Autumn resolutions, books + films, a must see exhibition, a tempting play, and two new albums to cosy up to as we get ready to welcome back darkness, our old fiend.
Meant to say - Substack posted before I'd finished - *loved* the library stuff. You do know that St. John's Wood Library used to be the repository for all of Westminster's decommissioned books (so lots of old and out-of-print stuff going way back)? If they still have them, you go through a secret door at the back of the library...
Whaaat??? That's so cool. I need to ask the staff next time I'm there. They're all so lovely and chatty so I'm sure they'll be happy to spill the beans.
Thank you for the kind mention, Cristina. I feel like I need to see the Lee Miller exhibition a second time now that I’ve learned even more about her from readers’ comments.
I haven’t read the Navalny book, but will look it out. The documentary was among the best ever, I thought. I saw it when it was first released and had such a feeling of trepidation because he was so brave and bold. And watched it again after he was killed, with real sorrow.
You know, I feel the same way about the Lee Miller exhibition as after I read your post I thought I should go again.
Navalny mentions the documentary in the book because he learns about it winning an Oscar while he's in prison. That was a bit of a heartbreaking moment but overall the emotion that transpires from his words is hope, which is impressive considering how he spent his days since returning to Russia.
Oh my goodness Cristina, there is SO much good stuff in here! 🤩 Seriously I feel like I’m going to have to read ten times to squeeze out all the juice! I think we have very similar taste, so there’s lots here I loved too and lots here I know I will! I’m so grateful for you putting me on to French Lover (I think I might indulge in a second watch today!) and wondered from the thumbnail if your post on it had made India Knight’s round-up!! Delighted for you and very well-deserved. Must read Patriot and yes SO excited by the Aidan Turner/Lesley Manville trailer 😍 I cannot thank you enough for including my interview with Janet here—what an incredible line-up to be part of ❤️
Ahahaha, I always feel I should edit a bit more so people don't go into a culture coma but every time it gets a bit out of control as I only send this out once a month.
I wondered where the extra subscribers were coming from as it was a bit unusual and when I received the notification that put a smile on my face. I mostly write thinking I'm the only one interested in whatever topic I pick so it was a very nice surprise to see my ramblings about a film resonate with so many people. In fairness, Omar Sy and Sara Giraudeu have done the heavy lifting 😊
And yes, I couldn't leave out your conversation with Janet. I really enjoyed it and it's make me want to read more of her work. I feel Christmas it's the right time to pick up another novel of hers.
This is such a great selection. Oh to live in London, even for a brief time. I did like Yellowface even if the ending is a bit dubious. I love Leslie Manville and to see her in this production would be a real treat. Cillian is such a versatile actor, very proud of him here in Ireland 👍😉
Packed with the good stuff as usual Cristina! The Studio on the Farm sounds right up our street and i'm thinking maybe I should be downloading French Lover to watch on my next flight with all the buzz you have started.
Lots of good stuff cas usual - and delighted to see Omar Sy and Sara Giradeau getting the love they deserve. There was a really good film of Perez-Reverte's The Fencing Master, pretty old but really captured the atmosphere I thought...
I know, I'm so glad Omar Sy and Sara Giraudeau are getting their roses from people!
As for Pérez-Reverte I remember him never being happy with the film/series adaptations of his work and after watching Alatriste (both the film and a very forgettable attempt at a series that was cancelled in the middle of its first season) I've tried to stay away to avoid spoiling the good memories I had from his novels, especially the early ones. Having said that, it's time Netflix did a proper Alatriste as they have the budget to make it justice. It can be their next hidden gem, à la French Lover 😂
I am also going to see The Spy who Came In from the Cold-really looking forward to it. I watched French Lover last night and enjoyed it hugely. I am so glad it wasn’t one of those handsome-rich-man-saves-poor-woman plots. It made me want to watch Giraudeau in The Bureau again.
Thanks for the tip about the Tate exhibition. I'm visiting london several times in the next few months and it really helps to prioritise what i sneak in during my visits. Perhaps I should have seen this rather than go to NPG last time 🤔
There are lots of interesting things happening every week and to be honest it's hard to keep track even living here. I'm sure the exhibition you went too was great as well but now you have something else to look forward to. If you end up going, I hope you enjoy it. I love Tate Britain as I used to live nearby and just the Turners make a visit worth it.
If you like seeing Keanu at his goofy dead-pan younger self (1989) before his cool Matrix/John Wick self. I don’t know if you’d like it or not, it’s silly but I love it.
II thought he was quite funny precisely because I'm not used to him being anything than slick, so thanks for the suggestion, will definitely look it up!
Cillian should be cloned, the world needs more people like him!
The National Theatre has an online program and most plays are eventually available to watch on demand after they’re no longer on stage, so you still have a chance 😊
Oh yes, I have a feeling that Charles and Kingsley are two people you’d like and the way they talk about how they ended up running one of the world’s most iconic rock studios is quite funny. And hurrah for French Lover, although now I feel like a (Netflix) cult leader 🤣
Meant to say - Substack posted before I'd finished - *loved* the library stuff. You do know that St. John's Wood Library used to be the repository for all of Westminster's decommissioned books (so lots of old and out-of-print stuff going way back)? If they still have them, you go through a secret door at the back of the library...
