The Spectacle of Mr. Polly: A Tragicomedy of the Mildly Absurd – and then some.

Yesterday, I found myself deeply overwhelmed, though I kept it hidden as best I could as I accompanied my dear dad to the hospital for his first round of chemotherapy. He turns ninety this Sunday, a milestone I cherish even as we navigate this difficult journey. Having helped him care for his late partner, and … Continue reading The Spectacle of Mr. Polly: A Tragicomedy of the Mildly Absurd – and then some.

Eternal Twilight: A Satirical Journey Through Hugo’s Final Hours

Victor Hugo's The Last Day of a Condemned Man , 1879, is a remarkable piece of literature that, for all its gravitas and heart-wrenching subject matter, lends itself surprisingly well to a bit of humorous critique. Let’s dive into this sombre exploration of the human condition with a pinch of wit, a dash of sarcasm, and an … Continue reading Eternal Twilight: A Satirical Journey Through Hugo’s Final Hours

A Bloated, Pretentious Mess: Clive Barker’s Galilee

I promised myself that now and then I'd dip into something contemporary, a modern novel or other piece of art, so I've recently finished a book that I was tempted by. My thoughts, not-so-nice thoughts, are thus... Clive Barker's Galilee is a prime example of modern fiction's penchant for convoluted plots, overwrought prose, and the … Continue reading A Bloated, Pretentious Mess: Clive Barker’s Galilee

Navigating the Labyrinth: A Whimsical Critique of Dostoevsky’s The Idiot

There’s no shortage of fools wandering the earth, and I’ll freely admit, I’ve had my share of bumbling moments as well. The Idiot by Fyodor Dostoevsky, despite its formidable reputation in the canon of Russian literature, is essentially the literary equivalent of that one friend who shows up to the party in mismatched socks and … Continue reading Navigating the Labyrinth: A Whimsical Critique of Dostoevsky’s The Idiot

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