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Sassy Brit (97 KP) rated The Beguiled in Books
Jun 5, 2019
“A classic slice of Southern Gothic, shot through with psychological suspense, which is the basis for Sofia Coppola’s (winner of Best Director at Cannes) 2017 film of the same name starring Nicola Kidman, Colin Farrell and Kirsten Dunst”. Source: wiki/The_Beguiled_(2017_film).
The book was originally written with the title A Painted Devil and some of you eagle-eyed readers and film fanatics may also remember this was a film starring Clint Eastwood and Geraldine Page in the ’70s. The maid in the latter film and this 1966 novel, was black and there was also another bi-racial character, too. However, in the new film, mentioned above, this bi-racial character was played by Kirsten Dunst. This totally ruined the whole point of the book that the black woman was really a slave in their household and the bi-racial woman (who was a free woman) could not seem to see that she herself was not truly white. And that, dear readers, is a very relevant part of the original book, why change it? (Rolls eyes). Is it so wrong to portray this black woman exactly how the author intended her to be? The way I see it, what she did in that house was her way of surviving. It’s an integral part of the story. Why hide it?
After all, if you look at the underage sex and the way the main male character acts by taking advantage of his position in a household full of young girls who are basically shut away from society, should he also be seen as wrong? These young girls are easy prey, but some, are also very willing to learn… Incidentally, I must say the heat and sexual tension within the book is superbly done.
I found parts of the way this was written to be a little repetitive and confusing in style, despite this, it was still a great story. It’s only told from the girls’ perspective, which in many ways adds to this atmospheric, hothouse of lies and deceit the further into the story you delve.
The Beguiled is chock full with a Gothic sense of foreboding and unease, set against a backdrop of the Civil War, which made for some serious, ghostly tension. Who is this injured solider who turns up on their doorstep? How can these girls protect themselves from this seductive man when they have no idea what life is like outside the four walls of the house they live in?
If you read right to the end you’ll find out the brilliant twist of fate this story has in store for you. A devious surprise!
The book was originally written with the title A Painted Devil and some of you eagle-eyed readers and film fanatics may also remember this was a film starring Clint Eastwood and Geraldine Page in the ’70s. The maid in the latter film and this 1966 novel, was black and there was also another bi-racial character, too. However, in the new film, mentioned above, this bi-racial character was played by Kirsten Dunst. This totally ruined the whole point of the book that the black woman was really a slave in their household and the bi-racial woman (who was a free woman) could not seem to see that she herself was not truly white. And that, dear readers, is a very relevant part of the original book, why change it? (Rolls eyes). Is it so wrong to portray this black woman exactly how the author intended her to be? The way I see it, what she did in that house was her way of surviving. It’s an integral part of the story. Why hide it?
After all, if you look at the underage sex and the way the main male character acts by taking advantage of his position in a household full of young girls who are basically shut away from society, should he also be seen as wrong? These young girls are easy prey, but some, are also very willing to learn… Incidentally, I must say the heat and sexual tension within the book is superbly done.
I found parts of the way this was written to be a little repetitive and confusing in style, despite this, it was still a great story. It’s only told from the girls’ perspective, which in many ways adds to this atmospheric, hothouse of lies and deceit the further into the story you delve.
The Beguiled is chock full with a Gothic sense of foreboding and unease, set against a backdrop of the Civil War, which made for some serious, ghostly tension. Who is this injured solider who turns up on their doorstep? How can these girls protect themselves from this seductive man when they have no idea what life is like outside the four walls of the house they live in?
If you read right to the end you’ll find out the brilliant twist of fate this story has in store for you. A devious surprise!
The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt
Book
This classic biography is the story of seven men--a naturalist, a writer, a lover, a hunter, a...
Awix (3310 KP) rated Mother! (2017) in Movies
Feb 10, 2018 (Updated Feb 10, 2018)
Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em
Palpably insane fantasy psycho-horror from Darren Aronofsky that seems intentionally designed to alienate and repel mainstream audiences. The presence of Jennifer Lawrence and Javier Bardem seems calculated to lure in innocent passersby for this unhinged tale of... of...
