It has been quite a while since I’ve published a longer blog piece. This is because I have been so lucky to be very busy in my literary corner of the world. If you follow me on Instagram @katelovesliterature, then you’ll be as up-to-date as one can be. I’ve been reviewing lots of books for Children’s Books Ireland as usual, and I’ve gotten to be a Book Doctor at some CBI Book Clinics which is such a pleasure. I feel so privileged to get to speak to young readers about books that they love.
It’s been a creative time in many ways. I’ve been watching many movies as always, I’ve been writing, and I’m so thrilled that we have relaunched Your Book or Mine?
In our latest episode, Seán, my co-host and I, discussed all things fantasy as we chatted all about A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas. You can listen now on Spotify.
Alongside general literary chats, if you follow me on Instagram then you will know that I am very passionately anti-AI. Over the past few months, I’ve had the opportunity to write about this topic and express my thoughts and concerns about the use of generative AI specifically.
I am very thankful that my experience and my qualifications in the realm of English literature have given me the platforms that allow me to highlight my concerns around this topic, especially highlighting my issues with the decline in media literacy, and while I feel that it is important that our imaginations are preserved rather than having generative AI use pushed on us through false assertions that using AI is the same as being creative and writing or articulating ideas ourselves.
I created and shared this post on @katelovesliterature a while ago. It has been viewed over 14 thousand times, and I feel it really sums up my feelings on this topic.
I really encourage you to read further and learn about why so many people, particularly those of us who are writers, editors, illustrators, and creatives, feel so strongly about why using generative AI is incredibly disappointing. There are many wonderful pieces out there, and I am lucky enough that I have been invited to share my perspective on more than one occasion.
I’m very proud of the time I spent studying at DCU, and this MA programme truly made me feel fulfilled. I loved my time on the course. I have remained connected with my classmates, I’ve gotten to explore brilliant opportunities, and I’ve forged some fantastic connections through my time on this MA programme in DCU’s School of English, so I was honoured and proud to be invited to contribute.
Not only have I gotten to further delve into this topic that I’m passionate about, but I have been allowed to explore this topic in a three-part series that will be published on DCU’s MA in Children’s and YA Lit blog. I’m very proud of the work that has gone into this series, and very grateful for the collaboration that took place with Alex at DCU. We went back and forth to make sure the pieces were just right.
I look forward to seeing parts two and three being published soon, and I hope to return to writing longer literary discussions here on Katelovesliterature.com very soon, but for now, I’m enjoying being so busy in my own little literary corner. If you know that reference, please do leave a comment!
If you’re satisfied with a draft that was spat out in seconds then I fear you don’t love writing as much as you think you do.
I could not resist sharing this quote from my first blog post in the series. It has resonated with a few people so far, and I hope it continues to. May we always keep our wonder.
Landy has brought us back to the world of Skulduggery Pleasant yet again. In this latest book, Valkyrie Cain learns that she is the next target of a killer. Skulduggery and Valkyrie find themselves wrapped up in another murder investigation, but the most unsettling part is that this case feels all too much like a case they just closed.
For the first time, Valkyrie reflects on the dangers of what she does as the last case nearly took the lives of both her sister and her girlfriend, and now the same pattern seems to be emerging. Are those whom she loves in danger again? The killer is working hard as more bodies are piling up and the clock is ticking. The elites of the sorcerer world are planning to gather on a remote island to witness a special ceremony that might change the society forevermore. As expected, nobody is safe. If you’re a fan of Landy, you know that you’re in for a book of twists and turns.
The Skulduggery Pleasant series continues to evolve, and those who know Landy’s style to be action-packed and very funny due to his sarcastic wit and sharp, fast, and very dry humour, will be glad to see that A Heart Full of Hatred remains true to that known and loved writing style.
I will say that I feel as though this book is more character focused than some of the previous books. It does feel more mature in tone, especially as Valkyrie is beginning to reflect more on her feelings, and notably, on her fears. I’ve often said that I think that readers who grew up loving the Skulduggery Pleasant series will definitely enjoy these books, perhaps a bit more than readers who are just discovering the series now. That’s not to say that new readers would not or could not enjoy the series now, but there is a special sense of nostalgia that accompanies a series when you started reading it as a child and you continue reading into adulthood. How we feel about the characters, and how we relate to them evolves as we age, and I think the fact that this series has been in the world for so long is part of why some of the arcs are so impressive.
I do think that I would be recommending the books now to older teens because they do feel darker now, especially because of how the tone has begun to shift. There is always a political and social awareness that can be identified in Landy’s writing, and in terms of viewing things through a lens of childhood and YA reading, there is absolutely a notable shift in Valkyrie specifically, because this person who was once quite cocky and believed they were indestructible now understands that they very well could be killed, but Valkyrie looks danger in the face anyways. She will not be deterred from investigating these murders. In this shift though, I would argue that readers can relate to this arc because as we get older, we do become more aware of our own limits and how things can threaten us, and we don’t have the same fearless abandon that we had as children when we didn’t understand that there are threats that are very real. So, I do think that this idea of feeling fear but going forward anyways really appeals to long-term fans of this series, because although the world of Skulduggery Pleasant is filled with magic, mystery, and wonder, the personal arcs we get to see are still very relatable outside of the fiction.
I think it is quite obvious that Landy is leaning into horror genres that he loves when writing these newer books. Based on Landy’s dedication alone, in which he dedicates A Heart Full of Hatred to Freddy, to Michael, to Ghostface, “to all of the slasher movie killers…to all of the wonderful ways they’ve thought of to kill somebody …also to those who survived their rampages, who stopped running, turned around and kicked their asses,” I do think it is fair to say that this book feels very much like a nod to all the slasher movies that Landy himself must love. The book could almost be a great way to introduce a teenage reader to the slasher genre, but beyond all of this, I do think that resilience is the key theme of this latest book.
There will always be things to fear, dangers will lurk more often than not, and sometimes we will fear for the ones we love most, but we cannot hide from those dangers. We must face them head on and always find the light in the dark.
I would recommend A Heart Full of Hatred to any long-term Landy fan and to readers 14+
Thank you to HarperCollins Ireland for sending me an advanced copy. Please note this is not a paid review, not an ad, not PR etc. I was not asked to write anything, but I wanted to share my thoughts and as always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Stay tuned for more literary discussions coming soon on Katelovesliterature.com
As an avid book lover, it is always hard to pick any absolute favourite reads, and I did read a lot of books that I loved in 2024. In spite of this, I have decided to compile a list of what books were my favourite reads. They’re in no particular order; I don’t think I could pick an outright favourite. They’re all vastly different and I loved them all for several reasons. So, without further ado, here are my best books of 2024.
We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson
This short, evocative tale tells the story of the mysterious Blackwood sisters. 28-year-old Constance and 18-year-old Mary Katharine (Merricat). They live in a big old house on the outskirts of town with their ailing uncle. The Blackwood sisters are hated by the locals, and Merricat certainly hates them as well. Jackson, as always, is a master storyteller when it comes to letting horror slowly unfold, she builds a world filled with dark implications, but is it not until the very end do we learn whether or not there actually is a dark secret held within the Blackwood house, or if the ghost stories and just cruel rumours made up by a hateful small town. Did one of the sisters murder their whole family? Aside from Uncle Julian, every other member of the Blackwood family was poisoned with arsenic six years ago. Now the three survivors and their black cat Jonas live together in practised, tightly controlled harmony. When their long-lost cousin Charles arrives on their doorstep, highly interested in the lovely Constance and the Blackwood family estate, Merricat is determined to keep him away, just as she has always kept everyone else away.
I loved every second of this book. It was eerie, it was intriguing, it was a wonderfully dark exploration of how houses become haunted and how scary stories come into fruition. Is there something to truly fear in the big house upon the hill? Are the people who dwell there really something frightful? Perhaps not. You’ll have to read for yourself to see.
Merricat, said Connie, would you like a cup of tea?
Oh, no, said Merricat, you’ll poison me.
Merricat, said Connie, would you like to go to sleep?
Down in the boneyard ten feet deep!
~ We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson.
The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson
A theme has emerged. 2024 was my year of haunted house reads.
I have always been a fan of Shirley Jackson’s works, and I think that it would be incredibly hard for me to choose between We Have Always Lived in the Castle and The Haunting of Hill House.
I think that the story of Constance and Merricat is more curiously dark whereas Eleanor’s tale in The Haunting of Hill House is much more tragic.
The Haunting of Hill House invites readers to explore whether or not this big house on the hill is truly haunted. It has been the setting for much tragedy, and now a group of misfits have arrived to investigate. The lonely Eleanor being one of them. She’s already terribly nervous to begin with. She’s timid and lonely, and it seems that the house causes her to unravel. Jackson has famously said that she believes it is more interesting to say that the house was not truly haunted, which suggests that the ghosts that inhabited it are all of the characters’ own making. Eleanor arrived with her own struggles, her own fears, and the house was already known to be a tragic place. Tragic and haunted, however, are not the same, and a house being “haunted” by history, is different from when supernatural figures are afoot. I really enjoy the ambiguity of this book.
I appreciate the many ways in which it made me think. There are various kinds of ghost stories, some are metaphorical, others are “real” from the outset as it has been established that ghosts are real and there are in fact unexplainable forces at work, but sometimes that is entirely up to the reader. Sometimes the “ghosts” are actually our own fears and projections at work, but that doesn’t change the fact that really haunted or not, Hill House will always be haunted to Eleanor and by Eleanor. Read for yourself. Make up your own mind.
No Human eye can isolate the unhappy coincidence of line and place which suggests evil in the face of a house, and yet somehow a maniac juxtaposition, a badly turned angle, some chance meeting of roof and sky, turned Hill House into a place of despair, more frightening because the face of Hill House seemed awake, with a watchfulness from the blank windows and a touch of glee in the eyebrow of a cornice.
~ The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson.
Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan
Set 1985 in a small Irish village, this short but powerful story follows Bill Furlong’s internal battle with trying to find the purpose in his life and deciding that he cannot look away from the abuse he knows is happening anymore. No longer content to accept that “that’s just how it is,” or “it’s not for us to say,” Bill decides to act in the small way that he can. After all, all those small actions can make the world of a difference to someone else.
This book made me incredibly angry and sad, and I had to include it in this discussion because I don’t think that the abuse that women and children faced can ever be discussed enough. In Small Things Like These,Keegan addresses the horrific treatment of women in the Magdalene Laundries and how the church was an always present, oppressive presence in 1980s Ireland. I was so glad to see this story get the recognition it deserved this past year, and it was fantastic to see just how many conversations were sparked when the film version came out.
This story challenges us to take those crucial steps towards confronting and disentangling systemic abuse, highlighting how even the small actions of just one person can make a huge difference to someone else. Just one person standing up to say “this is wrong, we should not accept this,” goes a long way. Survivors of the Magdalene Laundries should be highly respected after the horrific ordeals they were forced to endure, especially as still, they are owed immeasurable apologies and compensation, from the Church, from the Government, and from society. I hope that as we move forward, abuse, particularly systemic abuse and hypocrisy will continue to be highlighted, confronted, and condemned. I think that Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan should be a mandatory text.
As they carried along and met more people Furlong did and did not know, he found himself asking was there any point in being alive without helping one another? Was it possible to carry on along through all the years, the decades, through an entire life, without once being brave enough to go against what was there and yet call yourself a Christian, and face yourself in the mirror?
~ Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan.
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
In a world where books are deemed valueless by society, no one asks questions, even walking outside is deemed suspicious. Firemen are no longer heroic figures who put out flames, instead, they light houses on fire. The story follows Guy Montag, a fireman who comes from a lengthy line of firemen. He is happy to be part of the world that never reads until he is not. Guy’s mindset begins to shift when his young neighbour Clarisse awakens a long-forgotten part of his mind, if it was ever awake at all, the part that likes to think, by asking a few questions. When he begins to look at his actions, he does not like his reality so much anymore. He burns books and with them, he burns curiosity, he burns access to information, he burns wonder and stories until he can no longer burn anything anymore. Maybe he should take a look inside these books, maybe he should see what all the fuss is about, maybe he does not wish to be a fireman anymore.
Fahrenheit 451 is bleak, exploring heavy themes such as conforming vs questioning, the individual vs society, emptiness vs meaning. This dystopian book may be desolate and at times it is quite dark, however it does end on a hopeful note, one that notes the resilience of humanity after exploring how cold humanity can become. I really enjoyed this book, despite it being bleak, as I appreciate the way it made me think about certain things. I have always been in a position where access to books has never been a question. I have always been able to read anything that I wanted, and I recognise that this is a privilege. It is easy to take books and access to all kinds of books for granted sometimes, which is why Fahrenheit 451was an especially important read. This is one of those books that will always be relevant, especially when we look at the wider goings-on in the world.
The magic is only in what books say, how they stitched the patches of the universe together into one garment for us.
~ Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury.
The Third Gilmore Girl: A Memoir by Kelly Bishop
In this book, the witty, incredibly intelligent, resilient, and loving force of talent that is Kelly Bishop aka Emily Gilmore of Gilmore Girls, shares her life story. From her earliest days of falling in love with dance classes as a child, to her performing days in Las Vegas and of course her Tony winning run on Broadway, to her Hollywood credits including Dirty Dancing and of course Gilmore Girls, Kelly Bishop shares the ins and outs, the ups and downs of her life. Her professional life and her personal life, and even if you have never watched one single episode of Gilmore Girls, this is a must read. Kelly Bishop is an incredible storyteller, and her memoir is so open, honest, funny, and very moving. I think I read this book in three days. I couldn’t put it down. Kelly Bishop talks about herself, her experiences, and the people in her life, at work and at home, with an amazing sense of clarity. It is impressive and it is a skill I’d love to further develop. There are also some absolutely beautiful photographs included in the book. It was stunning to see someone’s creative life displayed and celebrated in such striking shots.
You don’t have to miss out on the joy of learning something you’re passionate about. If it’s in you, it’s out there waiting for you.
~The Third Gilmore Girl: A Memoir by Kelly Bishop.
The Faerie Isle by Síne Quinn
This is a must read for folklore lovers. Síne Quinn breathes new life into folklore in this wonderful book of magic, myths, and legends. It is clear to see that this collection was created with passion and care. In this striking and haunting collection of tales, Síne’s captivating storytelling will pull readers into this magical realm, but she does not shy away from sharing the spookier side of all things mythical. This was the perfect spooky season read, an ideal “starter scare” for younger readers, and perfectly accompanied by Dermot Flynn’s rich illustrations. The mood was set, and I was enthralled. In these tales, Síne has invited readers into a world of intrigue, wonder, longing, and a sense of poignant loss, as well as leaving readers eager to learn more about these once forgotten legends.
I’ve always loved fairy tales, and I love escaping into enchanted worlds of myths and legends, and I think it is wonderful that younger readers especially have the opportunity to enjoy these once unknown stories.
He swears that from that day forth his luck in life changed for the better.
~ The Faerie Isle by Síne Quinn.
While putting together this list, I ‘ve realised that many of the books that I loved in 2024 explored related topics and I think an overlap of themes can be spotted. I gravitated towards stories that explore what makes a place haunted. Are places really haunted by supernatural beings or are they haunted by the history they hold? If something tragic occurred somewhere, can that place ever truly feel disconnected from the events that took place, or will that dark history always be there? Should that history always be there? Should it always be acknowledged? I think so, especially if we are bringing past abuse into the light and acknowledging those who once went ignored or silenced.
I think that this idea of being haunted and bringing abuse to light went hand-in-hand with the themes of censorship that were explored in some of the books I read in 2024, particularly as I noted above in Fahrenheit 451. Censoring what people read and what people say is another way of attempting to silence people. If we do not read about atrocities that occurred, they can never be confronted, and the people who were mistreated can’t have their stories told or voices heard, and those who participate in the mistreatment of others can continue to do so without facing consequences or condemnation. Interestingly, many of the books I have loved in 2024 commented on what happens when society allows terrible things to happen, and on what happens when society turns a blind-eye to certain situations or certain people. I didn’t choose these books intentionally because I wanted to read about these topics, and I did enjoy other reads, but these are the ones that truly struck chords, and I don’t think that can be overlooked. They stood out for many key reasons that I feel many will understand without having to overly explain.
I believe that it is more important than ever that we all have access to all reading materials. It is crucial that we all know that we have a right to information and education and in light of recent events, I think it is more vital than ever that we remember to have empathy for others, and that we do stand up for those who have been mistreated and abused by those in positions of power, even if time has passed. Once these things are brought to light, even if society once played a role by staying quiet, it is crucial that society does not stay quiet any longer. We must mind each other and support each other so that we always go forwards and never back towards the dark.
Literature has always reflected upon and/or critiqued society and societal issues, and I hope that it will always continue to do so, and that we always read these stories with passion.
Those of you who have listened to any episode of Your Book or Mine?… the book club podcast that I co-host alongside Seán Powney, will know that he is a horror film fan. Seán is currently working on his final psychology project in college, exploring the relationship between horror film fandom and personality traits.
If anyone is interested in participating in this research study by answering a completely anonymous survey, that would be absolutely amazing, and much appreciated.
I am going to link the survey below. It takes 5-7 mins to complete. Seán is hoping that a mix of horror film fans and non-horror film fans will take part so it open to anyone who is interested. Once again, please note that this is a completely anonymous survey and you will find all the information you need about consenting to taking part on the first page after clicking the link. Participants must be 18+
Happy New Year! I hope everyone has had a lovely and merry festive season. Before Christmas I decided to take a break from writing long-form literary discussions. I’ve stayed active on Instagram in the meantime, but now that we are heading into a new year, I think it is time to try to get back to one of my most favourite things – talking about literature.
I’m not going to start the year with promises. I’ve always talked about how writing for my website is my passion project, but it is not my “real-life” job. This is still the case. I am very lucky to be able to say that I really enjoy my “real-life” job, and while I feel it is always important to maintain balance and fit in time to do things such as work on passion projects, sometimes the schedule gets very busy and full of events, and there have been some long-form topic ideas that I was really looking forward to writing, but I had to put them aside and take a break because there is only so much time in the day and you can only spend so long typing and looking at screens. (My “real-life” job involves writing too. I am one with my keyboard at this stage!)
So, while I would love to say that I will be publishing one long-form discussion every month here on Katelovesliterature.com, I don’t want to promise that and not be able to maintain it.
My aim for 2025 is to publish a discussion at least once a month. I’m planning to write longer pieces as publishing will be less frequent than it once was.
I will still be posting mini reviews/literary thoughts on Instagram so make sure you follow @katelovesliterature if you don’t already as my literary lover grid is the place to see what movies I’m loving, my current reads, theatre trips and much more. I love the bookish corner of Instagram, so when I’m not writing here on Katelovesliterature.com, I am more frequently active there.
I am going to kick off 2025 with a reading recommendation.
The Third Gilmore Girl: A Memoir by Kelly Bishop was one of my most loved books of 2024.
In this book, the witty, incredibly intelligent, resilient, and loving force of talent that is Kelly Bishop aka Emily Gilmore of Gilmore Girls, shares her life story. From her earliest days of falling in love with dance classes as a child, to her performing days in Las Vegas and of course her Tony winning run on Broadway, to her Hollywood credits including Dirty Dancing and of course Gilmore Girls, Kelly Bishop shares the ins and outs, the ups and downs of her life. Her professional life and her personal life, and even if you have never watched one single episode of Gilmore Girls, this is a must read. Kelly Bishop is an incredible storyteller, and her memoir is so open, honest, funny, and very moving. I think I read this book in three days. I couldn’t put it down.
I don’t read memoirs very often, but I loved every page of this one. It is refreshing to read about a woman who knows her own mind so well, because as you go through this book, with every chapter it becomes clearer and clearer that Kelly Bishop is a woman who knows herself. Even if she later decides that something was not the best decision, she knows exactly why she made the decision at the time. She talks about herself, her experiences, and the people in her life, at work and at home, with an amazing sense of clarity. It is impressive and it is a skill I’d love to further develop. There are also some absolutely beautiful photographs included in the book. It was stunning to see someone’s creative life displayed and celebrated in such striking shots.
I highly recommend The Third Gilmore Girl: A Memoir by Kelly Bishop to anyone who is a fan of the theatre, of dance, of Gilmore Girls, because this is a book that you will love. I would also encourage any reader to give this a go, because Kelly Bishop’s life story is a fascinating, entertaining read and I think anyone who sits down to read this book will enjoy it.
Here’s to 2025. Here’s to more literary chats.
Wishing a very happy, healthy new year to you all.
I have been away from my desk more often than I would like to be. While I still absolutely love discussing all things literature, and I am sad to have to pause some long-form discussion ideas for a while, I have decided that a break is needed.
Katelovesliterature.com has always been my passion project. I love my little website, and I love putting thoughts, ideas, and discussions about the wonderful world of literature and the arts out there for anyone to enjoy, and it is so lovely to see people engaging with thoughts I’ve published. It is hard to admit that a break is needed, because I am a person who enjoys doing many things at once, but my full-time, real life job involves writing every single day (I love it!), and so it is getting harder to find the needed time to put the effort I want to into pieces for my passion project. I’ve never just thrown out unfinished thoughts. I like to write notes on the ideas, the points I want to make, and then I write a first draft, I proof it, etc., etc.
I could be less strict about that process, but I never want to just throw anything online. That is not how I do things. If I am going to publish a review, or any kind of literary discussion, then I want to take the time needed to write it properly.
I am taking a break from publishing long-form discussions for the time being. I’m not sure when I will publish a piece here on Katelovesliterature.com again, but I will be remaining active on Instagram. I plan to publish mini reviews on my grid, and you can always follow along with what I am reading and watching as I share on stories frequently. While Instagram is not an overly serious social media platform, I do ensure that any kind of review I post there is well thought-out too, so if you do enjoy my longer discussions here (thank you!), hopefully you will also like my mini media reviews too.
Thanks so much to everyone who has ever left a comment or sent me a lovely message following a piece, you know who you are. I appreciate everyone who has followed along as I have built up my portfolio of reviews and literary discussions.
“October, crisp, misty, golden October, when the light is sweet and heavy.” ~ Angela Carter
I am currently relishing in the crisp days of autumn where everything glows a little bit golden and orange. It has been an extremely busy few weeks, but I am excited about sharing some Spooky Season books and movies as we get closer to Halloween.
I am kicking off this year’s Spooky Season themed discussions with my review of Derek Landy’s latest book. The Haunted House on Hollow Hill was published on Sep 26th, 2024. This book follows the podcast of the same name, where listeners could tune into this episodic mystery. Now the world of the Hollow Hotel has been laid out on paper and readers can explore this mystery full of twists and turns …
Skulduggery Pleasant and Valkyrie Cain just wanted to interview Romeo Gideon, but the most haunted house in Britain should have been a clue that things would not go to plan.
On a dark, stormy night, as a deadly killer attacks one by one, Skulduggery and Valkyrie do not have much time to find the killer as they try to survive in this haunted hotel filled with the tortured spirits of the dead.
Before even opening the book, I was so happy to see it had so many things that I love. I am a huge fan of a dark and stormy night. It is such a simple yet effective setting. Instantly the tone is set and as readers, we are slightly on edge.
I love the gothic element of being trapped in a spooky house with no way out and being faced with scary events that protagonists must try to escape. The setting of a home is hugely important in gothic stories because home is such a key theme in so much literature. Finding one’s home is often a huge motivator in narratives. Home is often the safe place, the sanctuary, the place where one feels they belong, so when home is suddenly the danger site, the place we want to run from, that is interesting, and haunted houses are usually really alluring, dynamic settings because they so often intrigue as well as horrify. The image of this intimidating house on the hill, it looks so scary, and yet it almost pulls you inside.
There is a really satisfying, slow-build sensation that manifests itself very well in haunted house settings. The build from feeling that this huge, impressive house is kind of intimidating, to perhaps being awed by the place, yet there is this eerie undercurrent that something seems off, to that fear when you realise something is off, and now you cannot leave, is always really exciting and impactful in my opinion, whether you’re reading a book or watching a movie.
