Down time brought the beautiful opportunity to take more than 15 minutes in a day to read (oh the luxury) and a few much needed visits to the old cinema. Purely for fun I thought I'd run through the narratives that have inspired or bored me in the last few weeks...
Books first:
Out of the Silent Planet by C.S. Lewis
I read this book to know more about my husband. This is one of three science fiction books in which C.S. Lewis explores cultures, human nature, our interaction with the heavens and concepts like "What if we never fell?". Steve has spoken to me with great passion about these stories since our first non-date relaxing and chatting on a star lit beach. After a year of marriage I finally made time to explore the treasure that so interested him. What I found did not dissapoint me.
A slow start and a very different style of writing (the book is 70 years old) took a while to engage me but from the moment Dr Ransom met his first Hross I was engrossed. I'm not going to give to much away but for something refreshingly different and thought provoking I would recommend this book. It inspired a conversation about the spiritual warfare, the nature of God and heavenly realms and how society has progressed in 70 years.
Knife of Dreams - The Wheel of Time Book 11 by Robert Jordan
I have succumbed and have plunged into the last book Robert Jordan completed before he passed away. The penultimate book in this epic series I'm loving the new momentum and revelation of characters and plot. Tid-bits he's been teasing us with for books are finally being revealed/advanced. I'm half way through and plan to finish it soon as my to read pile is building with "The Kite Runner", The God of Small Things" and "Perelandra" all fighting for the top spot.
The Flicks (in reverse order of viewing)
Elizabeth - The Golden Age
I loved this, probably less impacting than it's predecessor this film stole my heart by the simple feat of being a little more upbeat (the original depressed me for days). The cinematography is sumptuous and there are some outstanding performances (even if a few are a little too blatantly aimed at oscar voters). Cate Blanchet and Clive Owen purport themselves well and Samantha Morten steals a few scenes though this film is worth seeing for it's use of light and colour alone. I wouldn't see it with anyone Spanish though as I was a little nervous about how comical and insane Phillip of Spain was protrayed.
Stardust
The pacing, acting and haircuts are a little dodgy in places but this modern day fairy tale is great fun. Michelle Phiefer is fantastically evil and Claire Danes is ever watchable. I reccommend for anyone who wants frivolity.
Rendition
This hard hitting oscar worthy exploration of American anti-Terror law really impressed me. A frightening look at what we're willing to do to protect ourselves, the rights we violate and the enemies we create. An unpatronising unflinching look in the mirror. I recommend!
Nancy Drew
OK I know this is a little shameful but in my girlhood I read every Nancy Drew book I could get my hands on. I saw this film on my own surrounded by twelve year olds and really enjoyed it. I recommend it as a light and frothy homage for anyone who has a secret love for the blonde P.I. who can't help sticking her nose into mysteries.
Top of my list to see in the coming weeks is Lions for Lambs, Ratatouille, Beowolf and I'm still debating whether or not to see The Golden Compass when it's released... xc