MAY/JUNE REVIEWS

What I've Been Reading

Everyone and Everything by Nadine J Cohen

I followed Nadine on Twitter in its heyday, and she was hilarious. I listened to her debut novel on talking book. The narrator was her sister and she was phenomenal. This feels like it is semi auto-biographical and it was magnificent. I loved the main character's world so much I felt very despondent when it was over, I did not want to leave.

It follows, Yael, who is recovering from a break down. The story follows her slow recovery and what happens in her immediate life with her family and friend to assist this recovery. It also slowly moves backwards to see what happened in the lead up to the breakdown. This sounds bleak and at times it is, but mostly it is glorious and funny. Cohen is very funny. 

Yael spends a lot of time at a local women's baths, and befriends a lovely older woman. Yael and her family are also Jewish, so there is a lot of their beautiful culture within the novel. There is so much to love here, the instability of life, being single in a mixed-up world, pulling yourself back from the brink, the love of friends and family, and so much more. One of the best books I have read so far this year.

1984 by George Orwell

I am ashamed to say, this was my first reading of 1984. I actually listened to it on talking book. To say I loved it is a huge understatement. I have read a lot of Orwell's Non-Fiction, and always enjoyed his writing, but this is something else altogether. How he got things so right in terms of the future I will never know. But I do know (from reading his NF) that he was under surveillance during the war and he knew about the nastiness of some people...also from the war. Suffice to say, he was one of the original forecasters. 

If you haven't read this book, you really must. Not only is it beautifully written, it is a page turner and full of many woah moments. This will head into my very full top ten books.

The In-Between by Christos Tsiolkas

This is an excellent love story about two middle-aged men who meet online. They are escaping bad relationships in their past, and both have much baggage. The story progresses beautifully and slowly and also delves into their pasts. This is such a great and compelling story. Whilst it still packs the usual Tsiolkas punch, there is also a lovely tenderness you don't always feel in his books. I couldn't put this one down. Highly recommend

Funny Ethnics by Shirley Le

Sylvia is Vietnamese and lives in Western Sydney. She is struggling to reconcile her the reality of living in Australia and her heritage. Awful things happen, but it is subtle, and at times incredibly funny. It reads like a coming-of-age story, but it is more than that. I struggled with the main character as she came across too flighty and a tad annoying. However it was a good read.

Small Circle of Beings by Damon Galgut

Galgut is a phenomenal but confronting writer. He won The Book in 2021 for The Promise, which I am currently reading. He is South African, and his writes about the people and politics there. His works grab you by throat and jolts you straight into his reality. This is a selection of short stories, and I couldn't put it down. The main story, the longest and title of the book, is about parents of a very unwell child and what they do (and do not do) to help their boy. Incredibly confronting but utterly compelling, as were most of the stories within. 

The Quarry by Damon Galgut

The Quarry was a quick and easy read, about a nameless man escaping from something you never know about. He is on the road and meets a clergyman who picks him up. They talk for a while and the man finds out the clergyman is on his way to a new town, no one has met him. The man murders the clergyman, just outside the town, and drives there to assume his identity. Things take off from there, and they were already fascinating. I won't say anymore, spoilers. It was also made into a film, which is very close to the book.

Women and Children by Tony Birch

This is the first book I have read by Australian Aboriginal, Birch, and it was magnificent. Dealing with family violence, but in the most subtle way through the eyes of a child. Don't let the subject matter turn you off, the story is written with so much love and is incredibly uplifting. The characters are drawn so beautifully and with so many layers. Whilst a dramatic book, it also has a lot of humour. My favourite relationship was between Joe, the main character, and his grandfather. It won The Age book of the year last year.

Poor Things by Alasdair Gray

This is the extraordinary book that the movie was taken from. The general storyline is much the same as the movie but it is from the male perspective rather than Bella's. I think it would have been a difficult read had I not seen the movie, but with the visuals in my mind I found it an easy read. 

Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow - Gabrielle Zevin

This was a great read. I didn't realise until after I had finished it that Zevin had also written Elsewhere (a teen novel about the afterlife that is utterly brilliant) and The Storied Life of AJ Fikry (about a young child left at a bookshop) both of which I loved. All 3 books are very different. Tomorrow is about three young adults who are into gaming, and tying to get their games up and popular. It follows their ups and downs with twists and turns over a few decades. I won't say more, spoilers! But it was worth the hype!

Until August - Gabriel Garcia Marquez

Until August is a novella published 10 years after his death. On surface it is an interesting and almost meditative story of a woman's yearly journal to an island to place flowers on her mother's grave. But it develops into her having one night stands each year, despite being married. It covers a large array of the usual themes, love, families, obsession, marriage, death, but it feels so limited too. I really enjoyed it, but knowing it was meant to be a large novel made me feel a little robbed. Posthumous publishing is always fraught. Don't get me started about Harper Lee! But for lovers of GGM, this will be a little treat, just go in without expectations.

Karma: my autobiography by Boy George

This was a load of fun, loads of gossip and telling it like it is, which is George's signature tongue. He tells about Culture Club's rise to fame, the band, his lovers, the drugs and the subsequent jail time. less snarky than when he was when he was younger, and more honest in a natural way, I enjoyed this romp. But then, I have always loved George.

What are you going through Sigrid Nunez

As always Nunez tackles big issues but in a gentle, kind way. A middle aged writer, is visiting an older friend in another city. The friend has cancer, and as it progresses the relationship changes and the friend imposes on the writer. The writer is dealing with her own issues and her past life seems to be bumping into her more frequently. The book is about how women age and how they are treated, the invisibility (or not) of middle age, relationships, and impending death. It is beautifully written (Nunez is an exceptional writer, I love her work), with reality, but warmth and some humour. Definitely worth a read

What I've Been Watching

Dune II

We saw the second part of Villeneuve's trilogy at the IMAX in Sydney. Wonderful to see such a magnificent film on such a big screen. The second film took it up a notch and it was so great to soak in. The cast is phenomenal, and the visuals breathtaking. It was a long film but felt like 5 seconds, cannot wait for the third!

All is True 

This was a Branagh film with Ken as William Shakespeare and Judiy Dench as his long suffering wife. I really wanted to love this film, but it was a little dreary. Branagh and especially Dench were brilliant - they are the god and goddess of Shakespeare. I did enjoy and appreciate the film but I did not love it. 

Nineteen Eighty-Four

After reading the book, I had to watch the film. Slightly different but mostly the same and thrilling to see such a masterpiece depicted so well. Chills!

Young Frankenstein

We love a rewatch every now and then, especially if it is something one (or both) of us loves and the other hasn't seen. In this case, we both love this, but had not seen it together, what a treat. The most accessible of Brooks' films, and probably the funniest, the reworking of Frankenstein is genius. Mel Brooks is genius! Gene Wilder - as always - is perfection, the whole cast is. I love the Puttin' on the Ritz scene the most, which funnily was the one scene Brooks was not sure about. Peter Boyle is utterly brilliant in the film, but especially in this scene. Some films never date and get better with time, this is one of them.

Allelujah

This was an interesting film, with a script by Alan Bennett and Heidi Thomas. Based in geriatric ward, Jennifer Saunders is the long suffering nurse looking after the elderly. Derek Jacobi, Judi Dench, and David Bradley co-star as residents. The ward is being threatened with closure, so they decide to have a large celebration to recognise and honour the head nurse (Saunders), but chaos ensures and this lovely little film takes quite the turn. Remember, this IS Alan Bennett. I enjoyed this one

The Quarry

Pretty accurate adaptation of the book with Michael Shannon as the titular character. I didn't mind this but watched it very soon after reading the book, which played out better in my mind's eye. 

