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Hugh Jackman recommended The Singing Detective (2003) in Movies (curated)
ClareR (5589 KP) rated The Disappeared in Books
May 25, 2019
Dystopian Britain
Set in the near future, Britain has become a one party, military controlled state, where reading the wrong book could mean that you are ‘disappeared’.
The Authorisation Bureau we’re responsible for the disappearance of Clara’s father, a university English lecturer, and she is determined to pick up where he left off. Along with her History professor boyfriend, they decide to teach a select group of students about the past and the books that they are now forbidden to read. But things do not go as planned. Clara has some protection, as her stepfather is a ‘high up’ interrogator with the Authorisation Bureau, but this can only go so far to protect her.
I thoroughly enjoyed this dark tale of an alternate UK. It was rather violent in places, but it’s message was ultimately that of hope. My only complaint (which isn’t really a complaint) is that we could have done with more from the resistance organisation, Lumiere. I would have loved to have read more about them.
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole for serialising this book, and to the author, Amy Lord, for reading along and answering questions.
The Authorisation Bureau we’re responsible for the disappearance of Clara’s father, a university English lecturer, and she is determined to pick up where he left off. Along with her History professor boyfriend, they decide to teach a select group of students about the past and the books that they are now forbidden to read. But things do not go as planned. Clara has some protection, as her stepfather is a ‘high up’ interrogator with the Authorisation Bureau, but this can only go so far to protect her.
I thoroughly enjoyed this dark tale of an alternate UK. It was rather violent in places, but it’s message was ultimately that of hope. My only complaint (which isn’t really a complaint) is that we could have done with more from the resistance organisation, Lumiere. I would have loved to have read more about them.
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole for serialising this book, and to the author, Amy Lord, for reading along and answering questions.
Dana (24 KP) rated The History of the Kings of Britain in Books
Mar 23, 2018
I really enjoyed learning about the mythos of King Arthur and the legends and kinds that came before him and shaped his reign. Seriously, if you are at all into King Arthur and you want context on how these legends came about, pick this book up, it is worth the read.
In addition to this, I would read Pseudo-Ninnias' Historia Brittonum, Gildas' The Ruin of Britain, and Bede's Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis Anglorum. They will all help to understand all of the source material for the Arthurian Romances.
In addition to this, I would read Pseudo-Ninnias' Historia Brittonum, Gildas' The Ruin of Britain, and Bede's Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis Anglorum. They will all help to understand all of the source material for the Arthurian Romances.
David McK (3222 KP) rated The Crow Goddess (Lugh Mac Romain, #2) in Books
Jan 30, 2019
The sequel to "A Shadow of Gulls", the Crow Goddess continues the story of Lugh the Harper and Cuchullain, although reading the former is not a pre-requisite to reading this.
Whereas the previous novel revolved mainly around the Ulster series of Legends (most particularly the Cattle Raid of Cooley), this novel takes place in both Roman Britain (the first half, and prior to the building of Hadrians Wall) and Ireland. The second part of the novel - the part in Ireland itself - concerns Cuchullains legendary death more than his legendary life.
Well worth a read!
Whereas the previous novel revolved mainly around the Ulster series of Legends (most particularly the Cattle Raid of Cooley), this novel takes place in both Roman Britain (the first half, and prior to the building of Hadrians Wall) and Ireland. The second part of the novel - the part in Ireland itself - concerns Cuchullains legendary death more than his legendary life.
Well worth a read!
Buzz Aldrin recommended Churchill (2017) in Movies (curated)
Gareth von Kallenbach (971 KP) rated Eddie The Eagle (2016) in Movies
Aug 6, 2019
Based on a true story, this film tells the story of Eddie “The Eagle” Edwards’s journey from childhood as he chases his dream of someday representing his home country of Britain in the Olympics. When Eddie’s dreams seemly are coming to an end he looks to defy his naysayers by becoming the first Olympic Ski Jumper to represent Britain in the modern Olympic era.
Taron Egerton (Kingsman: Secret Service) does a marvelous job playing Eddie. He portrays the good natured soul of this un-athletic and socially awkward yet endearing hero. As a result, he not only wins the hearts of the people around him, but of audiences as well. Coupled with the hard charismatic and athletic contrast of Hugh Jackman, who plays an ex-ski jump champion Bronson Peary, the two shine together in their contrast but find an unexpected friendship that provides opportunity for one and redemption for the other.
Through the course of the film, it is hard to not be inspired by someone who is whole-heartedly chancing his dream. As such, I would best described Eddie The Eagle as the “feel good movie of the year.” A clichéd and premature description this early in 2016, but appropriate nonetheless. Take the family to this delightful film.
Taron Egerton (Kingsman: Secret Service) does a marvelous job playing Eddie. He portrays the good natured soul of this un-athletic and socially awkward yet endearing hero. As a result, he not only wins the hearts of the people around him, but of audiences as well. Coupled with the hard charismatic and athletic contrast of Hugh Jackman, who plays an ex-ski jump champion Bronson Peary, the two shine together in their contrast but find an unexpected friendship that provides opportunity for one and redemption for the other.
Through the course of the film, it is hard to not be inspired by someone who is whole-heartedly chancing his dream. As such, I would best described Eddie The Eagle as the “feel good movie of the year.” A clichéd and premature description this early in 2016, but appropriate nonetheless. Take the family to this delightful film.
Mark Halpern (153 KP) rated V for Vendetta (2005) in Movies
Jan 11, 2018
A great unknown masked hero
Set in a universes where Britain rules all and disease has destroyed alot of people including a rare virus where people were experimented on for a vaccine our rare hero emerges as one of the ones who survied the testing. He is geared towards taking down all the culprits behind the testing and the current British rule. Our heroine is a girl who wants to fight but needs to know why is at one point shown the way through a very harsh manor. This movie is very underrated and some of the fight scenes are great.
Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated The Witchfinder's Sister in Books
Jul 26, 2017
A dark stain on human history
The story of Matthew Hopkins' sister is gripping from start to finish, almost gut-wrenching knowing what's to come. The witch trials in Britain are rarely documented unlike the trials of Salem. Hence reading this historical fiction almost brought the disgrace to life. You have pure empathy for the sister Alice, who attempts throughout to thwart her brother's evil plans. But it raises the question of complicity and innocence and how far gone Alice had crossed the line. Matthew's character is purely psychopathic, and he truly is a villain in every sense. A fantastic, detailed read.
Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated The One Who Wrote Destiny in Books
Mar 2, 2018
Sweet but thin storyline
Nikesh Shukla's latest literary escapade is sweet, exploring familial ties and how fate plays a role in this family. The narrators include terminal cancer patient Neha, Kenyan-born father Mukesh, and hapless comedian brother Rakesh, each playing a role in their so-called pre-determined destinies.
The writing is witty and it's always wonderful to hear voices that represent BAME communities in modern Britain. But unfortunately it is a little thin in plot and storyline. It is a host of voices speaking about their perspectives and intricately joining together. An easy read.
The writing is witty and it's always wonderful to hear voices that represent BAME communities in modern Britain. But unfortunately it is a little thin in plot and storyline. It is a host of voices speaking about their perspectives and intricately joining together. An easy read.
