Watched – Enid (Blyton)

Bonham Carter as Enid Blyton

When I was a child, Enid Blyton was my favorite author. She was beloved of most children: a wonderful storyteller whose stories kept you entranced. But what was she like as a person? Helena Bonham Carter was, at first glance, a surprising choice, to play Blyton in this BBC 4 biopic, but – then so was Trevor Eve who played Hughie Green, in the last series and I thought he was absolutely great!

Enid Blyton

The young Enid gets into storytelling to distract her siblings from the furious arguments which are going on between their parents. Her father eventually leaves for another woman (or so her mother says, though all her life Enid won’t believe this). It is easy to see why Enid starts escaping into her own world. She leaves home as soon at the first opportunity (Enid never stops running all through her life). She trains to become a schoolteacher, though her real ambition is to be an author. Rejected many times, she keeps trying, until eventually a door opens. Not one to hang around, she marries her publisher.

the very famous Five books

Their early days seem idyllic. What a blow it must have been to her to be told she couldn’t have children.. But despite these problems, she does have a child (in fact two,) but motherhood does not come easily to her. She seems more work inspired, than nurturing. Time for a nanny. But although she is honest about her failings, she does have some odd ideas about how to handle week old babies….

Enid Blyton bedtime story book

It is strange the way Blyton is different with other children than her own, and a bit baffling really. She seems more relaxed whilst in the company of children she doesn’t know. To an extent, she seems to shun anything that doesn’t fit into her world of fiction, such as the War. It’s as if in her refusal to be distracted, it will just go away. When her husband starts drinking, she banishes him into the spare room!

Noddy a popular Blyton character

 

Blyton is the ultimate escapist, and does not like the banalities of motherhood: writing comes first. When Blyton finally comes to terms that we are at war, she contributes by digging for victory with her children and entertaining officers whilst her husband is away (escapism again). Eventually of course, she takes a lover ‘Uncle’ Kenneth Waters.

the magical land of Enid

The acting was really good and the attention to period detail wonderful. Bonham Carter makes a great Blyton, showing all her contradiction. She is both hardened and yet vulnerable in her reluctance to face reality. The way that Blyton deals with harsh reality is through her children’s tales, where a happy ending is assured and cake is distributed with lashings of Ginger Beer She has such a hard unfeeling edge to her to her personality though and is able to compartmentalise her life skillfully, dismissing her children. Poor Hugh (ex husband) gets the treatment time and time again, and very cruelly. It is incredulous the way that she can turn her back on anything she doesn’t want to deal with, including her mother and her siblings. A very complicated, emotionally damaged but talented person, whose end was indeed tragic.

Watch it HERE　

Well Read?

It’s the third day of the ‘blog every day for a whole week on bookstains challenge’ and I’ve been wondering which is the worlds most best-selling book..  The answer is surprising.  I would have thought it was the bible –  but it isn’t.  The sales of these  best-selling books are over 1 million copies.  They are-

A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens  1859 sold over 200 million

The Lord of the Rings by J RR Tolkien  1854-1855 sold 150 million

The Hobbit by J R R Tolkien 1937 sold over 100 million

 (Dream of the Red Chamber) Cao Xuegin  1759 -1791 sold over 100 million

And then there were None by Agatha Christie 1939  sold over 100 million

Heidi

You could say that I have contributed to those sales, having bought and read ‘A Tale of Two Cities’, ‘Lord of the Rings’ and ‘The Hobbit’.  Also rans  (between 50 million and a million) are;-

The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe’  by C S Lewis

She by H Rider Haggard
Le Petit  Prince (The Little Prince) Antoine de Saint-Exupery

The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown

Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill

The Catcher in the Rye by J D Salinger

The Alchemist by Paolo Coelho

Steps to Christ by Ellen G White

Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov

Heidi’s years of wandering and learning by Johanna Spyri

The Common Sense book of baby and Childcare by Dr Benjamin Spock

Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery

Black Beauty by Anna Sewell

The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco

SHE is Ursula Andress

Out of those, I’m surprised to find that  I’ve actually read The Lion the Witch and the wardrobe, The Little Prince, Heidi, Catcher in the Rye,  Lolita, Anne of Green Gables, Black Beauty and The name of the Rose.    I might add, that most of these books were read years ago  and of my choosing -  not through required reading.  My relationship to Dr Spock is a bit tenuous.  I am a product of his advice  

Well how many of these particular books have your read?  More than me I bet – and what did you think of that list?

