Our Writers Recommend... (27/07/20)

BOOK: The Secret History by Donna Tartt

‘The Secret History’ is a book that was recommended to me by a friend and one that I have not been able to put down. The story centres around Californian student Richard, who, finding himself rudderless in life, enrols in a college on the other side of the country in Vermont. His desire to study Greek soon leads to him finding himself immersed in a small, elite course with Julian, his teacher, and his five fellow students, whose seemingly extravagant and privileged lives he spends the majority of his time attempting to fit in to. But there’s a twist - they’re all involved in a murder. Don’t worry, my revealing this is not a disastrous spoiler - it is literally the first sentence of the book. As I read more, I found myself reading a gloriously gripping book version of How to Get Away with Murder, with Richard occasionally flipping between the past and present to help the reader understand the events which led to the murder. This is only the second murder mystery that I have ever read, but I can not recommend it enough. The writing is so easy to read and the story is so captivating that I have found myself having to limit how many pages I read a night so that I don't finish it too quickly.

Find and support your local bookshop at https://www.booksellers.org.uk/bookshopsearch. 

Abby Gilchrist
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PODCAST: In Conversation: Nas Campanella (Shameless Media)

The women at Shameless Media interview Nas Capanella, who is a journalist and ABC’s first disability affairs' reporter. Nas is one of the world’s first blind newsreaders. Nas talks about her life and job, with regards to her disability and her neurological condition which means she can’t read Braille. She discusses how she was worried about finding love, and how she has overcome so many obstacles and persevered in reaching her dream career. Nas comes across as extremely likeable and the conversation is so raw and refreshing. She talks honestly but doesn’t hold any grudges or pity for herself, she just aims for change in the workplace and a change in expectations people have of those with  disabilities.

Amy Knowles
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PODCAST: Boris Johnson: Year One (BBC Newscast)

Laura Whitmore and Chris Mason interview Will Walden, Boris Johnson’s former key adviser, to take a look back at the PM’s first year in charge. After a year that no one would ever have predicted, it is fair to say that Johnson was not dealt the hand that he believed he was going to be getting when he first walked into Downing Street last July. The issues surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic have made those January Brexit Blues seem minuscule in comparison, and it has been a rough ride for all those involved in public office. This interview is particularly interesting as Walden had worked closely with Boris for several years, and therefore offers a more personal evaluation of the PM’s first year, drawing on comparisons from his time as Mayor of London, and discussing how his unique personality has affected the decisions that he made in the last 12 months. Whether you despise the man, or are his number one fan, I recommend everyone to listen to this podcast to gain a better insight into who the man leading our country really is.

Angus Muir
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NETFLIX SERIES: Fear City: New York vs the Mafia.

If, like myself, you enjoy true crime and have yet to sit through The Godfather trilogy, then I highly recommend Fear City. The story of mob-rule in New York City in the 1970s and 80s, a city which was under the complete control of the five Mob families, is told with accounts from ex-Mafia soldiers and captains, as well as interviews with ex-FBI agents, who at the height of their fight against the Mafia were bugging everything from cars to TVs within the boss’s very own home. Fear City offers an insight into the world of mob rule from both sides and, following the interviews with ex-Mafia men, leaves one going to sleep at night wondering how those men, after having given such detailed accounts of the inner workings of a Mob family, are still alive. 

​Abby Gilchrist
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FILM: Fighting With My Family

Based on a true story, Stephen Merchant’s film not only includes a collective of incredible actors; Florence Pugh, Vince Vaughan and Nick Frost, but portrays a fast-paced storyline. The biographical film follows a family of wrestlers from Norwich and Paige’s (as played by Pugh) career climb to WWE, whilst at the same time depicting the downfall of her brother Zak (as played by Lowden). Ultimately the film is a comedy, with Pugh playing a “freak” from Norwich competing against models to be the WWE Diva’s champion. However, the poignant focus on family connections and originality really pulls the movie to the heights it reaches.

Amy Knowles