True Detective S4

Jodie Foster! She has this natural presence on screen I find so very comforting. Maybe because she has grown up doing this, maybe because I have grown up watching her do this. But I think she is one of those few stars that just have IT. You never ever catch her acting, every role feels like it is her and this is no different. Jodie is Chief police Liz Danvers, she has a lot going on in her life, and her past. SHe is a tough cookie and seems to piss a lot of people off. I bloody loved her! She show is set in a remote town in Alaska, where a scientific research station is based. When the entire crew of the station goes missing, something is up. This is a wild ride, twists and turns, a really good mystery with a possible dabbling of supernatural (which all the TD series do). FOster has a wonderful supporting cast, Kali Reis, Fiona Shaw, Christopher Eccleston and more. This is really worth watching.

The Regime

Kate Winslet stars as a crack pot Dictator of an unknown Eastern European nation. The Regime is a black comedy and completely bonkers...in the best possible way. Winslet has created the most remarkable character, and you can tell she was loving every minute of it. After her father passes, Elena takes on his role and she is completely out of her depth. When her guard becomes her advisor, things get really out of hand. To say anymore is too much of a spoiler. The gorgeous Matthias Schoenaerts is her guard, and other supporting cast are Hugh Grant, Andrea Riseborough, Martha Plimpton, and Julia Davis.

Russian Doll S2

Natasha Lyonne is back as Nadia who keeps having to relive her life on her birthday. This is a difficult one to write about without giving too much away. It is best to watch and go with the flow. It will suck you in. S2 is not a great as S1, but still compelling. The supporting cast is remarkable and Lyonne is such a versatile actress, she gives her all in this one. Just go and give it a go!

Colin From Accounts S2

I loved S1, it was close to a perfect show which is rare. S2 is really good, and had I not seen S1, I would say great. But S1 is a had act to follow so I am being tough here, and I didn't love it as much as S1. It definitely picks up as the season moves through the episodes. Again, the humour is a little wrong, but the right side of right. Unsure what else to say. Infinitely better than most things on television.

Werner Herzog: Radical Dreamer

I am such a fan of Herzog, his films and the man. I read his autobiography earlier this year and was thrilled to see this documentary about him and his films. This is a great doco, funny and interesting. Loads of behind the scenes footage, also footage with his wife and family. You find out more in the book, but the doco is so visually wonderful, it felt like gold. I just smiled through the whole thing and then wanted more!

Pavarotti

Great doco on the great man, no holds barred, it shows his more challenging sides, but really he is a gentle giant with a superb gift. It is not just about his gift, the music, but also about his private life and his family. Loads of other musicians chip in their experiences with the great man.  My favourite story was when Pav was doing his duets album and he wanted Bono, but Bono was busy recording a U2 album. Pav was very persistent and quite cheeky until Bono had to say yes. This doco made me laugh and smile, but when he sings, goosebumps and tears. If you love music, this is a super important one to watch.

Ennio the maestro

Another great music documentary about the amazing soundtrack maestro, Ennio Morricone. This traces his start in classical music, how he got into soundtracks and the movies, and his work process. This is like watching a genius sail through life, what a gift. A remarkable story and film.

George Michael: portrait of an artist

Another great modern music doco. The more I think about George, the more I realise what a superb and genuine performer he was and how underrated he was. This showcases his talent and life, and will leave you in tears when you understand what we have lost.

Cannes Uncut

A behind the scenes doco on the Cannes Film Festival. How it started, and grew over the years. How it works, the celebs that appear, and the controversies over the years. A bit of fun and film gossip!!

New Wave: dare to be different

Whilst this was not the best doco, it was a lot of fun. Following the rise of early 80s, new wave bands and how some DJs let open the flood gates, when a lot of radio stations were not playing this new music, mostly from the UK and NYC.