List from here and includes other interesting book lists

Heidi Book image from here
She image and book review here

Dear Reader I read it ‘My Fault’ by Billy Childish’

I have recently  finished reading  ‘My Fault’ by artist/poet/writer and musician Billy Childish and I am now  half way through his second book Notebooks of a Naked Youth.   My Fault is about growing up – the hard way.  Childish writes forcibly and sometimes brutally as his alter ego Steven Hamperson.   There is so much honesty and at times bitterness (who can blame him) that I can only marvel at the sheer force of his personality and his survival instinct.  Molested by a family member, misunderstood and constantly put down by his mother, father and brother and prey to local bullies, Childish lives in a world of deprivation (his father drinks all the money) and seems to be  blamed and scapegoated for all that goes wrong in his dysfunctional family.

Theres no escape from the bullies even at school where dyslexic Childish takes many a bashing from the teachers with their lack of understanding and some real low lifes.  At times this is a tough book to read.  It’s tinged with sadness but there are some lighter moments which mostly come from Childish’s observations about the strange people he encounters. 

 Childish is known for his poetry, his minimal involvement with Stuckism, his many bands and his Sunday painting and printmaking.  He is actually famous in a non famous kind of way.  He is a chameleon who cannot be really pinned down.  He is all things to all people – yet remains apart, non conformist and highly individual.  His name was even emblazoned on a tent which disappeared into a puff of smoke (Tracey Emin’s)  Childish is relentless in the non pursuit of non fame.  For example, every time one of his bands becomes a bit too popular he disbands and forms another.

One of the most vibrantly drawn characters in the book is his father, who I imagine as a kind of Pat Mustard  (the wayward milkman in ‘Father Ted) with the  controlling grip of perhaps a Phil Spector/ Don Arden (though he has nothing to do with music). The relationship Childish has with his mother (Juney) is another interesting one as is the unfriendly sibling rivalry with his brother who always knows better , has the appearence of doing  better and never hesitates to tell him so.

All in all a jolly good read.  Not exactly light reading but not too heavy either.  Though I expect the pinch of salt you will need to take with regards to the characters will be either minute  – or non existent.

Book images here and here

Woodcut by Childish and website here

Happy Birthday Dear Jane Austen!

 

Today is the 235th birthday of British writer Jane Austen b. 1775 -1817.  In her short lifetime Austen completed 6 books.  I have read all of them, and have to say that Pride and Prejudice is my very favorite (followed closely by Emma).  To celebrate her birthday see my Echostains which explores her portraits. Meanwhile over here at Bookstains,  here are two of my favorite clips, (though I have many)  of the BBC production of Pride and Prejudice starring Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle. 

Having turned down Darcy’s marriage proposal, Lizzie and her relatives spend some time in Derbyshire and  in the vicinity of Darcy’s home Pemberley.  Hearing that the Master is away, Lizzie is exploring the home and grounds which she could have been hers, when she encounters – who else but Mr Darcy who has returned home unexpectedly!

Here’s the poll

Hawksmoor by Peter Ackroyd

I wrote this short review quite a while ago -  and forgot all about it.  I just found it again in my drafts so……

Hawksmoor by Peter Ackroyd

 

It has taken me quite a while to read Hawksmoor by Peter Ackroyd.  this isn’t because it was boring – quite the contrary.  It is a strange novel – even for Ackroyd and it is written from the perspective of  two duel personalities which span hundreds of years.  The first narrative is by Nicholas Dyer and architect who serves under Sir Christopher Wren.  The language takes a bit of getting into but is well worth the perseverance as intrigue, plague, fire and a fascination and indoctrination into the occult weave themselves into the personality of Dyer.

Hawksmoor on the other hand is a detective. separated from Dyer by a few centuries.  This is a very strange tale fraught with bygone actions and future consequences.   Deja vu  ensues as the past reveals and yet repeats itself, and self fulfills its own prophesy showing Aykroyd’s amazing skills yet again in  esoteric matters.

