Film: The Post. This is a compelling film to watch and with such a wonderful cast a pleasure too. Again a different script and story from so many other films made it a joy to sit back and watch a portion of recent history being told by writers of craft and acted out by two greats of the cinema screen Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks.
They were supported by a huge cast and those shots of the large office of The Washington Post showed the intensity of the newspaper world. Oh yes, we had drama, some suspense and personal motives and achievements were there in front of us.
You could say that the actions of those in high office were exposed and condemned by this script and it is no different from then until now. Lies have been exposed and now we have ‘fake news’ so called. It is no different for a lie is a lie!
The story of Katherine Graham who inherited The Post on the death of her husband and who showed in that ‘men-only-world’ that she could do it better than them. Every where that she went in her professional capacity she was surrounded by men. It was tough then and still tough now for women in a global world, but maybe it has changed a little. Equality is a fine word easily spoken of, but less so seen in practice. That is not to say that the lack of equality is not seen elsewhere for it exists in many places and some darker than others.
Finally the freedom won by the press then is still a battleground for politicians and journalists. Both of them seem to have a propensity for overstepping the mark.
Wednesday 24 January 2018
Film: Three Billboards outside Ebbing Missouri
Film: Three Billboards outside Ebbing, Missouri has a story that many can relate to. It is where a loved one is killed and there is no perceived justice. The film begins with Mildred Hayes driving past three derelict billboards in rural Missouri when she knows what to do. Her teenage daughter has been murdered and, as she sees it, the local sheriff has done sod all. Months have passed and she intends to deliver a message that will be up there with the best. Sheriff Willoughby will see her message elevated above the trees. It is a reaction that is sought and it arrives from more than one source. At times unpleasant, with violence, and scenes of racism, of sexism and with an abundant use of Anglo-Saxon expletives. It is gripping and there are ripples of ‘dark humour’ that are well presented,
Martin McDonagh’s creation and with Frances McDormand as Mildred. She is supported by two super performances by Woody Harrelson and Sam Rockwell. All three are nominated for the Oscars and are deserved. It is a production that is enjoyable and absorbing although a tad lengthy. It is different and it is terrific.
Martin McDonagh’s creation and with Frances McDormand as Mildred. She is supported by two super performances by Woody Harrelson and Sam Rockwell. All three are nominated for the Oscars and are deserved. It is a production that is enjoyable and absorbing although a tad lengthy. It is different and it is terrific.
Book Review: Solomon Creed by Simon Toyne
Book Review: Solomon Creed
It's how you find a book or the writer that can make the difference between wanting to read a story or not. At twelve noon, Friday 21st July, 2017 at Theakston Old Peculiar Crime Writing Festival ‘The Dark Side’ event asked ‘How can you write believable fiction that also features the unknowable?’
The five creepy authors were asked to investigate the supernatural’s ability to push boundaries.
Now, the point of these lines is to introduce Simon Toyne, his main character, Solomon Creed, and before we let him loose on the reader and the unknowing public. The title of the book, Solomon Creed, is the first in a trilogy, with a second one ‘the boy who saw’ already on the bookshelves.
Now what would you say when a man of striking appearance walks out of the desert and away from a burning plane wreck. He is barefoot and different. That is how it is and does it create curiosity? Well, it aroused mine.
The town of Redemption in Arizona is close to the Mexican border. That sets the scenes for the ‘old wild west’, mining, greed, and for believers, religion, and also drugs. Add in gratuitous violence and ruthless predators operating with their power. This tale (or tales) comes together with all its facets interwoven with skill.
I am not a plot spoiler and that is all you will get, but, believe me this is a phenomenal read. So good that I had to read it twice!
It was Michelle’s Book Club Book of the year winning by a good length. Oh yes, there are horses that race over the desert and add something else.
It's how you find a book or the writer that can make the difference between wanting to read a story or not. At twelve noon, Friday 21st July, 2017 at Theakston Old Peculiar Crime Writing Festival ‘The Dark Side’ event asked ‘How can you write believable fiction that also features the unknowable?’
The five creepy authors were asked to investigate the supernatural’s ability to push boundaries.
Now, the point of these lines is to introduce Simon Toyne, his main character, Solomon Creed, and before we let him loose on the reader and the unknowing public. The title of the book, Solomon Creed, is the first in a trilogy, with a second one ‘the boy who saw’ already on the bookshelves.
Now what would you say when a man of striking appearance walks out of the desert and away from a burning plane wreck. He is barefoot and different. That is how it is and does it create curiosity? Well, it aroused mine.
The town of Redemption in Arizona is close to the Mexican border. That sets the scenes for the ‘old wild west’, mining, greed, and for believers, religion, and also drugs. Add in gratuitous violence and ruthless predators operating with their power. This tale (or tales) comes together with all its facets interwoven with skill.
I am not a plot spoiler and that is all you will get, but, believe me this is a phenomenal read. So good that I had to read it twice!
It was Michelle’s Book Club Book of the year winning by a good length. Oh yes, there are horses that race over the desert and add something else.
