Search
Search results
Hazel (1853 KP) rated A Notable Woman: The Romantic Journals of Jean Lucey Pratt in Books
Dec 7, 2018
<i>I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.</i>
Whilst researching a previous book, Simon Garfield came across the diaries of Jean Lucey Pratt amongst journals collected during the Second World War for Mass Observation. Intrigued by her observations and character, Garfield became determined to learn more about her. After eventually receiving permission from Jean’s niece, he was able to read all forty-five of her diaries, edit them, and produce this huge manuscript for publication: <i>A Notable Woman</i>.
Jean began writing her journals in the April of 1925 at the young age of fifteen. Although she did not write everyday, she continued putting down her thoughts and experiences up until her death in 1986. Jean Lucey Pratt was not a celebrity, although she did write an, unfortunately, unsuccessful book; nor did she achieve anything spectacular during her lifetime. What makes her diaries worth publishing is the fact that she was “ordinary,” a woman who wrote not to impress other people, but to honestly express her emotions and opinions.
For the majority of her life Jean lived on her own in Burnham Beeches, Buckinghamshire, where she yearned for a husband. Her dreams of finding the perfect man yet only attracting a handful of lovers is both amusing and saddening. The most interesting part of her written records, however, has got to be the experiences of war. Unlike other diarist such as Anne Frank, who feared for their lives, or those that experienced the fighting up front, Jean provides the perspective of the average British citizen. She comments on the rationing, the blackout curtains as well as the political propaganda, providing her own opinions, which often changed as the war progressed. Jean amuses the reader by revealing she often slept through an air raid, only waking up at the sound of the All Clear.
The war ends midway through the book, thus delivering accounts of the latter half of her life, from career to ill health, incorporating in family events and, of course, her enormous horde of cats. Although a rather introverted, lonely individual, Jean’s relationship and love for her brother is often heartwarming. Separated by oceans and only seeing him every so many years, it is clear that the siblings are strongly supportive of each other. Jean often refers to her brother as Pooh (as in <i>Winnie the Pooh</i>), to which he responds by calling her Piglet.
Initially Jean did not intend to let anyone read her diaries but later began to imagine how other people would react to what she had written. She toyed with the idea of posthumous publication, but presumed only family and friends would read them – how wrong she was! Regardless of whether her diaries were to be viewed by outsiders or not, Jean usually referred to people by their initials. Whether she did this for a particular reason or merely to save time when writing remains debatable, however it does cause a bit of confusion when reading. Helpfully the editor, Garfield, has provided a character list that can be referred back to as needed.
Simon Garfield has done a magnificent job of compiling the diary entries together to produce an interesting, moving and occasionally amusing story about life during the 1900s. He has painstakingly sorted through handwritten entries, deciding what bits to omit and conducting further research in order to explain in footnotes the sections or references that would not make sense if left alone. Garfield has made the majority of Jean’s journals flow like a novel, only becoming erratic towards the end of her life when she would only write once every few months.
<i>A Notable Woman</i> gives a fantastic insight into the lives of ordinary people during an era of hardship and change. Readers are more likely to read an accurate description of the war and subsequent years in this book than in any emotionally detached textbook or biased account. Without a doubt this book is worth a read, although do not expect to be able to rush through it as some may do with a work of fiction. Garfield if highly praised for his efforts, and one hopes that Jean would be proud to finally have a writing success.
Whilst researching a previous book, Simon Garfield came across the diaries of Jean Lucey Pratt amongst journals collected during the Second World War for Mass Observation. Intrigued by her observations and character, Garfield became determined to learn more about her. After eventually receiving permission from Jean’s niece, he was able to read all forty-five of her diaries, edit them, and produce this huge manuscript for publication: <i>A Notable Woman</i>.
Jean began writing her journals in the April of 1925 at the young age of fifteen. Although she did not write everyday, she continued putting down her thoughts and experiences up until her death in 1986. Jean Lucey Pratt was not a celebrity, although she did write an, unfortunately, unsuccessful book; nor did she achieve anything spectacular during her lifetime. What makes her diaries worth publishing is the fact that she was “ordinary,” a woman who wrote not to impress other people, but to honestly express her emotions and opinions.
