Book to Film | Frankenstein

Frankenstein’s book cover (left), and film poster (right).

There have, of course, been many screen adaptations of Frankenstein over the years, but the one I’m going to be talking about here in relation to the book is the 1994 version, directed by Kenneth Branagh.

This iteration seems to generally be considered the most faithful to the original novel, which is part of the reason I was keen to give it a go. I can absolutely see why it is regarded as so, as the main arc does indeed stick pretty close to Mary Shelley’s iconic story, albeit with a few extra bells and whistles to ramp up the drama. Unlike many other pop-culture versions of Frankenstein’s creation, I was glad to see that this one was as pitiable as he was monstrous; as indeed Shelley herself intended. This meant the integrity of the book’s core themes – like the moral ambiguity of pushing science too far; the risks of trying to overcome death; the destructive nature of blindly pursuing our obsessions; and the question over how we as a society truly make monsters – are all still largely intact.

All that said, there is something about the film that just never fully clicked for me. Though the story and themes are still there, the subtlety and nuance are gone. Everything feels a bit too extra, from the frantic direction to the overbearing soundtrack. This somewhat hectic feeling means that the emotional beats of the narrative can’t always resonate properly, as we are relentlessly rushed onto the next scene.

The film’s principal cast: Kenneth Branagh as Victor Frankenstein; Helena Bonham Carter as Elizabeth Lavenza; and Robert De Niro as The Creation.

Alongside the big names heading up the cast, there are a number of well-known actors in supporting roles – including Ian Holm, John Cleese, Celia Imrie, and Richard Briers. I can’t say anyone’s performance blew me away, but I suspect this was due in part to the film’s overall sense of erratic melodrama. De Niro is certainly charismatic as The Creation, able to evoke the tricky blend of pity and revulsion. Bonham Carter is also ethereally captivating in the film’s climax, when her character is given a fate more theatrical and disturbing than in the book, yet undoubtedly more visually haunting too.

Ambitious and aesthetically striking, I suspect Branagh simply tried to accomplish too much in a runtime of less than two hours. Still, it was enjoyable enough, and I was glad to see a version that tried hard to honour the intent of Shelley’s masterpiece, even if it wasn’t always entirely successful.

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Let’s Recommend | Halloween Reads

Let’s recommend some Halloween reads!

Each year, as the build-up to Halloween begins, I like to recommend some creepy books for those who want to get into the spirit of the season. Without further ado, here are my picks for this year – and as always, I encourage you to share your own recommendations in the comments.

The Silence by Tim Lebbon

A thrilling, apocalyptic horror story that plays with the idea of sensory deprivation, this is definitely worth checking out if you’re a fan of Josh Malerman’s Bird Box, or the movie, A Quiet Place. A cave system that has been sealed off for millennia is excavated, unleashing a horde of deadly, prehistoric, bat-like creatures that hunt using sound. We follow a family (one of whom is deaf) who flee their home in search of somewhere safe to hunker down, as the plague spreads across Europe. Relying on the use of sign language to live in silence, with a mounting sense of panic and claustrophobia closing in, they must face threat from the creatures themselves, and people pushed to the brink. It’s not a perfect book, but I found it fast, fun, and a fresh take on a well saturated genre.

Carrie by Stephen King

Between the iconic status of both the book and the film, and the non-linear structure that gives us glimpses of the tragic outcome throughout, we always know that Carrie’s story will end in violence and bloodshed. Despite this sense of inevitability, the book still manages to be tense and gripping. King’s heroine is so well drawn, and so poorly treated, that despite the horror she unleashes, we can still feel pathos and sympathy for her. Indeed, the true evil in this story is found elsewhere, making this a tale about the monsters we create.

I Am Legend by Richard Matheson

First off, if you’ve seen the Will Smith movie, know that the original book is very different, and in my opinion, significantly superior. We follow a man who fears he may be the last survivor following an outbreak that has seen the rest of the population turned into vampires. The physical danger posed by these blood-thirsty creatures is indeed horrifying, but is no less real to our hero than the looming threat of insanity, brought on by the paranoia, loneliness, grief, and alcohol addiction he must also wrestle with. As with my favourite sci-fi/horror, there’s an attempt to base everything in plausible logic and science, which makes the scenario feel all the more unsettling.

The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson

This is a masterful tale of mounting tension, and a great example of the less-is-more approach to the horror genre. There are no cheap jump scares or gory scenes in sight, and yet it creeps beneath your skin and makes you question what is real, and which characters can be trusted. Not only are there some outright creepy moments in which Jackson builds a tangible sense of fear, but the whole book is suffused with an oppressive and ethereal atmosphere that suits the tone of the story perfectly. The plot itself sees four people visiting a notorious manor, determined to prove whether or not its rumoured haunting is real. It’s subtle and nuanced, and explores many interesting themes, but never to the detriment of its ability to unnerve.

