushevskaya, a collection of fairy tale-esque short stories that, whilst admittedly a mixed bag, did contain a few gems.
A Hippo Banquet by Mary Kingsley was also a very worthwhile read, and another reason why I enjoy the Little Black Classics series, as it introduced me to a fascinating historical figure I may otherwise never have encountered. This extract from Kingsley’s travel diary documents her experiences living, travelling and studying the nature and indigenous life of Africa as a Victorian Englishwoman, shunning social norms in search of adventure.
I look forward to seeing what books July will bring my way.
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What was your favourite read in June?
June 27, 2017
The Ultimate Harry Potter Tag
The original UK book covers
I may have technically missed the 20th anniversary of Harry Potter first being released (doesn’t that mere sentence make you feel old?!) but I was kindly tagged by the lovely Rachel to do the Ultimate Harry Potter Tag, and of course, I couldn’t refuse. Let’s just jump right in.
1) Favourite book?
Starting with a Sophie’s Choice level of difficulty, I see. I obviously adore them all, but The Prisoner of Azkaban represents a real shift in tone towards darker plot threads and is the one I have the most specific memories of reading for the first time. I remember exactly where I was sitting and that I was so absorbed that I refused to eat dinner until I had finished reading it, and I never turn down food.
2) Least favourite book?
Again, this is tough, but I’ll go with The Chamber of Secrets, purely because there’s not enough Hermione.
3) Favourite movie?
For pure nostalgia and adorableness, the first movie will always hold a special place in my heart. I remember being floored by how visually stunning it was, and it’s probably the most we get to see of daily life at Hogwarts in terms of lessons, professors, Houses, feasts, the sorting ceremony, etc., and I love the feeling of discovering and falling in love with the magical world along with the characters. By way of contrast, I also love both parts of The Deathly Hallows for how harrowing they are.
4) Least favourite movie?
Poor Chamber of Secrets but I’m going to go with it again, only because I was off sick for a week once as a child with a bad bout of the flu and I watched Chamber of Secrets three times in two days (I think I was delirious) and sort of sickened myself with it. And again, not enough Hermione.
5) Favourite quote?
“If you want to know what a man’s like, take a good look at how he treats his inferiors, not his equals.”
6) Favourite Weasley?
Fred and George. They come as a package deal so I can’t be expected to choose just one, surely?
7) Favourite female character?
Hermione. Duh.
8) Favourite villain.
I love how twisted Bellatrix is. Her messed up master/servant type relationship with Voldemort is fascinating, and that’s why I’ll never forgive what they did to those characters in The Cursed Child – but that’s not real so it doesn’t count. *sticks fingers in my ears* la, la, la.
9) Favourite male character?
Probably Neville. Aw, Neville.
10) Favourite professor?
Sass-master-extraordinaire, McGonagall. Who else?
11) Would you rather A) wash Snape’s hair or B) spend a day listening to Lockhart rant about himself?
B. At least I could have a good laugh at how ludicrous Lockhart is.
12) Would you rather duel A) an elated Bellatrix or B) an angry Molly?
B. I’m not a Death Eater and I didn’t try to kill her daughter, so I hope that however angry Molly was, she wouldn’t actively try to kill me. Bellatrix on the other hand…
13) Would you rather travel to Hogwarts via A) Hogwarts Express or B) Flying Car?
Hogwarts Express! It’d be like being in the worlds of Harry Potter and Agatha Christie all at once.
14) Would you rather A) Kiss Voldemort or B) give Umbridge a bubble bath?
I’m going to steal Rachel’s clever answer here and say A, on the caveat that it was in his pre-reptilian Tom Riddle days.
15) Would you rather A) ride a Hippogriff or B) ride a Firebolt?
I’m an animal lover, so I’ll go with a Hippogriff.
16) Is there a character you felt differently about in the movies?
Movie Ginny displays about as much charisma as a used teabag.
17) Is there a movie you preferred to the book?
No, I’m loyal to the books. But that said, my love and nostalgia for the series is tied up pretty equally in both the books and the films. I love how easy the films make it to return to the world.
18) Richard Harris or Michael Gambon as Dumbledore?
I like both for different reasons, but I’ll go with Gambon, because I simply can’t imagine Harris’ adorably mild Dumbledore in the darker, more intense scenes of later movies, like his drinking of the Potion of Despair or his duel with Voldemort, for example. I have to say, it annoys me a little how many people say they dislike Gambon purely because of one scene in which he shouts a line that is said to be spoken calmly in the book (you all know what scene I’m talking about). Firstly, it’s just one scene, and secondly, actors are told by writers and directors how to deliver a line, so he almost certainly won’t have changed the intonation by his own accord. *hides*
19) Your top thing (person or event) that wasn’t in the movie that you wanted there the most?
