
The Martian by Andy Weir – Book Review

“The movie was better than the book” is not something I say often, but to my surprise that’s how I felt about Weir’s red planet bestseller.
Love and Louis XIV by Antonia Fraser – Book Review

I felt like revisiting one of my favourite historical biographies, exploring the relationships between the greatest monarch of his age and the women in his life.
Beth Gibbons @ Hamer Hall

I’m glad I had a chance to see the elusive Portishead lead singer live, but I wish I found the concert more emotionally engaging.
12 Angry Men (1957) – Film Review

This blistering courtroom drama from director Sidney Lumet held me in such thrall from start to finish I didn’t dare pause it once.
Top Ten Tuesday – Animal Companions

This week’s topic from That Artsy Reader Girl is all about the animal companions, whether they’re loyal, cuddly, amusing or terrifying.
Le Chat Noir by Théophile Steinlen
This Art Nouveau poster, advertising a 19th-century Parisian cabaret, has been reproduced endlessly on mugs, cushion covers, tote bags and fridge magnets. Though it’s iconic to the point of cliché, I could not resist hanging a framed copy in my own living room.

Challengers – Film Review

This Zendaya-starring, sweat-drenched tennis drama is stylish and luscious, but it didn’t quite hit the mark for me.
Born Yesterday – Film Review



