I am reading
I have indulged in the latest novel by Sally Rooney, Intermezzo. I was gripped from the opening moves: it is about the relationship between two brothers, and one is a successful chess player. I enjoyed the account of their relationship very much. I loved the insight into the chess world, my mum was a keen player, but also because my husband is one of two brothers and the age gap is similar to the gap between me and my brother. So I found the book very relatable, in a very personal way. I am the baby in my family, and that never changes, and despite the fact that they are very different people and have almost nothing in common, the friendship between my husband and his brother is almost indestructible, and this novel illustrates both these facts perfectly.
I try not to include spoilers in my reviews, but I definitely recommend you read this visceral story. It is fascinating and thought provoking but also quite an easy read. I watched Normal People on tele and loved it, understood that the novel is much more in depth and intense, I won’t read it though, the tv series was perfection, but I will be reading her first novel, Conversations with friends and her third, Hello Beautiful World, in due course and will report back.
Have you read anything by Sally?
I am watching
I have invested in a NOW TV subscription as I am running out of things to watch for free. I am not writing this newsletter as regularly as I hoped, so, I am not sharing as much as I would like, and have missed recommending a few really good dramas:
Rivals based on the brilliant Jilly Cooper novel and Black Doves, a Keira Knightly, Sarah Lancashire and Ben Wishaw vehicle, alongside many others – all brilliant. Black Doves is a crazy violent spy drama beautifully produced and Rivals is just pure brilliant. You will not get spoilers out of me because I can honestly hardly remember – I watch TV for an hour every night after supper, I often fall asleep, I find dark crime thrillers and moody relationship dramas extremely relaxing but they do all roll into each other a bit.
I am currently watching White Lotus, series 3, and my word, it is good. Not a relaxing watch. It is set in Thailand, and I am finding it extremely thought provoking. I have been to Thailand and loved it of course, but can remember finding the normalising of prostitution while I was there a bit disturbing. That was a while ago now and maybe I am being prissy, but clearly from watching White Lotus 3, the #METOO movement has not had much impact in Southeast Asia. This is a gripping story, you quickly start to care about all the characters intensely. Or at least I do, I would love to hear your thoughts as well.
I am listening
I have listened to a few more self-help titles, trying to make sense of the Audible app, and quite enjoyed ‘Manifest’ by Roxi Nafousi. I looked her up on Instagram and found that she is a very glamorous young woman, which is wonderful, but I am not sure I am really relating to her, but I do believe in manifesting, do you? Unfortunately, we cannot manifest for others which is disappointing because I honestly, just about, have everything I want, so I would rather manifest for my family, but hey ho!
I am writing
This newsletter and trying to catch up with all my social media generally. I find it hard though - there are so many platforms! I am sure I could be more efficient but social media is my way of advertising myself as a writer and I do have to do a lot of paid writing, so often run out of time for it!
I am enjoying
Just had a fabulous skiing holiday in Chamonix with my husband and children, it really was beautiful, basking in the sunshine, underneath Mont Blanc.
Take me back…
Well, actually, I am very lucky in that I have a friend who lives there and I am going back. Mairi runs walking holidays for women during the summer months Les Joly Dames often with a fun twist: she is launching a new walking and sketching weekend in June and is also taking groups to Morocco and Slovenia every year now as well as the staple Alpine adventures. Please check out Les Joly Dames her beautifully tailored breaks are just so much fun.
What a beautiful photo of a mountain walking holiday. Who are those gorgeous women?