At its heart, this is a murder mystery. If you take away the supernatural elements, this plotline would have worked fantastically well as an episode of Murder, She Wrote, and I think fans of Agatha Christie would enjoy this book even if they were not fans of the Skulduggery Pleasant series. This book stands alone.
Readers who love the Skulduggery and Valkyrie dynamic will be glad to see that this book is filled with their usual banter as Derek Landy once again expertly weaves humour into his plots despite the pair investigating serious crimes.
I think the fact that this story was first introduced on a podcast is quite fascinating, as personally I like seeing how stories expand into different forms of media. There are many different ways to tell a story, and I think having the ability to not only read this story, but to listen to it as well, is great. Listening to a podcast is quite different to reading words written on the page. I haven’t listened to the podcast myself yet, but I imagine it would be lots of fun to hear these characters be brought to life, and based on the setting and the tone, I imagine it would be quite atmospheric, an ideal listen for the month of October if you want to fully embrace Spooky Season.
As the plot evolves and more twists and turns play out, the story does become more complex and because there are lots of characters in the fray, at later parts of the book, I do think that reading the words on the page would make it easier to keep track of everyone than it would be when listening, however that is just a personal thought and one that I have before listening so I could change my mind. I do plan to listen to the podcast too, because I am eager to see if the story feels different when listening after reading.
I really enjoyed this book; it was a fun October read. I am a fan of theworld of Skulduggery Pleasant. I think Landy is a fun writer, he always has this knack for making plots feel very big and perhaps a bit wild as there are so many twists and turns, but he will ground it again because a detail that may have felt minor at the time has come up again and you see that Landy laid that foundation much earlier and now it has come full circle. I would describe him as a very visual writer, because reading this book and knowing it is possible to explore this story in the mode of a podcast as well made it really easy to also visualise this story. As I said earlier, I could visualise the Murder, She Wrote episode, and personally I enjoy when books feel cinematic as then it is easier to picture the world that is being built.
If you like ghost stories, if you like murder mysteries, if you are a fan of stories that take place in one setting and there is a time crunch, then this book is one that you need to add to your bookshelf this October. I would recommend The Haunted House on Hollow Hill by Derek Landy to readers aged 13+
Make sure you stay tuned on Instagram @katelovesliterature to see what is coming up next!
Can you imagine a world where books are deemed valueless by society? Can you picture living in a world where no one asks questions, where even walking outside is deemed suspicious? Can you imagine the chaos of what would happen if firemen were no longer heroic figures who put out flames and instead, they lit houses on fire instead? The scary thing is maybe we can picture this world. Ray Bradbury brings this world to life in Fahrenheit 451.
Guy Montag is a fireman. He has always been a fireman. His father was a fireman, his grandfather was a fireman, and these days it is almost like his hands move by themselves, pouring kerosene and lighting matches as though he has no part in the action. He is happy to be part of the world that never reads until he is not. Guy’s mindset begins to shift when his young neighbour Clarisse awakens a long-forgotten part of his mind, if it was ever awake at all, the part that likes to think, by asking a few questions. Then one day, a horrific fire forces Guy to admit that his hands do not move of their own accord. He does indeed start fires, he burns books and with them, he burns curiosity, he burns access to information, he burns wonder and stories until he can no longer burn anything anymore. Maybe he should take a look inside these books, maybe he should see what all the fuss is about, maybe he does not wish to be a fireman anymore.
Fahrenheit 451 is rather bleak, and it explores heavy themes such as conforming vs questioning, the individual vs society, emptiness vs meaning. This dystopian book may be desolate and at times it is quite dark, however it does end on a hopeful note, one that notes the resilience of humanity after exploring how cold humanity can become.
This book is about book burning, but not in the way that one might expect. Fahrenheit 451 is not about certain groups of people burning and banning certain kinds of books, this book is about a world where all books are deemed worthless. Fahrenheit 451 presents a world in which all emotions aside from happiness are repressed. You cannot have too many thoughts, you cannot have conflicting ideas, you cannot know about any dangers or sadness because none of those things are fun. Go speeding in your car, have walls of television, have constant media playing through earbuds, even when you sleep, escape all thoughts, escape all reflection, and just have fun. All fun, all the time should be great, shouldn’t it? We may think so, but within all this fun, within all this constant, relentless distraction, there is nothing but cold, empty, misery.
I really enjoyed this book, despite it being more on the bleak side of the reading scale.
I have always been in a position where access to books has never been a question. I have always been able to read anything that I wanted, and I recognise that this is a privilege. It is easy to take books and access to all kinds of books for granted sometimes, which is why I felt that Fahrenheit 451 was an especially important read. I would recommend this book to readers aged 14+.
Sometimes it is the most simple stories that pull on our heartstrings the most.
I often find that the books that are created with young readers in mind are the books that tell the most touching, poignant stories. Maybe that is because young readers are often the most open, accepting, and curious about different ideas. I do believe that cynicism attempts to take up more space as we get older, and I make a point to try to retain that open sense of childhood wonder. I never want to scoff at a new idea, instead, I want to try to embrace it with the same inquisitiveness that I would have when I was seven or eight.
In The dandelion’s tale, through her use of beautiful watercolours, and lighthearted storytelling, Margaret Anne Suggs has created a lovely, much needed book that parents, guardians, and teachers can use when starting to have conversations with young readers about how sometimes, people must leave their homes and find somewhere else to live.
One of my favourite pages can be found near the very end of this book. Margaret Anne Suggs has taken the time to share just how important dandelions are, and how they hold a valuable place in the world. I feel that this book is not just a tool to help children learn about migration, I also feel that this book could be used to encourage people, especially young children, who have taken the journey to a new place just as the dandelions did.
I cannot speak from personal experience about migration, but it is not hard to imagine that having to leave one’s home because it is no longer safe and trying to find stability in a new place is not easy, and it must be especially hard for children who do not fully understand the extent of what is happening to them. I think having a book that represents their journey and highlights how important they are is a wonderful thing. If young readers get to see how strong and resilient the dandelions are, they can also think about how strong and resilient they have been.
I speak about the power of books very often. I always discuss how books expand horizons by allowing us to understand other people, other places, and other experiences beyond our own.
I believe it is very important to introduce bigger topics to younger readers in a way that they can manage, because I think the more we know, the more we can do, even at an early age. Children experiencing migration firsthand and children who are learning about it, deserve to be given high quality learning materials to help them understand what is going on in the world around them. The hope would be that the more they understand the different experiences that people face, the more understanding and caring they will be towards each other.
Margaret Anne Suggs has created a story that can give readers flexibility. It can be a beautiful, quite literal story about the strength, beauty, and resilience that is found in nature, and as we open ourselves up more to viewpoints, and as young readers get that little bit more advanced, the book can be appreciated further, as we introduce young readers to wider conversations about migration in a very age-appropriate way.
I want to thank Graffeg Books for sending me a copy of this book in the post, and I want to congratulate Margaret on a beautiful story. Those of you who follow me on Instagram will know that I have had the pleasure of working with Margaret before, so it is wonderful to see more of her creativity come to life, however it is important to note that all opinions discussed above are my own, and this is not a paid for review, nor is it sponsored in any way.
I would recommend this book to readers aged 6+. For more updates about what is coming up next, you can stay up-to-date on Instagram @katelovesliterature
Do you believe in ghosts? Why? Why not? Can you prove they exist? Can you prove they don’t?
What exactly happens at 2.22am?
These are the questions that we explore in 2.22: A Ghost Story. Danny Robins’ play asks audiences to consider if the supernatural is truly real or not, or do we just turn to ghost stories when something happens that we can’t explain? Maybe we don’t want to explain. Maybe blaming a ghost is easier.
New parents, Jenny and Sam (Sammy), are at odds because Jenny has been waking up for four nights in a row to unsettling feelings, strange noises, and eerie energy in her baby girl’s room at 2.22am. Sam was away on business so he hasn’t experienced the strange events yet, nor does he believe in them because he is the sceptic of the play.
The evening is already tense, but things go from bad to worse when Sam’s old friend from college Lauren (Loz) arrives for dinner with her new boyfriend Ben. Sam and Lauren are the scientifically minded pair, while Jenny and Ben are more open to believing that perhaps spirits do join us. They have a sense of faith. Maybe those who have passed do try to make some form of connection from an afterlife somewhere.
The entire play is set over one evening. Jenny, an exhausted new mother who is sick and tired of her husband not taking her very real fears seriously, makes the group promise to sit up with her until 2.22 in the morning. Her plan is to prove that strange things happen at this time, things that appear to be targeting her baby. As the night plays out, egos are bruised, fights are picked, and tension builds and builds.
I enjoyed the play. It is rare that I see something that I don’t know anything about. Usually I know the play already or I have some ideas about the plot, but I went to see this one blind. I felt it was well-written. I really enjoyed the conversations about tearing down houses and putting up “modern Ikea kitchens.” Places have layers and it is important to think about the history that people and places leave behind. Even if we don’t believe in ghosts, when people are alive in our memories, doesn’t that mean they’re still with us?
The thriller/tension builds very well as there were several strange occurrences that felt completely unexplainable. Such as who drowned the teddy bear with white spirits? How did it get in the bathroom? Is Jenny’s exhaustion causing her to imagine things? Is she having severe anxiety because she is a new mother, determined to protect her child? Or is there something more sinister in the house?
The play explores people too. What we do, why we do it, how do we come to believe what we believe? How and why do we make certain choices? What if we made different ones?
Sam and Lauren are quite clearly more than just old college friends. Ones who never dated, but maybe feel they should have. None of her boyfriends ever match up to him, and he never likes anyone she dates, the two seem to be always on the same wavelength until Lauren is more open to the idea of ghosts.
In my opinion, Lauren and Sam are the most complex characters in the play, and Colin O’Donoghue and Laura Whitmore are solidly intense and brilliant in the roles. Lauren works in mental health, and she’s clearly well-educated, immaculately dressed, but she feels as though she is missing out in certain regards. She’s missed out on one thing, on one person she wanted the most. She’s funny, cheeky, but also clearly struggling with heavier feelings and as the play goes on, her arc is highly engaging.
Sam is a classic sceptic. Always rolling his eyes, always ready to pick apart the amazing and unbelievable. He gets a kick out of explaining things to people. He’s very unlikable.
If there was one aspect of this script that I didn’t love, it’s that this play is written by someone who clearly believes in ghosts and enjoys ghost stories, so Sam is portrayed as a cynical, asshole, sceptic. It is typical in these kinds of stories to have the sceptic be always ready to reel off a bunch of facts in a gotcha fashion.
The issue I found was that Sam is unlikable for other reasons, he’s an asshole in many ways, but he’s not an asshole because he’s a sceptic, he’s actually just a sceptical asshole. The difference is important. I don’t dislike Sam because he refuses to believe in ghosts, I dislike Sam because he’s condescending, arrogant, and he talks down to his wife (and everyone else) constantly, while getting far too close for comfort with Lauren. The biggest issue is that he cannot seem to give his wife any sort of sensitivity. Even if he does not believe in anything supernatural at all, he cannot even acknowledge that the fear his wife feels is very real. Instead of insisting the whole thing is ridiculous, it would have meant a lot if he could have just said “Clearly something is scaring you, and we’ll get through it together.”
I enjoyed the play and I loved the intense dynamics of the four main characters, but I would have loved to see a touch more nuance with this one aspect of Sam’s character. I don’t think his role as the sceptic would’ve been negatively impacted or less compelling if he’d have been a touch more willing to listen. His arguments for logic, reason, and science could have remained the same.
Ben’s character is kind of an unsung hero in act two in my opinion. He’s the new boyfriend, the newcomer to the group, and he’s a bit rough around the edges, but his convictions in act two are very powerful. Jenny also has her finest moment towards the end of act two in my opinion, and while I will not be divulging any spoilers, I will say that Shona McGarty moved me to tears with one of her final pieces of dialogue.
Colin O’Donoghue (Sam), Laura Whitmore (Lauren), Shona McGarty (Jenny), and Jay McGuiness (Ben), were absolutely fantastic. It is really impressive when casts are so small because being onstage for nearly the entire play is no small feat and these four characters are all present, nearly always. Sometimes two go off while another two chat for a while, but predominantly, these core four are giving passionate performances the entire time, and the subject isn’t exactly light. So, bravo and congratulations to the cast, and to the crew.
It is a play that I’d highly recommend, and one that I would see again and watch differently now that I know how it ends. Are ghosts real? You’ll have to see the play to find out.
I love to write, I’m certain that is obvious by now, but it is always a pleasure to have the opportunity to write a piece for writing.ie. Thanks so much to the team for publishing my work.
My passion is writing about literature, and I love doing that just that here on Katelovesliterature.com, but I also write daily at my full-time job too.
I believe that writing is a skill, and I believe that anyone can become a more confident writer, it simply takes some practice and some trial and error to refine your skills. I also believe that those who love to write will always be fulfilled by it. I consider myself lucky that I get to write every single day. For me, it just never gets old.
When writing, structure is key. The goal is to always ensure that the piece flows nicely for the reader. When writing an article specifically, this can be tricky because articles are factual pieces designed to inform.
The Wizard of Oz is a simple story, one that I’ve always loved, but I was reminded of just how much I enjoyed it when I went to see the musical version in the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre. If you follow me on Instagram @katelovesliterature, then you will have already seen the photos on my grid.
As expected, it was a brilliant #theatretrip.
Two things captured my attention specifically during this adaptation. The first point is that I was very impressed by this production’s use of screens, and the second point is that I had forgotten how much I enjoy the simplicity of this story. Wicked is touring again currently, and I have my tickets for when it is on in Dublin, so even though I really enjoy Wicked, I loved seeing a villain relishing in being a villain. I’ll talk about this more shortly.
Stylistically, I loved this fresh take on a very classic story. The film alone dates back to 1939, and the winding quest to find one’s way home has been endlessly incorporated into various forms of media ever since. It is a popular trope. One gets lost and must find their way back, learning crucial life lessons along the way. It is a satisfying trope for a reason, and the theme of yearning for belonging somewhere is one that I believe everyone can relate to on some level.
I would call this production quite high-tech, and quite modern. The use of screens and taking a more neon approach to everything felt larger than life, which I think is quite appropriate for Oz. I was sceptical about the use of screens going in, as sometimes I find that screens end up taking over the entire production and no matter what, I think there is something to be said for solid sets and backgrounds that aren’t digital. I was pleasantly surprised though, as I felt there was a lot of care given to striking the balance of when to use screens and when to not, and I loved the bright, electric yellow-brick road that moved in pieces throughout the show.
In this production, in my opinion, a darker undertone was present. Oz was more imposing, darker, despite being lit up in neon. It was so bright that it was slightly unsettling, and for Dorothy, who is off on this imposing journey, it was fitting that Oz would seem gigantic and cold. Kansas felt darker too, with a layer of dust and grime persisting, and everyone was tense and on edge, even before the tornado warning. This worked well as it was easy to see why Dorothy felt so displaced, why maybe Kansas didn’t feel like home at first, and of course, Dorothy’s love for Toto was ever enduring. The style choices made sense, and the screens helped instead of hindered, so I would see this version of the production again anytime.
I want to take a moment to say congratulations, bravo, and well done to the cast and crew.
Aviva Tulley was simply charming as Dorothy. Her rendition of Somewhere Over the Rainbow received a well-deserved extended applause. She was the perfect Dorothy, charming and endearing, yet determined to persevere, not only to help herself, but to help her new friends too. I want to mention Benjamin Yates. He was the most wonderful Scarecrow. The Scarecrow is a vital part of the show. He is the first friend that Dorothy makes in Oz, and he is the first to join her, not leaving her alone on the journey. Their friendship is so sweet, and Benjamin Yates was a fantastic mix of sweet, funny, and earnest. The entire cast were fantastic though and, in my opinion, they all deserve a huge amount of praise.
Craig Revel Horwood was The Wicked Witch of the West. Craig was impressive and it was so much fun to see a villain simply revel in being a villain. I’ve decided that I will consider The Wicked Witch of the West and Elphaba to be two distinctly different characters. I know that many people probably view them this way already, but Wicked is presented often as the “untold side of the story,” of The Wicked Witch of the West. Wicked presents The Wicked Witch of the West as someone who was forced to become evil whereas in The Wizard of Oz, the witch is simply a wicked witch, and her vendetta against Dorothy is based on pettiness and anger alone. Yes, Dorothy technically dropped a house on her sister, but you always get the impression that The Wicked Witch of the West would have found an excuse to torment Dorothy anyway. Having The Wicked Witch of the West double up as the mean and spiteful Miss Gulch from Kansas is a testament to this. Miss Gulch is a spiteful woman who has an unfair vendetta against Dorothy. Miss Gulch takes pleasure in finding reasons to complain about her and act against her, going so far as even trying to take Toto away and harm him.
Craig Revel Horwood clearly enjoyed playing this iconic character, and I really enjoyed seeing a story with clear and plain stakes and triumphs again. The Wicked Witch of the West is an unapologetic antagonist, and the contrast between the surly wicked witch and the ever delightful, bubble-gum pink, moped riding Glinda was visually very striking and very fun to watch. They’re extreme opposites and the dynamic works very well onstage.
I’m all for nuance, especially in children’s literature. I believe I’ve made that very clear time and time again, but I do also feel somewhat frustrated when I see every villain getting the same “misunderstood actually,” treatment. Understanding why someone behaves as they do is important, and yes, sometimes evil is made, but I also do think there’s something to be said about acknowledging that some people simply have bad intentions. The Wicked Witch of the West in this production of The Wizard of Oz is evil just to be evil, and it was highly entertaining.
I’d see this show again tomorrow if I could.
Next up on Katelovesliterature.com, I’m going to be discussing 2.22: A Ghost Story.
Last month I was chatting to a friend and he brought it to my attention that there were apparently some discussions about “toning down,” or removing Tinker Bell’s presence from the Disney parks. An official Disney rep has since dismissed this news, claiming it is entirely false and while Tinker Bell does not appear in character meet and greets in Florida, she still features heavily in parades and firework shows and does appear at meet and greets in other parks.
Now despite an official rep saying the statements about Tink being removed due to her being a “problematic character,” are false, the topic really inspired me to write about Tink. The idea that she is a “bad role model for girls,” is the point that specifically bothered me. Tink was allegedly labelled this way because of her being “body conscious,” and “constantly seeking the attention of Peter Pan.”
I feel these labels are unfair, and I feel that I am constantly noticing a rising trend of audiences making comments about characters and texts, seemingly, without fully understanding them. There is so much nuance in children’s literature and lately I find that is being completely missed.
Tink is a character who has been part of the children’s literary canon since she first appeared in the original version of Peter Pan. J.M Barrie’s staged play was published in 1904 and since then Tink has made her way into the hearts of many. She is feisty, she is cheeky, she is stubborn, she is determined, she has her flaws of course, but who doesn’t? I am also aware that Peter Pan is a problematic text in other ways. J.M Barrie’s highly stereotypical and ignorant portrayal of Native Americans is an aspect of the text that newer adaptations seek to counteract. I also think that in 2024, Wendy’s character arc needs to be presented carefully because she is a Victorian character who was created in the 1900’s, meaning that her aspirations have been moulded to fit the societal norms and values of that time. Wendy dreams of being a mother, and while there’s nothing wrong with wanting to be a mother in 2024, I feel it is important to present motherhood as a personal choice rather than presenting it as obvious that Wendy would want to be a mother simply because she is a girl. Wendy is a storyteller, Wendy is nurturing, Wendy is romantic, and I want her to be all of these wonderful things because that is who she is, not because she’s a girl so she must be. It is a nuanced line and many adaptations struggle with it. So we’re dealing with a text that has some undeniable flaws, why am I defending Tink specifically?
I want to take a look at the alleged reasons behind why she is problematic.
It doesn’t matter to me that this seems to be fake news, there are some points raised that I want to explore.
Tink is Body Conscious, and She is An Example of Unrealistic Body Standards.
In my opinion, this is an easy one, because I know what is being referred to here. Instantly I think of the 1953 Walt Disney animated version of Peter Pan. Margaret Kerry, actor, dancer, singer, and all-around artist served as the character model for the 1953 animated version of Tink. In true 1950’s fashion, Kerry had a figure that was considered the ideal of the time. Small waist, generous cleavage, and curvy hips. If you look up some of the behind-the-scenes images of Kerry posing as Tink, you’ll see she is wearing an outfit that would not be out of place in the wardrobe of Marilyn Monroe.
Immediately, without even having to rewatch the animation, a scene came to mind. There are scenes where Tink is appreciating or expressing frustration about her figure. When she can’t fit through certain spaces, she angrily looks at her behind, and there’s another moment where she is quite proud of her hips in the mirror. I feel it is important to remember here that this cartoon was released in the 1950’s (and in production earlier,) and she was created by a team of men. They are even called “Disney’s Nine Old Men.”
There are a few points to make here. Body standards and beauty standards and societal norms are always changing, so while we can acknowledge that a lot of things would not be written the same way today, remembering the time, place, and context of when certain things were created is important. The moment something is written down or captured on film, it is out of date, and who knows what will be out of date in fifteen years that are considered fine today? That is always going to be an ongoing issue to consider when it comes to consuming media. So of course, the beauty standards of the 1950’s are out of date and highly informed by the patriarchy, but I fear that is a point that we will always have to contend with in some way. This is why I feel it is unfair to critique Tink for her body consciousness, when actually, it was a team of men in the 1950’s who animated her that way. The scene of her expressing frustration with her behind was animated by a group of men who likely found that highly amusing, and I just don’t think it is fair to place the blame for that on Tink. The other issue I have with it is that I don’t think Tink admiring her own curves is necessarily a bad thing. If the message we want to send is that we should always be comfortable in our own skin and that all shapes and sizes should be celebrated, Tink being happy with how she looks and outwardly expressing that should be a good thing.
This point leads me to another alleged issue – Note that I keep saying alleged as I’m aware these articles about Tink have been declared click-bait.
Tink Constantly Wants Attention from Peter Pan.
Tink has been accused of relying on male validation because she constantly wants the attention of Peter Pan. There have also been notes about Tink’s jealousy towards Wendy, and the fact that Tink does not always have Wendy’s best interests at heart. These points grate on me for a few reasons. The first being that I feel these points are overly simplistic and they ignore the source material.
In 1911 as part of a fundraiser for Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital, Peter Pan was published in the form of an illustrated book. It is often credited as the first version as well as being the most beautiful one. In this version, readers can find the following quote about Tink …
“Tink was not all bad: or, rather, she was all bad just now, but, on the other hand, sometimes she was all good. Fairies have to be one thing or the other, because being so small they unfortunately have room for one feeling only at a time.”
Tink has been criticised for being a highly emotional character, one who expresses anger, jealousy, and frustration. There have been comments made alluding to the idea that these traits are not something that should be modelled to children. I take issue with this. Children are people. Children grow up and become adults, and they have a full range of emotions. We all feel anger. We all feel jealousy. We all feel frustration. Why? Because we are human. We don’t feel only good things 24/7 and that does not make us bad people. Children deserve to know that it is okay to have big, negative feelings. They’re allowed to get angry, they’re allowed to get jealous, they’re allowed to get frustrated, most of all, they deserve to know that they are allowed to express a negative emotion and that does not make them a bad person or a “bad role model.”
I actually feel that if Tink was to be “toned down,” because she dares to express her emotions that this would have a negative impact. Removing representation of negative feelings in works of fiction will not stop people, especially children, from having negative feelings in their real lives. Removing that representation will simply make people feel alone. I feel it is more important to showcase characters having those negative feelings and working through them. If characters act less than kindly because of those negative feelings, then I think it is important that we illustrate how sometimes actions may hurt others, but we can make amends. This is what Tink does.