Blackadder: a cunning story

This was such fun, a great look behind the entire Blackadder series, with loads of interviews from the actors and behind the scenes. What a talented group of people. Many funny anecdotes about key scenes and dialogue, often funnier than the actuality. It made me very nostalgic for the show itself. So much genius, one of those rare lightning in a bottle shows.

Jim Henson: idea man

Ron Howard's doco of the late, great Jim Henson is a masterpiece. A real in-depth look into the man and creator of The Muppets. Most people would love to be able to create a margin of what he created in his very short but remarkable life. This film will get you in all the feels, so much to smile and laugh at, so much to ponder, and a lot that will make you tear up.  Find it and watch it post-haste!

The Velvet Queen

A lovely animal doco about a Nationat Geographic photographer's quest to photograph the notorious snow leopard in Tibet. Lush white land surrounds of snow in the Tibetan mountains, set to a Nick Cave and Warren Ellis soundtrack, this is pure escapism. This doco really delivers.

Brats.

This doco about the BratPack from the 80s was pulled together and directed by Andrew McCarthy, It explores how each member of the so-called coped with this label. Some better than others, it would appear. McCarthy seems deeply scarred by the reference and understandably. At the height of his career, he could have been much more of an actor than he became, they all could have. The label strangled them in various ways.

This was a great walk down memory lane and it was lovely to see familiar faces, albeit some decades later. McCarthy's interview with the journalist who wrote the article is a pivotal point in the film, fascinating to me. This doco has received mixed reviews, but I really loved it. I have always been a fan of McCarthy, so it was nice to see him try and make sense of his past by reconnecting. The only downer, no Molly Ringwald, but I guess that was to be expected. Maybe there will be a part 2!

Lolla: the story of Lollapalooza

This was a short series about the history of Lollapalooza. With heaps of great interviews with those that participated and those that worked to pull the festival off, I was sucked right into this world. It also included a lot of interviews with Perry Farrell, the founder, who I love. He is quite the character and this really exposes that. If you love indie music, and ever wished you had attended Lollapalooza (whilst, not a big fan of festivals, this is one I would have loved to go to) this one if for you.

Stanley Tucci: searching for Italy S2

Stanley is back, suave as ever and exploring more parts of Italy and the food they make and eat. Do not watch this show on an empty stomach, the food is amazing! The people are delightful, the countryside breathtaking. Stanley is such a mensch, and loves his food. the episode where he brings his parents back to their hometown was wonderful. His Dad is an older version of him in every way. This is feel good TV as it's best.

The hospital: in the deep end 

I found this 3 part documentary very compelling. Three 'celebrity' figures go and work at St Vincent's hospital in Sydney. I use the term celebrity loosely here, as they are more than that and I would even suggest Samuel Johnson and Costa are National Treasures. I didn't know Melissa Leong but she seemed really lovely too. Each worked in various departments and it showed what we already know I guess. Hospital staff are true angels, angels that are overworked and need more funding. But the breadth and depth of what the three saw and were involved in made for incredibly moving and important viewing. Whilst ultimately uplifting, this was a tough watch.

What I've Been Listening To

McCartney: a life in lyrics

I finished listening to S2 of this great podcast. In each Paul and Paul Muldoon discuss a song, based on the book they wrote together of the same name. They are shortish eps by podcast standard, which is great, and they songs they discuss are not always the most well known which makes it even more interesting. McCartney always adds something you had never heard before to the episode, which given the amount of information out there is something else! My favourite was the final episode of the series, The End, about the song The End. It was lovely and fun.

Lloyd Cole and the Commotions Greatest Hits

This has been taking quite the spin on my turn table, upbeat and fun, a little melancholy and cerebral...that's Lloyd!

Pet Sounds by The Beach Boys

Got the new copy of this and it is an utter delight from beginning to end. A work of genius that features their greatest song, God Only Knows. Other faves from the album are I'm waiting for the day, Wouldn't it be nice, and Sloop John B.