Hermione’s campaigning for house elves’ rights. It was such a great little character building sub-plot that showed us exactly how compassionate and driven she was.
20) If you could remake any of the Harry Potter movies which would it be?
None. I’m too tied up in the nostalgia of them all by this point.
21) Which house was your first gut feeling you’d be a part of?
Ravenclaw. I fell into the trap of thinking all bookworms are automatically Ravenclaws.
22) Which house were you actually sorted into on Pottermore?
Hufflepuff. I’m definitely a Hufflepuff.
23) Which class would be your favourite?
Care of Magical Creatures. I told you, I’m definitely a Hufflepuff.
24) Which spell do you think would be most useful to learn?
Accio, for sure.
25) Which character do you think you’d instantly become friends with?
Luna ❤
26) If you could own one of the three Hallows, which would it be?
The invisibility cloak. The others are a bit too potentially perilous for my liking.
27) Is there any aspect of the books you’d want to change?
I’d cut out the epilogue. Goodness me, I needed some crackers for all that cheese. I understand from Rowling’s perspective why she included it; to try and minimize the inevitable barrage of ‘what happened next?!’, but really, it just felt sickly sweet. Those names… *shudder*
28) Favourite Marauder?
Remus. I think he’s a fascinating character and a genuinely good person, which (incoming controversial opinion) I don’t think can necessarily be said about the other Marauders.
29) If you could bring one character back to life, which would it be?
Hedwig. I’m not even joking. Her accidental death in the books was tragic; her deliberate death in the movies trying to defend Harry was devastating. Yep, definitely a Hufflepuff.
30) Hallows or Horcruxes?
Hallows. I’m not here for that immortal life, thanks.
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Big thanks again to Rachel for tagging me. Since I missed the anniversary and a lot of people will already have been doing this tag, I’ll simply leave it open to anyone who wishes to take part.
June 25, 2017
To Re-read or Not to Re-read?
Let’s chat about re-reading
I’m not much of a re-reader; never have been and likely never will be. I love the idea of returning to beloved characters and worlds, and of course, occasionally I do (Hogwarts and Wonderland will always feel like home, after all). Generally speaking however, I find it really difficult to pick up a book I’ve already read, unless many years have passed, and there are several reasons why.
Firstly, there’s the guilt factor. With an ever-expanding list of books I want to get to and many an unread story sitting on my shelves that could all theoretically become new favourites, regularly picking up books I’ve already read would make me feel guilty about my constant book buying habits.
Secondly, and perhaps most prominently, is the fear of tarnishing existing memories of a beloved story. I’m a big believer in the fact that a large part of the enjoyment we get from books is about picking up the right one at the right time. There are certain reads I loved several years ago that may have been perfect for what I was looking for from my reading back then, but that doesn’t mean they would necessarily appeal to me so much these days, since my tastes have evolved and changed over time, as is normal for everyone. Revisiting something I have such fond memories of feels like a risk, as if it came as a disappointment second time around, it could taint the existing love I already hold for it, which would be a real shame.
All of this said, there are certain books I would really like to come back to someday soon, and so I suppose I’m essentially asking for reassurance that I’m not the only bookworm who feels these reservations.
Are you an avid re-reader? If you like to re-read, how long do you usually leave it before you go back to a story? Or do you steer clear of re-reads altogether?
June 20, 2017
Book to Film | Coraline
Coraline’s book cover (left) and film poster (right)
Coraline is a children’s fantasy novel written by Neil Gaiman which follows a young girl’s adventures upon discovering an alternate version of her world, in which everything is reversed or warped somehow. What starts as a fun and exciting jaunt soon turns sinister, however, when the intentions of Coraline’s ‘Other Mother’ become clear.
The visuals are made using 3D stop motion animation, and to great effect; this really is a stunning film. Coupled with the great soundtrack and charismatic voice performances, the eerie, whimsical feel of the book is translated incredibly well to the big screen.
