When I think of M. R. James, it’s like I’ve accidentally stumbled into a foggy, overgrown cemetery on Halloween night, while wearing the world’s most embarrassing costume and holding a mysterious old book I definitely shouldn’t be holding. His stories - oh, the stories! - are like that one weird uncle who insists on showing … Continue reading Whistles, Rhymes, and Ghosts – Oh My! M. R. James’ Guide to Summoning Ancient Horrors with Nursery Tunes
Tag: suffering
Through Hell and High Water: A Wanderer’s Musings on Dante’s Inferno
I have long been of the opinion that if one is to take a trip, one ought to choose the destination with care. A sojourn in Tuscany, perhaps; a jaunt through the Alps; or, at the very least, an unhurried ramble through the English countryside, where the only fiery pits one encounters are the embers … Continue reading Through Hell and High Water: A Wanderer’s Musings on Dante’s Inferno
Lewis’ Surprised by Joy
Recently, I had the chance to watch Shadowlands, the deeply moving film starring Anthony Hopkins, among others. From the outset, I knew I wouldn’t make it through without a lump forming in my throat or my eyes welling up. And I was right - especially given the fragile state of my emotions lately. The film, after … Continue reading Lewis’ Surprised by Joy
Tyrannosaur
Often, you watch a movie to cheer yourself up, occasionally something edifying, something not too serious. So why watch something so miserable that you find yourself with a lump in your throat and the urge to hide forever under your duvet? For a movie to stir me, it really needs to have incredibly convincing performances. … Continue reading Tyrannosaur
It’s Been a While; time to waffle
Although the book is only feet away from me, ennui prevents me from moving from my bed and taking it from the shelf. Albert Camus wrote something about suicide and absurdity in The Myth of Sisiphus[sic]; that it's not until a person becomes fully conscious about the absurdity of life, it's sheer pointlessness, do they … Continue reading It’s Been a While; time to waffle