Returning to the quote I’ve referenced above, it is crucial to note that Tink is not a person, but a fairy. She is a mythical, magical being, and because fairies are so tiny, she can only feel one emotion at a time. This means when she is angry, she is ONLY angry, and when she is jealous, she is ONLY jealous. That is why some of her actions are very extreme, it is because she is totally and utterly consumed by one feeling at a time. Another point I want to make is that when people accuse Tink of acting in extreme ways, I think they forget that Tink exists in Neverland which is a magical place based on extremities. I also feel that if we’re going to critique Tink then we need to also critique Peter Pan.
Peter Pan is an extremely interesting character. He is often hailed as the personification of childhood itself. He represents freedom, whimsy, imagination, and the carelessness of youth. He is also a cautionary tale. There are also darker, more tragic takes on the boy who would not grow up. Wendy represents all you gain when you grow up, and she poignantly shows what you lose too. When Wendy grows up, she is never able to return to Neverland, she is never able to fly again. This represents a child growing up from innocence to maturity. When children mature and learn things they did not know before, they can never go back to the carefree innocence of not knowing, of not understanding. Those of us who refuse to grow up, who refuse to mature, they miss out on all that adulthood gives us because immaturity means you cannot engage properly with those who have evolved. There are so many ways to explore the tale. Some imagine that Peter Pan represents children who died young, so he literally cannot grow up because he represents those who did not make it to adulthood. Neverland is sometimes viewed as a place where children go when they die and Peter Pan is a figure who helps them on their way. In other variations, he is a darker figure, a kind of authoritarian ruler of Neverland. In early drafts of the Disney adaptation, Peter Pan actually kidnaps Wendy because of how much he enjoys her stories, but ultimately Disney decided a kidnapping plot would be too dark.
If we’re saying that Tink acts very emotionally, then we must acknowledge that Peter Pan does too. He is hot headed, temperamental, and he is only happy to play if people play by his rules and his rules only. This authoritarian style is illustrated in the type of father he pretends to be when he, Wendy, and the Lost Boys are playing house. While Wendy is nurturing, warm, and full of stories and lullabies, Peter Pan is cold, distant, and rules with an iron fist. There are even times when the Lost Boys cannot eat because Peter Pan will not imagine food for them, and he is quite harsh in his demands of what the Lost Boys can and can not do.
They cannot speak of mothers, they cannot know more than him, and very early on in the story when Tootles shoots Wendy out of the sky, Peter Pan is prepared to stab him. Tootles shot Wendy with an arrow because in Tink’s jealousy she told him that Wendy was a “Wendy-Bird.”
While I am not suggesting in any way that what Tink did here was nice, it does bother me that audiences will label her a “bad role model,” because she hurt Wendy, but then they will run right by how Peter Pan was prepared to kill in anger to get revenge. All of these actions are part of the make believe of Neverland and it is also crucial to note that in these critiques of Tink, her heroism is being greatly overlooked. As the story goes on, she warms up to Wendy and in the end, she selflessly drinks the poison intended for Peter Pan to save his life. The point I’m making in this discussion is that if we’re going to discuss Tink, then mention it all!
There are two more reasons why the “Tink is too emotional,” critiques bother me.
The first is that I feel female characters should be able to express all emotions without being labelled in any manner, and the second is that Tink is expressing some very valid frustrations over Peter Pan’s treatment of her albeit she is doing it in an extreme way – again because she can only feel one thing at a time.
So let’s keep exploring …
The point I’m making here is very straightforward in my opinion. I really don’t like it when female characters are given labels because they are more than just happy. Peter Pan is many things throughout the story. He is happy, adventurous, jealous, angry, prideful, cocky, and then in the end, when Wendy is all grown up, he is devastated. Do we label him? No. His character is interpreted in many different ways, and he’s discussed in detail when those differing interpretations are explored, but he isn’t labelled in the way that Tink was allegedly labelled. His layers get appreciated, whereas all of Tink’s nuance gets ignored. This is annoying.
Female characters should be able to be as emotionally complicated as male characters, and appreciated for the many ways they can be interpreted instead of just being smacked with a one-dimensional label.
The other point that grates on me in regards to this idea is that up until Peter Pan meets Wendy, Tink was his best friend. They did everything together and then when Peter Pan meets Wendy and becomes enamoured by her and her stories, like a child with a new toy, he quite coldly discards Tink. He ignores her, he does not consider her feelings, but he is all too happy to use her pixie dust so everyone else can fly. I think Tink is absolutely right to express that she is upset and angry about being discarded. She expresses her frustrations in a fantastical, extreme way, yes, but that is because Neverland is a fantastical, extreme place. Crocodiles bite off hands, pirates chase children, mermaids swim in lagoons, and flying is possible. Tink’s fantastical expressions fit, they are part of what makes Neverland Neverland. At its core though, the point I’m making here is that I do not like the implication that Tink expressing valid frustrations over being cast aside makes her a ‘bad role model,’ nor does her wanting some respect and appreciation from Peter Pan mean that she is ‘constantly seeking his male validation.’
If we say that Tink is alway seeking male validation because she does not appreciate being tossed aside, then what we’re teaching children, what we’re teaching young girls specifically, is that if they stand up for themselves over being mistreated or ignored and if they say that this is unacceptable, then they are going to be labelled and that is not a lesson that I’m okay with teaching any child, especially not young girls. If you do a lot for someone, if you’re a loyal friend, if you’re always there to help, if you give parts of yourself – in Tink’s case, her pixie dust – then you are absolutely in the right to express anger and upset if you’re tossed aside in favour of someone else. Peter Pan is completely dismissive of Tink’s feelings and I think if she gets labelled as a ‘bad role model,’ because she does not let him dismiss her without standing up for herself then I think we’re heading down a slippery slope.
Tink’s Adventures Continue …
In all of my above points, I’ve been speaking about the version of Tink in the 1904 version of Peter Pan and in the Walt Disney animated film version. I have not even touched on the fact that Disney created an independent set of films, the first was released in 2008, centred around the character Tinker Bell.
Tinker Bell is a tinker fairy, which means her talent is fixing things, tinkering with things, she is an innovative, creative, inventor and her fiery, determined spirit is what fuels her to keep going despite any obstacles that block her path.
In these movies, Tink worries that she is useless because she can’t figure out her talent, and then she worries that being a tinker fairy is not exciting enough. She struggles to find her place, but she does not give up. She perseveres, she makes friends, and she learns that her skills are important. She learns how to best use her talents for good. The themes of these movies, particularly the first one, is that everyone has different skills and all those skills are important. We all can’t do the same thing and instead of doubting ourselves, we can find what makes us stand out and be proud of that talent. They’re full of feel good messages and in my opinion, they are great movies for young children to enjoy because they teach that even if you can’t do one thing, there will be something else that is for you to do and you will thrive. They teach young viewers to never give up. The ironic part of all of this is that when you go to meet Tink in the Disney parks, you’re meeting her and the other fairies in Pixie Hollow, which is from the Tinker Bell fairy movie franchise and not the original Peter Pan canon. So the version of Tink that was being judged (the 1904 version,) is not even the version that is supposedly being presented to audiences by Disney. We’re meeting the Tink who has starred in her own stories, and I think it is completely unfair to ignore all of the individual character development that Disney created for Tink.
To wrap up…
I think it is unfair to only critique one side of Tink while ignoring her heroism and determination.
I think it is a terrible idea to suggest that children should never see negative emotions in fiction and the idea that experiencing and expressing a negative emotion makes one a ‘bad role model,’ is one that I think is the truly problematic idea.
I don’t like the fact that these labels reduced Tink’s very valid anger at Peter Pan down to being her supposedly ‘constantly seeking male validation.’ I think there needs to be more care given to how we discuss these kinds of characters, because if we’re going to say that Tink should never have expressed any sort of bad feeling or upset over how Peter Pan treated her, then I think we need to stop and question what sort of message that would teach young readers and viewers.
If anything, we should want to teach them to speak up when they feel someone is being mean or treating them unfairly. We don’t want them to allow themselves to be dismissed.
I’m aware that this discussion was fuelled by what ended up being click-bait, however I don’t care. I felt the points raised were worth exploring and there were points that I wanted to make even after learning that the initial article was, thankfully, false. I strongly believe that we need to remember that nuance has to exist in children’s literature, and I really feel that material needs to be understood before labels are thrown around. Children are highly intelligent and I don’t want their literature to be talking down to them, which I worry will become the case if we continue to label stories and characters in this way. There needs to be good and bad, light and shade, stakes and triumphs. There needs to be characters like Tink!
This week I am celebrating the official launch of The Moth and the Moon by Margaret Anne Suggs.
*Please note, this is not an ad. This is not sponsored or paid for in any way, but I do want to take a moment to cheer on my former colleagues as they’re amazing!*
If you’ve been following me for a while then you’ll know that I have recently started a new job. I had the pleasure of working with the Beehive Books team since 2022, and I am thrilled to be invited to the official launch of The Moth and the Moon by Margaret Anne Suggs.
This new book is a charming story about Rosie the moonstruck moth as she sets off through the night sky in search of the moon. The story is so sweet, and the illustrations are simply gorgeous. Anyone who loves a sky scene will love these starry illustrations. As a night owl, I love this book.
When I was little I would have loved a story that was all about an adventure through the night sky, exploring the stars and everything that sparkles. There’s something magical about being up late when it feels like everyone is asleep but you. If it is not obvious, I’m still a night owl to this day. Just like Rosie, I’m most definitely moonstruck!
I will be #OutOfOffice next week as I am heading off on an adventure of my own. I won’t be publishing a discussion next week, but I will be active on Instagram so come and join the fun!
Sunny season is approaching. I am very excited about the months ahead.
I hope to do some more exploring this summer. I’ve been very fortunate because I have had the opportunity to travel a lot, and one thing I am excellent at is making sure that I’ve got something to keep me entertained while I’m on a flight.
If I’m being perfectly honest, I try to sleep for as much of the flight as I can, but sometimes that isn’t possible, so I do always ensure that I have some movies or shows picked out.
I don’t read on flights very often because I am prone to getting motion sickness, and I find that it doesn’t impact me as much if I’m watching something. I prefer to read when I’m tucked up in bed anyways. With all of this being said, I’m putting together a list of my plane picks. My absolute go to watch-list for when I’m in the air, and you might feel inspired for the next time you’re catching a flight!
The Golden Girls
It goes without saying that I watch The Golden Girls when flying. I watch this show all the time. It is my comfort watch, my go to, it is easy and fun. I use Disney +, so I usually download an entire season of this show before a flight so I can watch without Wi-Fi.
The episodes are 20 minutes long so watching 3 is a great way to pass an hour.
When I was flying to NYC back in January, the flight was 6 hours long. It was an early flight so I slept for the first 4 hours and then had 2 left. I watched 3 episodes of The Golden Girls, and then as we enter the last hour, we begin to descend anyways so that was a relatively long flight that went by in no time at all.
Speaking of Disney +, I usually have one or two classic Disney movies downloaded too so I can watch without Wi-Fi if the mood strikes me. I also download a few episodes of something like Modern Family, or something similar, so I have options of shows that are fun, easy, and not too long.
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills (Insert your personal reality tv pick here).
When I want to pass the time, when I don’t want to think, when I want to indulge in a guilty pleasure, this is when I turn to reality tv. The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills is my reality show of choice. It is ridiculous. It is lavish. It is an easy way to pass the time. An episode is an hour long, so 2 episodes is 2 hours passed without even noticing.
Father of the Bride
When it comes to movies, I like to turn to old favourites when I’m on a flight.
I usually don’t watch a movie that I haven’t seen before when flying because planes can be loud and I’m obviously using a smaller screen, and in my case, sometimes I feel sick if motion sickness hits, so that is why I like to watch movies I know and love. I like turning something on that I know I enjoy watching. I know it makes me laugh. I find that watching old favourites that are familiar helps when I’m not feeling 100% amazing, and something like Father of the Bride is a lovely way to spend an hour and a half.
Other movies that fall into my plane picks for these same reasons are Miss Congeniality,My Fair Lady, When Harry Met Sally, Roman Holiday, Ruthless People, and Dirty Dancing.
Here there is a pattern and you can see the idea. I like to watch short, easy to watch shows that pass the time, and if I am watching a movie, I like to turn to old favourites. I find doing this has always helped me enjoy flying more, and I think having a list of favourites saved and downloaded makes getting ready to travel so much easier.
Follow me on Instagram if you don’t already for updates on what is #ComingUpNext!
I have always been a reader. I’m sure that is very obvious by now.
Over the years I have built up a collection of books that I am proud of, and I’ve had some of the books since I was very young.
If you’ve been a reader of my blogs for a while, you already know that I am a Children’s Books Ireland book doctor. I absolutely love it when I have the chance to participate in the CBI Book Clinics. Chatting to young readers about the books they’re enjoying is always so much fun, and I always leave the event feeling inspired in some way.
If you follow me on Instagram @katelovesliterature, then you’ll already know that last Saturday I was in Galway. I got to join Patricia Forde’s #WholeWideWorldBusTour and it was a gorgeous sunny, book-chat filled day. I had the pleasure of chatting to kids from the ages of three to ten, and I came away from this book clinic with a new appreciation for picture books.
There’s been some exciting events happening in my life lately. I celebrated my Master’s graduation and I thoroughly enjoyed my ceremony. I have also set off on a new work adventure. After nearly two years of working with the wonderful Beehive Books team, I’ve started a new role. I mention this because the last two Beehive books that I had the pleasure of being part of were both picture books. Skipping Stones by Tatyana Feeney and The Moth and the Moon by Margaret Anne Suggs are both out now and while this piece is not an ad, or paid for in any way, I will say that I’m delighted to see these books on the shelves.
It is safe to say that lately ideas about picture books have been running through my mind.
I’ve been thinking about how much I enjoy them to this day, and I’ve also been thinking about how important they are when it comes to our reading journeys.
Unfortunately picture books don’t always get the credit they deserve. Sometimes picture books are referred to as “Not real books.” This couldn’t be further from the truth. Picture books are hugely important and in this piece I’m going to highlight that.
My favourite thing about picture books, and one of the most important things to note about picture books, is the way they help young readers develop their visual literacy skills.
When we are little and just beginning to look at books, before we even start to learn how to read words properly, we engage with picture books. I would argue that visual literacy is developed before we can understand the words on the page. You can understand what is happening in a story by looking at the pictures alone. In time, the pictures and the words work together to create meaning, but for readers who may be struggling with the words aspect, they can glean a high level of understanding from just the pictures. Picture books transcend language barriers. The saying “A picture is worth a thousand words”, comes to mind. This is true. We pick up so many visual cues from images and so many factors come together to create meaning.
When we look at a picture, we look at colours used, facial expressions, placement on the pages, and the scale of the drawings etc. An easy example that I use to explain this further is a playground scene. Imagine a picture of a playground. On one page, everything is bright, there are lots of children playing. Some on swings, some on the slides, they’re depicted smiling and laughing, the colours are bright and rich. Think yellows and oranges and greens. Now on the other side of the page – the other side of the playground if you will – imagine there is a drawing of a child by themselves. They’re smaller. They’re alone on the page. They’re not smiling. Maybe they’re crying, and the colours are muted. Think blues and greys. Let’s think about what all these factors portray when they come together. A picture has been painted of a child who is lonely at the playground. Everyone else is bright and having fun, but the lone child is sad, perhaps telling us readers that they struggle making friends or maybe they’ve been left out. We can decide what we think for ourselves, and by doing so we’re enhancing our interpretational skills and our emotional comprehension skills.
Looking at pictures and deciphering what they mean by using visual cues is a life skill and it is one that we should hopefully continue to develop as we grow up. For example when we watch a movie, we should be able to pick up on meanings based on what we see. In our personal lives, we may be able to tell how someone is feeling by the look on their face alone. When young readers engage with picture books, they are practising all of these key skills in a really fun way as picture books invite readers into bright, colourful worlds. Looking at beautiful pictures is a great way to encourage a reluctant reader, or it may entice someone who is a visual learner, and regardless, pictures make learning much more fun!
One of my closest friends is a speech and language therapist and when I told her that I was working on this piece, she told me to feel free to also share that speech and language therapists strongly advocate using picture books because they provide ways to model language by giving visual supports that help children understand what is being spoken about. I was delighted to learn this as I’ve always felt that picture books are an incredible tool in many ways, but even beyond a speech therapy setting, having a visual aid to help us understand what is going on is always appreciated in my opinion.
Picture books, especially wordless picture books, also give young readers a chance to build their confidence and use their imaginations. When you can decide for yourself what is happening based on what you see, you’re letting your creativity soar as well as building up confidence when expressing your thoughts and opinions.
So if you have some picture books at home from when you were young, don’t throw them out. If you have young readers at home who love picture books, don’t dismiss them. Dive in instead. You may just learn something new.
For all updates about what is #ComingUpNext make sure you’re following me on Instagram @katelovesliterature
If you thought I was finished mentioning New York, I’m afraid you were wrong!
Back in January I was whisked away to the big apple on a surprise trip. It was a dream, and while we were there my Mam and I went to see the magical Aladdin on Broadway.
I knew that the UK tour of Aladdin would be making its way to Dublin in April, so I already had my Dublin tickets when my Mam surprised me with this trip. My excitement only doubled as I love having the chance to see a production twice, especially in different places as small changes can be made. If you’re a theatre lover like me then seeing these little changes will fascinate you.
Let me start with the obvious. Aladdin onstage is a beautiful show. The costumes are bright, vivid, and they sparkle beautifully. The stage comes alive with colour and movement from curtain up to curtain down. It is a magical spectacle. The story of Aladdin is one we know and love, and the classic songs from the Disney movie are complemented by the songs that were composed for the stage production. If you’re a fan of the movie then you will love the show. It really is as simple as that.
Similar to the movie, the stage show is filled with pop-culture references as those references are part of what makes the role of the genie so iconic. This is where seeing the show in two different places becomes really interesting because in New York, some of the crowd work was catered to NYC landmarks, whereas those references were amended to make sense to an Irish audience in Dublin. These little details fascinate me as I love seeing all the ways a show can change and move.
The story of Aladdin is one that I believe will always have a timeless quality to it.
Aladdin is a poor, kind, young man who has no family and he has to resort to stealing and getting into mischief to survive, but beneath his bravado and schemes, there is a heart of gold.
He is earnest, he is charming, and he will always try to do the right thing. Aladdin and Princess Jasmine connect because they both feel trapped. Aladdin cannot do anything because he has no money, and people look down on his efforts to survive. Jasmine, while she acknowledges that she lives a privileged life, she too feels trapped because of the royal protocols that she must follow. The stage show takes the time to specifically illustrate her fears about being forcibly married off to a stranger. I appreciate this aspect of the stage show, because I think in stories where love interests come from two very different classes, it can sometimes be hard to relate to the person who has the wealth and the privilege, because while of course everyone can have struggles no matter their class, it is undeniably easier to deal with those problems when you have money, shelter, power and influence.
While Jasmine does not have the same financial struggles as Aladdin, the fear of being married off to a stranger and living a life in which your voice is never listened to is a real fear, and her desire to run away and live her life on her own terms is easy to root for because of how well the stage show illustrates her arc.
Jasmine and Aladdin also match because they both mirror each other’s desire to be fully seen. Aladdin wants to be seen for who he is as a person instead of being seen as nothing more than a poor man. He is viewed as a street rat and his worth as a person is dismissed entirely because of his station, whereas in Jamine’s case, her station is all that people see. They see her wealth, they see her title, they see the power they will have through associating with her and her father and they don’t care about who she is as a person or how she truly feels or what she has to say. So they both feel alone and when they meet, for both of them it is the first time that anyone truly listens to how they feel and understands it. Their plan to run away together is sweet and very earnest and their common ground makes them a very likeable couple.
It is a story filled with magic and love. When Jafar, the sultan’s crooked advisor, learns that Aladdin is the diamond in the rough that he needs to help him procure a magic lamp, he tricks Aladdin into retrieving it for him, manipulating Aladdin’s wishes to make his late mother proud of him. Of course Aladdin ends up rubbing the lamp instead so now he has a new friend in the genie who is going to change his life with three wishes.
While I adore Aladdin and Jasmine, the genie is the best character in the show. He is funny, he is full of energy. Huge props to all actors who have played this role because it is non-stop. The genie plays so many key roles in the show. He narrates, he does crowd work, he delivers larger than life performances, and he is the mentor character to Aladdin. He is significant to Aladdin’s emotional arc throughout the show, and it is the genie who helps Aladdin discover his self-worth and helps him understand that wish or no wish, he was a Prince all along because of his kind heart. Jasmine loved Aladdin before he made his first wish, and the genie helps him see that.
His role as Aladdin’s mentor is doubly touching because Aladdin is an orphan who misses his family, so the genie gives him the loving, parental guidance that he is missing.
From beginning to end, this show will have audiences completely in awe.
I am so thrilled that I had the chance to see this show twice. I would go again in a heartbeat.
It is dazzling, funny, and filled with magic. Perfect for date night or if you have a Disney lover at home. If you get the opportunity to see Aladdin don’t miss out.
Make sure to follow me on Instagram @katelovesliterature to stay up to date with what is #ComingUpNext
Derek Landy fans will be delighted to dive back into the world of Skulduggery Pleasant.
*Thank you to HarperCollins Ireland for sending me an early copy of this book.
Please note that while I received this book in #bookmail, my review is entirely my own.
This is not a paid review, nor is this review an ad or sponsored in any way.*
I always enjoy stepping into the world of Skulduggery Pleasant. Personally I’m a fan of crime thrillers and mysteries, so I was happy to see that Landy has returned to his investigative roots in this book. A Mind Full of Murder by Derek Landy is the latest installment in the world of Skulduggery Pleasant. This new book sets us up for a new trilogy and I must say that this book left me looking forward to what is coming next.
This book follows Skulduggery Pleasant and Valkyrie Cain as they try to stop a mysterious killer from murdering more innocent people. In order to stop this villain, they must solve riddles that the killer has left for them. Fast-paced and mystery focused, this book will have you gripped with each turn of the page. Concise, and featuring less characters than his previous works, Landy has created a story that flows really nicely. I also enjoyed the fact that Skulduggery and Valkyrie are working closely together again.
The tone of this book feels more mature than previous installments of this series. Landy’s passion for horror shines through in this book, successfully resetting the tone of this series. This book, while still showcasing Landy’s sharp wit, feels more serious than before. Some of the action described (injuries, deaths, etc.), definitely reads as though Landy is aiming for an older audience this time. Many readers have been a fan of Skulduggery Pleasant for years so I would argue that there is a certain element of nostalgia to be found in this book, and it is clear to see that Landy enjoys using certain tropes (mystery reveals, discovering parentage etc.)
I would argue that certain kinds of reveals can start to feel somewhat repetitive at times, however that doesn’t take away from the overall enjoyment of this book.
I think some characters will be missed, however I think the return to the classic Skulduggery/Valkyrie dynamic will please many readers, and we will see who returns to the pages as this new trilogy unfolds.
I’d recommend this book for readers 12+
Perfect for readers who enjoy crime mysteries as well as ideal for anyone who wants to become more familiar with horror.
Follow me on Instagram @katelovesliterature if you don’t already so that you are up to date with what is #ComingUpNext
If you follow me on Instagram then you already know that I didn’t expect to be so sick last week with strep throat, and while I am still not feeling 100% myself again, I am so relieved to be through the worst of it. Thank you to antibiotics and lots of sleep!
I will be #OutofOffice again this week as I am officially graduating. I received my master’s degree results back in November, however the official graduation is this week. I plan on slowing down and enjoying the moment.
Reviews, discussions, and chats about all things in the wonderful world of literature will be back soon, but for now I am celebrating my biggest achievement.
I had added some beautiful new books to my bookshelves recently and I want to talk about my latest reads as there are new reviews and new podcast episodes coming very soon.
I want to say thank you to HarperCollins Ireland for sending me an early copy of Derek Landy’s latest Skulduggery Pleasant book. A Mind Full Of Murder is the first book in a brand new trilogy.
