Well, the summer's just begun; days almost rain-free, parents dragging bored kids round supermarkets just to keep them quiet, and the depressing sight of white socks and sandals. As a student, I have work to keep me occupied over the period. As a student, I just can't be bothered to do it. But, if there is one thing to enjoy about the summer, it's the lie ins.
Today, for the first time in about seven years, I slept past midday. It's quite a memorable day for me because I'm generally an early riser - but everybody has an off-day. I had to check about three different clocks just to make sure that it actually was 12:15 pm. I don't know how people can do it; I feel like I've missed half the day - well, yes I did, but that's besides the point. How on earth am I going to fit in all the important things that I have to do into my day? Stroking my dog, reading, adding to my blog, watching a film... I just don't know how I'll manage it.
Anyway, to the point of the post; Harry Potter. I might have mentioned that my brother kindly offered the fifth novel (Harry Potter and the Order of Phoenix) to me and that I wanted to read and review it sometime soon. However, I returned home the other day to find my sister tucked up in bed, her nose stuck right in the pages. "Well, I haven't read it yet and I wanted to see what all the fuss is about" was her reply to "Er... what do you think you're doing?" So it seems I'm not the only one. Only, now I'll be left to wallow in my curiosity for more weeks to come until my sister finally surrenders the book to me (probably half-read). I suppose, this is an update just to let you know that I haven't forgotten about this important topic. Just hang in there, the review is on its way.
While I'm at it, I may as well let you know that I will be jetting off to sunny Montenegro on Friday 3rd and probably won't be offered the luxury of the Internet whilst I'm there. In which case, this spot might go cold for a couple of weeks. However, never fear, for holidays are the best time for reading. Therefore, upon my return I will have more reviews in my head than you can shake a stick at - enough to keep you satisfied and entertained for all the days you've missed.
I will also return 17 years of age. I expect birthday comments (12th August) but I also expect that this blog will become a bit of progress diary for either how much or how little I improve as I attempt to learn to drive. It might cost a bit of money to start with - but why else would I slog my guts out at work three days a week? (Only three days!) I'm a student, I'm allowed to be part time. It'll certainly save me money in the long run in comparison to the extortionate fares of trains and buses. The only way I managed to get a discount on rail fares was by giving them twenty quid first!
Anyway, I'm side-tracking, I'll save it for my letter to Gordon Brown.
Enjoy your day.
Sunday 29 July 2007
The Shakespeare Experience
Thursday 26th July 2007 - a nice day for a picnic or a nice night for an open-air performance. Well, alright it wasn't nice. In fact it was terrible. Nevertheless, at around 6:30pm I ventured out into the p*****g rain with my family to support the locals at a National Trust theatre event - a production of The Taming of the Shrew. Despite the weather, the performance was very impressive and the actors clearly ignored the showers and continued to give it their all.
This one of Shakespeare's earlier plays, is a comedy filled with confusions, satire and a good ol' fashioned dig at women! The Taming of the Shrew, however, is not all that it suggests. There is a shrew (Katherine), the tamer of that shrew (Petruchio of Verona) but there are also many other characters, as themselves and sometimes in disguise. The story starts with two sisters, Katherine and Bianca, Bianca whom has many suitors but who is also denied marriage by her father until Katherine is married before her. Katherine, as her notorious title suggests, is a bit crabby and tends to just throw a wobbly whenever she's confronted by a male. Thus, it seems Bianca has no hope. The story progresses into a twisted tale that I shall not go into for your own sake - we'll be here forever.
I was very impressed with the actress playing Katherine; she was a strong performer, cleverly focusing on her facial expression and posture to create the perfect miserable cow. She had scowling down a tee and a heavy stomp - all she needed was a pair of big, black boots and a 'Nirvana' hoody and she might have looked like a proper teenager. Unfortunately, the actress playing Bianca was slightly weaker, so she didn't match up to her fellow actress. Yet, I think I can say she was sufficiently girly enough to match her girly part; perhaps being a weaker actress played to her strength as that character.