Tuesday 9 January 2018
SHOTGUN KILLERS
THERE’S KILLING IN OUR GREEN AND (COULD BE MORE) PLEASANT LAND
It is hard out there. It is very hard in our beautiful countryside that can be full of treasures. It is under pressure from several sources. There are killers out there.
On the BBC’s Countryfile on Sunday evening there was a discussion about the process of obtaining, or for the process of the renewal of, shotgun certificates. Tom Heap talked about the contentious new rules involving them. For the purpose of this document it is not relevant, but the comment that followed is pertinent.
Referring to the shotgun that was in the presenter’s hands, Tom Heap, who referred to it as, and I quote, ‘A VITAL TOOL OF THE COUNTRYSIDE’. On hearing this I reacted immediately. Bloody hell, I thought, it is a killing device only, and the killers that use these weapons do not need any encouragement to do that especially on main stream TV. They kill beautiful things that should be there for the enjoyment of all of us. How can an item that is intended solely for killing being anything but that? There was no mention of shooting at clays and so he could only have meant one thing. It was a ‘vital tool’ for one thing only and that was to kill the animals and birds that are in OUR countryside. The concept being that the presence of those are lessened or even eradicated for the greater good of food supply and even sport.
In July I read an article in the Scottish Sunday Times where it was said that Salmon farmers have the right to shoot seals in the same way that farmers have the right to shoot foxes to stop them killing young lambs. It is as though both have that divine right to kill their perceived enemies and to eradicate their specific problem
.
I understand that where the wild comes into contact with urban living and domesticated animals, then, there is a conflict of interests. It is how we manage that area where the two opposites meet that matters.
We need a reliable food source and this leads to intensive ways of doing it. This promotes animals living in close proximity to each other and thereby disease is more easily transmitted between them
.
I now come back to my main point involving shotguns. Red Grouse and Pheasants are intensively reared and their existence is only there for sport. They need to be fed additionally to what is available naturally and have access to supplements to try and keep them healthy. Where these birds exist is to the detriment of the indigenous wildlife. There can be no happy co-existence, especially when you add into that there is the regular use of poisons, and raptors and corvids are being removed by lead shot. There are shotgun killers out there that kill, not for the greater good, but for a minority.
It is hard out there. It is very hard in our beautiful countryside that can be full of treasures. It is under pressure from several sources. There are killers out there.
On the BBC’s Countryfile on Sunday evening there was a discussion about the process of obtaining, or for the process of the renewal of, shotgun certificates. Tom Heap talked about the contentious new rules involving them. For the purpose of this document it is not relevant, but the comment that followed is pertinent.
Referring to the shotgun that was in the presenter’s hands, Tom Heap, who referred to it as, and I quote, ‘A VITAL TOOL OF THE COUNTRYSIDE’. On hearing this I reacted immediately. Bloody hell, I thought, it is a killing device only, and the killers that use these weapons do not need any encouragement to do that especially on main stream TV. They kill beautiful things that should be there for the enjoyment of all of us. How can an item that is intended solely for killing being anything but that? There was no mention of shooting at clays and so he could only have meant one thing. It was a ‘vital tool’ for one thing only and that was to kill the animals and birds that are in OUR countryside. The concept being that the presence of those are lessened or even eradicated for the greater good of food supply and even sport.
In July I read an article in the Scottish Sunday Times where it was said that Salmon farmers have the right to shoot seals in the same way that farmers have the right to shoot foxes to stop them killing young lambs. It is as though both have that divine right to kill their perceived enemies and to eradicate their specific problem
.
I understand that where the wild comes into contact with urban living and domesticated animals, then, there is a conflict of interests. It is how we manage that area where the two opposites meet that matters.
We need a reliable food source and this leads to intensive ways of doing it. This promotes animals living in close proximity to each other and thereby disease is more easily transmitted between them
.
I now come back to my main point involving shotguns. Red Grouse and Pheasants are intensively reared and their existence is only there for sport. They need to be fed additionally to what is available naturally and have access to supplements to try and keep them healthy. Where these birds exist is to the detriment of the indigenous wildlife. There can be no happy co-existence, especially when you add into that there is the regular use of poisons, and raptors and corvids are being removed by lead shot. There are shotgun killers out there that kill, not for the greater good, but for a minority.
Monday 8 January 2018
Fire Damage by Kate Medina
Fire Damage by Kate Medina is her first in the series of Dr Jessie Flynn crime novels. Although I read outside of the crime genre I want a book that is different, and as far beyond as possible, the usual crime fiction stories. That is not to say that I have not enjoyed the many that I have read.
The author has studied psychology at university and has an MA in Creative Writing. She has spent five years with the Territorial Army, first as an officer trainee and then as a Troop Commander in the Royal Engineers. All of this experience is very evident in the story. The authenticity is apparent.
This book is different. Psychologist Dr Jessie Flynn has much to do in this book and many avenues to investigate in her attempts to obtain a satisfactory outcome. On a personal level she has matters to consider and then there is the case that is referred to her. Running alongside all of this is a civilian murder investigation.