It officially comes out on March 28th 2024. I will be reading this book and publishing my review very soon!
Please note that while I was very kindly sent this book, my review will be my own opinion and not paid for or sponsored in any way.
I celebrated my birthday not too long ago and one of my friends gave me a beautiful edition of Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë. I think that this flowery pink cover is absolutely beautiful and not only did I not own a copy of this classic before now, but this particular copy looks stunning on my shelves.
At the moment I am reading Dubliners by James Joyce.
I am a fan of Joyce’s writing style. I especially enjoy the way he experiments with literary techniques and while it can take some getting used to, I enjoy reading his free-form prose as it reads as if we are experiencing his thoughts with him as they happen.
I will be discussing all things Dubliners with my co-host Seán on Episode #03 of Your Book or Mine?
You can listen on Spotify.
Make sure you follow me on Instagram @katelovesliterature for all updates about what is #ComingUpNext
Lately I’ve been leaning into my favourite comfort show more often than usual.
If you keep up with me on Instagram then you already know that I’m a huge fan of The Golden Girls. I began watching the show when I was very young with my grandmother. I ordered the entire seven series box set on DVD a few years ago and I was absolutely thrilled when the entire show became available on Disney +
I watch The Golden Girls all the time. I watch when I’m doing my makeup, I watch with a cup of tea in bed at night to relax. I watch when I’m travelling. I always download an entire season if I’m getting on a flight. It is a show that I know inside and out, one that I can throw on at any time. I find it relaxing. I always laugh. I think maybe it also reminds me of being with my own grandmother, which is lovely, and I especially find it helpful if I am feeling anxious. I enjoy knowing what is coming, I enjoy the stories each time, and I love that even though I know this show inside and out, I truly enjoy watching it every single time. It is funny, it is clever, it is poignant, and in so many ways it was ahead of its time.
While I can appreciate that this discussion might be very niche and very self-indulgent, I want to talk about my favourite episodes anyway. There are so many episodes that I adore. Picking solid favourites is so difficult, but I have selected three that I would regard as my top three episodes. These are the episodes that I am going to talk about in this piece. There are many more that I really love, so there may also be an honourable mention or two.
Please be aware that The Golden Girls discusses themes that some readers may find upsetting such as abuse, sickness, ageing, loss, and death. I will be touching on these themes and topics in this discussion.
I want to begin with a serious episode. The Golden Girls did not shy away from dealing with heavy topics. One of my favourite episodes is Not Another Monday: Season 5, Episode 7.
This episode is a perfect combination of comedy and poignancy. The A plot and the B plot are total opposites and yet they weave together beautifully to create one of the most touching episodes. I believe this episode displays some of Estelle Getty’s (Sophia) best acting.
In this episode Dorothy, Blanche, and Rose are reliving the days of early motherhood as they are babysitting for a local couple while Sophia is debating whether or not she can support her friend who wishes to take her own life. The babysitting portion of this episode features some of the funniest scenes in the show, scenes that are often listed in iconic moment countdowns etc.
The girls try to get the baby to sleep by performing a fabulous rendition of “Mr. Sandman” in the living room, and Blanche hilariously tries to flirt with the doctor when the baby gets an ear infection due to teething. This clash of warm comedy right beside a very heavy, poignant discussion shouldn’t work in the same episode and yet it is perfectly done. I think this expertly weaved juxtaposition of light and dark is what makes this episode so well written.
Sophia’s friend Martha is depressed, lonely, and frightened after she and Sophia attend the funeral of a mutual friend. Martha lives alone and she fears continuing as her health is declining. She decides she wants to die on her own terms. She plans to die due to an overdose. Determined that she does not want to die alone, she pleads with Sophia to be with her, and to hold her hand after she takes the pills.
Sophia battles with what to do. She does not want to leave Martha alone, but she also does not want her to take her own life. While the other girls are babysitting, Sophia goes to Martha’s house. There she reminds Martha of the day they met in the hospital and how they both couldn’t wait to get out of hospital after their procedures because they wanted to live. Sophia asks her if she is sure about her plan. Martha hesitates. Sophia tells her she can’t go through with it if she isn’t sure, because she can’t take it back. Martha admits that the loneliness she feels is the driving force behind her choices, but she isn’t actually ready to die. Sophia swears she will be there, she will make sure she isn’t alone. The two toast to being best friends.
In this scene, Estelle Getty delivers one of my favourite lines from the entire series. Martha states that she’s afraid of sickness and afraid of pain, and that their friend looked so peaceful at her wake. Determined, with tears in her eyes, and a hitch in her throat, Sophia says “We’re not in this life for peace.” Her point is that life is worth living, despite the many twists and turns that get thrown at us. It is a beautiful scene.
Later that evening, the girls are relieved when Sophia gets home and tells them that Martha didn’t go through with her plan, and they reflect on how lucky they are that they live together and not alone. Before the baby goes back to his parents, Sophia picks him up, rocks him, and tells him that he has a long life ahead of him and to enjoy all of life’s ups and downs. Despite the overall tone being heavy, the episode ends on a hopeful note.
The major themes of this episode focus on the fear of growing older, the impact that loneliness can have on people, loss, grief, and ultimately hope. A huge emphasis is placed on remembering those who may live by themselves and making sure we make time for those who may wish they had more contact and connection in their lives. While it is one of the most serious episodes of the show, and while it makes me tear up every single time I watch it without fail, it is also an episode that always makes me feel better if I am having a hard time.
I’d argue this episode is a masterclass in writing, and it features some incredible acting.
It is a must watch in my opinion.
The next episode I am going to talk about is The Actor: Season 2 Episode 14. This episode is completely different in tone, it is much lighter, and in my opinion this is one of the funniest episodes in the series.
In this episode, Dorothy, Rose, and Blanche are getting ready for the local community theatre’s upcoming performance. The girls are thrilled when it is announced that Patrick Vaughn, a well-known professional actor will be coming to the theatre to star as the leading man. Swooning over his good looks, all three of the ladies are determined to get the lead so they can act opposite him, and they hope to score a date too.
Shenanigans ensue when Patrick Vaughn dates all three of the ladies, insisting that the relationships must be kept a secret so that the press does not find out. A comedy of errors ensues when Dorothy, Rose, and Blanche find out on opening night that not only has Patrick been leading all three of them on, but he has been dating the entire female ensemble too.
Furious, they expose him onstage as a cheat and a liar in a brilliantly funny way. They confront him in the play and when the commotion is over, they bow as though it was all part of the performance. This spoof (A spoof of Picnic) play also features Dorothy as the Sheriff. She steps in when another actor gets sick as she is the only one tall enough to wear the costume. (If you’ve never seen the show, Bea Arthur who plays Dorothy is an extremely tall, regal woman. Her height is often played for laughs, as is her deep voice.) Seeing Dorothy enter the stage in her Sheriff costume is one of the best moments, and her drawl as she interrogates the drifter “Biff” is some of the funniest dialogue in the show.
Episodes that feature the ladies competing with each other are always very entertaining. The girls are competitive and not afraid to be petty. The hijinks that ensue are always brilliant.
No matter how many times I see the episode, I still get the giggles whenever I watch.
Returning to a more serious episode, I couldn’t talk about my favourite episodes without discussing Old Friends: Season 3, Episode 1. I debated choosing a different episode, as I didn’t want this discussion to be too serious overall. There are many, many wonderful and funny episodes of this show that I love, but I have to be honest in my reviews.
Old Friends is a classic. It is another Sophia focused episode and Estelle Getty is given another chance to shine.
I truly love her portrayal of Sophia. She’s cheeky, wise, and wise-cracking. She’s serious when she needs to be without taking life too seriously. She’s the oldest of the group, and the mother figure. She may be Dorothy’s actual mother, but she plays a mother role to Rose and Blanche too. She’s spunky, quick-witted, and stubborn. Her moments of sensitivity and sentimentality are some of the best in the show. I love when we get to see Sophia’s softer side. It shines through in Old Friends.
This is another episode that expertly mixes comedy and sadness. Blanche accidentally gives away a childhood teddy bear of Rose’s when she is having a yard sale. Hijinks ensue when she tries to get the bear back from Daisy, a supposedly sweet sunshine cadet (Scouts if you’re Irish). Blanche thinks this will be an easy task and Rose will never need to know, but Daisy spoils her plans when she holds the teddy bear hostage. Rue McClanahan is always brilliantly funny as Blanche, but her trying to negotiate with a little girl are some of her best scenes.
While Blanche tries her best to get the bear back, Sophia is at the boardwalk where she meets Alvin. The two share a bench and chat while they look out at the sea. They become fast friends, spending day after day sitting together on the boardwalk and talking for hours. One day, Alvin is upset, erratic, and it appears he doesn’t know who Sophia is. It becomes apparent that he is suffering from Alzheimers and it is getting worse. His daughter tells Dorothy that he will have to move from Miami to Chicago so she can care for him, meaning that he and Sophia won’t see each other again.
The episode is bittersweet. Sophia reflects on the time they spent together and how much she enjoyed his friendship, she tells Dorothy that she’ll always remember him even if soon he forgets her. She is knitting him a scarf and when it is finished she plans to send it to Chicago.
The episode ends with Rose getting her bear back and Dorothy bringing Sophia home. As they leave the boardwalk, a man comes and sits in Alvin’s spot. Sophia gets upset and tells him that someone is sitting there.
Again, this is another episode that touches on sickness and loneliness in old age. There is a very sad moment when Alvin remembers all over again that his beloved wife is gone and he misses her terribly. He cries for her all over again while Sophia comforts him, telling him that she misses her husband too and he can cry all he wants. It is a very touching scene.
I do want to emphasise that while the episodes I’m discussing highlight some of the fears that come with growing older, this entire show is dedicated to illustrating that life does not stop when we turn thirty and that everyone, especially women, can go on to live full, vibrant, busy lives. Age is just a number and The Golden Girls was ahead of its time when it came to a show featuring older women as the leads. They weren’t the butt of the joke, they weren’t helpless, their lives were not dull. They weren’t just mothers and grandmothers, they were smart, funny, intelligent, vibrant women who lived full lives. Yes they were mothers and grandmothers who adored their families, but they also had work lives, friendships, and they dated. They did everything and anything that they wanted to do. The show covered all kinds of topics, talking about hugely important things while keeping humour and love intact too.
The Golden Girls is an incredible show and I think everyone should watch at least one episode to see what they think.
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If you don’t follow me on Instagram, you won’t have seen that I am #OutofOffice this week.
I will be back next week with another book review.
In the meantime, you can tune in on Instagram, because while I am not publishing a discussion this week on Katelovesliterature.com, I will be posting some book chats on my grid and stories.
Lately I’ve been thinking about how much I love to watch movies. I truly could spend an entire weekend watching movie after movie. Last weekend we sat down to watch Rocky II, which I loved, but afterwards I was thinking about how in a short amount of time I had laughed, cried, and cheered when (spoiler alert) Rocky won the match.
Now I will admit that I love to let myself get swept away by movies, I allow myself to become completely invested, so perhaps not everyone will watch movies as enthusiastically as I do, but I also know I’m not alone. I’ve had some incredible conversations with people about movies, and there are certain times when being in the cinema with a crowd feels amazing. It is not exactly the same feeling as being in a live theatre, but there is something lovely about being part of a crowd of people who are all excited to watch the same movie.
Last summer, alongside the rest of the world, I went to see Barbie. The cinema was full. Everyone was wearing pink. There was a line to stand in the Barbie box outside the screen. An entire room of people laughed and cried together. Last Christmas season, I went to see Die Hard in the cinema because it is one of my favourite movies. Again, that night in the cinema was a communal experience. Everyone was quoting the famous lines, we were laughing together, and cheering those iconic John McClane moments. The point I’m making is movies mean something to people, and I love experiencing the ways that movies can bring people together.
Movies can serve many purposes. Movies can entertain. Movies can be a form of escapism, a way for people to step into another world and witness the life of another person. Being entertained by a movie can make us feel better if we are having a hard time. Movies can make us laugh and they also make us cry, and sometimes they can even make us feel truly understood.
Movies can also be more than a form of escapism. Movies can function as a mirror to society. Movies can reflect the good, the bad, and the ugly in life. Movies can tell a story about a particular time or event, and they can give voices to many people. Movies can move and inspire us, because in all of this, whether you’re watching a comedy or an action movie, or a rom com, or something terribly sad, there will be a moment, a scene, a character that resonates with you.
While I am an avid reader, I do love the medium of film, and I enjoy visual storytelling.
I am always encouraging people to read. I will always be an advocate when it comes to helping young people fall in love with books because I believe that being a reader can open so many doors, but I’ve been thinking about this a lot recently, and I think I would argue that it is just as important to foster a love of film in people. I believe that we must watch movies.
So what’s my argument? Why must we watch movies?
I believe we should watch movies because watching movies allows us to experience storytelling in various ways. Movies are made up of so many components, characters, setting, costume, the score, and all of those components come together to create a visual piece. While using our imagination when we read is fantastic, I do believe that there are some moments that are meant to be portrayed onscreen. There are also some movies that would be completely different if the score was different. Can you imagine Jaws without that famous two note motif? It wouldn’t be the same. When we appreciate how integral that musical theme is to that movie, we are appreciating music. When we stop to appreciate how a costume can make or break a character, we are appreciating design and fashion. When we take the time to recognise all of these components and the roles they play, we are actually beginning to appreciate the arts in a much broader way. When we appreciate the arts, we are appreciating ideas and doing so allows people to be more creative, more innovative, and more collaborative.
Watching movies also helps us with our levels of social intelligence. As people, we learn so much by watching. Watching a movie can let us see the inner workings of a character. We see what they go through, we see how they feel and why they feel that way, we see how they interact with others, and we see what they do in the movie, and we have opinions on all of these things.
When we can see why a character is upset, we empathise with them. When we can see why a character behaved a certain way, we can understand their actions but realise that maybe they should have acted differently. Movies can also be extremely educational. Watching a movie about a certain event or particular situation allows audiences to experience and learn about that event in a safe way. You can watch a character make mistakes and even though the movie is fictional, we as an audience can still learn from those fictional mistakes and apply the lessons to our real lives. The same can be said about movies that deal with heavier themes such as grief. The character in the movie is experiencing grief, and even though the movie is fiction (unless it is based on a true story), that story and that character arc can help a person who is grieving in real life. Perhaps they see themselves in the character, perhaps they feel less alone by seeing a story like theirs, and maybe the character getting through grief can provide comfort and hope in real life. I’ve certainly felt that way, and I know many others who have too.
I think movies can bring people closer together. As I mentioned above, some of the best conversations I’ve had have been over a bottle of wine after watching a movie. I’ve spoken about what I thought of the movie, why I liked it, why I didn’t, scenes that stood out etc. I’ve discussed themes with people and how those themes made me feel, and more often than not, chats about movies have become about more than movies. Suddenly those chats become personal, and I’ve connected with people on a deeper level, but the movie is the thing that broke the ice, the movie is the thing that allowed us to connect. I do believe that so many people just wish to be understood, and as a movie lover, and as someone who studies literature and film, I believe that movies can help us feel more understood.
An idea that I’ve mentioned a lot recently is the idea of a “must watch”movie. This is not a new concept. Just like how there are books that are considered to be books that everyone must read, there are movies that are classed as “must see” movies. A “must see” movie is usually a movie that covers a topic of cultural, or historical significance, or tells a story that is socially significant in some way.
I think that I am going to create my own version of a “must see” movie list. I think it would be fun to think about movies that have impacted me and why, and hopefully my list may give people some movie night inspiration so stay tuned.
Follow me on Instagram if you don’t already @katelovesliterature for all updates about what is #ComingUpNext.
I am also very excited because episode #02 of Your Book or Mine? will be coming soon on Spotify. You can #JoinTheBookClub by following us on Instagram @yourbookorminepod
I sat down to watch Rocky knowing absolutely nothing about the plot aside from the fact that there would be a fight and a training montage. It felt like one of those films that even though I hadn’t seen it yet, I was aware of it. I knew Rocky. I was not expecting to enjoy the film as much as I did. I was not expecting it to be so funny, and I certainly wasn’t expecting the film to make me cry. I knew I’d enjoy it. My thoughts going into watching this film were “It’s a classic, I’m sure I’ll like it.”
Now I want to talk about why I believe that everyone should watch Rocky at least once.
You may be wondering why this is the film that I’m discussing on Valentine’s week, a fair question, as a sports drama may not necessarily inspire many to have romantic thoughts.
I’ve chosen to discuss Rocky this week because I think that the underdog figure is ultimately, and inevitably, a romantic one. I also think that the relationship between Rocky and Adrian in the film is extremely sweet. Adrian has one particular line in this film that moved me to tears, and I do also want to talk about how much I enjoyed the quiet, comfortable progression of their relationship in this film.
Rocky came out in 1976. The film was directed by John G. Avildsen.
The film was written by Sylvester Stallone, who also starred in the film as Rocky.
Set in Philadelphia, this film follows Rocky Balboa, a poor loan shark debt collector and fighter as he gets the opportunity to fight for the world heavyweight championship title.
Rocky was a huge success. Itis a film that gained status as now it is an iconic piece in pop culture. This film launched Sylvester Stallone’s career and it also created a template for what sports movies would look like.
Please note, I am discussing the plot in this review, so there will be spoilers.
I want to discuss why I felt this film connected with me (and wider audiences), the way it did because when you think about what actually happens in the film, it is not packed with plot points. This film was the highest grossing film in 1976 and yet Rocky doesn’t even win the heavyweight championship title. Why does everyone care so much?
We all care so much because Rocky is not about winning. Yes it is a sports film, yes the fight scene is the climax of the film, but it was never about Rocky winning. Rocky himself states that he does not actually have any strong desire to win this fight, he does not care about winning the title, but he does deeply care about going the distance. He wants to finish the fight even if he loses, he wants to complete every round. He cares deeply about doing something good. He wants to be more than he is. He wants to prove that he isn’t a bum. I believe this is why his story resonates with so many people. Rocky is a quiet, shy, kind of bumbling character. He loves to box. He loves animals. He loves his family. He wants to go on a date with Adrian, the shy woman who works at the pet shop.
Rocky is a true underdog. In so many ways he is so ordinary, his wishes are so “everyday ordinary”, by this I mean that he doesn’t wish for huge, improbable things like winning a huge amount of money or having ten cars etc. He wishes for relatively normal, everyday things.
This is what makes him so endearing. We root for him because there is a relatability found in his ordinariness. We can all relate to loving our pets and maybe hoping to get a date with the person we have feelings for. These small, ordinary wins are often the things that make us feel the best, and so we root for him to have his wins.
Something that struck me as very interesting while watching is that the plot somewhat mirrors why this film turned out to be such a success. Apollo Creed is the heavyweight boxing champion and he is supposed to fight to defend his title, but his opponent has to drop out due to an injury.
Creed proves to be an excellent judge of what will bring the most publicity to the match.
He feels that giving a local, unknown boxer the opportunity to win the title will generate interest and attract massive attention from the public. He is right. He even loves Rocky’s boxing nickname, “The Italian Stallion”, stating he can picture it on film posters. Creed knows that an audience will love a rags to riches story so he proceeds with his plan, confident in the spectacle it will create.
The film is now often described as a Cinderella, rags to riches story, and in it, Creed is also profiting off of the popularity of rags to riches stories, and this struck me while I was watching it.
I find it really interesting that within the plot there is a conversation about how rags to riches stories are popular, and then the film itself became so popular because it is a rags to riches tale, and this film also paved the way for more rags to riches, motivational sports films to come about.
I find that mirroring really fascinating. It’s funny how we, the wider audience who love this film, mirror the public in the film who love the fight.
I want to talk about the appeal of the underdog, and why I would argue that the underdog is a romantic figure. There is a fantastic article entitled The Appeal of the Underdog (2008) by Nadav P. Goldschmied, David A. R. Richards, and Joseph A. Vandello, that I found when I was studying quest narratives. Underdog figures feature prominently in quest narratives. This article presents the idea that audiences root for underdogs because ‘The desire to see disadvantaged entities succeed is based on people’s strong motivation to see just outcomes.’(Vandello, Goldschmeid and Richards, 2008). The article also states that ‘A mediation analysis supported the interpretation that underdogs are seen as exerting more effort than advantaged entities.’
This is an idea that as a viewer I can get behind. It is a point that must be considered carefully, because coming from an advantaged background doesn’t automatically mean that the advantaged individual does not have the talent and won’t put in the work, however one must always acknowledge that the disadvantaged individual can have the same amount of talent if not more, and put in the same amount of work, if not more, than the advantaged person, but still not have access to the same opportunities.
In Rocky, Creed is clearly a very talented boxer, he’s trained to be where he is, he’s also got an incredible team behind him and at times it seems he cares more about the spectacle of the match than the match itself, but the point I’m making here is that no one is suggesting that Creed shouldn’t be in the ring, but we care more about Rocky being in the ring, because we feel that Rocky had a harder time getting there. Rocky would have most likely never gotten the opportunity to be in the ring if it weren’t for this media idea. It is a once in a lifetime shot, and it arguably means much more to him then it does to Creed, so therefore he is the one that we root for. Rocky is the one that we care about. For Creed, despite the title being up for grabs, this is another match, whereas for Rocky this is a chance to change his life.
Underdog figures often appear to have more heart and more passion than their counterparts, and this is why we root for them, but I would argue this is also why they’re romantic figures. It’s much more satisfying when the unlikely candidate triumphs over the person who assumed they didn’t have to exude any effort. In romantic plots where we see an “unlikely” love interest placed in opposition to the “obvious” love interest, what usually happens is that the underdog will be portrayed as more sincere, as a better listener, as a much more thoughtful and caring person than the obvious choice. The underdog will be dismissed throughout the film due to their status, and obvious choices are usually wealthier or have a higher level of formal education, but the point that connects all the dots in this trope, the idea that you will be able to spot time and time again, is the idea that the underdog may be poorer and may not be as well educated, but they have more heart. They’re kinder. They’re more genuine. The underdog having more heart makes them the true richer one.
Rooting for a poor underdog with a heart of gold is much easier and much more satisfying than rooting for a rich, cold, snob. If you want to watch a scene that puts all of these ideas into practice, watch the scene in Titanic where Jack Dawson joins the rich passengers for dinner in the first-class dining hall. He’s wearing a borrowed suit, he’s being judged by the wealthy, they’re scoffing at him while expecting him to be oh so grateful for the invitation to dine with them. In this scene, Jack gives a rousing speech about how lucky he truly is, he puts the stuffy, judgemental Cal in his place, and audiences can’t help but cheer for him in this scene. We know that he’s nicer than Cal, we know that Cal is being awful to him in this scene, we know that Cal thinks he’s nothing, so when we get to watch Jack stand up for himself and deliver a heartfelt, passionate speech, we cheer.
In Rocky, a character trait that I really enjoyed was the fact that Rocky does not get swept away in the spectacle at any point. Sometimes in stories that feature an underdog, there can be moments where they get swept up into the popular frenzy and momentarily forget about the people who have cheered them on all along. It’s easy to do because when you’re working hard for so long and you’re underappreciated, it is easy to imagine that recognition feels nice. Sometimes the fact that recognition came with strings gets overlooked until the underdog realises who has been there for them all along, and they return to their true friends. This is a common trope, although it doesn’t happen in every story. It doesn’t happen in Rocky.
Rocky is humble. He is well aware of the fact that certain people like Mickey the trainer, didn’t give a damn about him before the match. Mickey did not give Rocky the time of day before he was selected to fight Creed. He had no interest in training him despite Rocky looking up to him.
When he offers to train Rocky, he expects him to immediately accept his offer and be grateful for the attention and help, but Rocky has an incredible speech in which he asks why does Mickey have a sudden interest? Why didn’t he care before? Ultimately, Rocky does accept Mickey’s offer, but I admire his self-awareness in these scenes.