The most outstanding performances for me personally, however, were the performances by the Tailor and Petruchio of Verona. The Tailor, although only a minor part, perfected his character to what I imagine to be his own interpretation of the man. He was a hunched over, elderly man, complete with a funny little voice and a comical stutter. He may have only had a few lines, but he certainly got the audience's attention with his excellent stage presence, and I couldn't help but give a little giggle or two. Otherwise, I always remember to respect my elders.
Petruchio of Verona on the other hand, was a much bolder character, but with an equally brilliant stage presence. He kept up his husky voice, nearly always shouting to emphasise his authority and strength of character. He used his props well (hitting his female servant in the face with a fake ham - I think it was an accident...) and wore the clothes of a madman like he was born in them. It may be fair to say he was the most convincing character of them all. Except perhaps the minstrel, who managed to sit on the same upside-down pot for the duration of the play. If it were me, I would have at least protested to get a proper chair, after all, there is no such thing as a small part, only small actors. And he wasn't that small.
Overall, it was a thoroughly enjoyable night. I am being very positive, probably because my most vivid memory of the night was my uncontrollable laughter at the cold wet faces of poor English folk in rain macs. Particularly my father's, whose most enjoyable part was probably the battenberg we'd brought for our picnic; he's not really into Shakespeare, he's a Sheridan man. Likes the tights. But, my hat's off to all the actors for continuing so bravely throughout several downpours and the impressive performances of nearly all of the actors. The comedy was there, the farce was certainly there, and there was even a boy wearing hair gel, which I'm sure Shakespeare would've disapproved of - the rain soon sorted that.
So, many thanks to the National Trust for providing such a treat, and there could still be more to come from them - we might win some gardening advice on the raffle.
Please comment if you have anything to add to this review of 'The Taming of the Shrew'.
Sunday 22 July 2007
A Day in Literary History
Yesterday, 21st July 2007, was an important day for modern literature; it was the release date for the final chronicle in the Harry Potter series. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows has no doubt already been purchased and read cover to cover by millions, but I can't count myself among them. Ever since finishing book number four (Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire) I haven't kept up to date with the ones to follow it. As enjoyable as the books are, I myself feel that I have read better examples of British literature.
However, the release of the seventh novel has intrigued me and my curiosity is leading me to read the fifth book (Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix). I want to find out what the fuss is all about, and to see if the final three novels can shift my opinion from "Well... they're alright" to "They're blimmin' fantastic!"
I hope in a week or so's time to be able to review book number five and the whole Harry Potter situation. But, I need your help. First thing's first, vote in the poll on the left hand side of this blog, just so I can get an idea of whether I'm a total outcast of opinion. Did you queue up outside bookstores in the early hours of yesterday morning to buy the last novel? I'd have liked to have queued, gone in, picked a book on gardening and bought that instead - just to catch a few reactions and because I can. But, still being under the legal driving age, and living in the sticks, doesn't make these things easy for me - so technically I can't. [Sorry, straying slightly there.] Secondly, leave me a little comment. Feel free to totally tear me to shreds - I probably am a freak for not being crazy about J.K. Rowling's masterpieces. But also feel free to sympathise - I'd like to know I'm not alone.
Have a happy Sunday.
However, the release of the seventh novel has intrigued me and my curiosity is leading me to read the fifth book (Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix). I want to find out what the fuss is all about, and to see if the final three novels can shift my opinion from "Well... they're alright" to "They're blimmin' fantastic!"