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The film’s principal voice cast, seen with their 3D character models; left to right: Dakota Fanning, Teri Hatcher, Jennifer Saunders, Dawn French and Keith David
There are several additions to the film (since the book itself is fairly short) and most of them are perfectly in-keeping with the tone of the source material and serve merely to enhance the immersion of the story. My one gripe however is the role of newly added character, Wybie. As a character, I actually liked him, and the dynamic between him and Coraline was fun. I even understood the decision to introduce a companion for Coraline, as though we have the luxury of getting inside a character’s head in a novel, a solo-lead film would have involved a lot of Coraline walking around talking to herself or in complete silence, which may not have worked. My issue however is that Wybie ultimately saves Coraline in the film’s climax. Throughout the book (and most of the film), she is plucky, resourceful, independent and pro-active enough to save herself even when she is scared, so this stealing of the limelight and reversion to the trope of boys-saving-girls irked me and felt unnecessary.
It’s a small complaint, but a complaint nonetheless. Aside from this one blip however, Coraline remains a fantastic and highly likable character, and I thought the film was a thoroughly enjoyable adaptation that really captured the style and feel of Gaiman’s vivid imagination.
June 15, 2017
No Matter
As sure as every song starts and ends with silence no matter the delicious chaos in between, we will rise. As sure as the tide will kiss eternity at dusk no matter how many times it has been pushed away, we will rise. As sure as those with Hatred in their ear will tell us to stay down no matter that it’s them who long to fall, we will rise.
June 10, 2017
Let’s Recommend | Grimm Fairy Tales
Let’s recommend some classic fairy tales
In this latest addition to my recommendation series, I’m going to talk about some of my favourite classic fairy tales from the Brothers Grimm. As always, I encourage you to share your own recommendations in return. In terms of my picks, you may notice that the common thread that links them is a reversal of the ‘damsel in distress’ trope in favour of stronger, better developed female characters; something that whilst admittedly rare in classic tales, can indeed be found and is worth celebrating in my opinion.
Hansel and Gretel
There are several reasons why Hansel and Gretel is my very favourite fairy tale of all time; from the striking imagery of the house made of sweets to the eeriness of a forest setting, and from the sinister notion of a cannibalistic witch to the protagonists’ gritty revenge. Not least amongst these however are the facts that Gretel is the one who outsmarts the villain and saves the day, and that the relationship at the heart of the tale is one of family, with the heroes’ happily ever after coming in the form of a reunion with their father, not handsome princes and dainty princesses.
The Nixie of the Mill-Pond
There’s lots of great imagery in this tale as well, and it’s fairly unique in that we follow a couple who are already married and in love by the time we join them, rather than being the typical damsel and hero who conveniently stumble together at the end of the story. Really, it’s a tale of everlasting love and unyielding commitment, once again led by a proactive and resourceful woman, as she goes to extreme lengths to save her husband after he is ensnared by a malevolent water spirit. This reversal of who is saving whom is really refreshing.
Fitcher’s Bird
Fitcher’s Bird is another story with sibling love at its heart; this time a trio of sisters. It also features some very striking and creepy moments (including a torture chamber and a basin filled with blood and dismembered body parts) that make it very memorable. Our heroine saves both herself and her sisters, and her family bands together to seek characteristically dark vengeance against the evil sorcerer who wronged them. It’s deliciously dark and another real favourite of mine.
The Robber Bridegroom
In this tale, a bride-to-be learns of her would-be husband’s murderous ways and (with the help of an elderly woman) escapes, exposes him for the monster he is and frees herself from their doomed betrothal. Again, I love it for its darkness, but also for its banding together of women to outsmart the wicked men, and I feel it’s particularly worth note for its depiction of an elderly woman who is both empathetic and heroic, breaking away from the evil-old-crone stereotype.
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What are some of your favourite Grimm fairy tales? Let’s chat about them.
June 5, 2017
Women in Fiction | Beverly Katz
Beverly Katz
The latest post in my Women in Fiction series is in honour of Beverly Katz, the FBI Crime Scene Investigator from Thomas Harris’ Hannibal books and the TV adaptation of the same name, in which she was portrayed by Hettienne Park.
Smart, snarky, quick-witted and damn good at her job, Katz (particularly her screen iteration, given the casting of an Asian-American actress) managed to break stereotypes with regards to gender and ethnicity whilst also being a genuinely likable and relatable character. We so rarely see women of colour who are the intellectual and ass-kicking equals of their male counterparts without them ever needing to play the ‘sexy’ or ‘exotic’ card. Katz also bucks the trend by being in a powerful, influential and successful role without having had to become cold, detached and masculine.
Intuitive, empathetic and level-headed, she also regularly acted as a grounding force for the disturbed Will Graham, becoming one of his most trusted friends and colleagues, whilst also being one step ahead of the bad guys (and her team) on several occasions.
