Sunday November 30th, 2014
Books in November
- The Ides of April by Lindsey Davis
Here we find that Falco's adopted daughter has taken on the mantle of Public Inquirer and also taken up residence at the old homestead in Fountain Court on the Aventine. It is all plausibly well written and I enjoy the idea - and the fact that Linsey Davis is adding more scope to the Falco series.... but o there was something special about Falco and his daughter is simply not quite so special. I think for the same reason they have never quite been able to successfully capture his character on screen either - just not found the right man. - Saints of the Shadow Bible by Ian Rankin [read by James
Macpherson]
Delighted to be able to go straight into the next Rebus novel and see him alongside Malcolm Fox - I would say "working with" but they weren' 100% on the same side. Malcolm is definitely shaping up for a career move back ot CID.
[I listened while painting the ceiling of my newly resuscitated studio/office.]
Wednesday November 26th, 2014
The Hypochondriac
Tony Robinson in the Molière role and lots of fun. However was disturbed to note that the humorous device of "Molière" collapsing at the end of the play was not a little amusement but a re-enactment of what actually happened in the 1600s - it was Molière's last play.
Thursday November 13th, 2014
Neville’s Island
I found this play at the Duke of York really funny and entertaining with a fantastic cast - and I know a lot of my theatrical outings are not West End Productions but I am more than a bit surprised that the critics seem to have been less than bowled over. The Telegraph was especially puzzling - having given a rave review to the version at Chichester saying it should transfer to the West End, their review was scathing; (I even wonder if the reviewer was actually present since one character did not, as stated, have a nervous breakdown "after the death of his wife").
So - ignore all that - go and see this great cast (and amazing set).
Monday November 3rd, 2014
Ming
We went to another members evening at the British Museum. Both the German and Ming exhibitions were open but we chose the latter and then attended a lecture. There were also workshops and I was quite keen on attending the one on calligraphy but could not fit that in with the lecture as well.
I learned that Ming is not the most precious china - in fact almost the opposite as it can be regarded as the world's first truly global brand. However, it is the most well known, and mystery stories - where Agatha Christie's "The Blue Vase" springs to mind - did much to popularise the idea of its high value. [And despite the exhibition showing many other exquisite pieces of rare beauty - the blue and white is still my favourite].
I'm afraid I cannot retain the facts and figures in the lecture I have come away with the shape of it in my mind, and the "50 years that changed China". While we were busy at Agincourt, they were building the Forbidden City.