I hope in a week or so's time to be able to review book number five and the whole Harry Potter situation. But, I need your help. First thing's first, vote in the poll on the left hand side of this blog, just so I can get an idea of whether I'm a total outcast of opinion. Did you queue up outside bookstores in the early hours of yesterday morning to buy the last novel? I'd have liked to have queued, gone in, picked a book on gardening and bought that instead - just to catch a few reactions and because I can. But, still being under the legal driving age, and living in the sticks, doesn't make these things easy for me - so technically I can't. [Sorry, straying slightly there.] Secondly, leave me a little comment. Feel free to totally tear me to shreds - I probably am a freak for not being crazy about J.K. Rowling's masterpieces. But also feel free to sympathise - I'd like to know I'm not alone.
Have a happy Sunday.
Saturday 21 July 2007
Mission Accomplished
Birdsong - Sebastian Faulks
Yesterday afternoon, after much determination, I finally finished reading Birdsong written by Sebastian Faulks. I will assume that many of you have heard of the novel, first published in 1993, or at least of the author as he recently attempted a Bond novel. However, if you haven't heard of Birdsong, here's why it's worth your undivided attention.
First I must confess that the main reason for my reading of this book is because it is part of my A level syllabus and soon I will have to pick it apart and analyse it for coursework. However, I was determined to finish reading it beforehand. I have succeeded, and I can easily admit that the novel is one of the best I have ever read.
Written to reveal the horrors of the First World War on the Western Front, it appears to hold nothing back. If as a reader you like honesty and belief from your authors, then Sebastian Faulks is the man for you. From vivid sex scenes to the vile retrieval of rotten bodies from the battlefield, every sentence, every metaphor, every simile is guaranteed to evoke images previously unimaginable. Some made me feel physically sick, others made me read on in awe, but despite the unpleasant imagery, I didn't want it to end.
The book is well structured; the beginning, set in France, 1910, is designed to prepare the reader for war. Not only does Faulks use clever word association ('battle', 'invade', 'innocent') to subtly convey the idea that war is inevitable, but he also uses nature to describe stagnant, decaying natural scenes, similar to those of the trenches. However, despite his descriptions of peacetime locations being similar to those of the war, there is a clear difference in humanity in pre-war France. The characters live in a well-run, respected, upper class town house, exposed to luxuries such as the choice of "at least a dozen meats". Compared with the then sparsely fed soldiers, forced to live in filth with only the comfort of another man's body to sleep upon, the contrast is severe, enhancing the horrible situations of those involved in war.
The novel follows Stephen Wraysford's journey through war, from 1910 eventually revealing his life up until his death. He is a strange, solitary character, who seems indifferent to emotion. For this reason, his encounters with death, fear, lust and loneliness allow you to imagine how you would feel, had you ever been unlucky enough to be put in Stephen's situations. He is an ordinary character with a disrupted background, yet he almost always appears controlled and secure. His self-control is challenged by the effects of the war and it is interesting to see how the war affected people of all natures through Faulks' characters.
As well as a view on pre-war France and life during the war, Faulks also sets part of his novel in the 1970's, following the life of Stephen's grand-daughter. At first, these sections of the book seemed unnecessary to me, however, it soon becomes clear that the author wants us to see the post-war affects on some people. Through Elizabeth (the grand-daughter) we re-visit some of the British soldiers that Stephen fought alongside, only to discover that, sixty years on, the war hasn't left them. It is a slightly shocking view on the length of devastation the war caused.
If I have any criticism of this book, it is Stephen's final battle of the war. It is not a physical battle, but a battle with life and death. In this final chapter it is clear that the author was faced with two choices; convey the reality of the duration of his task in a believable way and let the character die, or try and convince the readers of the reality and let the character live. Inevitably, from the modern sections of the book, the character lives. Therefore, there are elements of Stephen's battle that become unbelievable, particularly how he manages to live without food or water for around a week having already been suffering from exhaustion, a damaged arm and other psychological effects of the war. Nevertheless, the final chapter is exciting, thrilling and satisfying and I went back and read it again because I couldn't bear for it to finish.
