The Truth Must Dazzle Gradually

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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5


“Please remember, sometimes we have to endure the difficult parts to get to the good place again, and happy endings don’t always look like we expect them to, if there even is such a thing.”

Murtagh and Maeve Moone live on an island off the west coast of Ireland, where they have raised their four children. When tragedy strikes, life for the Moone family will never be the same again…

The Truth Must Dazzle Gradually is a novel that explores themes of love, loss, grief, identity, isolation and motherhood. It examines mental health, which is portrayed in a sensitive way, and highlights the effects of anxiety and depression. The novel shows how death affects everyone in different ways and also demonstrates how our lives affect others and can make an impact. The story examines the complexities of family dynamics and looks at the roles that family members take on and just how different siblings are from each other. The novel is a story of second chances and although it is a haunting and heartbreaking tale, it ultimately offers hope and happiness.

The Truth Must Dazzle Gradually was one of my top ten books of 2020. It feels almost impossble to eloquently describe how much I loved this book, which leaves me emotional any time I think about it. It is such a beautiful story and the Irish setting meant I immediately felt connected to the story. I loved the way the narrative weaved between the past and the present, incorporating historic events such as Italia ‘90 and the 2015 same sex marriage referendum. The island setting was so vividly captured and the sense of community was an important element of the story. The use of the Irish language within the novel was lovely to read and really made me think of home. It is a brilliant book that deals with heavy subject matter, yet is handled delicately, while exploring the complexities of the human condition.

Have you read The Truth Must Dazzle Gradually?

Normal People

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Rating:

⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Marianne – “I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I don’t know why I can’t be like normal people.”

Connell – “It’s funny the decisions you make because you like someone and then your whole life is different. I think we’re at that weird age where life can change a lot from small decisions. But you’ve been a very good influence on me overall, like I definitely am a better person now, I think. Thanks to you.”

Connell and Marianne attend school together in Sligo in Ireland, yet do not acknowledge each other publicly. Connell is part of the popular clique and Marianne is regarded as a loner. Yet outside of school, things are very different. Connell’s mother works as a cleaner for Marianne’s mother and the teenagers become drawn to each other, forming a connection that will change their lives forever…

Normal People is a coming-of-age novel about friendship, sex and love, and the powerful connections made between people. The novel explores themes of identity, isolation and intimacy, and raises awareness of mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. The book also deals with social issues of class, education, prejudice and morality.

Having previously read Rooney’s debut novel Conversations with Friends, for me there is a detached and self-aware quality to Rooney’s writing that makes her characters quite unlikeable. However, I did relate to the central characters of Connell and Marianne in many different ways, despite their often frustrating behaviour. Many of their actions though reflect real life and serve as a reminder of the mistakes that many of us do make, particularly during our younger years. I may be the wrong demographic for this book and I can understand why it appeals more to younger readers, but I did enjoy it overall.

Now that I am watching the tv adaptation, I already have the urge to reread the book, despite reading it just days ago. I will save my thoughts on the tv show for a later review, but it is difficult not to allow it to influence my thoughts on the novel as the show is amazing!

Have you read or watched Normal People? Do you think that age matters when reading a novel?

 

My Dark Vanessa

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Rating:

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

When Vanessa Wye hears the news that her former teacher Jacob Strane has been accused of sexual abuse, she is forced to confront what she considered the first and great love story of her life. Because Vanessa was just fifteen years old when she first had sex with her English teacher. As the #MeToo movement gains more and more momentum, Vanessa finds herself questioning if what she considered love was not love at all, but actually rape?

My Dark Vanessa is an unflinching story of sexual abuse and grooming that is compelling and powerful. The novel highlights how an abuser manipulates and grooms their victims and exploits their vulnerabilities for their own gain. The book raises the issue of consent and also challenges many people’s preconceptions of a stereotypical victim and forms of abuse, while examining the long lasting impact and psychological damage of sexual abuse. The devastating consequences of sexual abuse are explored in the novel as Vanessa struggles to grasp the reality of what she has experienced, as well as cope with adult life. As the narrative weaves between the present and the past, the story reveals graphic scenes, which often makes for uncomfortable reading. However, these scenes are essential to the story in order to truly give an accurate depiction of such serious subject matter.

For me, My Dark Vanessa is an absorbing read that is difficult to forget. A lack of clear cut resolutions in the story adds to the realistic tone of the novel and the depiction of central character Vanessa feels authentic. My only minor critiques are that the story felt slightly stretched out in parts and the contrast between teenage Vanessa and adult Vanessa wasn’t always that distinct. Vanessa is described as a talented writer during her teenage years, but the narrative sometimes feels just beyond the voice of a teenage girl. Overall though, My Dark Vanessa is a fantastic debut novel that is published today. I hope it receives the success it deserves, despite these challenging times for new book releases and author events.