Nick Dyer is a horrible character but a compelling one also. He is a product of his time, hardened by life’s experience and with a dark  mysterious childhood.  The inspector Hawksmoor, though eccentric, doesn’t quite take off for me and pales by comparison to Dyer.  Nevertheless these two are wrapped up in a cycle of murder,intrigue and superstition.  Dyers dark spires and Hawksmoor’s descent into Dyers world leave a tingly aftertaste!

book image from here

The empty Bookcase (nearly)

The journey is long behind me...

  

Well I finished my Flashback challenge a while ago, and I shall be writing about it (eventually).  I’ve read an assortment of books lately like ‘The worse Street in London’ by Fiona Rule (introduction by Peter Ackroyd) and the Dukan Diet by Dr pierre Dukan.  Talking of Ackroyd I have just bought Ackroyds ‘Hawksmoor’ and ‘Wolf Hall’ by Hilary Mantel, which I’ve been after for a while.  So looking forward to reading these.  I have run out of DVD’s again.  I recently bought ‘Return to Cranford’ and was bought  The Jane Austen Collection, containing Emma, Northanger Abbey and Mansfield Park - of course I watched them one after another (and I had seen them all separately before)  

Peter Ackroyd

  

I have read a few Ackroyd books Including his wonderful ‘London’, Dickens – Public life and Private Passion, Dan Leno and the Limehouse Golem.  I tried The House of Doctor Dee’ but couldn’t quite get into it. The same applied to the Clerkenwell Tales.  I feel that I am missing out a bit not being able to get into these books, so I shall have to persevere (at some point).   

poor Darcy - how he must feel it!

  

Oh and I must mention one book which I got for Christmas and keeps slipping my mind (even though I’ve read everything else and I haven’t bought anything new, – and that is Mr Darcy Vampyre by Amanda Grange.  The idea of Darcy as a vampire, – well, poor Darcy how could he endure it? living on the blood of mere mortals?

Authors I have read – Charles Dickens

charles-dickens

 

Charles Dickens is one of my favorite authors of all time – I just love his characterisations and observations concerning the quirkiness of human behaviour.  I have read nearly all his books, but there are one or two that have passed me by and some, though popular with others, leave me cold. 

Miss Haversham

 

My favorite book changes from time to time.  It is actually ‘Great Expectations’, but having recently re watched the latest Bleak House remake, I’m beginning to dither…  But no, I will go by the book.  So it’s ‘Great Expectation’ 

Magwitch using the stolen file

 

Great Expectations 

What I love about it: The marshes, the cruel stepmother, the impervious Estella and Miss Haversham.  I love the idea of the old bride still in her tattered bridal gown – I love the cake which mice have made their home in and the clock that’s stopped.  I love the way simple Pip becomes a snob then changes back when he finds out his real benefactor. 

 Thrills: Magwitch in the graveyard, Pip being saved by the convicts escape, the fire at Miss Havershams.  Magwitch’s daring visit to Pip and the way he drowns.  Last and not least the renting of those dirty curtains from the windows and the scales dropping from Estella’s eyes as she realises that Pip is her own true love!

Pip is told he has great expectations

 

Oliver Twist 

Oliver dares to ask for more

What I love about it:  the poor woman in the workhouse, the beadle who names the child, Sowerby the undertaker – who in their right mind would like to sleep with coffins, the hideous Claypole who gets his come uppence, the thieves den, Dodger, Nancy and Fagin.  I love the tangled web that is woven, the intricate relationships and the honour among thieves.  The Brownlow connection, trust and betrayal and how everything comes out right in the end. 

Bill Sykes gets a fright

 

Thrills: Plenty to be had, the Murderous Sykes and the ghost of Nancy on the roof, the workhouse regime, the actual murder of poor Nancy, the match made in hell in the form of Bumbles wife (actually, that’s more comical) and the triumph of Bulleye as he escapes a drowning.  The man who stop Oliver with a punch when he runs off after they think he is a pickpocket – well he deserves a punch himself.  I love the way that all the threads come together in this story.  It is so well thought out and told and what an array of characters! 