Finally, this novel has been credited by many critics and is obviously a suitable book for A level study. However, I think this book is best enjoyed without having to read into too much depth. So, if you enjoy historical fiction, particularly the type close to the truth, then it is well worth reading Birdsong. It is easy to lose yourself in Faulks' imagery, and I was deeply moved by what was conveyed to me. I grew to love and hate the uncomfortable, unfortunate characters and was horrified in knowing that their lives in war were absolute reality for some men. Now, with no first hand experience of either of the World Wars, I hope nothing so horrendous hits European soil again.
Please comment if you have anything to add to this review of 'Birdsong'.
Yesterday afternoon, after much determination, I finally finished reading Birdsong written by Sebastian Faulks. I will assume that many of you have heard of the novel, first published in 1993, or at least of the author as he recently attempted a Bond novel. However, if you haven't heard of Birdsong, here's why it's worth your undivided attention.
First I must confess that the main reason for my reading of this book is because it is part of my A level syllabus and soon I will have to pick it apart and analyse it for coursework. However, I was determined to finish reading it beforehand. I have succeeded, and I can easily admit that the novel is one of the best I have ever read.
Written to reveal the horrors of the First World War on the Western Front, it appears to hold nothing back. If as a reader you like honesty and belief from your authors, then Sebastian Faulks is the man for you. From vivid sex scenes to the vile retrieval of rotten bodies from the battlefield, every sentence, every metaphor, every simile is guaranteed to evoke images previously unimaginable. Some made me feel physically sick, others made me read on in awe, but despite the unpleasant imagery, I didn't want it to end.
The book is well structured; the beginning, set in France, 1910, is designed to prepare the reader for war. Not only does Faulks use clever word association ('battle', 'invade', 'innocent') to subtly convey the idea that war is inevitable, but he also uses nature to describe stagnant, decaying natural scenes, similar to those of the trenches. However, despite his descriptions of peacetime locations being similar to those of the war, there is a clear difference in humanity in pre-war France. The characters live in a well-run, respected, upper class town house, exposed to luxuries such as the choice of "at least a dozen meats". Compared with the then sparsely fed soldiers, forced to live in filth with only the comfort of another man's body to sleep upon, the contrast is severe, enhancing the horrible situations of those involved in war.
The novel follows Stephen Wraysford's journey through war, from 1910 eventually revealing his life up until his death. He is a strange, solitary character, who seems indifferent to emotion. For this reason, his encounters with death, fear, lust and loneliness allow you to imagine how you would feel, had you ever been unlucky enough to be put in Stephen's situations. He is an ordinary character with a disrupted background, yet he almost always appears controlled and secure. His self-control is challenged by the effects of the war and it is interesting to see how the war affected people of all natures through Faulks' characters.
As well as a view on pre-war France and life during the war, Faulks also sets part of his novel in the 1970's, following the life of Stephen's grand-daughter. At first, these sections of the book seemed unnecessary to me, however, it soon becomes clear that the author wants us to see the post-war affects on some people. Through Elizabeth (the grand-daughter) we re-visit some of the British soldiers that Stephen fought alongside, only to discover that, sixty years on, the war hasn't left them. It is a slightly shocking view on the length of devastation the war caused.
If I have any criticism of this book, it is Stephen's final battle of the war. It is not a physical battle, but a battle with life and death. In this final chapter it is clear that the author was faced with two choices; convey the reality of the duration of his task in a believable way and let the character die, or try and convince the readers of the reality and let the character live. Inevitably, from the modern sections of the book, the character lives. Therefore, there are elements of Stephen's battle that become unbelievable, particularly how he manages to live without food or water for around a week having already been suffering from exhaustion, a damaged arm and other psychological effects of the war. Nevertheless, the final chapter is exciting, thrilling and satisfying and I went back and read it again because I couldn't bear for it to finish.