Park said it perfectly herself when describing the experience of bringing Katz to life:
“I got to play this amazing woman who didn’t have to sleep with anyone (not that I would have minded) or act dumb and girlie, or fawn all over some guy, or be a conniving bitch to get people to notice or respect me, and she didn’t speak broken English or karate chop anyone (not that I would have minded). Nobody called her “dragon lady” or “exotic.” She could shoot a gun and drive that FBI SUV like a champ. And all with the extra added bonus of being Jewish.”
What’s not to love?
May 31, 2017
May Wrap Up
All the books I read in May
Somehow, it’s time for another wrap up already! Throughout the month of May, I finished a total of 11 books (6 novels, a novella, a short story collection, a poetry collection, a comic and a non-fiction Little Black Classic). This takes my total for the year so far up to 53, which I’m really pleased with.
Though I certainly still enjoyed my reading, it has to be said that this was probably the most mixed month I’ve had, with a few that didn’t quite live up to expectations and only one five-star read. That stand-out book was We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson, a gothic, atmospheric tale that explores themes of isolation, madness, agoraphobia and murder, with a truly memorable protagonist. I can’t wait to try out another of Jackson’s books.
It was great to pick up books from two of my favourite authors; Daphne du Maurier’s short story collection, The Birds, which continued my love affair with her unsettling tales and evocative writing; and Patrick Ness’ new novel, Release, which explores sexuality, religion and the notions of confrontation and acceptance, both within ourselves and with regards to others.
After Bird Box became one of my favourite reads of last year, it was always going to be tough for Malerman’s novella, A House at the Bottom of a Lake, to live up to it. I felt it was too drawn out and would have worked far better as a short story, but enjoyed the striking images he created and the way he plays with the senses to instil unease.
I read Love is Love, a comic book anthology that was produced in aid of the victims and families affected by the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando. With so many contributors, it was a real mixed bag but I appreciated the sentiment behind it. There has been some controversy regarding the writers/artists that were included, with some people upset that there weren’t more LGBT+ contributors. I went into my thoughts on this, and some of the problematic imagery, in my review on Goodreads.
I rate or review everything I read on Goodreads for that matter, so by all means add me over there if you want more in depth thoughts on any of the books (or feel free to ask me in the comments here).
The biggest disappointment this month was sadly The Plague by Albert Camus. It centres around a town that is put into lockdown when a deadly strain of the plague suddenly emerges. It’s often considered allegory for the Nazi occupation of France and the resistance of the human race, and so for a book I expected to be powerful and emotional, I was surprised at how dry, dense and cold I found it. It also bothered me that it’s supposed to focus on a whole community and yet there wasn’t a single female character of any note.
To finish by talking of something a little more positive, however, I really enjoyed Alice Thompson’s bizarre little novel, Burnt Island, which is a very meta, tongue-in-cheek (though dark) riff on the writing process, and Claudia Rankine’s Citizen, an approachable exploration of racism in America using poetry and various other mediums.
The month was rounded off with a few other solid reads, and I look forward to seeing what books June brings my way.
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What was your favourite read in May?
May 26, 2017
Spotlight | Robert Ingpen
Robert Ingpen
It’s been a while since I’ve posted an instalment in my spotlight series, in which I highlight a person, place or thing from the bookish world that I love. Today is the turn of Robert Ingpen, an illustrator and writer from Australia who is probably best known for his beautiful artistic interpretation of several children’s classics, including the likes of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Peter Pan and Wendy, The Jungle Book and The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, to name just a few. Many of these are available in lovely unabridged hardback editions from Templar Publishing, which are my favourite editions to collect with regards to Ingpen’s work.
His style is warm, colourful, enchanting, and expressive yet detailed; perfectly suited to the charm and whimsy of timeless tales such as those mentioned above. I think he has a particular flair for depicting animals, which form some of my favourite pieces by him.
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Some examples of Ingpen’s animal portraits
There’s not much else that needs to be said, really. Instead, I think I’ll just let his work speak for itself and urge you all to check him out if you haven’t already.
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Some more of my favourite pieces by Ingpen
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Do you have any books illustrated by Ingpen? Which is your favourite?
May 23, 2017
Business as Usual
They hear the threat of her click-clacking approach long before they look at her, believing that she balances on blades for their pleasure when what she really wants is to be six inches closer to the sheet of glass above her head with visions of destruction; a kaleidoscope of possibility.