For the majority of her life Jean lived on her own in Burnham Beeches, Buckinghamshire, where she yearned for a husband. Her dreams of finding the perfect man yet only attracting a handful of lovers is both amusing and saddening. The most interesting part of her written records, however, has got to be the experiences of war. Unlike other diarist such as Anne Frank, who feared for their lives, or those that experienced the fighting up front, Jean provides the perspective of the average British citizen. She comments on the rationing, the blackout curtains as well as the political propaganda, providing her own opinions, which often changed as the war progressed. Jean amuses the reader by revealing she often slept through an air raid, only waking up at the sound of the All Clear.
The war ends midway through the book, thus delivering accounts of the latter half of her life, from career to ill health, incorporating in family events and, of course, her enormous horde of cats. Although a rather introverted, lonely individual, Jean’s relationship and love for her brother is often heartwarming. Separated by oceans and only seeing him every so many years, it is clear that the siblings are strongly supportive of each other. Jean often refers to her brother as Pooh (as in <i>Winnie the Pooh</i>), to which he responds by calling her Piglet.
Initially Jean did not intend to let anyone read her diaries but later began to imagine how other people would react to what she had written. She toyed with the idea of posthumous publication, but presumed only family and friends would read them – how wrong she was! Regardless of whether her diaries were to be viewed by outsiders or not, Jean usually referred to people by their initials. Whether she did this for a particular reason or merely to save time when writing remains debatable, however it does cause a bit of confusion when reading. Helpfully the editor, Garfield, has provided a character list that can be referred back to as needed.
Simon Garfield has done a magnificent job of compiling the diary entries together to produce an interesting, moving and occasionally amusing story about life during the 1900s. He has painstakingly sorted through handwritten entries, deciding what bits to omit and conducting further research in order to explain in footnotes the sections or references that would not make sense if left alone. Garfield has made the majority of Jean’s journals flow like a novel, only becoming erratic towards the end of her life when she would only write once every few months.
<i>A Notable Woman</i> gives a fantastic insight into the lives of ordinary people during an era of hardship and change. Readers are more likely to read an accurate description of the war and subsequent years in this book than in any emotionally detached textbook or biased account. Without a doubt this book is worth a read, although do not expect to be able to rush through it as some may do with a work of fiction. Garfield if highly praised for his efforts, and one hopes that Jean would be proud to finally have a writing success.
Bethr1986 (305 KP) rated Headshot (Model Love) in Books
Oct 28, 2022
Independent Reviewer for Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Kit runs Garfield House which is a refuge for boys/young men that have been exiled by so-called friends and family for being gay!
The previous landlord has passed away and Kit is having to deal with his pompous nephew who is against everything Garfield house stands for. Kit then has the rug pulled from underneath him when said nephew decides to put the building on the market he's now got to find a way to keep the boys he's taken in safe and secure as he promised he would.
This is a beautifully written story. You get to see both sides of the story from each character's point of view and I think it's fantastic. Having an understanding of what both men are thinking and feeling makes you involved in the story and their growing relationship.
There is a lot of passion in this book especially when Kit and Jack admit their feelings for each other but it's not done in a tasteless way.
This book is part of a series but can also be read as a stand-alone, I personally am interested in reading about the other characters and finding out their stories. I am definitely hooked!
I rate this book 5/5 and recommend you read it.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
Kit runs Garfield House which is a refuge for boys/young men that have been exiled by so-called friends and family for being gay!
The previous landlord has passed away and Kit is having to deal with his pompous nephew who is against everything Garfield house stands for. Kit then has the rug pulled from underneath him when said nephew decides to put the building on the market he's now got to find a way to keep the boys he's taken in safe and secure as he promised he would.
This is a beautifully written story. You get to see both sides of the story from each character's point of view and I think it's fantastic. Having an understanding of what both men are thinking and feeling makes you involved in the story and their growing relationship.
There is a lot of passion in this book especially when Kit and Jack admit their feelings for each other but it's not done in a tasteless way.
This book is part of a series but can also be read as a stand-alone, I personally am interested in reading about the other characters and finding out their stories. I am definitely hooked!
I rate this book 5/5 and recommend you read it.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
Pete (121 KP) rated Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017) in Movies
Oct 7, 2017
Tom Holland (3 more)
Iron man
Great link with Civil war
Michael Keaton
Best spiderman by far
Move over maguire and Garfield, Tom Holland has finally filled the spot of spiderman. Nothing against the other to but Tom has hit the nail on the head when it comes to being spiderman. Great action and the film didnt have to rely to much on cameos such as Iron man. By far one of the best Marvel films and ive just recently got my tickets for Thor Ragnarok which may now not be the best marvel film of the year as expected.