David Copperfield 

David Copperfield

What I like about it:  the perils of a cruel stepfather and what happens when his mother dies.  The novel is very like Dickens’ own early life – including the factory.  Betsy Trotwood his aunt who proves a good sort.  Mr Dick is an enigma – I can’t quite make him out.   I love the idea of Peggotty’s relatives living in an upturned boat.  The sweet Emily.  Dora Davids fluffy but useless wife.  Big daft Ham who loves Emily, whose head is soon turned when she sets eyes on Steer forth. 

The Cheeryble brothers by Phiz

 

Thrills: Not many apart from Ham drowning to save Steerforth and poor Emily’s father searching all over London for his fallen daughter.  The creepy slimy character of Uriah Heep who is slowly plotting his takeover of Wicklow’s firm, swindling all who gets in his way. Ham and  Dora’s death is more sad than thrilling though. 

Nicholas Nickleby 

Nickleby makes himself comfortable at Dotheboys Hall

 

What I love about it:  Mr Murstone who kicks things off for Nicholas.  ‘Dotheboys’ Hall’, Wackford Squeers and his wife and especially the ridiculous Fanny Squeers who takes a liking to Nickleby.    The horrible uncle Ralph Nickleby, the pitiful Smike, the loyal Noggs. I like the bleakness of ‘Dotheboys’ Hall and the humour and general niceness of the Cheeryble brothers.  I am not keen on the theatrical bits of the novel, although the ‘Infant Phenomenon’ is quite an amusing character.

confrontation

Thrills: Ralph Nickby who would compromise poor Kate, the cruelty of Squeers to those poor boys, especially to Smike who could have had a nice home and family. Pathos comes from the gentle Smike, secretly in love with Kate and his eventual death – very moving. 

Bleak House

Bleak House

What I like about it: Reputation was all.  I like the mysterious Nemo, the bored Lady Dedlock and Miss Flyte and her birds.  I’m not keen on Jarrdyce versus Jarndyce, which gets a bit monotonous, but I like Esther Summerson and the simple way that she accepts everything, she has no pity for herself at all I also like the way that the court case makes people act in ways they wouldn’t normally act – putting their life on hold for an outcome that is by no means a forgone conclusion.  Skimpole the ‘child’ who is anything but, kind Mr Jarndyce who has seen this Will fever ruin many a poor man.  I like the way that secrets which get into the wrong hands can be lethal – there must have been a lot of blackmail around in Victorian times.

Esther Summerson and Caddy Jellyby by Phiz

Thrills: Absolutely lots!  the opium dens, Krook the rag and bottle merchant who finally combusts literally -  only a pair of smoking legs are left.  the murder of blackmailer Tulkinghorn by Hortense.  This is a wonderful book with a great plot and a very dark and mysterious aura about it.

A Christmas Carol

What I like about it: Who doesn’t like this Christmasy tale!  This story has got everthing really.  It’s sentiments unfortunately are rarely thought about apart from at Christmas time.  Charity and the turning over of a new leaf cheers the reader on and the thought occurs that it’s never too late to trun over a new leaf.

Scrooge and dead partner Marley by Leech

Thrills;   It has to be the ghosts of course: the rattling chains, the ghostly light, the pointing finger, the glimpses into what the future could hold….

Little Dorrit

Fanny and Little Dorrit calll on Mrs Merdle

What I like about it: The exciting glimpse into the Marshalsea prison where debtors carry on like they were at home and are encouraged to do so.  I love poor little Amy Dorrit and despair of her selfish father.  The story is full of lots of little sub stories that make it more complicated than most.  However, Little Dorrit is a lovely character, full of kindness, patience and  self-sacrifice – which are rewarded in the end 

Thrills include the mystery of the paper in the back of the watch case.  The very strange luring away of Tattycoram (what a name!).  The murderous Rigaud and the strangely weird Mrs Clennham and Miss Wade. 

The Old Curiosity shop

daniel cattermole illustration Quilp in the background grinning

 

What I like about it:  The cast of characters.  The hideous hunchbacked Quilp who lends money to Nell’s Grandfather putting him in debt.  Nell and grandfather become homeless and wander as beggars as Quilp takes their shop.  Kit, Nell’s friend, Dick Swivvler and Nell’s brother all join in the search for Nell and grandfather , aided by the nasty Quilp. 

