And one that won't be appearing on there any time soon....

American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis

When I was about 7 I read 'The Witches' by Roald Dahl and it freaked me out so much that I couldn't even have the book in the same room as me at night. True. Now I have similar sentiments towards this controversial book.

OK, I get that it's meant to be a 'modern classic' with insights and warnings about modern captalism and I definitely can see that. But mainly it just creeped me out. 

Patrick Bateman is a high-flying young investment banker, shallow, superficial and rich. When he's not sealing deals and attending events, he's indulging his id by torturing, raping and murdering.

You want to know what's going to happen next but at the same time you dread the inevitable horrific depictions of violence and abuse - so much so that I could only read the first two-thirds before admitting defeat getting my dad to tell me how it ended. And even after all that, I can't say I'm not intrigued to watch the Christian Bale film. I'm just working up to it.

All-time favourites

This week I thought I'd mix it up a bit and write  about my all-time favourite books. I'd love to know your thoughts! What are your favourites or the books you'll never get bored of?

1. To Kill a Mockingbird

A very predictable choice. Especially for a law student. I went to a law open day at Durham when I was trying to decide which unis to apply to and the first piece of advice they gave us there was 'Don't tell us in your personal statement that you were inspired to become a lawyer by reading 'To Kill A Mockingbird'; we get hundreds of applicants each year who say that.' Obviously, I'd done just that thinking I was being super original. I meekly went home, deflated but glad for the warning, and changed my statement.

Still this is my favourite novel ever and I can't sing Harper Lee's praises highly enough! I'll definitely read this again and again for years.

2. The Picture of Dorian Gray

I chose this as one of my coursework texts at A Level and it's safe to say I was obsessed with it for a couple of months! To be honest, I'm really intrigued by Oscar Wilde's life and work in general. The plot is so gripping and the style so unique.

3. Atonement

Ian McEwan is one of the best modern writers. From what I've heard, he does seem to be a bit of a Marmite writer, but I'm always surprised when people say they don't like his work! This is still my favourite of his that I've read so far, though I was considering including a second McEwan novel in this list. I just think the themes and characters are striking and memorable, and it goes without saying that his writing is inspiring. I've got my sights set on McEwan's new novel, 'Sweet Tooth', next - watch this space!

4. Wuthering Heights

'Wuthering Heights' was originally published under a pseudonym and was pretty controversial when first published because of its allusions to sacrilege, violence and the supernatural. This is a novel that sticks in your mind and EVERYONE should read it.

5. Pride and Prejudice

In a previous post I talked about how, on the whole, I favour a traditional 'classical' style of writing, though I try to be open to new things! Are you sensing the theme again in this post..? Another unsurprising choice for a 'top ten' but one that had to be included! As an Austen enthusiast, I'm more than glad to hear this lady's going to be the next face on £10 notes. Like Bronte, above, a writer who was years ahead of her time and whose messages still have the same impact today.

6. The Bluest Eye

This is a seriously underrated 1970 novel by Toni Morrison set in the American Midwest and deals with topics of racism and child abuse. Pecola Breedlove, a young, poor black girl, prays to wake up with blue eyes and white skin, hence the title. Moving.

7. Of Mice and Men

Read this a few years ago and John Steinbeck's 'The Grapes of Wrath' has been on my must-read list since then! A novel that really illustrates the  Great Depression, following two ranch workers searching in vain for the American Dream. Inspiring writing.

8. Number 10

Maybe a bit of light relief from Sue Townsend, this satirical tale of the Prime Minister is hilarious and in some places, weirdly believable. The imagination and originality makes it.

9. Any Human Heart

I watched the TV adaptation of this before reading this William Boyd novel, which describes the colourful and complex life of Logan Mountbatten. Some annoying points where minor plot lines fall away, but I suppose that's just how it would be documented in the protagonist's journals - not following up everything he's mentioned before. Captivating, though reading the last 80 or so pages when in hospital is not the most uplifting thing!

10.Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

www.westovergallery.co.uk

Judge me all you want (please don't), this is amazing. In fact it should be higher than 10 on the list. OK I haven't read this for 12 years or something but you can't not have a Roald Dahl in there somewhere right..?

'G' by John Berger

So I haven't blogged in a LONG time... I've been very busy with work and work experience applications recently. Not to mention dealing with French landlords and other such soul-destroying tasks. I seem to have spent hours poring over French modules, researching areas of town without having ever been there, and have got absolutely nowhere. Anyway, if anyone's still out there in the 'blogosphere', please make yourself known! Anyone?

