T.M. Hanson

I’m finally uploading this; my apologies!

May has been great for reading, as well as for film. I had more energy to engage with different stories, as well as spend more time with family. Overall, this month was a bit of a rollercoaster – my nan had to have an unscheduled surgery; I’ve been helping again with the library; I got an invite for a wedding; and I’ve been assessed to have a one-to-one carer. There’s been a lot of things happening but I’ve still been able to slowly recover from my fatigue and from being ill. Because of it, I’ve had time to watch various films and television. It’s made my spare time a little more enjoyable as I’ve spent most of my days sitting down.

One of the main themes this month was queer literature, with two films added to the mix. I wasn’t expecting this theme to happen and it’s a shame I got intensely into queer literature just before pride month (should have waited a few weeks) but the heart wants what it wants. Overall, it was a fun detour into queerness, both fictional and real. It’s been a while since I’ve engaged with anything queer so it was a lovely surprise!

What I’ve Been Reading

Lud-in-the-Mist by Hope Mirrlees

There’s something about this book that I love, though I can’t begin to explain it. I enjoyed myself immensely. The prose felt as strange as the plot itself and there was something heady, slow, and sensual about the writing. Lud itself had an atmosphere of languidness and whimsy. The adventure was bizarre, dream-like, and unlike anything I’ve ever known. The metaphor for class struggle was apparent; Lud-in-the-Mist echoes the same critiques of communism and new-age policies that Orwell commented upon in 1984. This book rejects the erasure of human existence through its art, history, and culture, resisting the viewpoint that it’s necessary for social progress. Instead, Mirrlees advocates for the complexities, diversities, and eccentricities of life in all of its vibrancy. I can’t think of any book like this one – in plot, world building, or language. As a fantasy novel, it is truly singular.

Bestiary by K-Ming Chang (DNF)

I struggled with this book. Bestiary felt like it was trying to be vulgar for the sake of vulgarity. I don’t feel that this is necessary when writing taboo subjects; the exploration of the topic should speak for itself. Repeating swear words and sex imagery doesn’t make it subversive or unnatural. It just makes it repetitive. The word ‘piss’ was used multiple times; it became tiring very fast. I tried so desperately to stay with it – the concept of eroticising the unusual, of being comfortable with all functions of the body, of women’s hunger and desire and how these don’t always conform to mainstream standards are all themes that I enjoy. I enjoyed them in this book too. However, many people have described this book as prose poetry. In some ways, I agree yet, at times, it felt more interested in being abstract than poetical; the two are not necessarily the same. What’s more, the story would often swerve from the point at hand and I felt it was more nonsensical and scattered than an interesting simile or parallel. This was a disappointment, as I’ve wanted to read this book since it came out.

Rubyfruit Jungle by Rita Mae Brown

Rubyfruit Jungle blurs the boundaries of social labels, revealing them as limitations we’ve placed upon ourselves. This book dares us to look at the world anew. Being authentic is difficult but only because of the society we live in – when we realise it’s an illusion, we’re set free. And sometimes, the cost of freedom is waiting for the world to catch up; personal integrity isn’t always rewarded. In its entirety, this book is daring, bold, outrageous, and unapologetic. It’s also pretty damn funny. In some ways, Molly doesn’t have much character development but her ability to remain true to herself, despite opposition, is inspiring. This includes her openness towards sex itself and her refusal to label her sexuality. Molly doesn’t need to change because it’s not her that’s wrong; it’s the world’s fault for asking her to change. Brown’s narrative voice feels like a conversation between friends where you hear the most scandalous retellings, leaving you shocked and entertained in equal measure. This book certainly gave me a lot to think about.

As Good As A Marriage by Jill Liddington

These are, perhaps, the driest sections of Anne Lister’s diaries that I’ve read so far. This isn’t Liddington’s fault, so much as a reality of this time period in her life. Older Anne is a very flawed Anne but she is also impressive in her feats, as well as sympathetic. Anne Lister was a woman confined by the time she lived within and Liddington discusses this, though not at length. Her older self is more withdrawn when it comes to her feelings; in contrast, she is focused primarily on her trade, the estate, and travel. Overall, these diaries have given me much to contemplate. The passages regarding Ann Walker reveal her isolation and depression, her inability to communicate, and the ways in which she, too, is flawed. I have reconciled myself to their complex and unhappy marriage. I have also reconciled myself to the flaws of them both. This was a difficult read for many reasons, yet I’m glad I gave it a chance.

The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde

This play is absurd in the best way. In the first act, I wasn’t sure what to make of it but as the events unravelled, I found myself enjoying the text immensely. It was flamboyant, witty, intriguing, and at times, nonsensical. In this play, the characters are trying to out-wit each other while the playwright himself is wittier than them all, revealing them for the fools that they are. The Importance of Being Earnest reveals the prejudices in society – the ways in which we feel compelled to hide our true selves, forced into boxes and roles, and how this act becomes a pantomime with often hilarious and ridiculous consequences. It’s as the title states – the importance of being earnest. Truth conquers and it is this truth that resolves the play. In being honest, all of the characters untangle the absurd lies and find that the truth is actually far more palatable and pleasing to them than they thought. Reading this made me want to watch the National Theatre production.