AT (1676 KP) rated Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018) in Movies
Dec 27, 2018
I loved Into the Spider-verse! I must honestly say that it's one of the best Spiderman movies that I've seen since some older cartoon movies. I've never been a major Spiderman fan, and some of the more recent movies ruined it even more (thanks, Andrew Garfield). However, I really enjoyed watching this one! I do like Miles Morales and Spiderham a lot, so I'm sure that helps. Lol I loved how they did some parts of the animation so it looked like you were in a comic book. It made for a fun, nostalgic feeling. It's definitely worth seeing! There's an after-credit scene, too, so don't get up to leave right away.
David McK (3248 KP) rated The Amazing Spider-Man (2012) in Movies
Feb 20, 2022
Spider-man, Spider-man, does whatever a spider can ...
To do, there have been three actors starring as Spider-man on the big screen: Tobey Maguire (who had 3 movies), Andrew Garfield (2 movies) and Tom Holland (3 movies, not counting his various cameos or team-ups).
This is the first of the two Andrew Garfield (so pre Spider-man in the MCU) starring movies, again set during the early days of his crime-fighting career and telling how he got his powers: this time around, though, the first villain he faces is The Lizard rather than the Green Goblin. it also takes - at least in the very early parts of the movie - more of a thriller approach to his (Peter Parker's) story, laying the groundwork with an explanation of how he comes to live with his Aunt and Uncle (a groundwork which is seemingly forgotten about by the mid-way point of the movie), and with Garfields Parker coming across more as a 'cool kid' - skateboard and all! - than the nerdy Maguire version.
That's not the only differences: there's no MJ Watson (with her role replaced by Gwen Stacey), we're back to having his web-shooters being non-organic, and this Spider-man does seem quippier than Maguire's version whilst there's also several first-person POV segments throughout (the early 2010s, remember - 3d was still a thing).
Unfortunately, there's also no stand-out moments: nothing to rival the upside-down kiss (from Spider-Man), the train fight (Spider-Man 2) or even the Venom sequences from Spider-Man 3
This is the first of the two Andrew Garfield (so pre Spider-man in the MCU) starring movies, again set during the early days of his crime-fighting career and telling how he got his powers: this time around, though, the first villain he faces is The Lizard rather than the Green Goblin. it also takes - at least in the very early parts of the movie - more of a thriller approach to his (Peter Parker's) story, laying the groundwork with an explanation of how he comes to live with his Aunt and Uncle (a groundwork which is seemingly forgotten about by the mid-way point of the movie), and with Garfields Parker coming across more as a 'cool kid' - skateboard and all! - than the nerdy Maguire version.
That's not the only differences: there's no MJ Watson (with her role replaced by Gwen Stacey), we're back to having his web-shooters being non-organic, and this Spider-man does seem quippier than Maguire's version whilst there's also several first-person POV segments throughout (the early 2010s, remember - 3d was still a thing).
Unfortunately, there's also no stand-out moments: nothing to rival the upside-down kiss (from Spider-Man), the train fight (Spider-Man 2) or even the Venom sequences from Spider-Man 3
Jessalyn Joy (118 KP) rated Hacksaw Ridge (2016) in Movies
Jul 16, 2017
characters (3 more)
storyline
soundtrack
cast
WOW!! AMAZING!! INCREDIBLE! BEAUTIFUL! SURPRISING!
Contains spoilers, click to show
It was all the words I put in the heading of my rating. I loved Andrew Garfield in it as the main character. I think he did an AMAZING job playing the role of Desmond T Doss. It is rated R but I really liked it. I was leery about it because it's rated R, which I am about ALL rated R movies but I really enjoyed it. Sam Worthington is also in it. He plays the lead male character in AVATAR. I think he did a really good job in it too. It also stars Teresa Palmer who is also in The Choice. Overall, I really enjoyed it! I would watch it again AND HAVE!
Veronica Pena (690 KP) rated Ghosts of Girlfriends Past (2009) in Movies
Apr 2, 2020
This film does not hold up. I think the best part about it is that Christa B. Allen played a young Jennifer Garner, just like she does in 13 Going on 30. Matthew McConaughey's character is shallow and closed off, only to go on a journey with his girlfriends to see why. It's A Christmas Carol but significantly worse.
