Book #9: Room by Emma Donoghue.

(Okay, reminder, this is a week ago in writing, sorry guys.)

It's 12:53 Ibiza time, my head is pulsating with the intensity of the heat, and also, at what I've just finished reading. I feel like I've been deprived of words on this holiday so far, so I'm writing this in my notes and will publish it when I get home on Monday/Tuesday. Tuesday probably, considering our flight lands in Newcastle at around 10pm Monday and I'll have other things to do than rewrite my inner thoughts that are three days stale. So with my up and coming tan lines I've worked many a tiring day to afford, here goes. 

This isn't a book recommendation, I really must say this from the off. This book is like nothing I've ever read before or am unlikely to read again. Gritty is one thing, but this is unbelievable. Emma Donoghue's 'room' has won awards, rightfully so. More so, I imagine, recognised for the content of the narrative than the writing itself, which is kinda sad, but it makes sense. A novel in it's own right, Room is more than that, it's a journey. The writing is exquisitely fresh and unbelievably well thought-out. The perspective in which it is told is comforting and yet makes Emma's writing more perverse than you can ever really comprehend. This story is none other than an art-form frankly. It is so well written that it made me cry, made me sick, and made me laugh. Donoghue combines the naivety of the narration with a sudden realness you absolutely must bring to a story about kidnap. Oh, didn't you know that? I didn't either. I had no idea what Room was about until I opened it on my kindle a few days ago, surrounded by an Ibiza coastline and lots of suntan lotion. So now, as I'm basking in the rays, room is on my mind. I honestly had no idea what this book was about, never mind that it was a piece of fiction so harrowingly considered when it comes to abduction.

A subject matter I would shy away from usually, but I can't say this enough, this book is BRILLIANTLY WRITTEN. It's riveting and shocking and at times, surprisingly it's very funny. I want to rave about it and thrust it into the hands of those around me, just so I can have someone to discuss it with. I felt drained as I finished this book, and understandably so. It kind of breaks your heart and then pieces it back together again. It doesn't need recommending, it doesn't need praise or advertisement, because the writing speaks for itself. 

Book #7: The End of Alice by A.M Homes.

I currently lie in my bed, staring at my bedroom walls, blank, expressionless. I have just finished this book, and now, I'm speechless. To look at the cover, examine it closely, it gives nothing away. Well, not to someone who hasn't read it, yet now, I've taken a second look, and this time, I get it. It's representative of what's inside the jacket, what the words are just dying to convey.

In all honesty, I had no idea what this book was about when I bought it. I just picked it up, liked the title and never even read the back of it. While the front cover reads 'this is everything fiction should be-wrenching, disturbing and emotive,' the inside is what really reveals more than I could have ever thought humanly possible. To state the absolute obvious if you've ever googled this book, or picked up a copy, it is not nice. In fact, I found it so horrific, so morally degrading, that I struggled to read it and actually get to the end.

Written in the 90's, this book got a really bitter reception, and with the subject matter, it's no surprise as to why. The story follows, and is narrated almost solely by a man, a convinced paedophile, who writes from the confines of his prison cell. In doing so, he exchanges letters with a young girl, manipulating and grooming her and all the while, tiny pieces, or in some places, large chunks of his criminal past are infiltrated into the reader's mind. 

I can't even begin to fully describe how I feel about this book. I actually dropped it when my eyes finished glossing over the last few lines, in a mixture of shock, disgust and relief. I can't even believe I'd read something like this. It's so chilling, so inhumane, so utterly perverse, that actually, I kind of wish I'd never layed eyes on it. My lungs feel exhausted, my heart is in my throat, my eyes are streaming, but whether these are tears of confusion, sadness or blinding fear, I don't know. This is not, I must stress, a book for the faint hearted. More brutal as it goes on, I can't even count how many times my gag reflex kicked in when my eyes began to feast on the monstrosity in front of me. Shocked to the core, disgusted beyond belief, I feel kind of numb now. 

It's full of manipulation, deceit and ruin; loss of innocence, brutality and mass disturbance. There's something about this book that gets under your skin. Grabs you by the throat and leaves you gasping for life. While I can sit and appreciate how skillfully it is written, I will never ever suggest anyone need/must read it. From it's vulgar, masochistic tones, to it's sheer, unadulterated courage, I can't even believe this was allowed to be published. Haunting from the first page to the very last, a book I will not forget in a hurry, no matter how hard I try. An eye-opener, a casualty you wish you'd never seen, a demon you'd never wish to discover. Read it or don't, that's not for me to say. I just know, personally, and I know most will agree, this may be a subject taken a bit too far. Maybe this novel should have been kept hidden in the dark, chilling depths of A.M Homes' mind, rather than a copy of it left discarded in disgust at my bedside. 

Book #6: Reckless.

