Books 2018

Hey my lovelies,

One of my favourite things to do in my free time is read. Normally, during term time I'm reading up for a play- doing it for the purpose of my character or my degree, so when I've got some free time it can be nice to actually pick a book for my own entertainment. As a society I would argue that we don't necessarily read as much as, say my parents' generation, and sometimes when schools force people to read it can take away the thrill of picking up a new, fresh book (side note: the fresh-book-smell is another perk) and getting lost in another world. That being said I have been brought up to read from a mum who has a collection of books the size of the Beast's library in Beauty and the Beast! Consequently, I've always loved reading, because I've been lucky enough to have a good choice to browse through, alongside my mum and sister's recommendations. Therefore, I thought I'd share what I'd been reading over 2018, as we are now well into the January 2019! 

Anna Karenina- Leo Tolstoy

So this was a big read I was determined to tackle after previously reading War and Peace! When I initially looked at the 750 pages I felt a bit intimidated, but as Tolstoy is translated it is really easy to read! It is about a group of socialites in 19th century Russia, and focusses on the gossip and scandal of a certain Anna having an affair with a younger Vronsky. What I loved about the book is that although the main focus was Anna, there were tales of other characters finding themselves in the Russian countryside, and also marriages coming together as well as falling apart. I also loved Tolstoy's storytelling, as he was capable of describing such intimate little nuances as well as giving the big picture of the society on the whole. Even though what Anna was doing was wrong on so many levels, at the same time seeing her stuck in a loveless marriage and her emotional turmoil and love for her son was covered so clearly, it left me feeling so much sympathy for her. Although it is a longer read, it is beautifully written and was well worth the backache of carrying it around!

Into the Water- Paula Hawkins

I am a massive thriller fan, when it comes to film, TV and books. I'd read Girl on the Train by Hawkins and absolutely loved it, so when I heard she had a new book out, with references to witch trials I knew it would be a good read! I also love historical novels, and this has some past presence weaved into the story. It basically alludes to a number of cases where women have died in a certain river, so when another women drowns it becomes a mystery as to whether it was a murder or suicide. However, one thing I will say is it is from a lot of different people's perspectives so it can be confusing, but that aside as the plot thickens the personalities become more developed it draws you in for the denouement. I also wondered whether Paula Hawkins was listening to a bit of PJ Harvey when she wrote it, because there are some subtle references to her music. I could definitely see this being a TV series; it's gritty, cold but very alluring, and if you like a crime mystery it keeps you gripped!

Girl Interrupted- Susanna Kayser

This was a book that I had always been intrigued by from a young age. I will say this is partly due to my massive obsession with Winona Ryder, and with her big brown eyes staring at me in the bookshop I couldn't say no.  I had also seen the film a couple of years ago, so I knew what to expect, but I also knew I definitely wanted to read it. As I have had personal knowledge with a unit, I was interested to see what the environment would be like for a number of mental health cases for over 18's, and also in the USA. As a memoir it was so cleverly laid out, with document files and short chapters that were twisted with a dark humour and perspective on life, that left me reflecting and also turning the page to find out what would happen next. 

Swanson on Swanson- Gloria Swanson

As I hope to one day go into the entertainment industry, I have always been fascinated by old Hollywood films, and this was a family recommendation as my Grandad is also a massive old-school Hollywood fan! Sadly, I admit I was ignorant of her existence, but once I heard she was an Old Hollywood actress, who had been in Sunset Boulevard, I was intrigued to know more about her life. She does describe her life in an almost dream-like way, glossing over her scandals, but equally it is still very juicy to read about! I also loved hearing about her working relationships with people like Charlie Chaplin, and how different the film industry was near enough one hundred years ago. 

Curtain Call- Anthony Quinn

I picked this one out in a Waterstones because I saw a historical book relating to theatre in the crime section! Set in the 1930's in the London's West End, Anthony Quinn depicts the glitz and grunge of the entertainment industry. It is a magnified look on a little bubble of people, as it focuses on a small circle of characters- an actress, an artist, a theatre critic and a regular audience member- but a 'Tiepin Killer' links them all together in a neat little mystery. As I read the novel, being a regular of wandering the streets of London, Quinn captures the atmosphere so well, and I felt as if I was walking through the streets with the characters in the book! The story is such a clever tale and is neatly written, so would highly recommend for a good old-fashioned, British crime story!

Thank you my loves, until next time

Odette x