Wytches by Scott Snyder

This graphic novel draws on the early mythology of witches to subvert many of the expectations you’d likely have going into a story about them. Forget cauldrons and pointy hats; the beings found herein are of far more monstrous and threatening stock. The accompanying artwork is striking, which serves to enhance the impact of the dark, intense, and disturbing story.

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What reads would you recommend to get into the Halloween spirit?

September Wrap Up

The books I read in September

Another month; another wrap up. Throughout September I read 12 books, bringing my total for the year so far up to 96. Here are some brief thoughts on each, with links to my full reviews on Goodreads, in case you’d like to know more about the books themselves, or how I got on with them.

The Silence by Tim Lebbon

[ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ] Given that this is a horror story centred around the idea of sensory deprivation, it gave me a lot of vibes of Bird Box and A Quiet Place, both of which I loved. Though admittedly not a perfect novel, it was a fun and thrilling read, with some genuinely chilling and breathless moments. The sense of mounting panic and claustrophobia as the threat closed in around the characters worked well, and I liked that the story included menace from both the plague of creatures wreaking havoc on humanity, and people pushed to the brink, desperate to survive.

The Ice Palace by Tarjei Vesaas

[ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ] This is a subtle though surprisingly thought-provoking little read, which focusses on a young girl following the disappearance of her friend. The story itself is deceptively simple, but Vesaas incorporates a lot of metaphor to explore several themes, including the intoxication of youthful friendship, the letting go of guilt and grief, and the damaging effect of holding on to secrets. There’s also an undertone of queerness that runs throughout, adding another layer of interpretive meaning. The quirky nature of the prose reflects the sense of awe inspired by the book’s ethereal Norwegian setting, but also the youthful sense of wonder that lies on the knife-edge between childhood and adolescence.

Shockaholic by Carrie Fisher

[ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ] This anecdotal memoir is at once brutally honesty and hilariously self-deprecating. Fisher moves deftly from poignant reminiscences about addiction struggles, electroconvulsive therapy, and the complex relationship she had with her father, to laugh-out-loud, stranger-than-fiction insights into the bizarre nature of Hollywood life and gossip culture. Another great read from Fisher that showed her evident skill as a raconteur.

N or M by Agatha Christie

[ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ] I love seeing the progression of Tuppence (who is amazing) and Tommy throughout this series; the duo having grown from ambitious youngsters to middle-aged retirees. It allowed for a great thread throughout this book about society being dismissive of people’s worth as they age. The plot itself was as intricate and deftly handled as I’ve come to expect, with elements of political intrigue, war-time racial tension, action and excitement, and even some surprising pathos; topped off, of course, with a heavy dose of mystery. It was as clever and readable as ever, with well-placed twists, and an incredibly satisfying conclusion that made this a perfect case of cosy crime.

The Last Witch by Rona Munro

[ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ] A brilliant, rousing, intelligent look at the struggle for power between the sexes; othering; and the inherent hypocrisy of misogyny. Munro packs a punch with this powerful and atmospheric dramatization of the story of the last woman to be executed for witchcraft in Scotland, in 1727. Our heroine is fascinating, complex, and skilfully constructed, with the level of ambiguity retained allowing for moments that are both unsettling and melancholic. I also saw an adaptation of the play on stage this month, which I reviewed here.

Skein Island by Aliya Whiteley

[ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ] I adored The Beauty, also by Whiteley, and whilst this didn’t enthral me as much, I still found it very rich from a thematic point of view. The narrative – about an island that women can visit for a week in exchange for a story from their past – explores gender, storytelling, fate vs free will, and the various roles we inhabit throughout our lives. Drawing heavily on mythology, there is an element of mystery at the book’s core, but with such a heavy emphasis on imagery and deeper meaning, I found I was unable to lose myself fully in the story itself.

Womankind #17 edited by Antonia Case

[ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ] I wouldn’t often include a magazine in a wrap up, but having a literary edge, being bulkier than average, and being completely ad-free, Womankind is packed with quality content. This issue was themed predominantly around Scotland and mythology, with short, easily digestible articles touching on the likes of history, culture, psychology, art, nature, and health. Aesthetically, the whole issue is beautifully put together, with the highlight for me being stunning full-page examples of Jessica Roux’s artwork. Though I enjoyed some articles more than others, the overall tone was peaceful, contemplative, and engaging.

