LESSONS FROM THE RAIN I struggle with the cold. I really do – and since arriving in Europe it’s been cold with a capital C! Cold with sun is doable, but when it’s cold and rainy and you can’t be … Read More
[PS: This is obviously not travel-related. Just something I thought I should post as I tie up loose ends. Incidentally (or not) I will be reading Good Omens (book) on the plane.] TV series |6 episodes | Amazon Prime Based … Read More
We all know the fictional ‘trope’ of “self-sacrifice.” It’s what Aslan, Harry Potter, Timothy and Jesus have in common. I’ve recently been musing on a specific type of sacrifice ‘trope’ (for want of a better word) which seems to crop … Read More
I wrote a review of sorts for the BBC series Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell, but it occurs to me that I have neglected to write about book by Susanna Clarke of the same name. There are multiple book reviews … Read More
This post was written in response to someone who dared to suggest in my hearing that non-fiction trumps fiction. (Don’t worry, we’re still on speaking terms!) My defence of fiction (firstly, let’s make sure we’re on the same page) Firstly, … Read More
I am rather dismissive of allegories. As a child I found them profoundly disappointing. I’d begin reading what I thought was a “new” story.. Only to discover a quarter of a way through that I’d been “tricked” and it was … Read More
I’m forever on a quest to discover why I like what I like. This is part of my foray into ‘types’ of fictional characters and why we as readers like them. Who or what are ‘characters who work undercover for the ‘good’ … Read More
Happy New Year everyone! Following the tradition, here we go! Books read 2018: 70 Trends: Number of books is increasing (67 in 2017, 56 in 2016, 55 in 2015) I am ‘reading’ more audio books I am also reading far … Read More
I’m forever on a quest to discover why I like what I like. Join me on a foray into ‘types’ of fictional characters and why we as readers like them. Who or what are socially disadvantaged characters? Socially disadvantaged characters … Read More
Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell (BBC mini-series 2015; Netflix; my local library) is a regency era alternative history detailing the attempt of two “practical” magicians to bring magic back to England. “We have channelled all of English magic into a butler … Read More