At the beginning of the film, it is made clear that Rocky has feelings for Adrian, the shy woman who works in the pet shop. Rocky always tries to make her laugh by telling her a joke. Adrian is Paulie’s sister, and Paulie and Rocky are friends so Paulie insists that he will help arrange a date between Rocky and Adrian.
I love Adrian. She is very sweet and extremely shy. I didn’t expect her character to almost move me to tears, but I really felt for her. Adrian is played by Talia Shire, and for the majority of the film, her beauty is downplayed. She’s a beautiful actress, but Adrian is a character with absolutely no self-confidence, and for most of the film she’s dressed in drab, dull clothes that wash her out and completely overwhelm her frame. She dresses like someone who wants to hide and this is apt, for Adrian desperately wants to remain unnoticed. Everyone in this film is cruel to Adrian, aside from Rocky. Her brother Paulie is so mean to her, while thinking he can order her around, and other characters mock Rocky for wanting to take her on a date. Shire’s performance is beautifully subtle, there are times very early on where it seems like she has no interest at all and the exchange is painfully awkward, until she gives the smallest smile, or a quick glance, or a small amount of eye contact, all so subtly indicating that she does like Rocky, but she has no confidence for these encounters.
As a modern viewer watching this film for the first time in 2024, it is easy to point out which aspects would be tweaked if there was ever to be a remake. I want to say now, this is not a film that needs to be remade, this is one of many that we should leave alone, however it is easy to identify which aspects would be modernised. Paulie sets up the first date between Rocky and Adrian, and comically Rocky keeps asking if Adrian knows about it. This turned out to be a fair question, because Adrian in fact, did not know about it. Paulie pressures her to go on the date, and she spends most of it quiet although the pair do bond when Rocky takes her ice skating and they have the entire ring to themselves. Later, at Rocky’s apartment, she does state that she’d like to go home, and Rocky does attempt to keep the conversation alive. Again, it is a scene that needs to be watched carefully because Shire gives off the smallest indications that she doesn’t actually want the date to end despite saying she should go. The scene ends with a tender moment. Rocky tells her that she is very beautiful, and her reply is telling. She asks him not to tease her. In my opinion, this line tells us everything we need to know about her self-esteem and why she’s so shy, she does not believe she is beautiful, and she feels vulnerable because she wants to ensure that Rocky isn’t teasing her like everyone else does, that this date wasn’t some big, elaborate joke or a lost bet. When Rocky assures her that he isn’t teasing her, she is the one who initiates a passionate kiss. After this scene, their relationship quietly grows and grows.
From this point on, Adrian gets more and more confident, and she becomes much more casual about expressing affection for Rocky. They hold hands, they sit together, and even though there is never a big announcement about the fact that they’re a couple, it is clear that their relationship has progressed. I love this. It is quiet, natural, and sweet. During a big press conference, Rocky is once again unbothered by the crowd he is attracting, he simply wants to give a shout out to Adrian, and when he, Paulie, and Adrain watch him on the tv, he’s the most excited about her seeing that he shouted her out. It is very cute. Rocky never belittles Adrian, and he never overlooks her during the training process, he never gets swept up in the glitz of it all. When Paulie disrespects her, Rocky defends her. Adrian also has the newfound confidence to defend herself, which is a fantastic moment.
Paulie is jealous of Rocky’s success, and one drunken night he picks a fight with Rocky and Adrian. In this fight, he tells Adrian that she owes him, that she is a loser. She has had enough. She screams back at him, telling him that she owes him nothing. She cooks for him, cleans for him, takes care of him, and that he always makes her feel like a loser. But she is not a loser. Hearing Adrian state that she is not a loser after everyone made her feel like one was a very poignant moment, and it did make me tear up. I loved seeing her gain self-confidence. It’s not hard to imagine that there were many times that Paulie yelled at her and talked down to her and she didn’t have the courage or self-belief to stand up to him, but now she does, and it is a brilliant moment. Adrian is an underdog too, so we easily root for her just as much as we root for Rocky.
There is a scene in which Rocky explains why Adrian means so much to him. “She’s got gaps, I got gaps, together we fill gaps, I don’t know.” (Rocky, 1976). I love this line. It is so simple, it is so sweet, it perfectly sums up how two people can do so much for each other.
So moving to the end of the film. The fight scene is big. There’s a huge crowd, the event is a success before it has even begun. Creed is a true showman, and Rocky is ready to go the distance. I love that Rocky doesn’t win. This may sound odd, but if he wins then I think the point about how it was never about winning would be lost. Rocky set a personal goal. He wanted to go the distance and he did. He lasted all fifteen rounds, despite injuries, despite tiredness, he goes the distance, and he gets some good punches in there too, gaining Creed’s respect. He may not have won the fight, but he achieved his own personal goal, so he did win. Winning can be a very personal thing, and it can mean different things to different people. Much like how quests are about the journey rather than the final destination, I think that a major theme of Rocky is that just because you didn’t win the prize, that doesn’t mean you didn’t win at all.
Winning, losing, Rocky doesn’t care. The film ends with him screaming for Adrian. He’s gone the distance, the crowd is going wild, everyone is cheering, there are cameras in his face. He just wants Adrian. He’s screaming for her, she’s trying to get to him through the chaos. Finally the pair reunite and the film ends with Adrian and Rocky telling each other “I love you.”
It was the perfect ending. He went the distance, he earned a life changing amount of money, and he got the girl. Rocky won.
I would highly recommend Rocky if you haven’t seen it. It is funny, poignant, and it tells a story about perseverance and gaining confidence. The fight and the boxing are the perfect backdrop to all of the personal development that we see play out on screen. We see a lovable underdog rise to a challenge and go the distance alongside a shy woman gaining her own voice. We watch them fill gaps, and we cheer for them as they do. Follow me on Instagram @katelovesliterature for all updates about what is #ComingUpNext.
My fairy tale adventures in Frankfurt: A Travel Diary.
By Kate O’Brien.
I did not expect to go on two trips in January. On Christmas Day, roughly two hours after my Mam surprised me by telling me that she and I were headed to NYC, my boyfriend surprised me by telling me that he and I were headed to Frankfurt … three days later.
To say I was shocked and delighted would be an understatement. So I landed in Dublin from NYC on a Monday morning and on Thursday I was back in Dublin airport with my repacked suitcase, ready for a snowy adventure.
This was my second time travelling to Germany, but my first ever visit to Frankfurt so I was very excited to see a new city for the first time. By now you all know that I love a literary inspired trip, and Frankfurt did not disappoint.
Frankfurt is a city packed with culture, at times it felt like we were seeing museums on every corner. The city was cold and crisp, very cold in fact. I loved seeing snow topped trees as the plane was landing, and we arrived to snow on the ground and icicles on railings. It was the winter trip of my dreams, and I thoroughly enjoyed being bundled up as we explored.
One of my favourite things about Frankfurt is that it is a very walkable city, aside from getting the metro here and there for ease, we found ourselves walking everywhere. The city was very easy to navigate and we enjoyed seeing the beautiful buildings as we walked around.
I love city breaks, but I always feel as though there is so much more I want to do, which is why I make a list of reasons to go back! Frankfurt was no exception, there are many things that I wish we got to do, so I’m sure we will be returning at some point in the future, however we did get to do some amazing things while we were there, if you’re looking for travel inspo, I’ve got you covered.
We stayed in the Hotel Schopenhauer Hof, which was an ideal spot beside the river.
We were lucky as we had a fabulous river view from our room. We were a five minute walk away from the Iron Footbridge, from Römer, and from the Frankfurt Cathedral, and we were surrounded by some amazing spots for food and drinks.
As two film lovers, we couldn’t go to Frankfurt and not visit the German Film Museum.
For only €6 each, we had a wonderful afternoon exploring the exhibitions. This museum is home to original sketches and storyboards from Disney classics such as Peter Pan and Snow White, face moulds and masks from Star Wars, and one of the original aliens from Alien. It was really amazing to see such an appreciation and love for films on display.
One of the most beautiful spots was Römerberg, a historical square that is home to gorgeous, mediaeval buildings and bustling markets. I would imagine this square is absolutely beautiful on a bright, warm, summer day, but we loved it in the snow just as much.
We loved wandering the city and seeing where the day would take us. We explored some amazing book shops and antique shops. I was particularly thrilled to find a collection of wooden nutcrackers in an antique shop, and I’m only sorry that none of them would fit in my suitcase.
I am a fairy tale lover, so much so that for my master’s dissertation I focused on fairy tales.
This trip was partially a Christmas gift, and partially to celebrate that I have received my master’s degree in Children’s and Young Adult Literature, so we simply had to have an adventure and visit some of the spots on the German Fairy Tale Route.
My dream is to one day do a road trip to complete more of the stops on this route, however this trip was the perfect beginning. The journey from Frankfurt to Hanau is only thirty minutes on the metro, so a day ticket was purchased and off we set to the home of the Grimm Brothers.
The Brothers Grimm National Monument is the starting point of the German Fairy Tale Route.
The statue sits in the Am market and it is the focal point of the busy village square. The statue features the brothers, we can see that Wilhelm Grimm is sitting down while Jacob Grimm is standing beside him. Local legends suggest that Jacob and Wilhelm secretly swap places at midnight, which is a story that I’m fond of as it sounds like a fairy tale that the brothers would create.
Fairy tale lovers can also enjoy the Hanau Fairy Tale Path. There are statues all around Hanau, depicting scenes from Grimm fairy tales. We loved seeing each statue and seeing which tale it was from as we walked around. It was very special to see fairy tales being celebrated this way.
We also visited Philippsruhe Castle, where the Historical Museum of the city of Hanau is located. The GrimmsMärchenReich, the first Brothers Grimm interactive museum in Germany, is located in the right wing. This might have been my favourite part of the trip, although it is hard to pick just one favourite thing. Visiting the castle grounds made me feel like I had stepped into Beauty and the Beast. The grounds were blanketed in sparkling, white snow. Fountains and lakes were completely frozen over, all gleaming under a crisp blue sky. It was picturesque.
The museum itself was stunning. High, stucco ceilings, breathtaking chandeliers, the most beautiful ballrooms and drawing rooms with paintings, cabinets, and other pieces on display, taking a walk through this place was like walking through a storybook. Not only did we get to enjoy some history, but we got to enjoy the fairy tale exhibit too. The whispering corridor, which features open fairy tale books that whisper to you as you walk by, was a highlight for me. I felt like a little girl again. Young children have the option to explore the fairy tale exhibit in costume, and it was fantastic to see young kids having such a wonderful time. There’s magic to be found in stories and I loved embracing the magic of it all. I especially loved that there was a glass slipper placed on the grand staircase, implying that perhaps a runaway princess had recently fled.
I would love to return in the summer as the Brothers Grimm Fairy Tale Festival takes place in the amphitheatre, and I would love to see the paper theatre museum which is currently being renovated. I would also love to see the castle grounds on a bright, sunny day.
We also visited the gold and silver museum in Hanau, which was lots of fun. I’m a big jewellery fan and I enjoy looking at different pieces so I enjoyed wandering through these exhibits. There are some stunning pieces of jewellery on display in this museum, and I loved seeing the artistic craftsmanship through time.
While in Frankfurt we visited some lovely restaurants. We loved IIMORI, a little café that was home to roses, books, and other sculptures. We enjoyed breakfast here. The croissants were delicious, and it was a beautiful spot. One of the best meals we had was at Jamy’s Burger. This restaurant was beautiful. The burgers were amazing, and if you go I cannot recommend the dirty fries enough. The cocktails were delicious as well as beautiful to look at, and the staff couldn’t have been nicer. The price was also very reasonable so win wins all round.
I think our favourite restaurant was a place called Panamaa. This place was a two minute walk outside the door of our hotel. We ate there twice and had quite a lot of drinks there. The atmosphere was lovely, the place was lit by candles, warm lights, and star fairy lights hung everywhere. This spot was slightly pricier, but if you’re looking for a romantic treat, it is ideal. If you like cosmopolitans, this is the place to order one.
On our last morning in Frankfurt we had breakfast at Kaffeehaus Goldene Waage, and it was amazing. This place was just beautiful. The decor made us feel like we had stepped back in time to a vintage tea house. The coffees and hot chocolates were rich and indulgent. The selection of cakes was unbelievable, everything looked delicious, and the outside of the building looked like a fairy tale building from a storybook. Nearly every single building in Frankfurt looks pretty, this is the lesson we learned. If you enjoy appreciating architecture then this is a city you need to visit.
Frankfurt is most definitely on my must visit again list. I want to go back and do the river cruise. I’d like to explore other museums, particularly the animation museum. I’d like to go back to visit the paper theatre museum, and I’d like to time my trip to align with the fairy tale festival and perhaps go on further to explore more of the fairy tale route.
I couldn’t have loved this trip more. It was the most incredible surprise.
I hope anyone who goes enjoys themselves as much as I did.
Make sure you follow me on Instagram @katelovesliterature if you don’t already for all updates about what is coming up next.
On Christmas Day my Mam surprised me when she told me that we were going to New York.
My family had been to New York when I was a toddler, so it is safe to say that I don’t remember that trip. It’s always been a dream of mine to go to see the city that never sleeps and it has been on my travel bucket list for a long time. You can imagine my shock and delight when I found out that I was actually going to get to see NYC!
I love seeing new places, and adding some literary gems to my trips is always the goal. I couldn’t wait to get to the creative hub that is New York City, the place is always buzzing with noise and energy.
If you want some travel inspiration then look no further! I hope you’ll enjoy my travel diary.
We stayed in NYC for five nights and I’ve decided to break this travel diary down into three parts …
Travel and Accommodation
Sights and Shows
Food and Drink
Let’s Dive In …
Travel and Accommodation
We flew with United Airlines from Dublin to Newark, New Jersey. The flight was roughly six hours long, and I was happy to have slept for most of it. We landed at 11.15am local time which meant we had the whole day ahead of us, and travelling from Newark airport to Grand Central Station in NYC couldn’t have been easier. We hopped on the Coach USA airport shuttle which brought us directly from Terminal C to Grand Central. The route had just three stops so getting lost was close to impossible. Despite the journey being listed as one hour and thirty minutes, we found ourselves among the skyscrapers after only forty-five. The journey was smooth and quick, the only time we hit any traffic was when we came out of the tunnel in NYC as the streets were bustling and busy.
This trip was a surprise for me, so I was not involved in any of the bookings, but my Mam said she’d happily fly into Newark airport again if the flights were the better deal as getting to NYC from there is easy. I’d also have no complaints about doing this travel route again.
We stayed in The Fitzpatricks Grand Central Hotel directly across from Grand Central Terminal.
This couldn’t have been a better location. We were right in the heart of the city. We were able to walk to Grand Central Station, Fifth Avenue, Times Square, and we were exactly three minutes away from the Chrysler building so every evening when we were walking back to our hotel, we saw the skyscraper lit up. It was a gorgeous sight.
*Please note this is not a paid review, nor is this piece an ad or sponsored in any way, but we believe in giving credit where credit is due.*
I want to take a moment to publicly praise the staff at The Fitzpatrick Hotel. They couldn’t have been nicer, and they made our stay so fantastic. Every morning we would see familiar faces at check in, and they were also so helpful to my Mam when she was explaining how she wanted to surprise me. We loved every minute of our stay, and not only would we highly recommend it, but we will be staying there again if we return to NYC in the future (and we hope to do just that!). We want to shout out Sarah, Jeff, Alexis, Brendan, and Evan in particular as they were so kind.
The hotel itself is beautiful, our rooms were spotless and comfy. There is a restaurant and bar onsite, the location is ideal. It truly is a perfect spot.
Sights and Shows
We spent our five days walking the city and seeing the sights. In my London travel diary, I talked about the Hop-On/Hop-Off bus tours. I can’t recommend these tours enough. I think they’re such a great way to see a new city. We purchased the twenty-four hour ticket in NYC. We sat on the top of the bus, wrapped up in hats, scarves, and gloves because NYC in January is cold! We didn’t care though because we were having a ball. We did the Uptown tour, the Downtown tour, and the river cruise so we could see the Statute of Liberty. It was a picturesque, scenic day, and driving around and seeing all of the iconic landmarks was surreal.
If you want my biggest travel tip, look no further … Do the river cruise at night!
The river cruise was two hours long and we opted to take the four o’clock cruise, this meant that when we got on the boat, the sky was slowly changing colour and that famous NYC skyline was starting to sparkle as it lit up. We went along the river, listening as our wonderful tour guide told us all about the city and the iconic landmarks that it is home to and then we saw Lady Liberty herself. Lit up, striking and tall. As we were returning to our dock, it was six o’clock and it was dark, so we got to see how beautiful Brooklyn Bridge is when it is all lit up and dazzling. The view was breathtaking, and while I did take lots of photos, none of them do that view justice. I’m not exaggerating when I say it was truly amazing. A moment I won’t forget for a long time.
Being in Times Square was another surreal moment. I am aware that I sound like a walking cliché, but it did feel like being in a movie. Everything is so big and you feel so small among those tall, concrete buildings. The place is so loud too. Music is playing, horns are honking, taxis are everywhere, there are food trucks on every block and corner. The saying that NYC is the city that never sleeps rings true. The place is just always moving, always loud, and there is a fantastic buzz in the air. The atmosphere is amazing, and I understand completely why the city is often highlighted as a place where dreams can come true.
We went to see the Plaza hotel, the Met, Tiffany & Co., Saks and the other Fifth Avenue gems. We went to Hudson Yards and the World Trade Center memorial, we got to see the Flatiron building, Radio City Music Hall, the Empire State Building, and of course, we got to see the famous Rockefeller Center Christmas tree.
My Mam, the ultimate travel planner, knows that Christmas is my favourite time of year. She knows that I have always wanted to see the big tree so she planned the trip around dates when it would still be up even though we were going in January. We got to see the tree before it came down and it was worth going to New York for. It is big, tall, bright and beautiful. We saw the skaters underneath and the lights all around. The atmosphere was fun and festive, and I’m so glad that I got to see the city decorated so beautifully.
I couldn’t go to NYC and not go to see a Broadway show. My Mam and I went to see Disney’s Aladdin on Broadway and it was a spectacular night! The show runs in the New Amsterdam theatre, which is an absolutely beautiful theatre. The show was magical, pardon the pun. The cast were phenomenal. The Broadway show is the iconic movie brought to life with new shows and characters added for the stage, so the story is one we all already love, and the score is one that has long made an impact on us. It was the first time that my Mam and I got to see a show on Broadway, and we both loved it. It was bright, vibrant, beautiful, full of life and spectacle. The magic carpet scene in particular made me feel like a little girl again. I am so happy that I got to see a show on Broadway. I didn’t know that my Mam had bought us tickets, I had no idea about the entire trip which should be obvious by now, so I actually have tickets to see Aladdin when the touring production comes to Dublin later this year. I’m really excited to see it again, I always love seeing how touring productions may differ from their original venues, so I look forward to writing a more detailed theatre trip discussion after I see the show again in Dublin.
Food and Drink
Let’s start with the obvious, NYC is an expensive city. Restaurants can be expensive, fast food can be expensive, but we did find a few places that we enjoyed.
We ate in the Wheeltapper bar and restaurant in our hotel twice. We did this out of ease, as it was onsite. The food was nice, the place was lively, and it was handy.
When it came to breakfasts, we went to The Comfort Diner for breakfast on our first morning. It gave me Twin Peaks vibes, but in the best way. We had a big, American breakfast. Pancakes, French toast, eggs, bacon, the works, and coffee in gigantic mugs. It was pricey, but we really enjoyed it and it set us up for the day.
We didn’t plan this in advance, but the way our days tended to play out was that we’d eat a fairly decent breakfast, set out for the day, and while we did grab coffee and cold drinks during the sightseeing, we usually didn’t eat again until dinner.
On the other mornings we kept things simple and grabbed coffee and doughnuts at Dunkin’. We also discovered that Wendy’s make a very nice breakfast bap.
In the hotel they recommended that we visit Junior’s because the cheesecake is fantastic. They warned us that it is a tourist spot so expect it to be busy, but I had to try New York cheesecake in NYC so off we went. The place was very nice and we got there at one o’clock which seemed like a great time as it wasn’t empty but it wasn’t full either so we got a table without any wait. The cheesecake was really lovely, and I’d go there again. The menu looked very nice too although we didn’t eat a big meal, we just got cheesecake, coffee, and pastry. It was getting very busy when we were leaving at around two, so I think we were lucky to get a table when we did.
My favourite restaurant of the trip was the Carnegie Diner on 57th Street. The food was delicious. We had dinner there before Aladdin. We were in the middle of the city. The staff were so kind. I had a delicious cocktail and places get bonus points if they offer great cocktails. This spot was ideal and I’d love to go there again someday.
We normally stay away from Irish bars while we are away however we were told that the Killarney Rose is a brilliant spot so we also had dinner there one night. We enjoyed it, we’d go back. I had a cosmopolitan there and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Here’s another tip … if you want to find reasonable drinks, visit The Olive Garden in Times Square. On the bottom floor they have a full bar and the cocktails were only seven dollars, which in NYC is a steal. It is also in the middle of Times Square so you’re taking in the lively atmosphere while you’re enjoying a sit down and a good drink.
Obviously NYC is a huge, diverse, vibrant city and I’m not even scratching the surface of all of the amazing dining experiences that are on offer – another reason to plan a trip back!
I keep my private life private and I won’t gush about my Mam online because she’d kill me if I did, but being in NYC with her (and some other family who ended up surprising us as well!), was a dream.
She planned the most fantastic trip. We had an amazing time. We loved every single second, and all I’ll say is that I am one lucky woman.
Today’s piece is a bit different. I will be sharing my New York travel diary next week, and after that I will be sharing my Frankfurt travel diary so there are lots of literary adventures coming soon. If literary cities are your cup of tea then stay tuned, and if you have not already read my previous travel diaries, why not check them out now? I hope you’ll find some travel inspiration.
Today I am introducing a new literary project that I am very proud of.
If you follow me on Instagram you may already know my news…
Today is the official launch day of my brand new podcast Your Book or Mine?
I have co-created and I will co-host this brand new, book club podcast alongside my fellow book lover Seán. Each month we will be reading a different book, alternating between classics and new, modern reads to discuss on the podcast.
Our inaugural episode is officially OUT NOW on Spotify.
We hope you will read alongside us and let us know all of your thoughts on the book chats we’re having.
I’m very proud of this new project, and I’m so excited that the first episode is finally available for everyone to enjoy. A new episode will be airing once a month, and we are delighted to have the opportunity to discuss a broad range of brilliant books.
I love presenting and speaking about all things literature. At Beehive Books, I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to host the ‘Interviews with Authors’ miniseries. Chatting to various authors about their books, published by Beehive Books, has been an excellent experience and you can tune in every other week on Spotify. https://open.spotify.com/show/7r1cKcwvLTeAZ9opibdREc
I have wanted to create a literary podcast for a long time now, and I am so happy that I have found the perfect person to collaborate with. Seán is a fellow book lover, he is a fantastic writer, he has created videos about all forms of media on his YouTube channel @CicadaWave … He enjoys horror, ghost stories, classics, and anything with a touch of the macabre. Our different points of view, combined with our shared interests that have a great way of balancing each other out makes for a really fun, really interesting dynamic, and I look forward to co-hosting Your Book or Mine? with him this year.
I have a feeling that 2024 will be a great year. There are so many things that I am looking forward to, and many things that I am excited to do. I’ve received so much encouragement, support, and lovely feedback about the new podcast already. Thank you so much to everyone who has reached out, you know who you are.
I hope you will all enjoy Your Book or Mine?
Join the book club. Follow us on Instagram. Listen on Spotify.
Gods Don’t Cry by Ellen Ryan. Illustrated by Conor Merriman.
A review by Kate O’Brien
I described Ellen’s first book Girls Who Slay Monsters as a collection of passionate stories, passionately told. The bar was set extremely high, Gods Don’t Cry is the perfect book to come next.
I said that Girls Who Slay Monsters would inspire all readers, but I thought it would particularly inspire and even comfort young girls. I’d have loved to read a book like this when I was thirteen.
