Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s Notes from the Underground is an unparalleled triumph of literary genius, a veritable tour-de-force that renders the ordinary, extraordinary. In this marvelously morose masterpiece, Dostoyevsky transforms the existential crisis of a middle-aged, maladjusted civil servant into an epic odyssey of self-deprecation and philosophical ponderings, peppered with the perfect balance of wry humour and existential dread. … Continue reading Gloom with a View: The Miserable Genius of Dostoyevsky’s Notes from the Underground
Month: July 2024
Delightfully Distracting: Charles Maturin’s Melmoth the Wanderer
Melmoth the Wanderer, the literary equivalent of a gothic cathedral designed by an architect who kept losing his blueprints and decided to wing it instead. Charles Maturin’s 1820 novel is a bewildering masterpiece, a labyrinthine fever dream that feels like it was concocted during an especially eccentric séance. Strap in for a rollercoaster ride through … Continue reading Delightfully Distracting: Charles Maturin’s Melmoth the Wanderer
Fruity Goblins
Yesterday, I accompanied my dad to a hospital appointment. As we approached the main entrance, the vibrant display of a fruit and vegetable stall caught our eyes, its bounty of fresh produce enticing almost everyone. This stall, a regular fixture, offers an array of delectable wares that never fail to attract attention. On previous visits, … Continue reading Fruity Goblins
A Sour Pursuit: The Fox & The Grapes
Yet another fable. I can't help it. In the grand tapestry of Aesop’s Fables, The Fox and the Grapes stands out like a vine in a vegetable garden, flaunting its fruity dilemma and the quintessential human experience of dealing with disappointment. This tale, often summarised in a few lines, is ripe for a humorous yet … Continue reading A Sour Pursuit: The Fox & The Grapes
Beyond Good & Evil: The Ultimate Self-Help Guide for the Übermensch Wannabe
It has taken me quite some time to journey through this book, and now it is festooned with a myriad of brightly coloured, pointy post-it notes. The pages resemble a chaotic saw-blade, each tab marking a moment of insight or intrigue, creating a whimsical and somewhat bewildering display. What follows, is the result of my … Continue reading Beyond Good & Evil: The Ultimate Self-Help Guide for the Übermensch Wannabe
Wording 