What debut novel has captured your attention in recent years?

Line of Duty Finale

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Line of Duty TV Review

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

[Contains spoilers!]

With over nine million viewers watching, last night’s Line of Duty finale was the most watched show in the U.K. this year. The incredible figure is expected to rise once catch up numbers are added up, with the total amount of viewers believed to be up to fourteen million. The biggest question on everyone’s lips was the identity of ‘H’, the mysterious figure believed to be the mastermind behind organised crime and corruption within the police force. Answers led to even more questions as Senior Legal Counsel Gill Biggeloe was proved to be the bent copper, with further examination of ‘Dot’ Cottan’s dying confession revealing that there are in fact four corrupt officers, which sets the scene for the next series.

To no surprise, Supt Ted “Mother Of God” Hastings was in fact framed, with previous scenes of his shady behaviour being heavily handed red herrings. After the opening episode’s twist, it wasn’t difficult to spot writer Jed Mercurio’s style again, yet it was still excellent drama as Adrian Dunbar put in an emotional performance in the tense interview scenes. Line of Duty’s signature interview scenes are always fantastic and much of the episode was played out in the interview room, yet was never short of thrills. Once the truth was revealed, the action ramped up a notch with DI Kate Fleming and DS Steve Arnott reacting quickly before Gill had an opportunity to escape and then almost be murdered herself. The scenes were gripping, although the show becomes at risk of bordering on the ridiculous.

Despite all the implausibilities, Line of Duty was BBC drama at its best. Its three leading characters of Ted, Steve and Kate are the heart and moral compass of the show, with their flaws making them more compelling and realistic characters. As the show came to a close last night, many loose ends were tied up, but many more questions and theories began. Who is the other H? Was DS John Corbett actually Ted’s son? Who ordered the hit on Gill? And will no one really not see through Corbett’s killer and new police recruit Ryan?!

So were you one of the nine million plus watching Line of Duty last night?What are your thoughts and theories?

Line of Duty S5:E01 Review

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Line of Duty Series 5 Trailer

[Contains spoilers]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

“There’s only one thing that’s worse than a bent copper and that’s a bent copper who pretends she isn’t.”

Line of Duty returned with a bang last night with a thrilling opening sequence that saw the return of the Balaclava Men in a dangerous heist involving the hijacking of a police consignment of drugs. The dramatic scenes involved the death of three police officers and PC Jane Cafferty’s life being spared by gang member Lisa McQueen, which ensured that AC-12 were quickly assigned to investigate the incident. Soon, it became apparent that a member of the OCG (Organised Crime Gang) was an undercover officer, but who? With all signs pointing to Lisa, the big twist was revealed in the final scenes and the UCO was actually gang leader John Corbett (played by Stephen Graham). The show also stayed true to its form of killing off cast members with the shock murder of corrupt PC Maneet Bindra.

In between all the dramatic events, the episode revealed how life had moved on for the AC-12 squad since Series 4. Superintendent Ted Hastings appears to be going through a divorce and staying in a hotel, where he is behind on paying his bill. DS Steve Arnott is slowly recovering from his accident in the previous series, but remains in physical pain. DI Kate Fleming appears to have reconciled with her family and yes, in a surprise twist, she is the officer who has been promoted to DI. With Steve having emerged as the likely candidate in Season 4, has the rise of the #metoo movement affected writer Jed Mercurio’s plans for Season 5? Or is it simply that Steve’s accident has derailed his career opportunities?

The unfolding of events throughout the episode raised a whole host of new questions. With no contact for months between the police and John Corbett, is the UCO really deep undercover or has he now gone rogue? Could Lisa McQueen still be another UCO? Could Ted Hastings really be a likely contender for the mysterious H? Who was he calling at the exact same time that Lisa McQueen’s phone rang? So many unanswered questions!

Last night’s episode has now become the most watched show of 2019, with 7.8 million viewers watching it live. Were you one of those viewers? What are your theories?

Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again

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Rating:

⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again Trailer

After the incredible success of the film adaptation of musical Mamma Mia!, the story continues in Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again five years after the events of the original film. Two parallel timelines unfold during the film as the present day sees Sophie preparing for the grand reopening of the Hotel Bella Donna, which alternates between flashbacks of a young Donna and her adventures after graduating from Oxford University, which may include a certain three young men of significance…

Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again is a fun romp that retains much of the formula of its predecessor, yet fails to serve any significance. Lily James gives a gusto performance as a young Meryl Streep, which is no easy task, yet because of the original film’s existence, the flashback scenes offer nothing new to the story and are ultimately redundant. With much of ABBA’s back catalogue of hits used in the first film, the film is forced to rely on lesser known songs this time around with the addition of a number of repetitions from the original film. The musical numbers are still a riot, with the cast gamely demonstrating their enthusiasm, despite a lack of singing prowess from some of the cast members.

Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again sees all the cast from the original movie return, yet one cast member is glaringly absent for much of the film, which sadly suffers as a result. It is evident that the cast are having the time of their lives on screen, but the lack of a story and number of plot holes result in a film that almost feels pointless.

Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again is out on DVD today and although it has a number of issues, the film is still a fun form of escapism, especially now that the dark gloomy wintery evenings have arrived. For me, I had a more personal interest in the film as my sister’s boyfriend worked for a few days on the film during the Oxford scenes, so that was quite exciting and actually how I first found out that the sequel was being made!

Have you see Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again? Are you a fan of musicals and sequels?

Killing Eve

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Killing Eve Trailer

Rating: 5/5

“You should never tell a psychopath they’re a psychopath. It upsets them.”

Villanelle – a cold hearted and ruthless assassin.

Eve – the MI5 operative tasked with tracking her down.

As the cat and mouse game begins, a mutual obsession between the two women develops.

One that might cost them their lives…

Killing Eve stars Sandra Oh and Jodie Comer as the characters of Eve and Villanelle, both playing their parts to perfection. As the initially boring and bumbling Eve, Oh is world’s away from her spiky character Dr Cristina Yang in Grey’s Anatomy and has proved she made the right decision to move on from the long running hit US drama. Here she displays a naïvety and innocence that is slowly shed as she comes to grips with her new world away from her desk bound job as she moves out into the field. Having become known for her role in Doctor Foster, Jodie Comer stars in a break out role as the chilling yet slightly eccentric Villanelle. Despite committing a string of truly appalling acts, Comer plays the part with such a delightful wickedness and relish that you can’t help rooting for her. The dark and often tongue-in-cheek humour ensures that Killing Eve is a spy drama like no other.

Killing Eve finished airing on BBC One on Saturday night and, in a clever move, the BBC made the show immediately available on iplayer from the very first episode’s screening. The show has proved to be a huge hit and has previously aired in the US to similar success. The show created history when Sandra Oh became the first Asian actress to be nominated for an Emmy in a leading role performance and the show has been praised for featuring two female actresses in the lead roles. With such a female driven cast, Killing Eve stands out from other action focused dramas and is one of the best shows of the year.

Did you watch Killing Eve? If so, did you watch it live each week or binge watch the whole series on iplayer? Have you read the original book series?

Killing Eve BBC Three Trailer

The Cry

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The Cry Trailer

Rating:5/5

[Spoiler Free Review]

“Two faces, two Joannas.”

The Cry stars Jenna Coleman as new mother Joanna, who steps out into a media frenzy in the show’s opening scene. The question of why remains a mystery as the story gradually unfolds through its four episode arc. The first episode weaves through a whirl of multiple timelines, which is often jarring due to its lack of chronology, but is a clever narrative device used to gain a wider insight into the development of the relationship between Joanna and her partner Alistair.

As the story unfolds through each episode, the circumstances surrounding Joanna are gradually revealed with more questions being raised as to what led to these events. Twists and turns are played out to shocking degrees, often with excruciating cliffhangers. With Joanna herself alluding to two sides of her personality in the opening episode, the viewer is kept guessing as to Joanna’s motives and all is not as it seems…

The Cry concluded on Sunday night in a gripping fashion and was full of shocks as the truth behind the story’s events were revealed. The show delivered a fantastic performance from Jenna Coleman, who initially had reservations about the role due to not being a mother herself. However she proved to be the perfect person for the part, displaying a fragile vulnerability as well as a mix of coldness, a sense of detachment from her surroundings and a complex range of emotions. The show must be praised for highlighting the difficulties and pressures of being a new mother and the scrutiny and judgement that they can face, painfully portrayed in a relatable airplane scene that everyone will have experienced to some degree, regardless of being a parent. The show also highlighted the intrusive nature of the press and the impact of media scrutiny and the online world on people’s lives and how destructive those outlets can be, at a time when excessive information can lead to a lack of impartiality.

