In 2020 we lost Sir Roger Scruton: a huge loss to all right thinking people, and his like will not be seen again, I don't doubt. Some of his writings can be pretty hard going, however, they're always worth sticking with. There's always value to be found in his words. Roger Scruton's The Face of God is … Continue reading Sir Roger Scruton’s The Face of God
The Count of Monte Cristo: Revenge à la Française
The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas, is the literary equivalent of a French seven-course meal: rich, complex, and occasionally leaving you wondering if you just ate a snail. But fear not, for we shall dissect this gastronomic delight with the precision of a food critic at a Michelin-starred restaurant, with just enough humour … Continue reading The Count of Monte Cristo: Revenge à la Française
Kafka’s Comedy: A Bug’s Life in The Metamorphosis
Imagine waking up one morning, only to find that you've turned into a giant insect. No, it’s not the aftermath of an epic party, but the start of Gregor Samsa's day in Kafka's The Metamorphosis. Gregor, who probably just wanted five more minutes of sleep, opens his eyes to see he's transformed into something resembling … Continue reading Kafka’s Comedy: A Bug’s Life in The Metamorphosis
The Art of Elegant Ineptitude: Flaubert’s Sentimental Education
With Madame Bovary still fresh in my mind, I decided to dip into more of Flaubert's ink. Gustave Flaubert’s Sentimental Education is a masterpiece that invites readers into a world of youthful aspirations, romantic disillusionments, and political upheaval, all set against the backdrop of 19th-century France. However, if we peel back the layers of sophisticated … Continue reading The Art of Elegant Ineptitude: Flaubert’s Sentimental Education
Echoes of Forbidden Desire: A Gothic Connection
One novel to concentrate on, however, an interesting link to another. The Monk and the Hangman's Daughter, a novella co-authored by Ambrose Bierce and Adolphe Danziger de Castro, presents itself as a brooding, gothic exploration of forbidden love, morality, and tragedy. However, upon closer inspection, it reveals itself as a delightful conundrum of overwrought melodrama, … Continue reading Echoes of Forbidden Desire: A Gothic Connection