Her personal issues are told in conjunction with the main threads and enhanced my interest. It is topical and with the Afghan connection bang up to date politically and with world affairs. I like the way she deals with this and it is so integral to the overall value.
This is a damn good read and although I have minor reservations it does not stop me from recommending it. I will not say anymore as it would reveal too much detail and I am not a plot spoiler. Neither do I read what is on the back cover or on the inside fly as there is enough information on the front cover to give the potential reader some hard clues.
The reason why I read Medina’s books is that I was aware of her writing because of the Harrogate Crime Writers Festival. Consequently, I read her first book White Crocodile, set in Cambodia and again there is a military connection. I enjoyed it too, but harrowing and suspense laden.
She has two more books out in this series and my next read could be Scared to Death and then Two Little Girls after a break. Looking at the product details on the publishers website you will find it detailed and you will get an idea of what the stories are. If you want to explore the psychological aspects of trauma and the consequences of it then these books are for you.
The author has studied psychology at university and has an MA in Creative Writing. She has spent five years with the Territorial Army, first as an officer trainee and then as a Troop Commander in the Royal Engineers. All of this experience is very evident in the story. The authenticity is apparent.
This book is different. Psychologist Dr Jessie Flynn has much to do in this book and many avenues to investigate in her attempts to obtain a satisfactory outcome. On a personal level she has matters to consider and then there is the case that is referred to her. Running alongside all of this is a civilian murder investigation.
Her personal issues are told in conjunction with the main threads and enhanced my interest. It is topical and with the Afghan connection bang up to date politically and with world affairs. I like the way she deals with this and it is so integral to the overall value.
This is a damn good read and although I have minor reservations it does not stop me from recommending it. I will not say anymore as it would reveal too much detail and I am not a plot spoiler. Neither do I read what is on the back cover or on the inside fly as there is enough information on the front cover to give the potential reader some hard clues.
The reason why I read Medina’s books is that I was aware of her writing because of the Harrogate Crime Writers Festival. Consequently, I read her first book White Crocodile, set in Cambodia and again there is a military connection. I enjoyed it too, but harrowing and suspense laden.
She has two more books out in this series and my next read could be Scared to Death and then Two Little Girls after a break. Looking at the product details on the publishers website you will find it detailed and you will get an idea of what the stories are. If you want to explore the psychological aspects of trauma and the consequences of it then these books are for you.
Sunday 7 January 2018
Comment on the review of Lullaby by Leila Slimani
My Comment upon a Book Review.
In the Guardian Bookmarks (Sunday 7th) there is a review on a ‘truly horrific, sublime thriller’ entitled Lullaby by Leila Slimani. I have read the review from start to finish and I have put this book on my list. It is set in Paris where there are two children, two well heeled professional parents and a nanny. You can read into these few lines anything that you wish to do and assume what you like.
However, the reviewer Julie Myerson, columnist, author and critic starts her review with ‘Its no spoiler to say this is a murder story.’ Okay, fine so far and then in the very next sentence she goes on to say who did what to whom and why. That's no spoiler is it? I will add a further warning do not read the first page when deciding to read this book or not.
It appears there is more to this story that ‘raises this why-dunnit above the usual killer thriller.’
It is a portrait of social, economic, and moral, conditions with distress and deprivation added to the mix. It is not a light story then. And so the review says there is much more and that should whet the appetite.
There are many books in the crime genre and this one seems to step out side of the norm and for that reason I will obtain a copy.
An Aside: Mark Billingham in ‘The books that made me’ adds in this trailer that if he doesn't like what he is reading he does not finish it. I agree as life is far to short to not enjoy what you are reading.
If you are a Francophile you will love this as President Macron has appointed Slimani to promote the French language and culture. And apparently foreign films shown in France are being dubbed. How dare they! Isn't English supreme anymore.
7th January 2018
In the Guardian Bookmarks (Sunday 7th) there is a review on a ‘truly horrific, sublime thriller’ entitled Lullaby by Leila Slimani. I have read the review from start to finish and I have put this book on my list. It is set in Paris where there are two children, two well heeled professional parents and a nanny. You can read into these few lines anything that you wish to do and assume what you like.
However, the reviewer Julie Myerson, columnist, author and critic starts her review with ‘Its no spoiler to say this is a murder story.’ Okay, fine so far and then in the very next sentence she goes on to say who did what to whom and why. That's no spoiler is it? I will add a further warning do not read the first page when deciding to read this book or not.
It appears there is more to this story that ‘raises this why-dunnit above the usual killer thriller.’
It is a portrait of social, economic, and moral, conditions with distress and deprivation added to the mix. It is not a light story then. And so the review says there is much more and that should whet the appetite.
There are many books in the crime genre and this one seems to step out side of the norm and for that reason I will obtain a copy.
An Aside: Mark Billingham in ‘The books that made me’ adds in this trailer that if he doesn't like what he is reading he does not finish it. I agree as life is far to short to not enjoy what you are reading.
If you are a Francophile you will love this as President Macron has appointed Slimani to promote the French language and culture. And apparently foreign films shown in France are being dubbed. How dare they! Isn't English supreme anymore.
7th January 2018
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