I'm actually getting started on a French novel which is probably also why I haven't updated this in so long. 'Novel' makes it sound more impressive than it probably is, actually, but I thought I'd better ease myself into it, right? 

I'm also finishing G by John Berger, winner of the 1972 Booker Prize. It’s unlike anything I’ve read before – although I like trying different genres and authors, I’ve generally always been pretty unadventurous in the kind of structure I go for in a novel. G is so very untraditional, but it was refreshing to read in that sense. It’s partly prose, partly poetry and at one point, partly something I can only describe as…graphic cartoons. However, I can’t imagine anyone, even the most ardent admirer, describing this book as likeable.

‘G’ actually refers to the protagonist, the son of an Italian merchant, whose life, loves and troubles we follow against a pre-WW1 European backdrop. The plot is broken up with different voices and events. Berger conveys some really unexpected and insightful messages about class, life, gender and relationships; there were a few points where I was genuinely surprised by the writing, which is a definite plus in my book (no pun intended).

The novel is extremely intense, sometimes uncomfortably so, but that kind of seems like Berger’s intention. This also makes it quite tough going, so not one if you’re looking for a chilled and easy read; I found that I couldn’t read more than a few pages at a time without needing a break and a cuppa! On the other hand, I love that it’s experimental and that it seems to have this effect on the reader. A profound and commendable work, but in all honesty, I don’t see myself picking it up again. I can’t quite put my finger on it.

NB. I don't know why some of the text on my blog sometimes goes highlighted - please be patient while I contact my technical team (my brother).

Chiltern Shakespeare Company perform 'The Merchant of Venice'

I’m going to put it out there: I love Shakespeare and I think that you are wrong if you don’t too.

On Wednesday evening, I went to the gorgeous open air theatre in Beaconsfield to watch a performance of The Merchant of Venice by the Chiltern Shakespeare Company. It was the perfect day to go as it had been the hottest day of the year so far, and was still warm late at night. I’ve never seen or read this play before – the most performed of all Shakespeare’s. For your inner geek who finds Shakespeare’s influence on the English language and basically life in general as fascinating as I do, the ‘pound of flesh’ bargain struck between Shylock and Antonio is apparently the origin of the phrase ‘to bleed someone dry’. If you aren’t familiar with the play and are concerned about why I’m talking about the delightful topic of flesh, here’s the passage where the two characters enter into the deal. This kind of agreement could have made studying contract law a LOT more interesting….

To with me to a notary, seal me there
Your single bond; and, in a merry sport,
If you repay me not on such a day,
In such a place, such sum or sums as are
Express'd in the condition, let the forfeit
Be nominated for an equal pound
Of your fair flesh, to be cut off and taken
In what part of your body pleaseth me. (1.3.17)

The location of the theatre at Beaconsfield Hall Barn is beautiful. It’s like being in a period drama. My mum said she kept expecting Mr Darcy to walk around the corner. You can get Pimm’s and cake (I recommend) as well as other refreshments, before, after, and during the interval. Having the performance outside, I think, just added a touch more authenticity and appeal than even the best West End Theatre. For a Shakespearean play especially, I literally cannot think of a more appropriate setting. My parents went to see Macbeth there last year, and in total contrast, there had been thunderstorms throughout the night, which again they said just added to the macabre and supernatural themes in Macbeth.

The wonderful Chiltern Shakespeare Co. performed the play and I couldn't fault it. I'm impressed by excellent stage acting, and this was brilliant! I'm no expert on acting/directing/casting, unlike my blogging pal Gareth, whose blog can be found here (was that seamless or just shameless?!), but I was enthralled for the whole two-and-a-bit hours. Profits go to a chosen charity.

The first half is focused on the bargain, and on various surrounding love interests between characters. I especially loved the conflicting characterisation of Shylock, the lender, and the interwoven and comical plot line of suitors battling to win Portia. The second half portrays the drama of the courtroom scene, building tension but also incorporating hilarious dialogue, where almost all the male characters become targets of Portia's and Nerissa's wit and fun, in surprising and subtle ways.

Having known almost nothing about The Merchant of Venice, the open air theatre or the Chiltern Shakespeare Co. before, I had a fab evening, learned a lot more about Shakespearean drama and can safely say I'll be going to the next play!