Finally, this novel has been credited by many critics and is obviously a suitable book for A level study. However, I think this book is best enjoyed without having to read into too much depth. So, if you enjoy historical fiction, particularly the type close to the truth, then it is well worth reading Birdsong. It is easy to lose yourself in Faulks' imagery, and I was deeply moved by what was conveyed to me. I grew to love and hate the uncomfortable, unfortunate characters and was horrified in knowing that their lives in war were absolute reality for some men. Now, with no first hand experience of either of the World Wars, I hope nothing so horrendous hits European soil again.
Please comment if you have anything to add to this review of 'Birdsong'.
Sunday 15 July 2007
Welcome
Well, that greeting is as much for me as it is for you. I have to confess I am a complete blogging virgin and not much of a pro on anything requiring me to enter a code to prove I'm human. In fact, I shouldn't prepare yourself for any fancy, whiz-kid features as my knowledge of computers is far from advanced. However, let's hope that I can allow any other astounding personal qualities to shine through the technology and entertain you more simply. No need for crazed cartoons with eyes that suggest glue-sniffing making shrill noises to attract your attention and will you to click to play 'Shoot the Nobody' for a cash prize of minus £1000.
Well, now that we both have been introduced to this blogging business, I find this a favourable opportunity for my mentioning who I am - (get the quote?) I am a young person (I don't respond to kid, child, youth or 'erbert) who is passionate about two things in particular - the theatre and the English language. I enjoy every aspect of theatre; acting, directing, singing, dancing and just about anything else that involves the stage. However, don't be fooled, I'm not merely a mindless performer (oh no!) I live for the theory behind the practise too. Delving into the mind of a playwright to uncover the symbolism and the possiblities is a particular highlight of mine. Naturally, I try my best to go the theatre as well as take part in the performance, but don't get me started on the difficulties I have with public transport.
In pursuit of my love of English, I have in the past been involved in Youth Public Speaking competitions, writing and presenting my own speeches as well as writing reports and programmes for college events. Of course I read to fuel my knowledge of literature, although I have to confess, I've recently let myself slip a little.
Yet - here's the good part - I am now seeking to reform my state of slacking by entering the World Wide Web and sharing my experiences with other fellow theatre and book lovers. Hopefully, this will give me (and you) the opportunity to show appreciation for the ones who've laboured to give us the impressive, expressive literature we enjoy.
I hope to share the experiences of my studies and all the reading, viewing and performing I do in my own time. Naturally, accompanying this will be the ups and downs of student life that comes with having a youthful thirst for knowledge. Feel free to share your experiences - but fellow students, be warned, you might set me off on a rant.
So, please journey with me as I blog my way through year 13.
Well, now that we both have been introduced to this blogging business, I find this a favourable opportunity for my mentioning who I am - (get the quote?) I am a young person (I don't respond to kid, child, youth or 'erbert) who is passionate about two things in particular - the theatre and the English language. I enjoy every aspect of theatre; acting, directing, singing, dancing and just about anything else that involves the stage. However, don't be fooled, I'm not merely a mindless performer (oh no!) I live for the theory behind the practise too. Delving into the mind of a playwright to uncover the symbolism and the possiblities is a particular highlight of mine. Naturally, I try my best to go the theatre as well as take part in the performance, but don't get me started on the difficulties I have with public transport.
In pursuit of my love of English, I have in the past been involved in Youth Public Speaking competitions, writing and presenting my own speeches as well as writing reports and programmes for college events. Of course I read to fuel my knowledge of literature, although I have to confess, I've recently let myself slip a little.
Yet - here's the good part - I am now seeking to reform my state of slacking by entering the World Wide Web and sharing my experiences with other fellow theatre and book lovers. Hopefully, this will give me (and you) the opportunity to show appreciation for the ones who've laboured to give us the impressive, expressive literature we enjoy.
I hope to share the experiences of my studies and all the reading, viewing and performing I do in my own time. Naturally, accompanying this will be the ups and downs of student life that comes with having a youthful thirst for knowledge. Feel free to share your experiences - but fellow students, be warned, you might set me off on a rant.
So, please journey with me as I blog my way through year 13.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)