Its taken me months to finish this book, despite it only being 100-ish pages, so technically it's a novella. Hint: that's not a good sign. It's not like i've been stupidly busy or just concentrating on my never-ending list of course books, although I have. It was one of the first books I put on my kindle, and yet not one I was eager to finish. 

I have to admit, I'm not about to applaud Allison Brennan's efforts. Reckless, in my opinion, doesn't live up to its name. I finally read it's closing pages today and sighed with relief, rather than sadness. I can't put into words how much I didn't click with this book. A crime novel, i suppose, and yet I didn't find myself excited throughout it at all. The third person narrating style made the plot appear childish and impersonal, and the short, sharp sentences that were for tension building failed miserably. I found he basic plot like hugely exaggerated and the characters themselves seemed to lack any real personality, instead the story focused on the deemed "exciting" action. A book that received some rave reviews, yet I won't be gushing about it any time in the near (or far) future. A New York Times bestseller, by a supposedly well-recognised author, who I have to admit was a stranger to me. I haven't read that many crime novels, yet this may be my least favourite. Or perhaps I'm used to reading really shocking literature so this fell short of my sky-high expectations. 

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't incredibly bored throughout this book, as it lacked the structure I longed for. With every new page or chapter, I got myself hoping for a plot twist or some sort of extenuating circumstance that would surprise readers, but no. This book didn't affect me at all, in fact, I probably wouldn't have even bothered finishing it if it wasn't for the fact is already made this list and sworn I'd complete it no matter what. Short but definitely not sweet. Sorry, Allison Brennan, but I just didn't get it. I wasn't thrilled, intrigued or hooked from the moment I started the book, nor was I drawn in gradually. A novel, I'm sorry to say, I feel like I wasted so many unnecessary hours slaving over. I'm not gonna be by the sidelines cheering this one on any time soon. Do yourselves a favour and read something else.

Gushing over Gatsby.

I've waited for over a year and a half, with baited breath and permanently crossed fingers, for this moment. The release of Baz Luhrmann's The Great Gatsby. I had very high hopes for such a wonderful film adaptation, and I must say, disappointed, I most definitely was not. Luhrmann's style is evidently echoed in this epic love story, taking place during the Roaring Twenties in America. Full of wacky, powerful and unbelievably-realistic characters, deep, profound speeches and one or two hilarious little quips. Fitzgerald's classic novel is held with such high regard, I was worried that Luhrmann's take on it would be a complete flop. But, luckily, to my utmost delight, it was fabulous. Everything. From head-to-toe, down-right, dripping in brilliance. Every shot, every carefully selected piece of scenery, the exquisite costume design, the astounding imagery, every breath a character uttered. It was perfect.

I didn't think it was possible to have a film that so closely echoed the real novel, especially after the 60's Robert Redford film version, which was, admittedly, quite cleverly done, especially for the time. But, as you all have guessed, Leonardo DiCaprio has done it again. The decision to cast him as the inglorious, hopeful, gorgeous Jay Gatsby, was a faultless one. And his pairing with star-crossed lover, Daisy, a stunning, hugely-talented Carey Mulligan, was, in my opinion, pure genius. She was everything Daisy ever was, from the sheer brilliance of her lifestyle, to the matter-of-fact outlook she has on life, Carey was astounding. This may be partly because, after seeing the first film, I picked faults with Mia Farrow's Daisy, being too whiney and unable to convey anything much other than a fairly forced disappointed facial expression, and one or two dramatic head-titled poses. However, Carey, who I sincerely love, (check her out, in some of her other work; An Education, Never Let Me Go.) was on top form, yet again. Her ability to maintain in character, is wonderful, and throughout the film, I was spellbound by her.

So, Leo and Carey deserve an Oscar, what about the rest of the cast? Well, I'm thoroughly impressed at whoever decided to cast the rest. I was nervous when it was revealed that Elizabeth Debicki would play my favourite girl, a serial-cheat, a sly witty, typical woman of the time, Jordan Baker. The one with the best lines, the clever sarcastic tone and very obviously, the flapper look. There aren't enough words to describe how good Debicki played Jordan, it's everything I ever wanted her to be, as well as so much more. I've never thought someone could be so well modelled on a literary character, than Elizabeth Debicki as Jordan Baker. A role she was born to play. A major applause for Joel Edgerton, forever the man you could not keep your eyes off. Tom Buchanan, the bully, the animal, the maddening sleaze-bag. Joel, I'll say it only once, you were great. Now, if I was worried about the rest of the casting, who would be our so-called, omniscient narrator, Nick Carraway. The character whose emotions we all share, the anguish, the delight, the mere flirtations, being overcome with such a fantastical lifestyle, with its glam parties, extravagant lights and a very slight hint of the essential debauchery of the 20's. The one person we are always with. Our Nicky was played by the wonderful Tobey Maguire. Everybody's favourite. The one who begins and ends on such a paradoxically different note, it's hard to process if you haven't already read Fitzgerald's classic. A summer to change your life. The sort-of-welcome of Meyer Wolfshiem (Amitabh Bachchan) and George (Jason Clarke) and Myrtle Wilson (Isla Fisher), and this film can conquer the world.

