The Death of Ivan Ilyich, or as I like to call it, 'How to Have a Midlife Crisis While Actively Dying.' This novella by Tolstoy is less a story and more a literary post-mortem of a man who spends his life climbing the social ladder only to realise, with the grim clarity of impending death, … Continue reading Death by Drapery: Tolstoy’s Morbid Masterpiece and the Mediocrity of Ivan Ilyich
Author: Robert
A fifty-something, retired Celestial Travel Agent and Afterlife Preparation Specialist. Walked many paths; some good, lots bad. Meandering through a difficult past, plodding in the present, crawling toward the future. I've studied English Literature, and hold a BA (Hons) Hum. (History & Art History) & MA (Humanities with English Literature)
Petals, Politics, and Pointless Pining: A Dig at Dumas’ The Black Tulip
The Black Tulip by Alexandre Dumas – a novel that dares to ask the pressing, existential question: 'What if horticulture were as riveting as a murder mystery?' Set amidst the whirling chaos of 17th-century Dutch politics and the delirium of Tulip Mania, (fascinating part of history, you must look into this) one might expect a gripping … Continue reading Petals, Politics, and Pointless Pining: A Dig at Dumas’ The Black Tulip
Ghosts, God, and Gobbledygook: A Ramble Through All Hallows’ Eve
Typical me - forgetful as ever, I meant to post this on Halloween, but here we are, fashionably late as always. Honestly, it’s a miracle I manage to remember my own name most days, let alone co-ordinate something on time. Let’s just call it delayed spooky season vibes and pretend I’m making a bold statement … Continue reading Ghosts, God, and Gobbledygook: A Ramble Through All Hallows’ Eve
The Joy of Dusty Books: Why Reading Classic Literature is the Ultimate Mind-Body Workout
Apparently, I’m boring. Old-fashioned. Out of touch with the times - all because I choose to read classic literature. Imagine that! How terribly narrow-minded, how deliciously myopic, to dismiss an entire world of profound thought, timeless insight, and exquisite artistry simply because it doesn’t come with a glossy cover and a trending hashtag. It’s an … Continue reading The Joy of Dusty Books: Why Reading Classic Literature is the Ultimate Mind-Body Workout
Merrylegs
Merrylegs, the diminutive, doting dog in Dickens’ Hard Times, is one of those characters who, though small in stature, lingers in the mind like a stubborn piece of fluff on a dark coat. Now, I confess, when I first read the novel, I didn’t pay Merrylegs much attention. After all, when set against the likes of … Continue reading Merrylegs
Wording 