The Corset by Laura Purcell

[ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ] An intricately plotted and thematically rich gothic chiller; this was just the kind of read I was in the mood for. We follow Ruth Butterham, a young seamstress accused of murder, who claims to possess some kind of supernatural ability. Is she telling the truth; is she lying; or is she simply mad? Perhaps more importantly, if she is a killer, what could have driven her to it? At face value, this is a real page-turner, at equal turns poignant and horrifying, but it also explores the bleakness of poverty, and the notion of trauma and survivor’s guilt, whilst also criticising the class system and lack of female autonomy. Purcell maintains the perfect amount of ambiguity to leave the reader satisfied, without losing the sinister tone of the book at large.

And the Ocean Was Our Sky by Patrick Ness

[ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ] This take on the story of Moby-Dick is an unashamedly strange little book that offers no apology for its frankly bizarre fantastical elements. I felt it was too short to allow proper adjustment to its oddity, and that it lacked the kind of emotional gut punch I have come to crave from Ness’ work. Still, it is a timely cautionary tale about the destructive power of hatred, and how rumour can birth the ugliest of truths. I admire Ness’ willingness to defy genre, and Rovina Cai’s dreamy illustrations worked well to enhance the timeless fairy tale-esque tone.

The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton

[ ⭐ ⭐ ] I’m very much in the minority here, but this one sadly didn’t work for me. Turton undoubtedly has some great ideas, and I flew through it despite its hefty size, so it’s certainly very readable. I felt, however, that there was just too much of everything; be it characters, plot threads, twists, or otherwise. This meant the whole thing became a bit of a tangled mess that stretched my suspension of disbelief too far. The elements that provided the greatest opportunity for plot or character development were glossed over, so that ultimately, I just couldn’t immerse myself in it the way I’d hoped.

The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang

[ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ] This is an incredibly charming and heartfelt graphic novel about Prince Sebastian, who enlists the help of a talented seamstress so he can live out a double life as Lady Chrystallia. I love that it’s unapologetic in its embracing of queerness and freedom of expression, and yet not once are labels used to define any of the characters. It’s a wonderful story of friendship, loyalty, identity, gender fluidity, and love. Admittedly, things work out a little more neatly than they would have in real life, but we can all indulge in a ‘happily ever after’ every once in a while. Wang’s art is suitably delightful and expressive, capturing the vibrancy, colour, and decadence of aristocracy and high fashion in late 19th century Paris.

Sliver by Ira Levin

[ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ] My 4^th Levin novel, and another very satisfying read. This one follows a woman moving into a new apartment, unaware that it’s rigged with cameras, and someone is watching her every move. It’s a bit of a slow build at first, working to establish a creeping, seedy atmosphere befitting of the unsavoury subject matter, before reaching a breathless climax with some brilliantly sinister poetic justice. Given that we’re now in the age of social media and reality TV, the book’s themes of technology posing a threat to our privacy, and the addictive nature of voyeurism, have aged incredibly well. Its increasing relevance makes it all the more unsettling.

(On a side note, this was my choice of book when I won a giveaway hosted by Zuky – so big thanks to her! Do check out her blog, and her online book club over on Goodreads. They’re both excellent.)

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There we have it! My favourite reads of the month were The Last Witch and The Corset; what were yours?

Chicago | Theatre Review

Show: Chicago
Venue: Pitlochry Festival Theatre
Date: 27^th September 2018
Director: Richard Baron
Musical director: David Higham
Principal Cast: Lucie-Mae Sumner (Roxie Hart), Niamh Bracken (Velma Kelly), Carl Patrick (Billy Flynn), & Irene-Myrtle Forrester (Mama Morton).

Chicago

Allow me to indulge in a painfully obvious though no less pleasing pun, by telling you that this show had a whole lot of razzle dazzle. Going into this, I was as aware of the basic concept of Chicago as the next person (two women awaiting trial for murder, competing to achieve the greatest level of fame so that they may avoid execution), but had never previously seen any screen or stage versions. Now that you’ve finished gasping, I can gladly confirm that I loved it.

Lucie-Mae Sumner as Roxie Hart (left); Niamh Bracken and Irene-Myrtle Forrester as Velma Kelly and Mama Morton (right). Pictures courtesy of Pitlochry Festival Theatre.

The story is a brilliant satire of ‘celebrity’ culture and corruption in the American justice system, with this particular production packed full of wicked wit, slick routines, and knock-out performances. Bracken was incredibly charismatic in the role of Velma Kelly, but Sumner’s Roxie Hart was the star of the show for me, pitching the blend of twisted humour and captivating magnetism required for the role perfectly.