Emma Stone is the one that really shines in this film and I will forever love her huge hair and fake braces. I need a movie just about her. She's the highlight. Everything else is dull and boring to watch. Also, anytime I see Breckin Meyer in literally anything, I think about when he was in Garfield. That's the role he will never live down.
Emma Stone is the one that really shines in this film and I will forever love her huge hair and fake braces. I need a movie just about her. She's the highlight. Everything else is dull and boring to watch. Also, anytime I see Breckin Meyer in literally anything, I think about when he was in Garfield. That's the role he will never live down.
Sarah (7798 KP) rated Hacksaw Ridge (2016) in Movies
Dec 6, 2017
Good but too Hollywood-ised
This is yet another true life story I've never heard about until watching the film, but its a fascinating and harrowing story.
Andrew Garfield gives a great performance as Desmond, and his story is truly an intriguing one. The second half of the film during the actual war was very well done, it seemed very realistic and graphic without being too ott gory. And the documentary footage at the end of the real Desmond Does nearly had me in tears.
The main problem is this film has been Hollywood-ised, with over the top and out of place acting from some actors (my other half pointed this out early on and it was something I couldn't then unsee!) to irritating slow motion and patchy CGI. If they could just tell the real story without embellishing, it'd be so much better.
Andrew Garfield gives a great performance as Desmond, and his story is truly an intriguing one. The second half of the film during the actual war was very well done, it seemed very realistic and graphic without being too ott gory. And the documentary footage at the end of the real Desmond Does nearly had me in tears.
The main problem is this film has been Hollywood-ised, with over the top and out of place acting from some actors (my other half pointed this out early on and it was something I couldn't then unsee!) to irritating slow motion and patchy CGI. If they could just tell the real story without embellishing, it'd be so much better.
Veronica Pena (690 KP) rated The Social Network (2010) in Movies
Apr 24, 2020
I really liked the format of this film. I think in some movies it's really hard to do a jump plot and do it well, but this film does it exquisitely. I loved the cast - Andrew Garfield, Justin Timberlake, Brenda Song, Armie Hammer, Rashida Jones, and obviously Jesse Eisenberg - they all did a phenomenal job.
It's really interesting to watch this movie now, 10 years after its initial release and see how Facebook and even the world, has changed. Especially with all of the drama and the rumors about Facebook and what it's involved in. I suppose it's fitting given the way that it was created.
I enjoyed this film. I'm not sure if I'll ever watch it again, but I know that I can't say I won't so I suppose that's a good thing. My favorite thing about this film is the way the plot roles, going back and forth between the depositions and what happened, it's really seamless and enjoyable.
It's really interesting to watch this movie now, 10 years after its initial release and see how Facebook and even the world, has changed. Especially with all of the drama and the rumors about Facebook and what it's involved in. I suppose it's fitting given the way that it was created.
I enjoyed this film. I'm not sure if I'll ever watch it again, but I know that I can't say I won't so I suppose that's a good thing. My favorite thing about this film is the way the plot roles, going back and forth between the depositions and what happened, it's really seamless and enjoyable.
Bostonian916 (449 KP) rated Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019) in Movies
Jun 29, 2020
I liked Tobey Maguire as Spidey. I liked Andrew Garfield a bit more. I felt like he was more relatable. However, he has been dethroned. Tom Holland is PERFECT for the role of Spiderman. He brings a fun personality that you truly believe could be the web slinger and he does so with the humor that has been present in the comic books since the beginning of time.
The story picks up without too much explanation needed as to what's happened since we last saw our hero, so that's nice. As with all MCU movies today, the effects and visuals were top notch. The makers were able to offer a refreshing take on Mysterio and Jake Gyllenhaal played the part marvelously. There were some wild twists in the story and tons of easter eggs to be had. Overall a good time, Also, Zendaya plays a wonderful MJ. Much more realistic portrayal that we've been given in film before.
The story picks up without too much explanation needed as to what's happened since we last saw our hero, so that's nice. As with all MCU movies today, the effects and visuals were top notch. The makers were able to offer a refreshing take on Mysterio and Jake Gyllenhaal played the part marvelously. There were some wild twists in the story and tons of easter eggs to be had. Overall a good time, Also, Zendaya plays a wonderful MJ. Much more realistic portrayal that we've been given in film before.