A Little Life
May 13, 2018
Hanya Yanagihara’s enrapturing novel A Little Life (2015) finds astonishing depths in suffering and the efforts to make it tolerable. … More A Little Life
Learning a new language
March 10, 2018
I was reminded this week how nerve-wracking it can be getting to grips with a master’s, and why I have my supervisor to thank for it. … More Learning a new language
Why I’m not striking for USS
February 22, 2018
My job deserves my attention right now rather than my pension, and it’s hard not to feel bad for that. I hope the strikers will forgive my stance too. … More Why I’m not striking for USS
Arrows of Peace: An Epilogue, 2017
January 28, 2018
2017 had a bit of everything – old, new, borrowed and blue. In the end, it left me in a much better place. … More Arrows of Peace: An Epilogue, 2017
Tom Chaplin, Royal Festival Hall, 12 December
December 16, 2017
Keane frontman Tom Chaplin provides a warm and thought-provoking approach to Christmas. … More Tom Chaplin, Royal Festival Hall, 12 December
Review of Alphaville, Strange Attractor (2017)
April 11, 2017
“A committed attempt to add something different to the pop landscape.” A review of Alphaville’s latest album, Strange Attractor (Universal, 2017). … More Review of Alphaville, Strange Attractor (2017)
Jonathan Pie, O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, 3 March 2017
March 4, 2017
Driving common sense into smart but obstinate people is enough to drive anyone mad. Jonathan Pie is the angry, frustrated journalist trying to make some inroads. … More Jonathan Pie, O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, 3 March 2017
Marvell, Dryden, and the Horatian Ode
February 16, 2017
There is no hard evidence that Andrew Marvell’s ‘Horatian Ode’ ever left his hands. Yet, it may have come to John Dryden’s attention. How is Dryden the privileged one? A brief study of hard and soft evidence. … More Marvell, Dryden, and the Horatian Ode
Dealing with inadequacy: Apple Tree Yard
January 24, 2017
There’s no escape from growing old, but can we escape the sense of inadequacy it can bring? Watching this unfold is perhaps the most uncomfortable aspect of the BBC’s new drama, Apple Tree Yard. … More Dealing with inadequacy: Apple Tree Yard
Create Chaos to Find Quiet: An Epilogue, 2016
January 11, 2017
It’s not often that I greet New Year with indifference. On the contrary, I’m notorious for indulging in it. But a change of attitude is exactly what’s needed – so let’s begin. … More Create Chaos to Find Quiet: An Epilogue, 2016
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