The Body in the Library by Agatha Christie

Miss Marple was more present in this book, which I loved. As she always seems to guess the answer, it makes sense that the narrative is from multiple perspectives, else the case would have been solved far too quickly. I found these murders to be more appalling than the first, as the implications were far more horrifying and the victims themselves were only young (teenage girls). As a character, Marple is appreciated more in this book, as she should be. Christie does a good job of balancing the humour and absurdity of everyday life, especially in rural communities, whilst leaving space for the gravity of the crime. I felt she was a little harsh on the victim, considering how young she was, but despite this, the author’s sharp intellect is present throughout. The classic humour of Christie is also present; she even inserted herself into the story. It’s not her most famous novel and I can see why, but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t a fun read. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Le Morte D’Arthur by Sir Thomas Malory

The first few tales were quite dry and yet, these were the ones centred around Arthur. After this, he was relegated to the sidelines as much as the women were. I wanted more Guinevere, Morgan Le Fay, and Morgause – what we got was pitiful. In contrast, the knight’s tales were a lot of fun, such as the tales of Sir Gareth of Orkney, Sir Tristam, and the quest for the Sangrail. There was so much adventure, heroism, friendship, love, grief, and faith packed into these short stories. From Merlin being trapped under a rock because a woman was tired of him, to Lancelot being shot in the arse, and Sir Gareth being attacked every night that he tried to have pre-marital sex, these stories were delightful and strange. I wasn’t expecting to enjoy them as much as I did. My only gripe is that the tales are centred around the knights of the Round Table but the tales are in a collection under Arthur’s name. I would have liked to have known Arthur more and have liked him as a character but this was not to be.

What I’ve Been Watching

The Painted Veil

Cinematically, this is a gorgeous film. The vast backdrop of China – the lakes, mountains, and fields – evokes a sense of beauty and stillness but also, isolation. It holds multitudes, just like the relationship between Walter and Kitty. The certainty of death or of tragedy loomed over the film and this was only confirmed by how it ended. As for Kitty, her growth wasn’t what I expected it to be but I like to be surprised. I’m not a fan of the exotification of the East for obvious reasons; this film dips into that slightly, but I appreciated the acknowledgement of the British presence in China, both in a military and missionary sense. The reference to its complex nature – the good and the bad that come from these relations – echoes real life. By the end, I felt like I’d watched something thoughtful, sorrowful, and heartfelt in equal measure.

Pitch Perfect (rewatch)

A few of the jokes were dated and some of the scenes were – though I hate to use the word – cringe. I remember enjoying this film when it came out (I was 15) but I can’t account for my taste that long ago. The singing was still great and some of the comedic performances were fantastic, though Rebel Wilson wasn’t as funny as I remember. There was a lot about this film that was cliché and formulaic. It was still funny and a few of the performances were genuinely impressive, but I was disappointed to find it less engaging this time around.

Heathers

I wasn’t sure about Heathers to begin with – the first third of the film started a little slowly for me. Soon after, however, the film began to pick up in an exciting way. The plot derailed in the best way possible and it got some genuine laughs out of me. I wasn’t expecting the twists and turns this film took; it was slightly darker and more messed up than I was expecting. Altogether, I had a good time.

The Fifth Element

This had to be the most disappointing watch so far, as well as the worst film I’ve seen in quite a while. That’s saying something because my parents made me watch Red One at Christmas. I was looking forward to this and all of my hopes and dreams were crushed. It looked like vibrant, campy fun. Instead, I got something meaningless, stupid, and sexist. I don’t know why this is rated so highly; it was clearly a strange sexual fantasy played out by the director, and not in a good way.

Mary, Queen of Scots

I watched this film in three instalments, as my interest often dipped throughout. The film was interesting enough, although Margot Robbie was wasted as an actress. She did a great job playing Elizabeth I but she wasn’t utilised as much as I would have liked. In contrast, Saoirse Ronan was a compelling lead. Her depiction was sympathetic and passionate, although I don’t feel like I knew Mary much beyond that. It was an okay film, overall.

Us (rewatch)

During a second watch, Us was a little less unsettling, as I knew what to expect and where it would end. I appreciate the commentary on class, race, and citizenship. This is a film about who gets to belong and in what way. Us is rife with detail, subversions, and great acting. It’s not as chilling as I remember it being and Winston Duke’s character was less likable, but I liked the film overall.  

Monty Python and the Holy Grail (rewatch)

This is an old favourite that brought a lot of joy. The second half is definitely funnier than the first, with the film hosting an array of infamous and memorable scenes. Having read some Arthurian tales, including the tales of the Sangrail, I was able to appreciate the details in this film a little more. The Holy Grail is silly, quotable, and wholly unexpected. The ending is as bizarre and goofy as the rest of the film. Easily, this is one of the best Arthurian adaptations that I’ve seen.

