This is the seventh in a series of ten posts which will take us up to the date of publication of my new book Paranormal Warwickshire, out from Amberley Publishing on 15th November. This richly illustrated compilation of strange tales from Shakespeare’s county can be pre-ordered now from all online bookstores, and from Warwick BooksContinue reading “Paranormal Warwickshire Extracts Part 7: Warwick Castle”
Tag Archives: truth
Film and Book Review: ‘Silence’ by Shusaku Endo: and The Film Starring Andrew Garfield
Silence by Shusaku Endo is one of the most compelling and powerful books I’ve ever read. I wrote about it in this way on my website as part of a blog post about an exhibition at the British Museum, Living With the Gods. When I first read the book, several years ago, I think oneContinue reading “Film and Book Review: ‘Silence’ by Shusaku Endo: and The Film Starring Andrew Garfield”
Reflections on Life and the Writer’s Journey from a Mamma Mia Perspective
Yes I do indeed find some lessons from Mamma Mia on the dynamics of life – and the writing journey. Having recently seen the film Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again, twice, and loved it even more the second time I saw it, I felt compelled to draw out some dynamic equivalents for all of us. Mamma Mia,Continue reading “Reflections on Life and the Writer’s Journey from a Mamma Mia Perspective”
Book Review: “Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine” by Gail Honeyman
A very thought-provoking novel told from the point of view of a woman who is “different” from others in her daily life and therefore arouses uncomfortable feelings in others, leading to alienation and loneliness. Yet as we progress through the novel, learning more about Eleanor and her life, there are times when we cannot helpContinue reading “Book Review: “Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine” by Gail Honeyman”
Reflection Upon The Nativity film 2010
I recently watched again “The Nativity”, the TV mini series first broadcast by the BBC at Christmas 2010 but this time I watched the entire film on DVD. I remember the series had a strong impression on me when I first viewed it and we could hardly wait for each new episode. Seeing it asContinue reading “Reflection Upon The Nativity film 2010”
A Diversity of Spiritual Outlooks Through Time at the British Museum in London
On Saturday 23rd December 2017 I went to see the exhibition “Living with Gods: peoples, places and worlds beyond” at the British Museum in London. The exhibition curator Jill Cook had set out to show the development of religious symbols through physical objects which people in widely diverse cultures and historical periods have used to denote theirContinue reading “A Diversity of Spiritual Outlooks Through Time at the British Museum in London”
The Full Monty and What it Says About Not Being Controlled by Your Circumstances
Recently I watched the 1997 British comedy drama film “The Full Monty” again. The reason why I love it is that it’s about “little” people deciding not to be controlled by their circumstances. Six men who in their different ways are suffering during the decline of the Sheffield steel industry, decide to do something nobodyContinue reading “The Full Monty and What it Says About Not Being Controlled by Your Circumstances”
That’s Life – in the Eyes of Noel Coward
I’ve loved the work of Noel Coward since I first saw one of his comedies, in my teens. Among many different archetypal character-types which I hold in my mind, is that of an indolent Noel Coward male lead, lounging against a mantelpiece wearing a silk brocade smoking jacket, elegant, mannered, and dispensing witticisms with theContinue reading “That’s Life – in the Eyes of Noel Coward”
The Fatal Flaw in Human Nature, Castles in the Air, and Dreams and Visions
My recent visit to an English Heritage castle, Goodrich Castle in Herefordshire, stirred up some reflections on life. A visit to a medieval castle cannot help remind you that this great pile represents in stone the major themes in human nature: war, power, wealth, moral and economic hierarchies, social injustice and religion. Of course whatContinue reading “The Fatal Flaw in Human Nature, Castles in the Air, and Dreams and Visions”
Joan of Arc: Mystical Experiences and Empowerment
The other day I saw an encore screening of George Bernard Shaw’s play “St Joan” from National Theatre Live. I studied this play at university. Then, as in my recent viewing, I was entranced by the character of Joan herself, and by the words Shaw puts into her mouth. Joan has special resonance for me becauseContinue reading “Joan of Arc: Mystical Experiences and Empowerment”
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