Little Nell's death

Thrills:  Not a lot, this is a very sad book, as Little Nell dies in the end of fatigue.  Critics said that this particular novel was over sentimental – and so it is in places, the death scene in particular is a real tear jerker.  I still like this book though more than some of the others. 

Martin Chuzzlewit

frontpiece for Martin Chuzzlwitt by Phiz

 

What I like about it:  It’s alright – that’s about it really.  I didn’t enjoy this as much as some of the other books and I think this is down to  Chuzzlewit’s adventures in America (reflecting Dickens’ opinion). I am amazed that Dickens thought this his best novel.  It is the least popular with most people.

Thrills?

. 

Hard Times

Gradgrind catches Louisa and Tom at the circus

 

What I like about it:  Very different to other Dickens books.  I have only read it once and found it quite sobering.  it is political, set in fictitious Coketown and about Class, education and trouble at t’ mills.  I can’t remember much about it to be honest, but it is something I wouldn’t read again, but I would choose it over  Martin Chuzzlewit. 

Tale of Two cities

Tale of two cities by Phiz

What I like about this book: not a favorite, but great if you are interested in the French Revolution.  Basically its about one man sacrificing himself for another because he loves the others wife.

Tale of two Citoes frontpiece Darnay and Carton

Thrills; Lots of intrigue and underground Revolutionists.  Sydney Carton who starts out a dissipated man ends up a martyred hero.  It’s not a book I would read again, but it has been translated quite well into very watchable films. 

Pickwick Papers

Mr Pickwick addresses the club

 

Why I like it?  I just don’t.  I have read this book twice and I cannot for the life of me see what others see in it.  To me it tries to be too clever.  Sam Weller really gets on my nerves.  I know it’s not his fault poor chap, but Dickens gives him an impediment that makes his character hard to read.  Idon’t care much for their ‘hilarious’ adventures either.  But, having said this, I shall at some time try again to read this book – I might actually ‘get’ it eventually 

The Victorian websiteDickens pages HERE

Authors I have read – Thomas Hardy

‘The Authors I have read category only has one criterion – and that is I must have read at least more than one of their books.  

The maddening Captain Troy

Of course, there are some books by this author I haven’t read yet like ‘Under the Greenwood tree’, and ‘A a pair of blue eyes’ but no doubt I shall get around to them.  It is my intention to critique some of these books properly when I get time.  In the meantime – some brief comments and my preferences, in order;

which is movie is the best though?

Far from the madding crowd  Definitely my favorite book, I have read this lots of times and am always thrilled with it.  I just like everything about this tale of vanity and patience.  Bathsheba has to be one of the vainest heroines ever!  We can excuse her age however.  Captain Troy is a bad un, but did he really love poor Fanny Robin?  He did turn up for the church so I suppose he must have.  All Hardy’s books have many layers and many morals, so each time you read them you find yet another aspect that you hadn’t even thought of before. Gabriel Oak is the real hero in the story though, winning out in the end.  I have also watched two films of this book.  I will contrast and compare these later, as each has some to commend them.

thomas_hardy the mayor of casterbridge

The Mayor of Casterbridge  Another brilliant tale about a man who sells his wife at a fair – and whose crime comes back to haunt him.  What a curious tale this is – lots of twists and turns.  I think that there is a moral in there somewhere (like in all Hardy’s tales) .  His future and past are dependant on each other.

TESS

Tess of the D Urbavilles  Although this book is loved, I  still prefer Far from the Madding Crowd.  The poor Durbeyfields are misinformed by the local vicar that they are related to the noble family of d’urberville.  the misunderstanding that ensues from this ends of course in tragedy.  This story has many layers: Angel Clare and Alec d’Urberville seem to exchange places throughout the book in goodness and badness.  Tess herself, I can never make my mind up about.  Is she weak, or willful  or just a victim of circumstance?

Jude the obscure - the DVD is good too

Jude the Obscure  This book is so well written, but heavy and so sad and tragic it made me cry.  I can’t let that stop me from making it number 4 though.  The tale of a man Jude Fawley who educates himself, marries unwisely and falls in love with his cousin Sue Brideshead who is married.  The pair run off together and live in ‘sin’.  The tragic end to this story still shocks me.  The film is true to the story too – but painful to watch.