The presence of a live 10-piece jazz band was very welcome, allowing the iconic soundtrack to really shine, whilst further evoking the sultry 20s vibe. The choreography, staging, costumes, and lighting were all equally on par, and by the end, the atmosphere amongst the crowd was practically tangible. I feel very lucky to have had a production with all the quality of a West End show see out the summer season at my local theatre.

Though I go to the theatre in general as often as I can, I’m still relatively new to musicals (this being only the third that I’ve seen in person). It’s safe to say that Chicago has certainly bolstered my love and appreciation for the medium, and fuelled my eagerness to explore more of it.

Sunshine Blogger Award

The Sunshine Blogger Award

I don’t always get around to awards/tag posts, but I’m always incredibly grateful to be included in them. When I saw Marina’s questions for The Sunshine Blogger Award, however, I couldn’t resist! (Marina’s blog is excellent, by the way; you should definitely check it out if you haven’t already). Let’s just jump right in!

1. What is the first novel you ever read?

The first proper novels I remember reading and loving as a child were Huntress of the Sea by Alan Temperley, and The Breadwinner by Deborah Ellis. I read the former so many times, and eventually met the author when my class at school went to a book fair he was attending. I still have my battered old copy that he kindly signed that day.

2. What is your favorite animal?

In terms of in artwork and stuff, I have a real thing for owls and foxes. As for pets, I have two cats and a dog, and though I’m much more a ‘cat person’ in personality, I love both.

3. What is your favorite graphic novel/comic?

I loved Skim by Mariko & Jillian Tamaki; a brilliant and quietly heart-breaking story about the unease of teenage life, and the daunting first experiences of love, grief, friendship, sexuality, and self-discovery. I also love the work of Isabel Greenberg, which is all about mythology and the beauty of storytelling.

4. What’s the worst book you’ve ever read and why?

Possibly Being a Beast by Charles Foster. It purports to be nature non-fiction, but it’s little more than exploitative tripe.

5. Have you ever tried reading in another language, and which one? 

I’ve read a few basic books in French, but I’m so out of practice I doubt I could do it now, which is a shame. My sister-in-law is French though, so maybe one day I’ll get back into it.

6. Your favorite holiday, a book and a movie related to it?

Christmas, hands down. The Christmasaurus by Tom Fletcher is an incredibly charming festive read that also has some great disability representation. As for movies, I love Elf, but feel most nostalgic about The Santa Clause.

7. You can choose one Deathly Hallow. Which one and why?

The invisibility cloak. Just think of all the awkward social situations you could avoid!

8. Cats or dogs? Or horses?

See my answer for question 2, haha.

9. Do you have a hobby and what is it? You better not say reading hahaha, that’s not a hobby, it’s a life calling.

A boring answer here, but the truth is… not really. My spare time really is spent reading.

10. Do you like art? If yes, who is your favorite illustrator/painter?

Oh, yes, very much so! My favourite artists include Leonora Carrington, Georgia O’Keeffe, Shaun Tan, Jessica Roux, Jim Kay, and Robert Ingpen.

11. Are you open to a variety of genres, or do you stick to only one?

My favourite genre is gothic, but I’ll try everything and anything! I love it most of all when a book can defy genre, blending elements of several different styles to create a unique and captivating reading experience.

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A big thank you to Marina once again for nominating me. I’m going to nominate Rachel, Amalia, Chelsea, Zuky, Hannah, Ayunda, Marija, Jenna & Kristin.

There is, of course, no pressure to take part. Just think of it as my way of saying how much I’ve been loving your blogs recently. If you would like to take part, here are my 11 questions:

1. Which author that you haven’t read yet are you most excited to try?
2. What’s the best book you read before you started blogging?
3. What book do you most want to see as a movie/TV show?
4. Which genre do you want to explore more of?
5. Is the Hogwarts House you’d want to be in the same as the one you think you’d actually be sorted into?
6. Do you have any pets?
7. Are any of your ‘real life’ friends big readers?
8. What read has been your biggest pleasant surprise so far this year?
9. What’s been your most disappointing read of the year so far?
10. Who’s your favourite music artist?
11. If you could live in any country other than the one you live in now, which one would it be and why?

The Last Witch | Theatre Review

Show: The Last Witch
Venue: Pitlochry Festival Theatre
Date: 19^th September 2018
Director: Richard Baron
Writer: Rona Munro
Cast: Deirdre Davis (Janet Horne), Fiona Wood (Helen Horne), Graham Mackay-Bruce (Niall), David Rankine (Captain David Ross), Helen Logan (Elspeth Begg), Alan Steele (Douglas Begg), & Alan Mirren (Nick)

The Last Witch

I read the playscript of The Last Witch by Rona Munro earlier this month in anticipation of seeing this production. I adored reading it, and am pleased to say that I enjoyed watching it on stage just as much. I was delighted to see that the production was very faithful to Munro’s original script, preserving its wealth of emotional impact and thematic nuance.