Gods Don’t Cry is an ideal counterpart, as this collection of tales about Irish Gods showcases how there are many different, many amazing ways to be masculine. Just like there are many different ways to describe girlhood, manhood is just as complex. Gods Don’t Cry highlights how boys can be strong in different ways. There is more than just one way to be brave.
Gods Don’t Cry is a collection of heroic tales, written in Ryan’s evocative, almost lyrical style.
She expertly weaves old and new, illustrating how old tales can still be impactful to today’s readers.
Each story is short and easy to follow, and brought utterly to life by Merriman’s striking illustrations. Merriman uses such rich colours, burning reds, and bare trees, expertly mixing light and dark in a way that catches the eye so brilliantly. There are pages that I’d love to frame as a painting because they’re so striking.
While I personally believe that all books are for all readers, I do hope that young boys pick up Gods Don’t Cry and I hope that they enjoy it. Just as it is crucial for young girls, it is so important that young boys understand that they can be whatever they want to be. They can be sporty and they can love reading, and they can enjoy games, and they can love school, and while these sound like trivial examples, sometimes adolescents are made to feel insecure about the smallest things.
Strength has layers, bravery has layers, compassion has layers, and there are many ways to be heroic. Ellen Ryan captures the multidimensions of our emotions so fantastically.
It is always a pleasure to read her work.
If you haven’t read Gods Don’t Cry yet, I can’t recommend it enough.
Happy New Year everyone.
There is so much to come on Katelovesliterature.com so stay tuned!
Another year is coming to an end. Next week I’ll be publishing my last piece of 2023 and then I’ll be taking a break before getting back into it in the New Year.
It has been a busy year filled with books. Seeing as everyone is winding down for Christmas, I decided that I wanted to share my favourite books of 2023.
I’ve got a mix of fiction, classics, and children’s picture books that I loved and I’ll be sharing them in no particular order.
Without further ado, here are my favourite books of 2023.
The Land of Lost Things by John Connolly.
I thoroughly enjoyed this sequel to The Book of Lost Things.
Connolly’s unique twists on classic fairy tales are a treat to read. He expertly builds fantasy worlds filled with friends and foes. Poignant, adventurous, and filled with intrigue, I was delighted by this book this year. It is one of my top reads.
Scissorella by Clare Helen Walsh.
Sticking with the fairy tale theme for a moment, a picture book that I loved this year was this artistic take on Cinderella. Walsh’s take beautifully tells this classic tale through pop ups and cut outs, ideal for anyone who loves theatre or puppetry. It is a beauty on my bookshelf, and I’d highly recommend it if you’re looking for a gift for a young fairy tale lover.
Tiffany & Co. The Story Behind the Style by Rachael Taylor.
This is another beautiful book that would be a lovely gift. When I spotted the iconic Tiffany blue cover I had to investigate and I was delighted to find this amazing book all about the iconic brand. Filled with history and stunning photographs, I loved learning more about how Tiffany & Co. became the cultural staple that it is today. There is no mistaking the reputation behind those little blue boxes.
Monster Island by Freddie Alexander.
Returning to fantasy now, I loved the premise of this book. What would happen if the monsters under the bed were real after all? Sam is about to find out when she moves in with her grandad. I really enjoyed this book. The thing that I love most about this book is that it is the perfect “starter scare”, for younger readers. Great for kids who want to experience a little thrill, I’ve been recommending this book again and again.
Girls Who Slay Monsters by Ellen Ryan.
Another amazing read. I absolutely loved this book. From the beautiful illustrations to the stories that Ellen Ryan has brought to live, this book was a treat. I described it as a book of passionate stories that are passionately told in my review and I stand by that. In this book, Ellen Ryan has brought female agency to the centre of her work. I’d have loved to read something like this when I was thirteen, and I believe this book will comfort and inspire young readers.
My review of Gods Don’t Cry by Ellen Ryan will be my first review of 2024.
A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett.
I’ve spent the last year and a half writing my master’s dissertation, and I spent lots of time reading and studying A Little Princess. I read this story for the first time when I was young. I’ve come back to it many times throughout the years and after receiving my master’s degree, it will always have a special place in my heart. If you have not read it, I would highly recommend it, especially if you like period pieces.
These are just a few of the books that I enjoyed this year, but when I sat down to write this list, these were the books that immediately came to mind. If you have not read them yet, then I hope you’ve got some new inspiration about what you’ll read next.
I hope you will find some gift inspiration here for the literary lover in your life or maybe you’ve been inspired to grab yourself a festive treat!
Make sure you are following me on Instagram if you don’t already @katelovesliterature for all updates about what is #ComingUpNext here on Katelovesliterature.com and for all the festive fun that December will bring!
The other night we went to the beautiful Gaiety Theatre to see Cinderella. It was such a fun evening. We had a ball, no pun intended. A long time ago I wrote a piece about the community atmosphere that is created in the theatre. I love the idea of a group of people coming together to experience the same show and yet everyone will leave with their own perspective and opinions. That is one of the best things about live theatre.
Seeing Cinderella in the Gaiety was no different. It was really lovely to be part of one of the earlier audiences for this show. Seeing kids get so excited and have such a great time was really fantastic. There is still a long run left so if you get a chance to go to the 150th Gaiety panto, I’d highly recommend it.
Before I talk about the show itself, I want to take a moment to talk about why I love the story of Cinderella. I’d also like to briefly talk about the impressive history of panto.
I’ve just submitted my master’s dissertation, and I won’t go into too many details about that, but I will say that the entire project focused on Cinderella tales. It is probably very obvious that I am a big fan of the tale. I’ve always loved the story of Cinderella. It has been my favourite fairy tale since I was young. I know there are hundreds of adaptations, and I know the story has been criticised in many ways throughout the years (my dissertation touches on these topics), but I think overall, it is a story that is filled with more nuance than it is often given credit for. It is a simple tale that has the potential to carry a lot of depth. It is a story that is filled with magic and hope. The rags to riches scene will always be one of my favourite scenes. It is pure magic.
When I was a drama student sitting yearly speech and drama examinations, one of the requirements was that we had to have a broad knowledge of theatre history. We studied many different time periods, looking at how theatre has changed and developed through time. The history of panto or pantomime is a fun subject to learn about, and I highly encourage doing some research if you’re interested in learning more about how pantos came to be.
Pantomimes can be traced back to the 16th century. The origins of pantos are often linked back to Commedia dell’Arte, an Italian form of theatre. This type of theatre took place outdoors, and featured dance, music, and masked characters.
I would argue that the following five features can be classed as conventional staples of pantomime …
Slapstick comedy
Music and dance (usually incorporating popular music from the year the piece is performed).
Stories are usually fairy tales and folktales that have been adapted to include pop culture references
Repeated character tropes that audiences are familiar with (for example, every panto has a dame).
Audience participation (particularly call and response) is encouraged. Young kids are encouraged to boo the baddies and cheer for the goodies and they have to let the characters know when there is trouble ahead. “She’s behind you!!!”
What is a panto dame?
The panto dame is a brilliant part. It is an extremely over-the-top, comedic, female character that is traditionally played by a man. In The Gaiety’s 2023 production of Cinderella, the dame role is filled by the larger-than-life Nanny Scrumptious, nanny to the Prince. Played by the amazing Joe Conlan.
Panto is so much fun. It is, in my opinion, one of the best kinds of theatre. I say this because I believe that for a lot of people, going to the panto is their first time to ever go to the theatre. So many people have told me that some of their favourite Christmas memories involve going to the panto in the winter. It really just sets off the festivities. It is fun, it is loud and unpredictable. It is a type of theatre that encourages singing along and shouting back, which is a great way to get the young kids in the audience excited. Pantos are also a fantastic way to get young kids engaging with a story. They really connect to the characters onstage, and due to the talented casts drawing them in, they become utterly enchanted by the goings on in panto land. They boo the wicked stepsisters, they cheer for Cinderella, they eagerly and earnestly shout out to help the Prince find the girl who left her glass slipper behind. Pantos encourage pure joy and wonder, and I hope to always love them as much as I always have.
The other night in The Gaiety was magical. The entire cast was absolutely fantastic.
I want to take a moment to mention Michael Joseph as he was just brilliant in the role of the lovely Buttons. Buttons is a great character. He is lots of fun, and full of heart, and Michael has an incredible voice. We especially loved his performance. Ciara Lyons is lovely as Cinderella. Her voice is sweet and strong, and she had a very charming presence onstage.
We were rooting for her to get her happily ever after.
Bravo and congratulations to the entire cast and crew who make the show happen every night. It is no easy feat. The show is non-stop, high energy, and filled with magic from start to finish. Every member of the cast was brilliant. The dancing from the ensemble was full of energy, they really brought the show to life. We loved seeing everyone having a great time onstage, especially the younger members of the cast. The kids were just fantastic. It is great to see young people who clearly love what they’re doing brimming with talent.
I couldn’t recommend going to see Cinderella in The Gaiety enough. It would be a perfect family night out, ideal if you want to bring your young children to something magical this Christmas. I would also recommend going with friends or for a date night like we did. I wanted to see the show because of my love for the story, and to mark the end of an era in my life after studying different versions of Cinderella for so long, but all of that aside, it was great fun to just be big kids for a few hours.
If you get the chance to see it, go and have an absolute ball!
Be sure to follow me on Instagram @katelovesliterature if you don’t already for all updates about what is #ComingUpNext on Katelovesliterature.com.
Live theatre, is anything more special? If you have been following me for a while then you already know that a night out at the theatre is my perfect night out! It is definitely a pricier treat, but I think it is absolutely worth the splurge. I’ve never regretted a night at the theatre.
Last year I was incredibly lucky as I got to see so many shows, and I happily gave myself some extra treats because I missed being able to go to live shows when everything was closed. 2023 was not quite so busy, however I have still been incredibly fortunate because I’ve been able to see some fabulous shows this year.
It is that time of year where I’m starting to reflect and round up before publishing my 2023 Literature Lover Inspired Gift Guide … so without further ado, here are the Theatre Trips that I Enjoyed in 2023!
I have been to five live shows this year, soon to be six as I am counting down the days until I go to The Gaiety Panto! I am dying to see Cinderella. I know it will be so festive and lots of fun. It is the start of my festive season and our night out at the panto will kick off my Christmas tidings. Keep an eye out because I’ll be publishing a review asap … I’m really looking forward to embracing the magic and wonder.
Let’s rewind to February of this year. I had the pleasure of seeing Blood Brothers in the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre. I adore Blood Brothers. It is my absolute favourite show. It is simply a masterpiece. It is so striking. The music, the story, the phenomenal cast, who I have had the pleasure of seeing twice now during this run … I cannot say enough good things about Blood Brothers. Funny, witty, poignant, and heartbreaking. It is a must see show. This show gets a special mention because I have been lucky enough to have seen the amazing Sean Jones as Mickey four times now. He is an incredible actor, and I just want to take a moment to give him a special mention. He has been playing the role of Mickey for twenty-three years, and I’ve heard and read different things about this being his last tour. So if I got to see him during his last run of this role, that is amazing, and I feel very lucky that I got to see him play this part more than once.
This show means a lot to me. I studied it thoroughly during my final year in drama classes, and in many ways I credit Blood Brothers for helping me develop a deep appreciation for the arts, an appreciation that has led to so much of my current studies and work … What Sean Jones does in act two of this show, the way he has the audience in the palm of his hands, the way he has everybody paying attention in utter silence, it was stunning to witness. Blood Brothers is a show that I will never miss. If you have the opportunity to go and see it, don’t walk, run.
In March we went on a lovely trip to London where we saw The Phantom of the Opera.
We had a ball in London. We explored Soho, went to see one of the homes of Charles Dickens, and we went to see the notorious opera ghost at Her Majesty’s Theatre. This show is beautiful. It is a true spectacle from the lavish costumes to the sweeping score, and of course there is the matter of a falling chandelier. The staging of this show is simply beautiful, and the attention to detail is something to behold. We had a ball. I’d highly recommend this show if you’re looking for a treat in the West End.
The third and final musical we went to see in 2023 was Dirty Dancing The Musical! This show dazzled at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre. It was sexy, steamy, electric, and so much fun! Ideal for those who love the movie, but want a fabulous night out. The stage was exploding with talent as the wonderful dancers lit up the stage. We all know the story, we all know the love affair, we all know the unforgettable score, and of course the famous lines. Am I going to say it? You bet! We had the time of our lives. Dirty Dancing is a must see onstage! I’m so thrilled that we went to see it.
This year we also got to attend two live concerts. The Rock Orchestra performed in the Helix and we went to a Candlelight Concert in St. Andrew’s Parish Church. The very talented Avoca String Quartet performed a tribute to The Beatles.
Both evenings were absolutely fantastic. There is nothing like the sound of a live orchestra/live instruments echoing through the halls. Personally I am a big fan of the strings. It was brilliant to hear songs we know and love played by an incredibly talented group of musicians. The Rock Orchestra was a mix of instrumental and vocal performances, whereas the Candlelight Concert was strictly instrumental, but we thoroughly enjoyed both evenings out.
I would highly recommend concerts like this if you’re trying to decide on the perfect date night activity, or if you’re looking for a fun, musical night out with friends or family. The tickets were reasonably priced and we enjoyed every second. The Candlelight Concert in particular was visually stunning too. The name may give it away, but the entire venue was filled with flameless candles. So the atmosphere was just gorgeous. It made for a perfect night.
Tickets to shows like this would also make a great gift for music lovers… but I’ll be talking more about ideal gifts in my Literature Lover Inspired Gift Guide very soon.
Make sure you’re following me on Instagram @katelovesliterature for all updates about what is #comingupnext
I am ready for the festivities to begin. Roll on December!
A fabulous family member of mine reached out and asked me to share this brilliant book event. Not only is it for a fantastic cause, but it is a simple fundraiser that will hopefully inspire young readers to pick up more books and expand their literacy skills. Adults can join in too!
The MS Readathon is an annual event that is run by the MS Societies in Australia, Ireland, and the USA. It is held every year during the month of November and according to the website, nearly 7,000 people are taking part already. That is a lot of books!
I love how much freedom the kids have. They can choose any book they like. Picturebooks, comics, graphic novels, fiction, non-fiction … there are no limitations! The aim of this event is to get people reading as many books as possible.
An event like this is a win win for everyone. Participants will not only improve their reading skills by reading more frequently, but hopefully they will develop a deeper love of reading too, and they will be raising money to help support people who are living with MS.
There are many ways to fundraise, the different options are outlined on the website.
I highly encourage you to get involved if you can. Everything counts, be it on a larger scale or a smaller one.
When we all work together and do a little something, we can collectively make a big difference.
As a #discoveririshchildrensbooks champion, this is also a great opportunity to highlight how a readathon is a great opportunity to pick up as many Irish children’s books as possible. We have some incredible authors, illustrators, and storytellers right here on our doorstep. You just may find a new favourite book!
Be sure to follow me on Instagram if you don’t already @katelovesliteraure for all updates about what is #comingupsoon
I’ll be sharing all Readathon Updates on Instagram so be sure to tune in.
A dark and sensual story, set in an old castle in a dark forest, always sitting under dreary, grey skies.
What could be a better October read?
Young Laura lives with her retired father in the Styria forest. All is picturesque until an unknown house guest arrives. Carmilla is myserteous and beautiful. She spends most of the day asleep and her moods can be unpredictable. It appears that she and Laura have met before, in a dream that Laura had as a child. But was it really a dream?
Not long after Carmilla’s arrival, young girls who live near the castle have started to die, seemingly from unknown causes.
The story goes on, narrated by Laura, we follow her first-person account of what it was like being in a vampire’s gaze. Each page is filled with desire and dread, and dark secrets eventually emerge.
It was interesting going into this book knowing that Carmilla is a vampire. Despite never having read the book before, I knew that it was an early work of vampire fiction, and I knew that the story predated Dracula, so I feel that perhaps some of the suspense was dampened. I’m sure it would have been thrilling to read this book when it was first published, when vampire traits were not so culturally established. The mystery of Carmilla’s character would have been heightened if I didn’t know anything about her before reading.
This didn’t hinder my enjoyment of the book, it is just a thought I had when preparing to write down my thoughts.
There are many roads that one could go down when discussing Carmilla.
The book dives into important key themes such as sexuality, specifically female sexuality as Le Fanu presents a sapphic relationship to readers in a way that is extremely straightforward for the time that this work was published in. I would argue that vampires have an established reputation as being very sensual figures, and I think that you can see this trope being carved out in Carmilla because the act of draining someone’s blood is presented as an act that always combines pain and pleasure. Carmilla chooses beautiful young women to prey on and she enjoys biting their necks and sucking their blood, and Laura in particular, enjoys the feelings even though she is sometimes unnerved. The other major theme that this book presents is the idea of extreme class divides.
Le Fanu takes the idea of the rich “feeding off the poor,” to a literal place.
I want to talk about the character of Carmilla specifically, because in so many ways she is a significant literary figure that represents so much power, but she is also a villain. I found this duality the most interesting when I was reading the book.
When you consider the gender roles and the strict societal rules of the 19th century, it is easy to look at Carmilla and identify her as a female character who defies the patriarchy. Due to her immortality, she is powerful all by herself. She comes from an aristocratic background yet she did not have to marry or have children or continue any sort of bloodline. (Pardon the pun). She uses her attractiveness to her advantage. People, (men) welcome her into their homes because of her status and because of her beauty, and she is able to take advantage of the fact that people do not see her as a threat. She is also completely unapologetic about her sexuality. There is nothing repressed about her sensual acts or her expressions of desire.
In ways she reminds me of Milady de Winter in The Three Musketeers, yet Carmilla displays absolutely no concern towards the poor. In fact, she sees them as simply meals. She goes as far as scolding Laura for showing empathy at the funeral of a peasant girl who died due to an “unknown illness.” Carmilla states that she doesn’t concern herself with “peasants.”
There is a disconnected attitude displayed towards the poor in general in the novella. Laura and her father describe themselves as “middle-class,” yet it is clear that they live a luxurious life in their castle. They also do not worry at all about the mysterious illness that is killing young girls, because even though they do show some sympathy towards those girls, they never see themselves as being under any threat. They view the mysterious disease as an illness that peasants simply spread among themselves. This disconnected attitude highlights how privilege creates bubbles for people to live in. Laura is not as vicious as Carmilla, who views herself as superior due to her aristocratic lineage, but she does recognise that her father’s position protects her in many ways. Carmilla’s comments at the poor girl’s funeral appear even more callous when you learn that it is she who is feeding on those young girls. There is also the implication that people were not too concerned about whatever was plaguing the villages until Laura started displaying symptoms. Now a middle-class girl is unwell, so doctors must try harder.
It is very telling when you see some people’s lives being presented as disposable.
It is important that we stop and ask why that is? It is also a theme that can be found in other works.
In Jekyll and Hyde, the musical, the rich are terrified when Hyde starts murdering people in their social circles, but they are relieved later when he kills Lucy, a prostitute, showing that they don’t mind that there is a vicious murderer still on the loose, as long as he is not targeting them.
If one removes the vampire element for a moment, it is the same when a poor person gets sick in a period piece vs a rich person. The rich person is taken seriously, and often provided with the best care. A poor person may not be able to receive any medical attention at all due to money, and there often isn’t much sympathy given. It is an example of how anyone can get sick, but not everyone can recover in the same manner and this can be due to finances alone. A rich person may arrogantly assume that an illness will not impact them, but if it does, they have a better chance at surviving due to money and care.
I’m a big fan of the supernatural elements of Carmilla. I don’t wish to spoil the ending, but I will say that I enjoyed the ambiguity. The idea that even though a figure has been “beaten,” but they may not be fully gone is always intriguing. This idea suggests that danger could return at any time, so the “safety,” found at the supposedly happy ending is always sitting under threat. I particularly like this because I think it perfectly illustrates that gothic trope of safety being subverted.
I would recommend Carmilla if you have not already read it. It is a great read that is not too long and the suspense builds beautifully. It is a literary classic for a reason. Even if vampire fiction is not usually your cup of tea, it is a dark and engaging tale that will captivate readers, and it is interesting to see early works of vampire fiction before mainstream tropes were commonly established.
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The month of October is one of my favourite months of the year. I am a cliché. I love autumn.
I love seeing the leaves change colour and cover the ground in layers of orange, red, and gold.
I love crisp October days that are filled with blue skies and air that is fresh and cold.
I enjoy #spookyseason. I think October lends itself to creativity. People are embracing the vivid, rich colours of the season. People are discussing some scarier books, some spookier short stories, and we celebrate and discuss the eerie, the spooky, the mysterious. It is fun.
It is not everyone’s cup of tea, but what is?
I’ve been thinking a lot about horror as a genre lately. I’ve always been very honest and I’ve spoken a lot about how I scare easily. I am squeamish. Blood and gore is not for me, however over the last three years, I’ve had a different experience with horror. Before I would avoid it completely, but over the last few years I’ve found that even if there is one or two scenes that I have to look away from, I can still enjoy and appreciate horror. There are some aspects of horror that I do really enjoy.
I’m a fan of gothic literature and there are certain gothic tropes that will always intrigue me.
A great example is how the idea of a safe space is often subverted in gothic literature.
One’s home is often presented to readers and to audiences as the safe space. It is the outside that is scary, however gothic literature tends to subvert this idea. Home becomes the place where the darkness lurks. The place where, in theory, you should be the safest, becomes the place where the danger lies. I’ve always found this concept fascinating. I’ve also always loved the contrast between what is often visually a beautiful house, clashed against the darkness that is happening inside behind the facade.
At this year’s CBI Conference, the theme was Risk and Reward. Obviously horror is a genre that requires characters to take a lot of risks, and there are not always rewards for everyone.
Something that really fascinated me and inspired me to write a discussion piece about horror was something that Amy Clarkin said.
She was speaking about her book What Walks These Halls. Amy was a brilliant speaker. She spoke a lot about her chronic illness and isolation. Something that stood out to me was when she described horror as a safe space. I’m sure others have said this too, but at the time, I almost laughed because it is so ironic. Horror being a safe space, I still think it sounds funny even though I completely understand what she is saying. I have not read What Walks These Halls yet, but it is next on my list.
I am very excited to dive in as I believe it is a ghost story and if you have followed me for a while then you know that I love ghost stories.
Amy’s description of horror as a safe space really inspired me. I’m new to the genre. I am not a lifelong horror fan, so there are many more people who are much more qualified to speak about it than I am, however I’m fascinated by it because I feel like it is similar to children’s literature because of the way it is often dismissed as “just horror.”
Children’s literature is so much more than “just for kids,” and I feel that horror is so much more than “just horror.”
The two things that I’m reflecting on in this discussion piece are the ideas of horror as a way to experience fear in a safe, controlled way, and the ideas of horror being a way for people to express their fears in a way that can be really beneficial for them. Horror as a safe space to discuss what scares us and using horror as almost a coping mechanism or as a comfort are ideas that just intrigue me so much. I want to engage with those ideas and I want to continue to become more familiar with and appreciate horror.
Horror as a Safe Space, Horror as a Teacher.
I am linking this thought to children’s literature because that is my area of study.
When we talk about scarier moments in children’s literature, we talk about the way that fear can benefit kids. It is good for younger readers to experience a scary situation in a safe way through books. It is empowering to see that scary situations can be overcome. I’m always fascinated when I see the idea of happily ever after being criticised as unrealistic, but then scarier moments are also challenged. Happily ever after is not the most realistic concept, sure, but a life with absolutely no scarier moments is also extremely unrealistic. I think there is a need for both. The pure escapism of a happy ending can be lots of fun, and hopefully real life is somewhere in between. Not unrealistic but not full of strife either. Age appropriate scares are very important.
