T.M. Hanson

January started very slow and solitary. My partner and I have been watching more films than usual, as evidenced by the list below. We’ve been enjoying the peace and quiet. However, as the month passed by, the pace has quickened and I ended up almost busy. My health has increased, which feels wonderful, and I’ve done a lot of socialising. This month has been full of catch-ups with friends, book club meet-ups, breakfasts with the family, and a special lunch for my grandparents’ anniversary. I also started some volunteering work sorting out a small library, which I thoroughly enjoyed.

More delightfully, I started January with an appetite for literature and film. It’s been a wonderful beginning to the year, reading wise, as well as for film. I can’t wait to share what I’ve been up to! I managed to read the two texts that I set for the January reading challenge and this propelled me into reading a variety of books, new and old, that I had on-hand. Similarly, I managed to watch the film on my film challenge (Brokeback Mountain), as well as some others that were an absolute pleasure to view. Everything I have read and viewed are listed below.

What I’ve Been Reading

The Cold Equations by Tom Godwin.

The Cold Equations is a chilling read about the constrictions of technology and its inability to encapsulate and understand the human experience. However, the true horror is a society that creates this technology, unwilling to do more than what is strictly necessary for survival, no thought given to the nuance of organic existence. In this short story, Godwin writes about one of the more horrifying examples of dualistic thinking: what if the person being punished is no more than a child, someone who hasn’t done anything inherently wrong? The Cold Equations shows the small workings of humanity in a harsh, punitive system; the moral choices we must all make; and the terrible reality of living in a world that forces you to make these choices in the first place. For any science fiction fans, short story readers, or for anyone looking to explore their anger or disempowerment in the current social and political framework, this is certainly a story for you.

King Lear by William Shakespeare.

This is a stark tragedy. The overall theme of King Lear, I liked; it leaves much to contemplate. This play is uncomfortable but it’s supposed to be. How can these characters be anything other than they are, and who is precisely to blame, more so than all the others? These are not easily answered questions. This moral ambiguity is reflective of the decisions we make in real life, the circumstances we are faced with, politically and personally- to be forced to ask where we stand amidst it all. Whether we stay true to our principles remains to be seen. King Lear confronts us with these harsh realities and we are forced to hold ourselves to account in the same way the characters must. Over time, I think I shall come to appreciate this play more and I would certainly love to see it on stage.

The Murder at the Vicarage by Agatha Christie.

This was my first time reading Christie and I enjoyed it immensely. Witty, funny, and charming, this novel was an absolute delight. It made me laugh out loud multiple times. There was much in this book that could appear cliché or over-done with modern audiences. However, in comparison, this book remains singular in its quality. It’s easy to see why Christie is unrivalled and her work is beloved, even today. The Murder at the Vicarage is subversive and also a surprise in more ways than one, despite being acquainted with Miss Marple beforehand. For anyone who is looking for a delightful but intricately woven crime mystery, or for anyone looking to dip their toes into the genre, this is an excellent starting point.

A Room with a View by E.M. Forster.

This is a particular book (and film) that I’ve been meaning to read for some years now. After completion, I wasn’t disappointed. The atmospheric setting of Florence before the sudden return to England was a contrasting shift, later represented in Lucy’s love interests, Cecil and George. It was obvious who was considered the better choice, yet it was fun to follow Lucy’s journey in deciphering how she felt and, resultantly, how she wished to express herself. I particularly liked the metaphor of a room with a view, demonstrated through the opposition of the two lovers. The divide between who felt comfortable in their own nature and with Lucy’s, and who felt more comfortable in the confines of societal convention was well done in my opinion. Another aspect of the book that I loved was Lucy’s spirit exemplified in her musical ability, and how this creative expression and passion is an emotional outlet for her throughout. As someone who takes comfort in art, I related to her desire to seek refuge in music.

Blue Nights by Joan Didion.

Didion’s voice is crisp, questioning, clinical, and often humorous. The topics of ageing, parenthood, and the death of a child are particularly emotional subjects to explore; I respect Didion’s candidness in sharing her personal experience. The love that Didion has for her daughter, Quintana, permeates the entire text and, as the reader, you are brought into the brief moments that she elects to share with the world. At the end, I was left with an abundance to reflect on, to feel through, and to process. The inevitable passing of time and the loneliness that comes with old age is present throughout, particularly by the end. Some of the questions asked are not easily answerable nor does Didion attempt to answer them. Yet, it does make for a poignant and thoughtful read.

Meet the Georgians by Robert Peal.

This was a light-hearted read on some of the most famous Georgians in history. I read this book as research for my novel and, despite knowing all of these names already, I learnt something new in each chapter. Robert Peal has certainly collated something accessible and informative, whilst maintaining a sense of humour as to the absurdity of the age. I found this book to be a delight. The diversity of the book and the chronological approach was to its benefit- the historical figures include a variety of genders, sexualities, and races- and you are able to follow the natural changes from the beginning of the era to the end. I would highly recommend this for teens interested in history, for an introduction to the Georgian Era, or for any information about history in general.

If On a Winter’s Night a Traveler by Italo Calvino.

This was a book that I was particularly looking forward to reading. I was not disappointed. If On A Winter’s Night is philosophical, absurd, absorbing, and, at times, humorous. The short stories enveloped within the text are genuinely interesting. However, the exploration of perpetual beginnings leads to what is essentially literary edging and I was left wanting more. That speaks to Calvino’s mastery in writing. Alongside it, the interwoven narrative of the Reader was a fascinating commentary on the processes and discussions surrounding publishing, translation, the reader vs the writer, and how readers approach critical analysis. I would certainly want to read it again and I feel I must to understand it better. This multi-layered book has much to reveal and much that will remain unattainable, no matter how many times you read it.

