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David McK (3411 KP) rated Sharpe's Waterloo (1997) in Movies

Jan 8, 2023 (Updated Jan 8, 2023)  
Sharpe's Waterloo (1997)
Sharpe's Waterloo (1997)
1997 |
7
7.0 (1 Ratings)
Movie Rating
The final part in the original run of TV movies based on the Bernard Cornwell books of the same name (although there was another such book to go at the time - 'Sharpe's Devil'), in which the now-retired Sharpe - alongside Harper, Hagman and Harris - find themselves partaking in the final decisive battle of the Napoleonic Wars: that of Waterloo.

As befits such an epic battle, this is an epic retelling of the events of the same (although, as always, liberties are taken and the lack of budget sometimes shows!)
  
The Penelopiad
The Penelopiad
Margaret Atwood | 2005 | Fiction & Poetry
10
9.0 (5 Ratings)
Book Rating
The woman's side of the story.
I remember reading The Odyssey as a child, but I honestly don't think I gave Penelope a second thought (I don't think Odysseus did, either!).
This is Penelope's side of the story, told by her and her 12 unfortunate handmaidens. It shows how men ruled all aspects of life, even when they disappeared on their adventures for 20 years.
It's a very theatrical retelling - the handmaidens deliver their chapters in poetry, song and little plays. Penelope has a very modern turn of phrase (let's just say that I don't picture an ancient Greek!), perhaps something she has learnt in the fields of Asphodel, perhaps!
Penelope comes across as very clever, cunning even. She distracts and holds off the attention of the many suitors who are sponging off her riches. She has no love for her cousin, Helen of Troy, either. She is to blame for Odysseus disappearing for 20 years, after all.
A funny, insightful retelling of Penelope's story, and the story of the injustice suffered by the 12 poor handmaidens. The men don't come out of this story at all well, by the way!
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read this.
  
Morgan is my Name
Morgan is my Name
Sophie Keetch | 2023 | Fiction & Poetry, Science Fiction/Fantasy
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Morgan is My Name is a fantastic retelling of the Arthurian legend from Morgan’s (or as we’re most likely to know her, Morgana) perspective.

Morgan le Fey is the daughter of the Lord that King Uther Pendragon vanquished. Uther then goes on to claim her mother, the Lady Igraine - and in the most underhand way possible with the help of the equally unpleasant Merlin.

Actually, the men don’t do well out of this retelling. Even the lover that a young Morgan takes, abandons her when she is found out and sent to a convent.

This book had me in its grip within minutes of pressing ‘play’. Vanessa Kirby’s narration was wonderful, and she made a convincing Morgan. She built on the book, making the reader/ listener really believe in the duality of Morgan. Not the evil woman we’ve been led to believe in (not in this first instalment, anyway!), but a young woman with a thirst for knowledge, who wants the freedom to pursue it. But it’s always the men who put a stop to her ambitions: whether it’s Uther, Merlin or her feckless husband (whatever happens to him, he deserves it!).

Oh, and the magic! Just the icing on the cake!

I can’t wait for the next book in this trilogy to come out!
  
Murder on the Orient Express (2017)
Murder on the Orient Express (2017)
2017 | Drama, Mystery
Great cast, fresh retelling (0 more)
A little laboured in places (0 more)
Beautiful cinematography
Stellar cast from diverse backgrounds really added depth to the characters and pulled together to breathe new life into an already very familiar story.

Kenneth Branagh did an excellent turn as director for this film with beautiful scenery shots and tight edits.


His Piorrot was unexpectedly excellent (David Sachet has spoiled me for all other Piorrot), offering a very human take on the detective without losing any of his steel.


If I had one criticism, the film felt very long and slightly laboured, but overall was a stunning film.
  
I read this while waiting for an appointment for my daughter and I must tell you that the people around my probably thought I had lost my mind as I found myself laughing out loud a couple of times. I loved how smoothly this retelling went, and the author truly took his time in making this a descriptive read which pulls you into the world of The Frog Prince. Readers of all ages will certainly enjoy this story.

{I requested a copy for reviewing purposes and made no guarantee of a favorable review. The opinions expressed here are unbiased and completely my own.}