Reading a book that is a bit darker does several things. Firstly, it is a step upwards. It is more challenging, literally and figuratively. Explaining a scary concept or describing danger to a young reader will mean that the author is being quite descriptive and expressive. So the reading level has become more advanced. We’ve taken a step upwards. We’ve also taken a step upwards emotionally, because reading something that may temporarily scare or upset you is how you become a broader reader. How do we expect people to grow up and be moved by literature if they’re never given material that will push and pull on their emotions?
Reading about a scary situation in fiction can also help us develop empathy. Reading in general helps us develop empathy, but reading about fear does so on a more advanced level I think.
When reading, we fear for the character and we worry for the other characters in the book who are also impacted. Something scary happening to someone else allows us to develop empathy for that person, and books can also teach real life lessons too. Be careful with strangers, don’t trust someone you don’t know, don’t do something that feels off or wrong …
One of the greatest lessons I remember learning was how to trust my gut. If a character is describing the feeling of not being sure, of not wanting to do something but feeling pressured, of something feeling not quite right but you can’t say for sure what’s wrong, I remember reading and wishing that the character would just stay put. Just wait. Don’t do that, because that’s dangerous. You don’t know why it is dangerous, but it just is.
Recognising that feeling in books made me more aware in my real life. I became much more aware of my feelings and my surroundings, and if something did not feel right, even if I could not fully explain why, I just didn’t do it.
I definitely believe a bit of fear is needed. Even the most simple of plots need stakes of some kind, otherwise what is the point? Where is the motivation? Fear can be brilliant in many ways. It challenges readers to heighten their reading level, it challenges them emotionally and helps people develop empathy for others. Fear in books can also help readers sharpen their skills in real life, as fear can teach readers lessons about looking out for themselves and others without having to learn the hard way. The more you know, the more power you have. Fear can also be immensely satisfying in books and film, especially if that fear is conquered. There is no better feeling than the happiness and joy that can be found when a protagonist finally conquers their fear. It is a great moment and it shows young readers that we can do hard things and we can conquer fears. It may not be easy, but it also may not be impossible.
Horror as an Escape, Horror as a Form of Expression.
This is an idea that I’m intrigued by and I would love to hear more writers and authors speak about this, but the idea of using horror as a way to deal with something “real,” fascinates me.
Horror as a metaphor is not a new concept, I’m not reinventing the wheel by discussing this, but I do want to highlight the idea because of how it has helped me develop a new appreciation for horror.
One of my favourite books is A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness. In the book, the young protagonist Conor must come to terms with the fact that his mother is dying. In his grief, he is visited by a monster who tells him stories and helps him face his true fear. Conor is truly afraid to admit that he is ready for his mother to die. He has watched her suffer for a long time. He knows she is not getting any better. He wants her to be at peace. He will miss her, but he is ready. He is afraid of admitting this because he is afraid that admitting he is ready for her to die will make him a horrible person. He fears that feeling this way makes him a monster.
This book is incredibly moving. There are so many interpretations. Some say that the monster represents the stages of grief, others say a monster is a great way to articulate grief because a young teen may not be able to express grief clearly. They may just be able to say that they’re scared and monsters are stereotypically scary. The book is ambiguous because it never confirms whether or not the monster is a figment of Conor’s imagination or if he is a real figure who does exist somewhere and he shows up for children when they need him. Regardless of which interpretation you prefer, this book is poignant and so deeply moving.
Patrick Ness expanded on the late Siobhan Dowd’s idea. Some have questioned if perhaps the book was more personal when you consider Dowd’s perspective. Did this story help her face any fears or come to terms with her own diagnosis? I won’t elaborate further on that point as I believe that it was not officially stated by Dowd or Ness that this was the case, however it is a reasonable interpretation.
Grief being the real monster is a popular idea. We see it again in The Babadook, and I believe that John Krasinski stated that for him, A Quiet Place was all about how parents fear for their children and he wanted to explore the lengths that one would go to so they could protect their family.
I’m not an author so it is something that I cannot discuss from personal experience, but I am fascinated by the idea of turning to horror as a genre and using it as a way to express a personal fear.
I love looking at what that personal fear may be, and how it was portrayed in horror, and thinking about why those choices were made. To return to fairy tales, Little Red Riding Hood is a story about being cautious and wary of predators. The predator lurking in the dark, off the beaten track in the story is a wolf and it can function as both a straightforward story and as a metaphor for safety. If you’re alone, be aware of your surroundings. Do not get lured into unknown territory. Stay in public spaces, and always be aware of those lurking in the dark because they may wish you harm. The wolf can be both an actual wolf and the wolf can also represent a predator.
Final Thoughts
Horror is a genre that I have previously taken for granted. It is not “just horror.”
There are many different kinds of horror film or book. Horror can be extremely nuanced and complex. It can also be about the sudden thrill of a jump scare. Horror can be extremely metaphorical and the genre can be used as a lens to teach about fears, but it also can be used to cope with fears. Scares here and there can enhance our reading skills, broaden our horizons, and help us be more informed. If you are easily scared or squeamish like me, but you’re curious, know that there are still ways to enjoy things on the scarier side. You can look away from specific scenes if you need to and I’ve found that reading is much easier than watching a scary film because the visuals can scare me more than just reading about something. I’ve found some spooky short stories that I really love and I’m so glad that I didn’t miss out on them. This could be an option for you too!
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Bad Magic: A Skulduggery Pleasant graphic novel by Derek Landy
A review by Kate O’Brien.
Derek Landy fans should look out because a brand new, original graphic novel has just hit the shelves.
Landy has created a stand-alone story about a small Irish town that is haunted by monsters and dark secrets. There is a monster causing havoc. There has been one unexplained death after another, so now Skulduggery Pleasant and Valkyrie Cain have arrived in town to investigate.
They’ll discover that there is not just a monster on the loose, but there are monsters lurking inside many people. With every turn of the page, horror and mystery lures readers further into the bright, vivid, sometimes scary world of Skulduggery Pleasant.
I enjoyed this graphic novel. It was very eye-catching. I am a fan of graphic novels because I am a fan of visual storytelling. I actually really enjoyed seeing this world in this format. I think that more graphic novels from Landy would be welcomed, especially by readers who are just entering into the YA audience.
I really enjoyed the concept and premise. The idea of a monster being fuelled and brought to life by the cruel, hateful things people say was a really interesting, if not completely groundbreaking one. It was an interesting way to highlight how things that some may see as small things build up to become a bigger problem that hurts other people. Landy’s portrayal of prejudice is not the most subtle, he is quite straightforward and obvious in the way he writes about it. I think this makes sense as this graphic novel is aimed at a younger audience. I’m not suggesting that younger readers cannot understand and/or appreciate nuance, however this novel is for readers who are just starting to make their way into the adult world.
I think that older readers may find things a bit too obvious, however I also think that prejudice, sadly, is not a nuanced issue. Sometimes it is. Sometimes there are complex layers to things and we have to disentangle ourselves from prejudices we may have held subconsciously. Other times, sadly, prejudice is loud and obnoxious. Sometimes people will be loud and proud about their hateful views, and I do think it is important for teen readers to see this type of behaviour obviously called out. It is important that prejudice is obviously protested.
Sometimes metaphors have a right to be heavy handed.
I would recommend this novel for readers aged 12-15.
Thank you to HarperCollins Ireland for sending me a review copy.
Please note, this review contains all of my own opinions. It is not an ad, it is not sponsored in any way. It is not paid promotion.
Last weekend I went to see Past Lives in the cinema. It was a great way to spend the afternoon.
This movie just came out, it was released on the 7th of September 2023.
It was directed by Celine Song, and the movie stars Greta Lee and Teo Yoo.
The pair play childhood sweethearts Na Young, (Nora) and Hae Sung.
The movie follows childhood sweethearts, Na Young and Hae Sung as they grow from childhood best friends to adults who must decide what they mean to each other. The movie opens with a childhood romance in South Korea, but the school friends are separated when Na Young and her family immigrate to Canada. The movie then follows the pair as they reconnect later on, then grow apart, and reconnect. The pair find each other over and over again.
This movie has a few key themes. It explores the idea of soulmates, it explores love and the many forms that love can be found in. It explores human connections and how certain people are just drawn to each other for reasons that may seem hard to explain. It also explores the clashing ideas of choices vs fate. The movie highlights the Korean philosophy inyeon, which is an idea and a belief that if people are destined to, they will meet, even if they are miles apart. The movie shares the idea that if two strangers brush past each other and they touch on the street, it was not an accident, it was because they knew each other in a past life. Whether you believe in past lives or not, whether you believe in fate or not, or in the idea of “the one,” or not, the concept is a beautiful one.
I really enjoyed the movie. It was very stylish. The pacing was slow, and warm, it felt intimate.
As an audience member, at times it almost felt like I was intruding on a private, personal conversation, which is a testament to how brilliant these actors were. The movie felt realistic without being cynical. The acting was nuanced, casual, not over the top. I believed these two people were lifelong friends, and maybe more, in another time, in another place.
The movie did have sub-titles as the two main characters speak mostly in Korean, however I personally have no issues with sub-titled movies. I never feel like it is harder to get invested, and in fact, I think it is a beautiful thing that this movie moved me so deeply, and it wasn’t even in my first language. Human connections, relationships, life’s ups and downs, all of these things are deeply understood, sub-titled or not.
This movie was very wholesome. That is the perfect word to describe it in my opinion. It made me laugh, and it made me cry. I really enjoyed the way the story acknowledged story structures and certain expectations but subverted them. Without spoiling anything, what I will say is that the trope of lifelong, childhood sweethearts is a hard one to pull off, especially if the story introduces another love interest, one who does not have the same history.
We expect childhood sweethearts to finally get married when they’re adults. The idea is a lovely one. We root for the couple who have history, who have known each other all of their lives, who have grown up together. We root for them because the idea is comfy. The thought of ending up with someone who knows us so well is a nice thought. It’s easy, but how many actually end up with their first love? We grow up, we grow apart, sometimes by things beyond our control as shown in this movie. Na Young did not want to move, but she was twelve and her family moved so she did too. We change as we grow, and sometimes while we can still love people, we grow out of them. I’m not suggesting that no childhood sweethearts ever make it work, of course there are always exceptions to every rule, but I do believe that the idea is nicer than the reality.
I appreciate the way this movie highlighted the fact that a lot of things in life happen because we make choices. Na Young, now Nora, chose to place distance between herself and Hae Sung again because she was determined to make her life in New York work and her calls, texts, and FaceTimes with Hae Sung were distracting her, and they were becoming a source of sadness since both could not visit the other for a long time, due to work commitments, finances, etc.
In order to focus, she says she wants to take a break from talking.
By doing this, her life changes again, and that change was inevitable.
Past Lives beautifully illustrated the realities of growing up and creating a life for ourselves, and the realities of how we gain and lose people in life in a very realistic way without being cynical.
This movie was an extremely wholesome, enjoyable watch, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I would highly recommend it. Sweet, funny, with just the right amount of poignancy, this movie is ideal for a rainy day.
When I read the first of this series, The Book of Lost Things, I said it was a nod to dark and twisted fairy tales, ideal for those who enjoy anything a bit Grimm. (Pardon the pun.)
I eagerly awaited Connolly’s sequel. In fact, I read this entire book in a four-hour sitting.
I was enthralled, happy to read a new tale, and happier again to see old favourites appearing once more.
I’ve taken some time to sit with this sequel, to think about it, to try to answer the famous question of which book do I prefer?
I prefer the original. Predictable, I know, but it is true. The world that John Connolly created in the first book was scary and intriguing. Poignant and emotional. Returning to it was interesting, but without the thrill of the complete unknown.
The Land of Lost Things introduces readers to a new protagonist, this time not a lost child, but the mother of a lost child. Ceres is stuck, her child Phoebe is comatose and has been since the car accident. The bright, curious child she once was is becoming more and more like a distant memory to Ceres, who fears she may never see that lively child again.
I will say now that this book, similar to the first book, contains some very sad and dark themes about sick children, about losing children, and about the grief, fear, and anger that parents carry while trying to stay hopeful. It is a sad read, so not for readers who want some lighthearted escapism.
When Ceres allows her worst fear to be uttered aloud – that perhaps things would be easier if Phoebe was out of pain, she finds herself chased into the same mysterious land that David found himself in when he wanted to escape his new life with his stepmother and stepbrother in the first book.
Ceres finds herself sixteen again and she must face her fears and find her way back home, back to her child, and she does this with the help of familiar faces. The idea of being a teenager again and how horrified Ceres is by this is very funny. It’s a really interesting concept because Ceres is stuck in her teenage body, but she still has all of the knowledge she has gained over the years and as a mother. So she’s almost this ideal that some strive for. Many people wish for the carefree days of their youth back, or perhaps they wish to look as they did when they were younger, but with all of the knowledge of hindsight. Ceres is in this position, yet the idea of placing her back in her teenage body when she is in a fairy tale realm worked really well because the character tells readers that sixteen was her worst year. She hated it. She felt completely insecure, powerless, and vulnerable, and placing her back in that place works really well as it visually mirrors how she feels about the ordeal she is facing with her daughter. Once again she feels angry, scared, and utterly powerless. She cannot do anything for her child aside from hope that one day she’ll wake up, all she can do is hope she is not in any pain.
While I would recommend reading The Book of Lost Things first, it is important to note that this book can be read by itself. Connolly is a very vivid writer, it is clear that he is an avid reader of fairy tales, and he understands the way that they can leave a lasting impact on readers. There are certain stories that we carry with us for life. They can bring us an escape and they can bring us hope and wonder in times when we need them to do that for us. In this story, Connolly expresses an appreciation and a love for literature. The importance of literature is a key theme alongside the bleaker themes of fear and grief. Books can go out of print, but they can’t be forgotten if they’ve been read, if someone is talking about them. Books live on in so many ways, and as Connolly rightly states, “It’s not the people who read books you have to worry about, but the people who don’t.”
I believe that I said the same thing about The Book of Lost Things, but the same applies for this book, ultimately it is a quest. At its core, this story is a quest, almost an epic quest I’d argue as Ceres must journey across a new realm, facing fears and facing dangers, all in order to achieve her ultimate goal, which is of course to find her way home to her child.
In terms of writing style, Connolly is very descriptive, very vivid, and almost cinematic in the way he paints pictures with his words. The story moves at a fast pace and it is full of information, in fact at times there is almost too much going on, but that tends to happen when stories are set in fantasy worlds. Connolly is also fond of ending chapters with a cliffhanger, so be prepared to be in suspense for a while when reading. Without spoiling the ending of this book, I will say that I preferred how the first book ended. It felt more complete than this ending. That is due to the fact that David’s arc ends very differently, we are given a lot of closure as readers about David’s arc, whereas in this book, Connolly leaves readers with an unknown, although it is a hopeful unknown.
The ending suits the book perfectly. The tone and how it all ends is very apt, and the way the story ends is the entire point of the book, but I will argue that David’s arc and his ending with more information makes for a more satisfying end.
Warning – Spoiler – Skip This Section If You Do Not Want To Know The Ending
The book ends with Ceres returning to her daughter after chasing Lady Death, who was hovering over her away. Ceres is scared, she does not know if things will be okay, but she has hope, and she does not want to give up her hope. She begins reading to Phoebe, and after months of no signs of anything at all, the book ends with Ceres feeling one of her fingers moving.
That’s it. We don’t get anymore information. We don’t know if Phoebe will be okay. We don’t know if she’ll make it after everything that Ceres has been through. People critique “fairy tale endings,” and “happily ever afters.” Perhaps it would have been too obvious if Phoebe woke up at the end. The fact that we are left with a small sign of hope but also with uncertainty very beautifully makes the point that Connolly has been setting up throughout the entire book. Sometimes all we have is hope, and hope is worth holding on to. The ending makes sense and fits the overall tone that Connolly has created, but personally I enjoy endings that feel more complete. I’d have been happier if the book had have ended with her eyes opening and that’s it. No big reunion, no dialogue shared, just her eyes opening before the end. A small finger movement is a hopeful sign, and perhaps Phoebe went on to be okay, that’s up to us readers to imagine.
Spoilers Over.
For fairy tale lovers, for readers who enjoy fantasy and adventure, The Land of Lost Things is a must read. There are some wonderful classic fairy tale references that readers with keen eyes will be delighted to spot! For those who love stories that are on the darker side, this book is for you as Connolly is not afraid to lean into the dark and grim.
I am very excited to be writing about another #theatretrip!
As always, I had an amazing time at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre.
Last week we went to see the incredible Dirty Dancing live on stage and it did not disappoint. As fans of the movie we were very excited to see the story brought to life. This show is a treat.
In many ways it is an interesting show to go and see due to it being a live retelling of an iconic movie, this show and others like it, attract a very enthusiastic audience. I won’t go into too much detail on this point now because it is irrelevant to a theatre trip discussion and it is also irrelevant to how fantastic the show is, but in terms of audience discussions, it is fascinating to reflect on how some of the more serious, social commentary scenes come either directly before or after sexier moments on stage. These heavier moments that give weight to both the show and the movie clash directly with cheers from the audience because Baby and Johnny are finally having their big romantic scene and it is a scene that everyone has been waiting for.
In terms of pacing, when watching the movie, I’ve always wished that at least a day had passed in between Penny’s tragic and terrifying abortion gone wrong scene and Johnny and Baby’s intimate scene, just because the switch from being so terrified about Penny’s health to watching two characters finally come together romantically at last after the build-up between them has always felt a bit odd. I feel this pacing is odd on stage too. I understand the logic behind it. Baby is comforting Johnny, apologising for her father’s rudeness to him, Johnny is telling her how much he admires her and the scene builds to Baby confessing her feelings for him. She’s afraid she’ll never feel so deeply for anyone ever again. So I do understand how the scene comes to play out as it does, I do just wish that there had been some space between that scene and the terrifying scene that comes before it. The scene before is such a crucial moment for Penny’s arc and I always wish we had been allowed to sit with it for a while longer, but that is a personal opinion, and although I do have some thoughts about the pacing, that has nothing to do with the phenomenal job that the cast did.
Michael O’Reilly plays Johnny. The rugged and charismatic dance teacher whom we all adore. Michael is a true leading man, he commands attention and applause in every scene he is in. I think he perfectly balanced portraying Johnny in a way that felt familiar and true to the movie, without doing a total Swayze impression. I detected a southern accent, if I’m not mistaken, and I thought that he did an incredible job throughout the show. He is clearly a fantastic dancer, and he quite obviously endeared himself to an entire Dublin audience because the cheers that erupted when he returned for his big moment were electric!
I also thoroughly enjoyed how he waited for the cheering to quiet down (which involved audience shushing too) to deliver his iconic line “Nobody puts Baby in a corner!”
Kira Malou was charming as Baby. Again, she embodied some of the iconic moments from the movie without being a caricature. Her personal and sexual awakening felt very organic and natural. It is a real treat seeing Baby come into her own as the show progresses. At its core, Dirty Dancing is a coming of age story. Baby comes of age. She becomes her own person, she realises that her father is not always right about everything. She falls in love, she learns that she has strong opinions about things and how sometimes she will disagree with things she has been taught and that is okay. It is an empowering story about a young woman who finds her voice and loudly uses it. In fact she expresses herself with her entire body through the art of dance and Kira Malou was absolutely fantastic in the role.
Georgia Aspinall dazzled as Penny. Penny is one of my favourite characters. Her arc is so crucial to the entire plot. Georgia was both fiery and very endearing, and of course she was an incredible dancer. Penny is such a complex part. She is scared, she is both hurt by and angry at Robbie. In the beginning she is hostile towards Baby and you can’t blame her for that, and then she is completely appreciative of the lengths that Baby goes to in order to help her. It is a rollercoaster of a part but Georgia’s performance always felt very genuine. One of my favourite scenes takes place during the “Hungry Eyes” training sequence. I love the moment when Penny dances with Baby and Johnny. She gives her the high heels, she helps her with the sexier dance moves. Penny really helps Baby come into her own and embrace her sexual side. It is so lovely to see two female characters who could not be more different find common ground and support each other.
The rest of the cast was incredible too. Each of the ensemble scenes, where everyone bursts onto the stage and begins to dance, were fantastic. The stage was filled with passion and talent. You truly feel like you’re in the staff dance house when you’re watching from the audience. Everyone is working together but doing different moves. Lifts here, spins there, everywhere you look there is something amazing happening, all set to some iconic music. Bravo to the cast, crew, and to the staff at Bord Gáis Energy Theatre.
Dirty Dancing live on stage is a treat for movie lovers and theatre lovers alike.
It is a show that is buzzing with energy, passion, love, and underneath all of that, the show is grounded by some key themes surrounding coming of age and social issues. If you get the opportunity to see this show, don’t miss it!
Be sure to follow me on Instagram @katelovesliterature if you don’t already for all updates about what is #comingup on Katelovesliterature.com
I once read that Ellen Ryan’s Girls Who Slay Monsters was like coming home.
I can’t help but agree. As a woman who is very proud of being born and bred in Dublin, I loved seeing Irish mythology being brought to life in such a beautiful way. This book features twenty-four different Celtic goddesses, and each story is accompanied by detailed illustrations and fun facts about the particular goddess or story setting in question.
Ellen Ryan’s passion for Irish mythology is evident with every turn of the page.
In my opinion, Girls Who Slay Monsters is a gem of a YA book because Ryan’s writing perfectly masters the dance of not being too simple so older readers will be thoroughly engaged, but she also introduces Irish mythology in a way that is easily accessible for readers on the younger side, or for any readers who are unfamiliar with these impressive figures.
Ireland’s goddesses were powerful figures. Warriors, scholars, lovers, artists, and inventors.
These powerful women lived layered, full lives, and it is fantastic seeing their stories told with such love. Ryan’s writing style is quite modern as she steps away from old clichés. Her stories put female strength at the forefront in every tale, and as we are all learning all the time these days, strengths come in many different forms.
As I was reading Girls Who Slay Monsters, a particular idea stood out to me.
As I was diving into Ryan’s mythological world, I was struck by just how timeless these goddesses truly are. It might seem unbelievable to suggest that one can relate to or connect to figures from thousands of years ago, but I think the best kind of literature connects us through the ages. We still revere Shakespeare because even though his works are from centuries ago, at their core, so many of his works discuss the human condition. Feelings fuel so many of his plays. It is interesting how nobody bats an eyelid when we talk about the timelessness of someone like Shakespeare, but the same attention is often not given to figures of Irish mythology.
Ryan brings goddesses who have been forgotten or downplayed to the surface in her work.
Girls Who Slay Monsters tells stories of women who were of different shapes and sizes, each with their own unique interests and talents. The most shocking thing is that so many of us likely have not heard of these goddesses before! It is stark and disappointing when I took note of just how many of these stories that I never heard about in school.
Ryan’s work is accompanied by illustrations by Shona Shirley MacDonald.
Her illustrations are a stylish combination of blues and greens, occasionally interrupted by vibrant pops and clashes of vivid oranges and reds. The images really take readers into the world that Ryan has so lovingly created, and younger readers especially could be taken in by the images first, but then find themselves thoroughly wrapped up in the stories.
Picking a favourite story from this book is almost impossible, but I must say that the story Lí Ban Immortal Mermaid stands out to me each time I read it. It is a moving tale about Lí Ban, princess of Ulster, and how she finds her way back to her father. It is a tale of love, bravery, and of two people being separated and reunited. This line stands out starkly as Ellen has such a beautiful way with words, this line in particular is almost melodic. “All she could hear was the beat of her own heart.” (Pg. 54)
I am really looking forward to Ryan’s next book Gods Don’t Cry. I look forward to seeing her take on the many different forms of masculinity. There are many different ways to be strong, just as there are many forms of intelligence, and men are just as layered and complex as women. I think she will present another beautiful book, one that tells various stories about some incredible Irish gods, and I look forward to seeing their stories told with as much love, care, and attention to detail that was so evident in Girls Who Slay Monsters. I am also really looking forward to seeing Conor Merriman’s illustrations. The snippets I’ve had the pleasure of seeing already are so striking. I’m excited to see how he brings the entire book to life.
