I find a deep resonance with the figure in this portrait; he embodies my own inner turmoil. He stands as the very essence of the sorrowful introvert, contentedly secluded from a world that has granted him nothing but relentless adversity. His eyes, brimming with profound pathos, tell a story of enduring pain and sadness. If … Continue reading Shy Peasant
Tag: book-review
‘Tis Better To Have Loved…
I've delved into the works of Tennyson, and each time, I'm reminded of that weary adage people parrot without recognising its origin. It's worth noting that Tennyson penned the lines I refer to below in the throes of his own grief, and I can certainly respect the depth of emotion behind them. However, there is … Continue reading ‘Tis Better To Have Loved…
Mills & Boon: Clichés, Tropes, and Cringe
Given my well-known penchant for classic literature, it was only a matter of time before someone challenged my reading habits, urging me to delve into something more contemporary and 'everyday'. One fateful afternoon, amid the humdrum of office life, I found myself the subject of playful ridicule. My colleagues, ever eager to see me squirm, … Continue reading Mills & Boon: Clichés, Tropes, and Cringe
Jamaica Inn: A Beacon of Melodramatic Brilliance
In the pantheon of English literature, Daphne du Maurier’s Jamaica Inn stands as a paragon of high melodrama and gothic allure—a true exemplar for those who revel in tales of dreariness, sinister plots, and heroines with an uncanny knack for finding trouble. The novel, first published in 1936, is set in the forbidding moors of … Continue reading Jamaica Inn: A Beacon of Melodramatic Brilliance
The Collector
A Tale of Misery, Mediocrity, and Meaninglessness John Fowles' debut novel, The Collector, has been lauded by some as a brilliant exploration of obsession and power dynamics. However, one must ask if these admirers have ever experienced anything more intellectually stimulating than a soggy slice of toast. The novel, masquerading as a psychological thriller, is … Continue reading The Collector
Wording 