Well, look, Lawrence and Bardem live in a lovely house in the countryside; he is a noted poet, she is his wife, and to begin with all is well. Then mysterious strangers start appearing and dark events threaten to disrupt their idyll. Things get extreme. At points they get extremely extreme.
If this movie was your pet it would attack your furniture and howl at the moon, then fetch you your slippers with a 'who, me?' look on its face. If you're a stickler for things like naturalism and coherence, then it is probably not for you; but Aronofsky creates the fractured sense of living through an unfolding nightmare, with all the non-logic that suggests, rather well, and the stars are all on full power. It's still very nearly the proverbial movie with something to offend everyone, but you can't fault the technical expertise with which it has been made, or the director's success in realising his (highly peculiar) vision for the film.
Well, look, Lawrence and Bardem live in a lovely house in the countryside; he is a noted poet, she is his wife, and to begin with all is well. Then mysterious strangers start appearing and dark events threaten to disrupt their idyll. Things get extreme. At points they get extremely extreme.
If this movie was your pet it would attack your furniture and howl at the moon, then fetch you your slippers with a 'who, me?' look on its face. If you're a stickler for things like naturalism and coherence, then it is probably not for you; but Aronofsky creates the fractured sense of living through an unfolding nightmare, with all the non-logic that suggests, rather well, and the stars are all on full power. It's still very nearly the proverbial movie with something to offend everyone, but you can't fault the technical expertise with which it has been made, or the director's success in realising his (highly peculiar) vision for the film.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2336 KP) rated A Christmas Peril: A Theater Cop Mystery. Book 1 in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Retired cop turned theater manager Edwina “Sully” Sullivan should be focusing on her theater’s production of A Christmas Carol. After all, the name star they’ve brought in can’t remember his lines, and actors are leaving in frustration. But what has captured her attention is the murder of Peter Whitehall. He’s not only the wealthiest man in town, but also a distant relative and the father of her friend Eric. Thanks to his security system, the police know someone in the family is the killer. Despite her intentions, Sully gets drawn into the puzzle. Can she figure out what happened?
This is a wonderful start to a new series. With my love of A Christmas Carol and live theater, I was looking forward to it, and it didn’t disappoint at all. The mystery is a modern-day twist on the isolated house mystery, and it is strong, with some surprises before we reach the logical end. Sully is already a wonderfully developed main character. There are some strong supporting characters here, and I’m looking forward to seeing the rest grow as the series progresses.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/09/book-review-christmas-peril-by-j.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
This is a wonderful start to a new series. With my love of A Christmas Carol and live theater, I was looking forward to it, and it didn’t disappoint at all. The mystery is a modern-day twist on the isolated house mystery, and it is strong, with some surprises before we reach the logical end. Sully is already a wonderfully developed main character. There are some strong supporting characters here, and I’m looking forward to seeing the rest grow as the series progresses.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/09/book-review-christmas-peril-by-j.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2336 KP) rated French Fried (Ethnic Eats Mystery #2) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Hubbard, Ohio, is celebrating the 130th anniversary of the Statue of Liberty, and Terminal on the Tracks is getting into the act by featuring French food. Laurel has worked hard on the menu with the help of Sophie’s friend Rocky. Rocky has been looking forward to the festival, but she starts to act weird when it kicks off. After missing the fireworks, Laurel goes to Rocky’s house to find Rocky dead. But why would someone want to kill her?
This book features a nice twist on things as Laurel finds herself having to figure out why someone might want to kill Rocky and then find a potential suspect that fits that motive. I enjoyed getting to see how that played out. She does come up with the correct motive and suspect for a wonderful climax. We don’t see as much of some of the supporting characters from the first book as I expected, but this allowed Laurel to really grow here. We do get to see plenty of a couple of supporting characters, and the new characters are wonderful as well.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/06/book-review-french-fried-by-kylie-logan.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
This book features a nice twist on things as Laurel finds herself having to figure out why someone might want to kill Rocky and then find a potential suspect that fits that motive. I enjoyed getting to see how that played out. She does come up with the correct motive and suspect for a wonderful climax. We don’t see as much of some of the supporting characters from the first book as I expected, but this allowed Laurel to really grow here. We do get to see plenty of a couple of supporting characters, and the new characters are wonderful as well.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/06/book-review-french-fried-by-kylie-logan.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Georgie is off the Italy in the spring of 1935. She is going to keep her friend Belinda company until she gives birth to her baby in secret. However, when the Queen finds out about Georgie’s plans, she worms Georgie’s way into a nearby house party to Georgie can learn if the Prince of Wales has secretly married Mrs. Simpson. When Georgie arrives, she finds a strange assortment of guests, which include her mother with another mission for Georgie. Can she accomplish any of it?