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (reread).

I’ve grown up with The Lord of the Rings, on page and on-screen. This was a Christmas treat for me, as I reread the others last month. Finishing up with this book, I found myself once again in love with the story and I can’t wait to cap it off with a film marathon. The story as a whole is simultaneously sombre and mournful, whilst also being an account of hope and endurance. Tolkien’s writing is genuinely beautiful. There is a great amount of heart in the friendships, adventures, and tokens of humanity that come to pass, with moments of humour that made me laugh out loud. This novel is a wonderful tale of brotherhood, overcoming adversity, and finding light in the darkness. A moving war novel as much as it is a fantasy, this remains a firm favourite.

What I’ve Been Watching

King Lear (2018)

King Lear was an interesting watch, though I wouldn’t say it was my favourite version. Anthony Hopkins’ portrayal of Lear was a little too animalistic for my liking and other general acting choices were not as I had envisioned them when reading the play. Even so, the casting was excellent. The modern setting was suited to the play, but I felt certain scenes were too shrill in their delivery and the lighting too grey.

Mrs Harris Goes to Paris

Mrs Harris Goes to Paris was a lovely film. Lesley Manville was simply marvellous! I trust her implicitly as an actress. There was a lot of warmth to the plot and to the relationships between characters, with an array of pleasant surprises, heartfelt commentaries, and beautiful clothes. The scene on the bridge near the end was visceral in a way I wasn’t expecting. I would certainly rewatch this movie in the future- it was charming from start to finish.

Bullet Train

I loved Bullet Train. This is a movie I’ve been meaning to watch since it came out and I finally managed to squeeze it in. The film was absorbing and humorous, with excellent fight scenes, a multitude of twists, and fantastic dialogue. The gratuitous violence, funky sets, and random cameo of Channing Tatum were extra highlights for me. Lemon and Tangerine were my favourites, no question.

A Room with a View

A Room with a View was an enjoyable watch, though I remain unconvinced when it comes to the younger actors (bar Rupert Graves). I didn’t feel fully settled with how they chose to portray the main characters but I did think the older actors were fantastic. Like the book, I preferred the second half to the first. Daniel Day Lewis’ decision to play the campest Cecil I’ve ever seen, who clearly needs a beard, not a wife was not what I was expecting but I’ll take it. The book was certainly stronger than the film.

Brokeback Mountain

This film was quiet in its delivery, emotional, and heartfelt. An ominous feeling followed the plot, one that continued to grow until you felt incredibly uneasy. This story reminds you of the heartbreak of being queer during any point in history, the progress we’ve made, as a society, in demanding our rights to exist, and the fact that this fight isn’t over. I cried at least three times and, as the credits rolled, I cried once more. Brokeback Mountain is one of those films that you’d highly rate and yet, never want to see again. It was an incredibly charged film.

Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (rewatch)

This is a film from my childhood that I thought would be egregiously offensive on rewatching. I was pleasantly surprised to find that this wasn’t the case. Hilarious, smart, and groovy, I actually thought this was a good film. The attention to detail in the comedy, the sets, and the costumes with all of its references to Bond was amazing, showcasing how greatly Myers wished to honour these films. The love that went into certainly paid off.

Hidden Figures (rewatch)

The cast did an excellent job of portraying the lives of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson. The constant frustrations, micro-aggressions, and plain ignorance that these women had to overcome was excellently portrayed. Yet, most importantly, their accomplishments were front and centre. The perseverance and intellect shown throughout is both admirable and inspirational. Watching their contributions to Apollo 11 is always an emotional, triumphant watch.

Notting Hill

I’m not a huge fan of romcoms, yet I liked Notting Hill. Some parts of it were weak, yet the film made me laugh multiple times. I felt like Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts had convincing chemistry, the characters themselves seemed to enjoy each other, and a particular favourite for me was the banter between the friendship group. It’s not a film I would want to see again necessarily but I wouldn’t say no to rewatching it at a later date.

Other Media

Television: Black Doves

I finished Black Doves earlier this month. It was an entertaining watch! I loved Ben Whishaw, although watching him and Keira Knightley murder people was rather surreal. I also loved the mouthy (potential) lesbians. If there was a second series, I’d definitely watch it, although it’s not a series I’d watch multiple times.

Video Games: Cozy Grove and The Last Campfire

Both of these games are based around helping others to move on after death, although this connection between them was unintended when I chose to play them. This was certainly an interesting concept to explore during the winter months. I definitely needed something a little mind-numbing and not too demanding after Christmas. These games were rather happy to comply.

My Favourites

Altogether, I would say my top three books this month are, in no particular order:

• The Murder at the Vicarage.
• A Room with a View.
• Blue Nights.

And my top three films are:

• Mrs Harris Goes to Paris.
• Bullet Train.
• Brokeback Mountain.

(Both lists exclude rereads and rewatches.)

Next month, for my reading and film challenges, I have Bisclavret, The War of the Worlds, and Unforgiven to finish. I look forward to seeing what next month brings! I’ve loved having more time to read, as I’ve been substituting screen time for more reading, hence all of the books. I hope February brings the same kind of energy and I hope everyone is as well as they can be!