A novel that combines and breaks every social barrier known to man. The morals went out of the window as soon as the Roaring Twenties hit. The parties were better, the liquor was cheaper, and most of all, an infamous Jay Gatsby was richer and more illusive than ever. I honestly believe, hand-on-heart, that Luhrmann's production is, wait for it, a masterpiece. An Oscar waiting to happen. I don't think Fitzgerald could've done it better himself. He, I hope, would be as proud as the millions of fans sitting awe-fully in his wake. Costume was mesmerising, the scenery was out of this world, and the characters, were indescribable (although I've tried!) Even down to Isla Fisher's part, a girl who is usually known for quippy little Rom-Com's, with happy endings that leave no threads untied, so she really has done well to get her hands on the role of the devilish, voluptuous Myrtle.

As the credits began to roll, the silence was deafening. The atmosphere could've been cut with a knife. The room was split. Those who knew the ending, and those who didn't. A very sparse few had dry eyes. And in 2013, it suddenly all made sense. We all understood. As the credits continued and the lights came back on, the facial expressions were tell-tale signs. Appreciation. Enlightenment. And most of all, envy. In an age where we party too hard, love to look glam, and will devour someone's arm off to catch a piece of juicy gossip, The Great Gatsby made us think, unanimously, we were born 70 years too late.

Gatsby, the greatest love of all.

Words cannot describe how excited I am that, in a mere month or so, I'll get to see something I've been waiting for for what seems like a lifetime, and is, in fact, almost two years. Studying The Great Gatsby at AS Level, I have a special place in my heart reserved for Fitzgerald's masterpiece. Since the day I opened the cover, it's words have never truly left me, and I can quote an awful lot of it. Revising it for my exam was anything but a bother, as everyone seemed to love it. 

My adoration for Gatsby comes from my undying love for the brilliance of the 1920's, as well as the sheer power of Fitzgerald's writing. His works are indescribable and unless you've read them, you will not know what I truly mean. A novel that is deemed 'coming of age' and I can honestly say that there are books that will never ever, tarnish my love for such a wonderful, wonderful piece of literature. 

My dog-eared copy is merely a lime-green, Penguin Popular Classics edition, although I love it immensely. I went through a phase where I seemed to tell everyone I knew and met, all about this extraordinary man, who lead an extravagant lifestyle in America, and threw the best parties in town. A legend, as it were. The Leonardo DiCaprio of the 21st Century. Charming, beautiful and very famous. There is, obviously, no accident, in Baz Luhrmann's casting of the newly produced, The Great Gatsby, as his wonderful lead, is none other than Leo himself. I couldn't have dreamed up a better cast in my wildest dreams, as I think Carey Mulligan will put on an Oscar-winning performance, like her previous tear-jerking roles in An Education and Never Let Me Go. (If you haven't seen them, really-do!) 

It's a constant fascination to me, as to why F. Scott Fitzgerald wasn't appreciated in his lifetime, as his works are beautifully written, extremely powerful and now, a huge success. There are various references to his own life, the one he actually lead with his wife, and only true love, Zelda, which is shown through his dedication at the opening leaf of the book. It reads:

"Once again, to Zelda."

I love that. It's so romantic. Imagine that, having a novel dedicated to you. Especially a one so thrilling as Gatsby. I don't want to include a great number of spoilers, in case anyone who comes across this just happens to haven't read it (which I find slanderous by the way...so please do read it.)  A life-changing novel, a one that truly expresses that money, can't, and never will, buy happiness, and the sheer importance of seizing the day, not putting someone you love on a pedestal, and the life-long lesson that there is no such thing as too many clothes. 

Jay Gatsby, Daisy and Tom Buchanan, Nick Carraway, Jordan Baker, Myrtle and George Wilson and Meyer Wolfsheim, to name just a few of the famous characters you'll see on your screens this May. I'm so excited, and a little nervous, as I hold this novel with such high regard, that I can't help be anxious about whether or not Mr Luhrmann will pull it off. The Robert Redford version is good, but Mia Farrow kind of got on my last nerve, and although Daisy is supposed, in a way, to infuriate and astonish readers, I always had an image in my head of who Daisy B really was, and Carey Mulligan was, in my mind, born for this role. I have every faith in the cast, the direction and the production team. One of my all-time favourites, a literary masterpiece, and one I'm sure, that Mrs Fitz would've been proud to put her name to.So fingers crossed that this is going to be the greatest Gatsby film ever. I have my '20's flapper outfit at the ready.