I look forward to this series because they are always fun, and this book is no exception. As Georgie is heading out to her ultimate destination, we get updates on everyone in her life. This may slow things down for those new to the series, but fans will absolutely love it. Once we reach Italy, things pick up and get very interesting quickly. I love how the global politics of the day was woven into this book while still giving us an entertaining mystery and keeping the tone light as always.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/08/book-review-on-her-majestys-frightfully.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
I look forward to this series because they are always fun, and this book is no exception. As Georgie is heading out to her ultimate destination, we get updates on everyone in her life. This may slow things down for those new to the series, but fans will absolutely love it. Once we reach Italy, things pick up and get very interesting quickly. I love how the global politics of the day was woven into this book while still giving us an entertaining mystery and keeping the tone light as always.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/08/book-review-on-her-majestys-frightfully.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2336 KP) rated City of Lies (Counterfeit Lady, #1) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Elizabeth Miles makes her living as a con woman, an unusual profession for a woman in 1917. However, when her latest con goes south, she finds herself on the run from the mark’s goons. In her attempts to escape, she joins a group of suffragists outside the White House and is delighted when they are arrested. But has she truly escaped the men searching for her?
If you pick up this book expecting a murder and five suspects, you’ll be disappointed. However, with those adjusted expectations pick up this book because it is wonderful. The story is captivating and moves quickly; I always had a hard time putting the book down. This may be the first in a series, but the characters are already strong. I’m not normally one to root for a criminal, but I couldn’t help but root for Elizabeth in this book. Real history is woven in without slowing down the fictional story at all. I’m not sure where the series will go from this wonderful beginning, but I can’t wait to find out.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/11/book-review-city-of-lies-by-victoria.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
If you pick up this book expecting a murder and five suspects, you’ll be disappointed. However, with those adjusted expectations pick up this book because it is wonderful. The story is captivating and moves quickly; I always had a hard time putting the book down. This may be the first in a series, but the characters are already strong. I’m not normally one to root for a criminal, but I couldn’t help but root for Elizabeth in this book. Real history is woven in without slowing down the fictional story at all. I’m not sure where the series will go from this wonderful beginning, but I can’t wait to find out.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/11/book-review-city-of-lies-by-victoria.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Merissa (12817 KP) rated Desires of a Mage (Mages of the Nether, #2) in Books
Dec 17, 2018
Desires of a Mage follows Marcus as he becomes bored with being a bodyguard for Daniel and Aiden. He wants more, but doesn't appear to be able to get it. Edmond is from a scholarly house, more suited to teaching than fighting. These two have a history but Marcus broke it off for reasons unknown. All does become clear as the story progresses though, I promise you.
With meddling families, traitors in the mix, unrequited love, there is plenty of action going on. I was very pleased when things were cleared up with Tullia, but a bit disappointed when left with a hint that things still weren't in the clear regarding Camelia. There is plenty in here to move this story along, as well as laying the groundwork for future stories, full of intrigue.
This is well written, with a smooth and easy flow to it. I would recommend that you read it as part of a series, rather than a standalone, but have no hesitation at all in recommending it completely.
*A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and my comments here are my honest opinion.*
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
With meddling families, traitors in the mix, unrequited love, there is plenty of action going on. I was very pleased when things were cleared up with Tullia, but a bit disappointed when left with a hint that things still weren't in the clear regarding Camelia. There is plenty in here to move this story along, as well as laying the groundwork for future stories, full of intrigue.
This is well written, with a smooth and easy flow to it. I would recommend that you read it as part of a series, rather than a standalone, but have no hesitation at all in recommending it completely.
*A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and my comments here are my honest opinion.*
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!