Whaaat??? That's so cool. I need to ask the staff next time I'm there. They're all so lovely and chatty so I'm sure they'll be happy to spill the beans.
“I may be gone some time…”
(Hibernating in the chamber of decommissioned books until spring)
Thank you for the kind mention, Cristina. I feel like I need to see the Lee Miller exhibition a second time now that I’ve learned even more about her from readers’ comments.
I haven’t read the Navalny book, but will look it out. The documentary was among the best ever, I thought. I saw it when it was first released and had such a feeling of trepidation because he was so brave and bold. And watched it again after he was killed, with real sorrow.
So many good recommendations here, thank you.
Thank you, Wendy.
You know, I feel the same way about the Lee Miller exhibition as after I read your post I thought I should go again.
Navalny mentions the documentary in the book because he learns about it winning an Oscar while he's in prison. That was a bit of a heartbreaking moment but overall the emotion that transpires from his words is hope, which is impressive considering how he spent his days since returning to Russia.
Oh my goodness Cristina, there is SO much good stuff in here! 🤩 Seriously I feel like I’m going to have to read ten times to squeeze out all the juice! I think we have very similar taste, so there’s lots here I loved too and lots here I know I will! I’m so grateful for you putting me on to French Lover (I think I might indulge in a second watch today!) and wondered from the thumbnail if your post on it had made India Knight’s round-up!! Delighted for you and very well-deserved. Must read Patriot and yes SO excited by the Aidan Turner/Lesley Manville trailer 😍 I cannot thank you enough for including my interview with Janet here—what an incredible line-up to be part of ❤️
Ahahaha, I always feel I should edit a bit more so people don't go into a culture coma but every time it gets a bit out of control as I only send this out once a month.
I wondered where the extra subscribers were coming from as it was a bit unusual and when I received the notification that put a smile on my face. I mostly write thinking I'm the only one interested in whatever topic I pick so it was a very nice surprise to see my ramblings about a film resonate with so many people. In fairness, Omar Sy and Sara Giraudeu have done the heavy lifting 😊
And yes, I couldn't leave out your conversation with Janet. I really enjoyed it and it's make me want to read more of her work. I feel Christmas it's the right time to pick up another novel of hers.
Definitely the more recs the better … especially when they’re of such high quality 🤌🏻
And you know I’ll be waiting with bated breath to hear (and chat!) about your festive Austen adventure ❤️
That's reassuring to hear! I think I need to read one of the post you did recently to get a bit of inspiration on what to pick next from her.
This is such a great selection. Oh to live in London, even for a brief time. I did like Yellowface even if the ending is a bit dubious. I love Leslie Manville and to see her in this production would be a real treat. Cillian is such a versatile actor, very proud of him here in Ireland 👍😉
Packed with the good stuff as usual Cristina! The Studio on the Farm sounds right up our street and i'm thinking maybe I should be downloading French Lover to watch on my next flight with all the buzz you have started.
Lots of good stuff cas usual - and delighted to see Omar Sy and Sara Giradeau getting the love they deserve. There was a really good film of Perez-Reverte's The Fencing Master, pretty old but really captured the atmosphere I thought...
I know, I'm so glad Omar Sy and Sara Giraudeau are getting their roses from people!
As for Pérez-Reverte I remember him never being happy with the film/series adaptations of his work and after watching Alatriste (both the film and a very forgettable attempt at a series that was cancelled in the middle of its first season) I've tried to stay away to avoid spoiling the good memories I had from his novels, especially the early ones. Having said that, it's time Netflix did a proper Alatriste as they have the budget to make it justice. It can be their next hidden gem, à la French Lover 😂
I am also going to see The Spy who Came In from the Cold-really looking forward to it. I watched French Lover last night and enjoyed it hugely. I am so glad it wasn’t one of those handsome-rich-man-saves-poor-woman plots. It made me want to watch Giraudeau in The Bureau again.
Thanks for the tip about the Tate exhibition. I'm visiting london several times in the next few months and it really helps to prioritise what i sneak in during my visits. Perhaps I should have seen this rather than go to NPG last time 🤔
There are lots of interesting things happening every week and to be honest it's hard to keep track even living here. I'm sure the exhibition you went too was great as well but now you have something else to look forward to. If you end up going, I hope you enjoy it. I love Tate Britain as I used to live nearby and just the Turners make a visit worth it.
Wait you’ve never seen Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure? (Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter)
I'm afraid I have not. I take it from your comment that it's one I may enjoy :)
If you like seeing Keanu at his goofy dead-pan younger self (1989) before his cool Matrix/John Wick self. I don’t know if you’d like it or not, it’s silly but I love it.
II thought he was quite funny precisely because I'm not used to him being anything than slick, so thanks for the suggestion, will definitely look it up!
Cillian should be cloned, the world needs more people like him!
The National Theatre has an online program and most plays are eventually available to watch on demand after they’re no longer on stage, so you still have a chance 😊
Oh yes, I have a feeling that Charles and Kingsley are two people you’d like and the way they talk about how they ended up running one of the world’s most iconic rock studios is quite funny. And hurrah for French Lover, although now I feel like a (Netflix) cult leader 🤣
When I saw it advertised I knew I had to get a ticket. Have you also read the novel? I'll try to before going to the play.
So glad to hear you enjoyed French Lover. It's not groundbreaking, but it's nice to see a female lead putting herself first.