Strictly narrative

[altariel]

Turning away from difficult issues, I'm internally debating the ethics of going to see Sylvia. It's hard not to take into account what Frieda Hughes has written:

"Now they want to make a film
For anyone lacking the ability
To imagine the body, head in oven
Orphaning children."

***

I really enjoy my offline reading group, but we decided at the outset not to read classics, in which I am woefully under-read. There should be a reading group for people hastily trying to fill the gaps in their reading. A sort of mutual support group in response to that game in that David Lodge novel, where all the English Lit academics admit to the most gaping hole in their reading.

***

And, thirdly:

Comments

[applegnat.livejournal.com]

I don't know if it will ever come out in India, but I have my doubts about going to watch it too. It seems vaguely sacrilegous - I know Emma Tennant has a book called 'The Ballad of Ted and Sylvia' that I've never had the courage to pick up. Frankly, Gwyneth Paltrow puzzles me with her ability to pick up great roles all the time despite not deserving it. Hollywood is strange.


We've been discussing the BBC in class, and as much as we don't make a difference to the B.liar govenrment, we believe in them too. *thumbs up*

[espresso-addict.livejournal.com]

The Guardian's panned it (Sylvia, that is), for what that's worth; it certainly doesn't sound particularly insightful.

[kathyh]

I really enjoy my offline reading group, but we decided at the outset not to read classics, in which I am woefully under-read.

You seem pretty well-read to me! Read what you want to read say I.

Love the "I believe in the BBC" logo, and the article. I always thought the Blue Peter advent crown could be turned into an offensive weapon, if it didn't set the house on fire first.

[manna]

Well, from my evil boyband-porn-writing perspective, I say go if you want to. Unless it sounds like it will suck. :-)

[glitterboy1.livejournal.com]

*hugs* for difficult issues, if needed.

The Guardian and Observer reviews (http://film.guardian.co.uk/Film_Page/0,4061,1045771,00.html) were terrible, though I've seen two other reviews that like it.

As for gaps in reading, I think you're far better-read than most people. Probably even in the 'classics'! But I know what you mean, and I think I'm some way behind you. What I find depressing is the sheer scale of the catching-up that would be needed!

[archbishopm.livejournal.com]

You mean that sort of thing doesn't actively encourage you? Mister, you're a better man than I.

If you want a say with me,
put it in better poetry.

;-p

[trixieleitz]

... a reading group for people hastily trying to fill the gaps in their reading.

I'd join. Is there a club time machine, so that I can fit all that reading into my otherwise rich and full (hah!) life? Or maybe a cloning machine?

I'll start with that David Lodge novel.