Plot-wise, the play is a dramatization of the story of Janet Horne, the last woman to be executed as a witch in Scotland, 1727. We follow Janet, a brilliantly well-realised and complex character, as she does what is necessary to get by, and protect her disfigured daughter, Helen. She comes in to conflict with the rural parish’s new sheriff following an accusation of witchcraft from a neighbour disgruntled by her strange behaviour and eccentric ways. What ensues is a game of wits, a struggle for power between the sexes, and a look at the reasons why a woman may want to have others believe she is a powerful witch.

Deirdre Davis & Graham Mackay-Bruce as Janet and Niall (top), and Fiona Wood & Alan Mirren as Helen and Nick (bottom). Pictures courtesy of Pitlochry Festival Theatre.

There is a brooding and ominous atmosphere throughout, and though it is punctuated by moments of black humour, it culminates in a powerful, rousing climax. All of this was convincingly brought to life by the cast of seven, with particular praise owed to Deirdre Davis for her performance as Janet; she is able to capture moments of wit, anguish, and poignancy with equal vigour and charisma.

The striking set design, and clever use of light and sound, further enhanced the impact and general mood of the show, making it one of my favourite theatre experiences for some time. If the show tours following its residency at the theatre in the hills, or another production of The Last Witch comes your way, I highly recommend checking it out. It is historic fiction at its best; immersive enough to evoke times gone by, and yet relevant enough that it can still resonate with a modern audience.

What Makes a Five Star Read?

Let’s chat!

In many ways, a five star read is a very personal thing. With our own individual tastes and expectations, what works for some won’t necessarily work for others. I also think there can be discrepancies in what the same reader looks for from genre to genre.

Generally speaking though, we all have our weaknesses; those literary devices that draw us in time and time again, greatly increasing the likelihood that we’ll dish out a much coveted five star rating. Aside from a gripping and immersive story, which sort of goes without saying, here are some features that I can’t help but love. I’d be very interested to know what equivalent elements work for you, so let’s chat about it in the comments.

Atmosphere

I already alluded to liking books that are immersive, and for me, well-crafted atmosphere is the number one way to achieve that – hence why gothic fiction is my favourite genre. I want my books dark, brooding, and sinister; I want the hairs on the back of my neck to stand up, and a shiver to snake its way up my spine. If an author can transport me to their world and give me that feeling – which I usually refer to as ‘the five star tingles’ – they’re already well on their way to getting a perfect rating from me.

Flawed characters

I love it when an author can blur the lines between right and wrong, with morally complex characters that feel fleshed out, and all the more believable for it. Give me a flawed hero or a redeemable villain over the clear-cut good and bad guys any day of the week.

Beautiful language

Have you ever read a book so stunning in its use of prose that it leaves you feeling literally breathless? That it has you rereading passages to better absorb its stunning imagery? I adore that feeling. Obviously, there’s a time and a place for this, and overly poetic language doesn’t work well in certain genres; but when it’s implemented in a way that enhances the mood and impact of the story, drawing us deeper and deeper into the author’s world, it’s such an impressive feat.

Isolated settings

This is a particularly personal one, I admit, but I suppose it goes along with the idea of atmosphere and immersion. There’s something about rural, isolated settings (think islands or woodlands; deep in a dessert or far out at sea) that instantly ramps up the atmosphere, and makes the stakes feel that much higher, allowing for an incisive exploration of its characters and themes.

Layers

I like my fiction like I like my onions (and my ogres) – with layers. By this, I mean I love it when an author can craft a story that works at face value as a damn good read, with a compelling plot and engaging characters, but which also hides greater depth of meaning with regards to its imagery and themes for those who care to look. It’s an amazing feeling when your appreciation for a book grows the more you reflect on it, picking apart its layers and discovering just how intricately it was constructed.

Stories about stories

Most of us read because we love stories, and I am no exception. That’s why I get excited when a book can deftly explore the beauty and power of storytelling itself. This can manifest in everything from a book being a re-telling of a classic myth, to characters that tell lies to protect themselves from the truth; and from meta works that reference other books, to characters that seek comfort in fiction. The more I look back on favourite reads, the more I can identify this as a theme that unites many of them.

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There we have it; by no means a comprehensive list, but a few of the most frequently present elements of my five star reads. What makes a five star read for you?