I suspect that Ellen Ryan’s next book will be just as successful as her first one. I really wanted to read Girls Who Slay Monsters as I had heard such brilliant reviews from friends, and other reviewers, and of course Ellen Ryan got some extremely well-deserved accolades for this work. The 2023 CBI Awards come to mind. I was in the audience that day, and I had the privilege of meeting Ellen at an event for Gods Don’t Cry, so I am aware that I run the risk of appearing biased, but seeing her joy at discovering just how many young readers loved Girls Who Slay Monsters at the CBI awards, and hearing her enthusiasm, her excitement, and her passion for all of the work she is doing and has done as the launch of Gods Don’t Cry draws nearer has been wonderful. I love meeting creative and passionate people. I love hearing someone talk about the things they love. I love seeing someone succeed when it is obvious that so much work and care went into what they do.
As a reviewer, and as someone who has always found a sense of comfort in literature and in the arts, I think that it is fair to say that often, literary works are passionately received. Audiences and readers love to love books. They love to find themselves immersed in new worlds, falling in love with new characters. That is why books mean so much to people. When it is clear that books are passionately received, it is a real treat to be able to immediately recognise when a story has been passionately told. Girls Who Slay Monsters is a collection of unique, engaging, page turning stories that Ellen Ryan has passionately told. There are a few tweaks here and there to some of the legends, but really what Ryan has done is remarkable. She has given a voice to figures who were previously silent, whose stories were at risk of never being told, especially when you consider how often female stories are told in a way that just acts as a side note to a man’s narrative. Ellen Ryan has made the goddesses the leads in their own stories.
I would recommend Girls Who Slay Monsters to all young readers, but especially to young girls who are between the ages of ten and thirteen. Full disclosure, I think any adult who loves mythology, action, and adventure will love this book too so readers of any age should feel inspired to dive into this book. That being said, I think that this is an important book for young girls who are right on the cusp of maturity. For those who are trying to find their own voices, and their own independence, for those who are starting to carve out their own path, I think Ellen Ryan’s words will impact those readers the most. I think that age group, and those who are currently experiencing that journey into maturity will find comfort and inspiration in Girls Who Slay Monsters.
Be sure to follow me on Instagram @katelovesliterature if you don’t already for updates on everything regarding Katelovesliterature.com
Ireland has an incredibly rich literary history. Ireland is home to legendary writers such as James Joyce, Oscar Wilde, Bram Stoker, and many more who have made it into the pages of our history books due to their incredible talent with words.
Today, Ireland is still home to some extremely talented contemporary writers such as Anne Enright, Sally Rooney, Eoin Colfer, Sarah Webb, Ellen Ryan, and many, many more. Not to mention the abundance of wonderful Irish illustrators. We are a country overflowing with creative talent.
The fact that we are home to fantastic writers, illustrators, and booksellers makes it all the more disappointing to learn that Irish books are just not receiving the visibility they deserve.
In a recent article in The Irish Times, Fiona Gartland highlighted the concerns being raised by children’s author Sarah Webb and many others about how Irish books are being left behind due to many factors, one of them being that many books do not receive the same attention and promotion as books that come with big celebrity names attached to them.
Sarah Webb recently took to social media to share that she noticed there hadn’t been an Irish writer or illustrator in the Irish top 10 for over 20 weeks. This is a real shame as there are so many wonderful books that children are missing out on.
The ironic thing is, as noted in Gartland’s article, when children are given Irish books, they fall in love with them. Our Irish authors can hold their own.
What can we do to promote Irish authors?
Author Sarah Webb has created the Discover Irish Children’s Books campaign. You can lean more and discover how to get involved by visiting the website https://discoveririshkidsbooks.ie/about/
The aim of this campaign is to bring Irish children’s books and their authors and illustrators to the attention of young readers and adults.
This campaign is needed because many children living in Ireland cannot name any children’s authors who are Irish or living in Ireland. Very few Irish books are appearing in festivals in Ireland. This does not make any sense. Books written by Irish authors should absolutely be given attention in Irish literary festivals and at Irish literary events. We should be able to showcase and celebrate the amazing talent we have on our doorstep.
It is a terrible shame that Irish children’s books are hardly appearing in Irish children’s bestseller lists.
There are so many steps that can be taken to help balance the scales so that Irish books are not being so massively overlooked.
We need to spotlight them at our literary events. Bookshops need to showcase them in their stores. In classrooms, teachers and/or school librarians need to pay attention to the amazing Irish works at their fingertips and bring these books into their classes so kids can see them, read them, talk about them, and get excited about them. Unfortunately when we are young, the books we read are behind gatekeepers. When we are little, our books are bought for us, shown to us, and if we are never shown certain books then we don’t ever get the opportunity to love them.
Adults buying books for their children, grandchildren, nephews, nieces, children of friends … whoever we may be buying books for, we have a responsibility and an incredible opportunity to expand the horizons of the young readers in our lives.
As a literary reviewer, and as a book lover in general, I am going to make a very conscious decision to make sure that I highlight Irish books on Katelovesliterature.com. I am from Dublin, I’m very proud to be Irish, and even though I have featured Irish writers frequently on my platforms, I still believe that I could do even more.
I want to be a Discover Irish Children’s Books champion, I want to give recommendations about wonderful books that I think young people would really enjoy, and I want to share and celebrate Irish talent and creativity.
This campaign is not about ignoring other books or talking about giving young readers Irish books only, but it is about ensuring that Irish books have a seat at the table. It is about ensuring that we are not missing out on or overlooking some amazing stories.
I do not just discuss books. I will continue to review and discuss films, poems, theatre, and theory and literary events and literary inspired trips as I always have. I will continue to ensure that I discuss a broad range of literature, but I will be creating a list of Irish book recommendations and I will be continuously adding to that list so that when readers visit Katelovesliterature.com, not only will they find a wide rage of topics to read about, but they will also find a curated list of Irish book recommendations that I hope they will be inspired by, and I hope that they will come across new books that they will really enjoy.
Monster Island by Freddie Alexander, illustrated by Helen O’Higgins.
A short review by Kate O’Brien.
This review is not an ad, it is not sponsored in any way, however I would like to thank HarperCollins Ireland for sending me the book. It is always a pleasure to receive #bookmail!
Freddie Alexander’s delightfully spooky tale comes out on the 14th of September 2023.
Be sure to add this book to your collection because it is a must read!
A carefully balanced mix of scary and fun, this book is definitely a step up as it will appeal to young readers who want to enjoy a story that is a bit more advanced.
Readers follow Sam Shipwright who has gone to live with her grandad on Draymur Isle.
What could make trying to get used to a new place more challenging than discovering that the monsters we’re told hide under our beds are real after all?
Yes indeed, monsters are REAL, and they are on a mission to eat every child on Draymur Isle. Can Sam stay safe? Find out for yourself by diving into Monster Island.
Helen O’Higgins has brought Monster Island to life with the most impressive illustrations. Dark, mysterious, and full of contrasts, the illustrations have an almost Tim Burton-like feel to them. The visuals really add to the book and this is the ideal story for those who enjoy being just a bit scared!
I really enjoyed reading this book. I think that I would have thoroughly enjoyed it when I was in primary school. I can picture my younger self curling up during quiet reading time in class, getting completely invested. I’d recommend this book for readers between the ages of 8-10.
Do you enjoy being scared? What spooky book did you enjoy (perhaps you still enjoy it) when you were younger?
Be sure to follow me on Instagram @katelovesliterature for all updates about what is coming up on Katelovesliterature.com
I think it is safe to say that the Barbie movie was one of the most anticipated movies of 2023. The PR team went above and beyond. I’d been looking forward to seeing the movie for months and months and I am so delighted that I finally got to see it.
I have never worked so hard to avoid spoilers before, because as I’m sure many of you know, this movie has generated a lot of discussion online.
So before I dive into my discussion, let’s get two things clear.
First of all this is not a children’s movie. So to all the parents who are making statements about how this movie is inappropriate for children and that they had to leave early with their nine year old … this is not a children’s movie. It is rated 12A in Ireland which means that the material is not considered appropriate for anyone under the age of twelve years old.
Secondly, and most importantly, the Barbie movie is NOT anti-men. This movie has been called “woke.” It has been called “anti-men” and that just simply is not true. In fact, it is disappointing to see that quite a lot of people have either missed the point entirely, or they’re refusing to see the movie and its themes properly. It should be noted that this line of criticism is coming from a specific kind of audience, however it is still disappointing to see a movie be dismissed when Barbie has arguably brought some very important points of discussion to the table.
I’ve seen the movie referred to as “feminism 101” and while I somewhat agree with this statement, I don’t think this is a bad thing. Some people need a basic introduction to feminism.
Is the movie very blunt with its messaging? Yes. Is this a bad thing? I don’t think so. Was it a perfect movie? No. In fact there are some things that I wish were done slightly differently in order to allow for more nuance in the piece, however I think that overall Barbie is a fantastic movie.
It is incredibly funny. It is packed with a great cast. The sets are absolutely gorgeous, and they have that real old Hollywood feel because so many of them are hand painted instead of everything being done on a green screen. The soundtrack is upbeat and fun, and in all the bright, pink glory, this movie still hits you right in the heartstrings because it is filled with such poignancy.
The movie was released on July 21st 2023 and it was directed by Greta Gerwig. The plot follows stereotypical Barbie as her perfect life is interrupted by cellulite and impending thoughts of death. Suddenly Barbie’s dream house is a place of nightmares and in order to go back to the way things have always been, she must travel from Barbie Land to the Real World. In the Real World, Barbie must find the girl who has been playing with her – all Barbie dolls are being played with by someone – because Barbie’s existential crisis is due to the girl’s thoughts merging with Barbie’s.
So it is a quest, a bright pink quest as Barbie sets off from the idyllic Barbie Land, a place where women rule, to the Real World, where she faces the complex realities of being a woman.
The opening narration explains the impact of Barbie, you see, before there were Barbie dolls, little girls played with baby dolls, and ironing boards, and mops. Little girls played pretend at being mothers for being a mother and a homemaker is what girls could aspire to be.
Now it is important for me to state that there is nothing wrong with aspiring to be a mother and/or a homemaker. This fact is often forgotten in the hustle culture that we often see society subscribe to, however it also must be noted that there is a huge difference between wanting to be a mother, and being told that being a mother is all you are allowed to aspire to be as a woman. So the fact that Barbie had her own job, her own house, and her own car, and could be anything in a time where women could not even have their own bank accounts was hugely significant and the motto that Barbie can be anything was and still is hugely inspiring.
In Barbie Land, all of the Barbies believed that this belief that women could be anything and that they were fully empowered had liberated all women in the Real World, so Barbie was expecting a very warm welcome, however things didn’t go as Barbie planned.
Before fully diving into the themes of Barbie, it is crucial to talk about Ken. Ryan Gosling was the perfect Ken to Margot Robbie’s perfect Barbie. He was brilliant, his comedic timing and his commitment to the role of Ken was hysterical. He had the entire cinema laughing.
At this point I’d like to note that I cannot remember the last time I was in a full cinema. The entire screening room was booked out and every single seat was filled. The sea of pink was delightful to see. Everyone was excited, everyone was taking turns taking photos in the Barbie box in the lobby, and the overall atmosphere was just so much fun. I think we could all do with some more “We’re going to see the Barbie movie” energy in our lives.
Back to the plot. Ken desperately wants Barbie to open her heart and her dream house to him. He ends up accompanying her on her journey to the Real World and while Barbie is horrified by the patriarchy, Ken is overjoyed.
This is where one can start to jump into the themes of Barbie. In Barbie Land, the Kens are just Kens. She’s everything and he’s just Ken. It is Barbie’s dream house and she does not want him there. He does not stay over because it is girls night. Every night is girls night. As the narration says, Barbie has a perfect day everyday and Ken only has a good day if Barbie notices him.
Ken feels left out and under appreciated so when he sees that men are powerful due to the patriarchy in the Real World, he is eager to bring that philosophy back to Barbie Land.
So this is where I can see why some people would call this movie “anti-men” because Ken is presented in a fur coat, a bandana, there are horses and trucks everywhere, and he comes across like a macho idiot. This is too easy, and it does not pay attention to the way that the movie addresses how the system of the patriarchy is harmful to women and men. I will say that the patriarchy is more harmful to women than men, because men benefit from the patriarchy. Ken’s experience in the Real World highlights this. Immediately after arriving Barbie is catcalled, she is groped by a stranger who slaps her on the behind, and she senses a violent undertone in the way that people leer at her. For the first time ever she is self-conscious and nervous about her personal safety, whereas Ken feels admired, powerful, and emboldened when he sees a man very rudely dismiss a woman, a colleague, and get away with it. He sees the patriarchy as a system that will appreciate him and give him power, and he does not think about the way it hurts women.
While Barbie is searching for the girl who is playing with her, Ken goes back to Barbie Land and without Barbie there to stop him, he begins to take over and turn the place into a Kendom. He takes over Barbie’s dream house, completely destroying it, and as all the Kens get onboard, the Barbies become brainwashed. These powerful women who were doctors and lawyers, and the President, are reduced to beer bringing maids. No, this is not an exaggeration, they’re literally given French maid outfits to wear because the patriarchy views women as subservient to men.
While it is clear that Ken was taken for granted at the beginning of the movie, it is interesting that him gaining more power involved stripping women of theirs. He could not just be on the same level as these powerful, intelligent, accomplished Barbies, he could not just give the Kens the same status, he had to be on top.
In the Real World, Barbie finds the girl who has been playing with her or at least Barbie thinks she has when she finds Sasha. She is devastated to learn that Sasha and her friends think that Barbie has not helped women at all. Sasha states that Barbie has made women feel bad about themselves due to setting impossible beauty standards, but Barbie argues that that was never the point, the point was supposed to be that Barbie could be anything.
I found this very interesting because initially I thought that this would be the core argument of the movie. I played with Barbie dolls when I was a little girl. I had the dream house and the plane, and I always remembered the tagline of you can be anything! Barbie was magical, she was amazing, and I never felt any kind of societal beauty pressures because of a doll. Barbie was always empowering and I say that as a woman in my twenties. I’ve never heard any of my peers say that Barbie had a negative impact, we all have very fond memories of playing with Barbie dolls when we were younger and watching all of the Barbie movies. That is not to say that I’ve never heard Barbie being critiqued, but I will say that any criticism I’ve heard about Barbie was always from people who were older than myself, who never really played with Barbie dolls, and who kind of seemed to miss the “You can be anything” memo. So it was interesting to see a teenager have that negative opinion of Barbie in this movie.
The plot twist came in the form of Sasha not being the girl that Barbie needed to find, instead it was her mother. All of the memories that Barbie was seeing of young Sasha playing also included her mother playing with her. Her mother Gloria works for Mattel. She’s been drawing Barbie dolls, one of them being “Thoughts of death Barbie” It is Gloria’s thoughts and feelings that are merging with Barbie’s and it is Gloria who delivers the most poignant and powerful monologue of the whole movie.
In her quest to fix everything, Barbie brings Sasha and Gloria back to Barbie Land where she discovers what Ken has done. While confronting Ken, he asks her how it feels to be dismissed? He informs her that every night will be boys night from now on. The parallel is clear.
Now. I have two conflicting thoughts about this point, because on one hand I think that the Kens were overlooked and dismissed by the Barbies at the start of the movie. When Ken asks her how it feels to be treated like this, Gosling did an amazing job of letting the hurt break through the faux-macho facade. I don’t think anyone, man or woman, should be dismissed and treated as less than, however I also worry about saying that Barbie’s lack of attention caused Ken to act this way. He lashes out due to being hurt yes, however I think it is worryingly easy to twist the entire plot in a way that blames women for men’s anger and harmful reactions due to affections not being returned. It is a slippery slope and I do wish that the movie would have handled this more carefully.
Barbie is devastated by the loss of her dream house and by seeing her friends reduced to mindless carriers of beer, and she is still struggling with all the new feelings she is having about life and death and meaning. She breaks down crying and when asked what is wrong, she tells Gloria that she is not pretty anymore. She’s weird.
Gloria, played by the brilliant America Ferrera delivers a powerful monologue about the complexities of being a woman. She passionately lays out how it can feel impossible, because so many expectations are placed on women and so many of them are contradictory. You have to be a boss but never hurt feelings, you have to lead but listen to everyone, you have to be a mother but never talk about your kids, you have to be pretty but not too pretty. The list goes on and on. At this point the narration interrupts to say that Margot Robbie was the wrong person to cast to talk about not feeling pretty and this line got a laugh in the cinema, but this got me thinking.
I think Margot Robbie was the perfect person to cast to make this point because yes, she is gorgeous. She is extremely conventionally attractive, yet she still feels the pressure that comes with the expectation to be pretty. If the beautiful Margot Robbie sometimes feels unattractive, it just highlights even more in my opinion how someone can be beautiful, but they will still struggle and feel the pressure that society puts on them. Gloria’s speech breaks the Barbies out of their trances one by one and together they take back Barbie Land.
It is at this key point that the movie highlights how damaging the patriarchy is, not only to women but to men too. Ken sees everything he has done crumble and he is upset, but he does not cry because he feels he can not and should not cry. Barbie tells him that it is okay to cry.
Hilariously, he tells her that he lost interest in the patriarchy when he found out it was not actually about horses but he felt such pressure to lead, to keep up the facade. This moment highlights how men face enormous pressure too. Pressure to be leaders, to bottle their emotions, to put on a tough facade all the time, to like huge trucks, and sports and to never go against the grain because if you do that then you’re not a “real” man. Of course it is okay to like trucks, and to like sports etc. The problem arises when society tells men, you must like these specific things and behave in this specific way, because if you don’t, then you’re not a “real” man.
Ken has been defining himself by his girlfriend, his job, his car, his house, by all of the things in his life instead of figuring out who he is. He needs to learn how to be just Ken, without those things, and he needs to learn that that is enough. It is interesting because I think women are often defined by the things in our lives. We’re asked if we have boyfriends, are we engaged, do we want kids, and then if we have kids we get asked about mam guilt and how we handle being a mam while working etc. etc. It was interesting to see that trope subverted as so many romantic comedies follow a woman who must find her own identity outside of the relationships in her life.
Barbie apologises for taking Ken for granted, and I really wish he would have apologised for how he treated the Barbies and for ruining her dream house, but instead he just thanks her for her apology and supports her on her quest for meaning in her life.
This is the point that I really wish had been handled differently, because while it is true that Ken was taken for granted, he did treat the Barbies badly. The Kens were just Kens yes, but they were never stripped of their jobs and made to bring the Barbies drinks while wearing French maid outfits. So I do think Barbie was owed an apology too. If that scene had been a few minutes longer, if Ken had apologised for his wrongdoings too, that would have felt better in my opinion.
The movie ends with Ruth Handler, the creator of Barbie, giving her a choice. It is another poignant scene because Ruth tells Barbie that she named Barbie after her own daughter, and she always wanted her daughter and Barbie to do great things. She says that mothers stand still so that their daughters can look back and see how far they’ve come. That line made me cry all over again. It is such a beautiful line. It is so easy to critique women of the past. I discuss a particular pet peeve of mine a lot which is when women of a certain time are critiqued by today’s standards, especially in period pieces. It is not fair to judge a19th century woman by today’s rules or a 1950’s woman by today’s rules. So many women of their time did what they could when they had very little rights, very little education, and very little autonomy. While it is still not perfect in 2023, we’ve come a long way. My great grandmother, my grandmother even, my great aunt who is in her nineties, she is in awe of the things that I get to do and say and be, and she is so proud. This line made me think of her, and of all the women who were young at a certain time, who had to leave school at fourteen or younger, who were considered “on the shelf” at just twenty-five or even younger if they weren’t married by then. It made me think of how they raised another generation, who raised another, who raised my generation. I’m so proud of my mam, of my grandmother, of my great grandmother, and the thing that Barbie really highlighted, the thing that made me, and so many other women in the cinema so emotional is the fact that we were all girls once.
So the movie ends with Ken accepting that he is “Kenough.” Glorious! The entire cinema laughed again. I don’t remember the last time I laughed so much at a character.
Barbie makes a choice. She no longer wants to be an idea, she wants to be the person making the ideas. She wants to be real, to experience life and have all the feelings. So that is exactly what she does. She becomes real.
Overall I thought Barbie was lots of fun. It was bright, it was pink. It was a celebration of girlhood that touched upon the complex realities that come with maturing into a woman. There is internal pressure, there is external pressure, and it is so important to know your own worth and not be defined by other things. Again, while it is not a perfect movie, and its message could be more nuanced at times, this movie is definitely not anti-men. I don’t think it is anti-anybody. I think it brings really important topics to the table. I think it is a movie that opens the conversation. I think it shows how women and men can be negatively impacted by issues, and how the key really is to be kind and respectful and caring to everyone.
I would absolutely recommend it. I will be going to see it again.
This Barbie is a movie lover! This Barbie is a literary reviewer!
I had the most lovely, literary evening on Tuesday night in the Clarence Hotel, courtesy of HarperCollins Ireland. It was a pleasure to be invited to the “proof party” to celebrate Jane Casey’s upcoming new book. The Secret Room is a locked-room mystery, so fans of Agatha Christie are in for a treat. It is always amazing to be in a room full of very enthusiastic book lovers, and it was so lovely to meet Jane in person.
Coming out in April this year, The Secret Room follows the very privileged Ilaria Cavendish as she checks into a luxury hotel in London. The glamour promptly fades when she is found dead in the bath by her lover.
It must have been an accident. After all, no one went into the room with her and no one came out, and yet, all the signs point to murder.
DS Maeve Kerrigan enters the scene, happy to have a case like this to take her mind off of everything going on at home. When her partner, DI Josh Derwent, is arrested, Maeve must investigate the two cases side by side, not wanting to face what will come to be if she fails.
Jane said she hopes this book will be a “just one more chapter” page turner, and based on the fact that she has described it as a story that will appeal to classic Agatha Christie fans, I’m excited about diving in.
I’m a fan of crime fiction, and I can thank my mother for that. She has always been a fan of Michael Connelly and too many other authors to name. Our windowsills at home are filled with books all about mysteries and cold cases, impossible cases that just don’t make sense until they do. We also watch our fair share of detective series together. Some are better than others, some are quite formulaic, I can admit that, but we still always have a great time watching a story unfold.
As you might imagine when I came home with this proof, she immediately said she wants to read it after me, and I already know that the concept of Jane’s locked-room murder is going to have her racing through the pages.
So, what is a locked-room murder?
Popular in crime fiction, a locked-room murder is a type of crime that seems impossible to commit. It usually involves a crime scene that, appears to have only been entered by the victim. In this case, Ilaria checked into her hotel room and locked the door. She went into her room alone. Nobody else went in or out, and then she was found dead. How did that happen?
Another example is if someone enters a room that has been sealed from the inside, meaning that nobody could get in or out, and there does not appear to be another way in at all e.g. there are now windows, no backdoors, but when the body is found, it is clear that a weapon was used, but in the sealed room there is no weapon to be found. So, where is that weapon now, and how did the perpetrator get in and out after using it?
The locked-room mystery presents readers with an impossible case, one that couldn’t have happened and yet it did. That is what is so addicting when our detectives enter the scene because they have been presented with a very strange puzzle, and we go along with them as they unravel what went on. Nothing is as it seems when faced with a locked-door murder. Readers can expect lots of twists and turns, dead ends and strange nuggets that become leads, and before you know it, you’re hooked and desperate to know more.
I look forward to writing a full book review after reading The Secret Room by Jane Casey. As always, all thoughts and opinions shared will be completely honest and completely my own.
In the meantime, I would like to say thank you again to the HarperCollins Ireland team for inviting me on Tuesday evening.
If you follow me on Instagram then you will already know that I have two literary discussions coming up soon.
Having just seen Blue Velvet, I plan to discuss the intoxication of morbid curiosity, and I am looking forward to seeing King Lear in the Gate very soon, and I plan to write about the obsessive nature of integrity.
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