The Story of a New Name – Elena Ferrante
I confess, I’m completely swept up in Ferrante’s yin/yang story of Lenu and Lila. Ferrante is a spellbinding storyteller, weaving plots around and within plots like the kind of super-complicated crochet only Lettice and Stacey can do. Now at the end of volume 2, all I know is that I might have to ration the third and fourth books, because it will be too, too sad when there’s no more to read.
The light’s starting to linger, there’s a hint of spring in our steps – but let’s face it, the nights are still pretty parky, so there are plenty of long, dark evenings to spend curled up with movies and books yet. First, though – a rather special record. Continue reading
Ooh, this month’s a good one. Especially for music. Make a cup of tea, grab a blanket and curl up with some beautiful autumnal treats. (And maybe an early Terry’s chocolate orange – they seem to be on sale for a quid in quite a few places and what more of an excuse do you need.)
Vaughan’s the author of epic fan favourite Saga, and this sounded right up my street. It’s about four girls with newspaper rounds. One post-Halloween morning, they head out and discover … things have changed.
So basically if the all-female Ghostbusters reboot was set in 1988 and crossed with the Goonies. And yes, it’s that good.
(Have you seen Ghostbusters the reboot yet? It’s amazing! I loved it.)
The latest from my favourite Cali alt-rockers. Moody, dark and great getting-ready-to-go-out music as the nights draw in. (Warning: May result in heavier application of eyeliner than intended.)
Kiefer Sutherland as a somewhat-reluctant president after all the others get blown up at the State of the Union. Only two episodes in so far, but it’s very well acted and I’m looking forward to seeing where this goes. And also he has great glasses. It’s releasing weekly on Netflix UK.
I’m a sucker for anything with Allison Janney in it, and this Netflix Original is a sharply observed and nuanced performance from a great cast. The plot’s a bit silly (homeless girl takes baby from neglectful mother) but Janney, Ellen Page and Tammy Blanchard are all extremely watchable.
Linklater really can do youth, can’t he. I’m guessing you’ve all already seen this, but if not, it’s new to Netflix UK and very lovely. Patricia Arquette is excellent – totally deserved her Oscar for Best Supporting.
Excited about …
Slow-cooked soups, dals, stews – anything hot, steamy and scrumptious. Also tea. Lots of tea.
Wickedly naughty short stories with a New York twist, if you’re wondering what they get up to all day. It’s dark, witty and rather scandalous. All my girlfriends are getting this for Christmas. They will love it.
You’ll wish your life was like theirs.
Listening to …
The Claptrap podcast – it’s totally my new favourite thing, like hanging out with your besties. Shiv Meaker and Kathy Manson burble on about crisps, knickers and everything in between. (Pro tip: Do not get crisps in your knickers.)
