It’s time for #6Degrees – join in! Link up!
We begin this month’s chain with the controversial eighties best-seller by V. C. Andrews, Flowers in the Attic. It’s truly a diabolical book and in 1987, I couldn’t put it down. Continue reading
Tag Archives: Winifred Watson
Christmas in Summer Reading Challenge Wrap-Up
Seems a little early for a reading challenge wrap-up but it’s true, the Christmas in Summer Reading Challenge, hosted by Brona’s Books, is done and dusted. Continue reading
Mrs Pettigrew Lives for a Day by Winifred Watson
A few days ago I did a book versus film comparison of Winifred Watson’s charming comedy-of-manners, Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day. There’s lots to say about this book – the Cinderella re-telling, the themes of female friendship; and how to write witty and engaging dialogue.
I’m sure there were parts of the story that were truly scandalous when it was first published – start with the bed-hopping and casual cocaine references within the first dozen pages. There are parts that are scandalous now (racist remarks and comments about keeping women in line aren’t fit for modern audiences) but honestly, mow your damn lawn and sit the hell down* (and keep it in historical perspective while you’re there, peoples).
The film version of the story has possibly my favourite sets of all time (I want Miss LaFosse’s flat). It also has a brilliant soundtrack. But this is about the book so instead of a review, I’m giving some of my favourite passages from the book a new soundtrack.
Alive – Goldfrapp
“Miss Pettigrew had never in her life before dealt with a situation that needed such finesse.” Continue reading
Book vs. Film: Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day
Book. Continue reading
Actually, I saw the film first (and it was quite good)
I read the book before I see the film. Almost always.
This week’s Top Ten Tuesday topic (hosted by The Broke and the Bookish) is about Best/Worst Movie Adaptations. I covered my favourite movie adaptations here and I simply won’t dwell on the worst (it’s the Pollyanna in me). So, with a slight tweak to the topic, my top ten covers great movies I’ve seen before reading the book*.
1. Silver Linings Playbook by Matthew Quick; movie starring Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence – because Bradley Cooper (see gratuitous pic above if in doubt… and there’s another one at the end because I have no shame). Continue reading