Worth a Look…
Newly opened at the top of King Street, Belper.
Richard on the ‘wireless’
Did anyone hear Richard’s erudite tones on the Mariella Frostrup programme? The discussion was about 20th century neglected fiction by women writers, I think (I was resting at the time). Rosamund Lehman’s Weather in the Streets was chosen by most listeners and I would certainly recommend this – on my blog last year.
I was drifting in and out of soma land so I didn’t quite catch your choice, Richard but what I heard sounded intriguing. The consensus on the programme seemed to be that men have been reluctant to read books written by women but you have always been a strong advocate for 20th century women writers. It could be said that most or all of these books are neglected.
The Night Watch by Sarah Waters on TV
Did anyone see the BBC’s adaptation of The Night Watch?
One of the things I loved about this book was the subtle and gradual way it let you discover how your own perceptions of someone can change once you discover the history that has made them into the person they are. This adaptation therefore managed to disappoint me in the first 3 minutes by using a voice over to explain this, just incase the you didn’t get it through the way events unfold.
Perhaps a TV version stands little chance of living up to the orignal book but i found this quite depressing and unmoving.
Depressing… in a Good Way?
Having recently read and, perversely, enjoyed Jude the Obscure this article from AbeBooks on the subject of bleak books could not be more timely.
It was inevitable that Thomas Hardy would appear on such a list, but I am in whole-hearted agreement that in this respect it is Tess, and not Jude, who carries off the prize.
The image (above-right) links to the original top ten, and the text link brings up even more depressing books. “Enjoy.”
Belper Open Houses (just slightly off topic…)
The kids and I are spending the bank holiday weekend visiting the fantastically skilled artisans of Belper, who are displaying their work in homes opened for the purpose. I’m not sure if we would have made the effort if it were not for curiousity to see the contemporary portraits of Book Group’s own Margaret. (See, marginally topical!)
I enjoyed viewing Margaret’s impressive display of work, and my daughters, not noticeably keen on portraiture, were quick to spot a beautiful painting of fish, amongst Margaret’s several excursions into other areas of interest.
Here are the details for Belper Open Houses May 2011 (last chance to view is tomorrow, Bank Holiday Monday.) If you can’t get to the Open House try Margaret’s website instead. There are a few familiar faces to be spotted in Margaret’s rogues’ gallery!
all things new..
Thanks to Michele for password change reminder – I took the opportunity to change my ‘gravatar’ (?is this a real word to be found in a dictionary I wonder) and the theme for my blog