Nimona

I’ve wanted to watch this since it came out and it did not disappoint. Nimona is a fantastic film! The animation is fluid; the humour’s great; and the chaos, delicious. Overall, I thought this was a wonderful queer/trans allegory. I also love where the film took it in terms of who the perpetrators were, how they victimised themselves, and the way that this victimisation was woven directly into the society they lived within. An apt commentary for the times we live in.

The Phoenician Scheme

From the opening scene, it was so distinctly Wes Anderson that it was all rather delightful. At first, I felt the plot was a little difficult to keep track of, as there was a lot of information given at once but this was soon simplified. The film was sweet, funny (though not as funny as some), and predictable. I’m yet to settle on any definite emotion but this film was enjoyable overall. I would certainly watch it again – how many times, however, I’m not sure.

Other Media

Television

Scott Pilgrim Takes Off

I watched Scott Pilgrim Takes Off in twenty-four hours; I wasn’t expecting to like it so much. Some of the modernisation of the plot and relationships, I much prefer – this show has a maturity and depth that’s missing from the film. Yet, it’s as silly, fun, and action-packed as its predecessor. I’m glad this version was animated. The opening theme was funky as hell; the humour was great; and having the original actors return added an extra element of nostalgia and enjoyment.

Bee and Puppycat

I almost abandoned this show after two episodes because the voice acting was off-putting. I persevered, however, and ended up liking it. The humour was great; the animation style, lovely; and the premise, intriguing. The undercurrent themes of found family, learning to be an adult, and the unfortunate reality of temp work were grounding features amidst the fantastical setting and plot. I’m grieved to find that it’s cancelled but I’m glad I signed up for the ride. I’ll definitely find the web series to see what happens next.

Dark Tourist

This has been on my watchlist since it came out. I wasn’t sure what to expect and this show, in many ways, was beyond anything I’d have guessed it to be. It was intriguing, shocking, disturbing, and reflective. The only episode that actually scared me was the U.S. one and a little bit of the South African one too. I thought the subject matter would be more macabre and occult-ish but still, I found the show informative. It exposed me to a world I never knew was there, for better or worse. I was a little disappointed to find that there wouldn’t be another season.

Experiences

An Audience with Lucy Worsley on Jane Austen

My partner and I have had this booked for months. I was personally excited to go see Lucy Worsley talk on Jane Austen, the latter being one of my favourite writers of all time. I don’t follow Worsley that closely in terms of the work she does nor did I really look at the event description, so I had no idea what to expect. I soon found out, however, that it was a discussion parallel to Worsley’s book – Jane Austen at Home. The talk itself was informative, engaging, and fun. Worsley herself was funnier than I was expecting – she had us laughing continuously. She presented her information in a way that felt fresh and exciting; it added layers onto what we already know about Austen, mysterious as she is. Worsley herself is clearly a fan and the way she engaged with the material was so human and relatable. She even did a costume change during the interval and I was low-key obsessed with her Q&A outfit. Overall, I had a wonderful time. Both my partner and I were so glad we went. I’ve been keeping a copy of Worsley’s new book for the beginning of next month, just in time for my birthday!

My Favourites

My favourites books this month were:

• Lud-in-the-Mist, Hope Mirrlees.
• Le Morte D’Arthur by Sir Thomas Malory.
• The Body in the Library by Agatha Christie.

My favourite films were:

• The Painted Veil.
• Heathers.
• Nimona.

Despite having a queer heavy month, none of them made it to my top three, aside from Nimona (screams). I just can’t help it – I loved Lud-in-the-Mist and I spent nearly the whole month reading Arthur. I’m emotionally attached. As for Christie, well, I love her.

Coming out of May, I’ve been reading Midnight’s Children by Salman Rushdie, which I’m enjoying. It’s a slow process, due to my fatigue, but I’m happy with the pace right now. I might have to take a break though if I want to fit in Jane Austen at Home for my birthday! I’m behind on the film challenge, as usual. I’m still to watch Shakespeare in Love – I’ve noticed I forget to watch the films and then, in the last week, I start to stress about where I’ll fit them in. ADHD for the win! Anyways, I will fit in Shakespeare in Love at the beginning of June, I’m sure.

Next month, I’m reading A Princess of Mars and The Jungle Book, with Basic Instinct as my film choice. I’m a little nervous for this month, as I’m not the biggest fan of Kipling – his imperialist leanings and poetry don’t inspire me with confidence – and nobody has anything to say about Basic Instinct beyond that scene. So, I’m a little dubious as to how much I’m going to like them. Even so, it’s my birthday month so I get to treat myself to some of my favourite films (maybe) and read some books I’ve been looking forward to.

I hope you are all having a wonderful June! Feel free to tell me your own journeys, on page or screen in the meantime!