The Woodlanders by Thomas Hardy

The Woodlanders  I read this book for the first time last year – it made a pleasant read.  A woman plans to marry his childhood sweetheart, but finds that through education, she (Grace Melbury) has now risen above him.  Her father makes her marry the Doctor Edred Fitzpiers who turns out to be another bad one.  Another tragic tale of unrequited love and sacrifice.  And that is what is so good about Hardy – he does not have conventional happy endings - at best it is more a case of settling for, or making the most of what is left  (well, Far from the Madding crowd was I suppose)

Wessex Tales – another book I only read recently.   Nice gentle little stories about rural life, with lots of humour and observation.  A few of these have been made into plays or films.  I believe there is going to a film about them collectively – I shall look forward to that!

‘Authors I’ve read – Sarah Waters’

 

 

  

 

 

Tipping the velvet by Sarah Waters Victorian Music Hall tale

I am a huge fan of the writer Sarah Waters.   When the BBC series ‘Tipping the Velvet’ first appeared on our screens, I rushed out and got the book.  I was not disappointed!  The next book ‘The Fingersmith’ is a real twisty adventure ingeniously plotted (extremely far-fetched) but so clever – I found myself applauding! 

The fingersmith - powerful

‘Affinity’ set in a women’s prison in the Victorian era is very atmospheric and has an over all strangeness and darkness to it.  Prison and seances make for a chilling combination.  This was also televised, and was I thought,  a very decent translation of the book. 

affinity - eerie

The Nightwatch was the only book which I didn’t like.  This one is set in war-time Britain.  All Waters books feature same  sex relationships.  But they are not at the cost of the story (though obviously important to the plot). Although I finished Nightwatch   I didn’t enjoy it as much as the others. – though that may also be down to it being set in the war time era.  However, I really am looking forward to watching Nightwatch the  90 minute period drama which will be shown on BBC Two  12th July 2011  as I’ve greatly enjoyed all the other ones.  Wonderfully gifted writer as she is, I do feel that Waters work translates really well to screen too.

The Little Stranger by Sarah Walters - a real page turner

Now  ‘The Little Stranger’ is completely different again.  It’s a ghost story (of sorts) and there’s a real shut in feel to the old house that holds you a prisoner in there amidst its secrets.  I liked this book very much even though……………… well, you will have to read the book, but I promise it shall be worth it. 

This post was originally on my other blog echostains

 

Authors I’ve read: Daphne Du Maurier ‘Rebecca

 

rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier

I’ve read such a lot of Daphne Du Maurier books – some good and some better,  If I had to rate them, number one would surely be Rebecca.  The  first line sets the mood  of the book, as we are whisked away back in time to the mysterious Manderley and the equally mysterious Max De Winter.  The story reads like Cinderella, where poor servant (well, rich woman’s companion) wins wealthy prince (De Winter) and goes to live happily ever after in his palace (Manderley).  However, the ‘Happy ever after’ is a long time coming –  something keeps getting in the way. 

 

Manderley

 There’s another fairytale in here, if you think about it.  The handsome Prince kisses the beautiful princess who turns into a frog (Rebecca).  Max’s second wife (we never do learn her name?) is also awakened by her prince but not to a life of pleasure (like her predecessor) she inherits a nightmare – the ruin and devastation that Rebecca has left her.  I have only just thought about the fairytale aspect of Rebecca.  When  the poor woman (encouraged by evil Danvers) dresses  unknowingly in a fancy dress costume that Rebecca wore and confronts her portrait, it is so ‘Mirror Mirror on the wall’ (Snow White) with Rebecca winning again by being the fairest of them all.  In the end though, all that glisters is not gold and the real beauty shines through -  not the supercilious veneer that is Rebecca – the beautiful frog triumphs and  marries the prince.

 

Beauty is only skin deep

I shall go through these books separately in other posts.  The list below is not in particular order of preference.

Jamaica Inn

Frenchman’s Creek

My Cousin Rachael

House on the Strand

The infernal world of Branwell Bronte

Don’t look now

The Birds