The Cry is based on the novel by Helen Fitzgerald, which was longlisted for the Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year Award. The book has now shot up the book charts as a result of the success of the show. While The Cry had the difficult task of replacing the phenomenally successful Bodyguard in the prime time Sunday night slot on BBC One, it proved to be another must see drama that gripped viewers in the U.K. yet again!

Did you watch The Cry? Did you guess all the twists and turns? Have you read the original novel?

A Star Is Born

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A Star Is Born Trailer

Rating: 5/5

With Clint Eastwood previously attached to direct and Beyoncé set to star, the latest adaptation of A Star Is Born has been stuck in development hell for a number of years. After another setback, leading man Bradley Cooper took the helm as director, with Lady Gaga confirmed in the female leading role, and the film finally went into production.

A Star Is Born is a modern update of its previous incarnations and tells the story of waitress and aspiring singer Ally, whose path crosses with country music star Jackson Maine. As Jackson takes her under his wing, the two fall in love and soon Ally’s star is on the rise. But with Ally’s career flourishing and Jackson’s on the wane, his addictions and jealousy threaten to derail their relationship. Can love save them or will Jackson’s destructive behaviour tear them apart?

A Star Is Born is an incredible film that is in turns hilarious, shocking and heartbreaking, mainly due to the raw and immersive performances from Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga. Cooper is almost unrecognisable as alcoholic Jackson and Lady Gaga is a revelation as rising star Ally. The chemistry between the two is electric and their portrayal of the romance between the unlikely pairing is so convincing and honest. In what are career-defining roles, the authenticity between the pair can be attributed to both stars co-writing much of the soundtrack, with the film clearly a labour of love from all involved. Cooper especially must be commended for his directorial debut and his co-writing of the script, which offers an emotional punch that is sure to leave even the most cynical viewer reeling.

The film offers a sharp and acute insight into the music industry, a world where women are often moulded to a certain image, with the story exploring the conflict of retaining an artist’s integrity over commercial success. The musical element of the story is enhanced by live vocal performances from Cooper and Gaga, who insisted on avoiding lip-synched performances. The film contains fantastic visual set pieces that include performances at festivals such as Glastonbury and Coachella, as well as during Lady Gaga’s Joanne tour at The Tour Stop in Los Angeles, California on August 9th 2017.

As well as being a compelling love story, A Star Is Born highlights the tragic effects of addiction and mental health and explores whether love can ever be enough to save someone. It is a heart-breaking story that is painfully real yet also beautiful to watch, due to such incredible performances from Cooper and Gaga.

A Star Is Born is sure to sweep the board during film awards season in the months to come and its success will certainly be justified. The film is garnering glowing reviews and, with a fantastic soundtrack, it’s a strong contender for one of my favourite films this year.

Bodyguard

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Bodyguard Trailer

5/5

[Review contains spoilers!]

After a slightly more subdued Episode 5, Bodyguard returned last night with an explosive finale as DS David Budd found himself being set up in the worst possible way. Forced to walk the streets of London in a suicide vest, he did everything he possibly could to prove his innocence in a tense and gripping extended 75 minute episode. The nail biting scenes were an example of British drama at its best and demonstrated just why over 11 million people tuned in live to watch the shocking events unfold. The figure is predicted to rise to over 13 million viewers once catch up viewing has been taken into consideration and the programme is now the most watched show on any British channel since 2011 and the most watched BBC drama since 2008.

With such dramatic moments taking precedent in the final episode, the frenetic pace continued in its aftermath as most of the unanswered questions were resolved by the closing titles. The programme had red herrings galore throughout its six episodes, with the biggest one of all being where David Budd’s loyalty was really placed. The complex character proved to be the true hero of the story as he sought out the real culprits behind Julia Montague’s assassination. Sadly, it appeared that the Home Secretary really was dead after all and the biggest twists were instead revealed to be that the inside man was actually an inside woman in the shape of DS Budd’s boss Chief Superintendent Lorraine Craddock and the seemingly naive Nadia was a jihadi responsible for making all the bombs.

The adrenaline fuelled and heart racing pace of Bodyguard has gripped the nation in the U.K., ever since its incredible 20 minute pre-credits sequence in its first episode. The programme has proved that the water cooler moment and event tv is back with a bang, with Bodyguard theories being the hot topic of conversation up and down the country. With the programme being such an incredible hit, writer Jed Mercurio has hinted that the series will continue. In the meantime, the Bodyguard creator will be working on the fifth series of Line of Duty, which viewers were treated to a glimpse of after the credits of Bodyguard rolled last night. The anticipation is building!

Were you among the many watching the final last night?