At The Double

A damp and dreary autumn morning saw the Hussies meet up for a private showing of 'The Double", director Richard Ayoade's film version of Fyodor Dostoyevsky's classic novel. Disappointingly only two of our group actually made it to the end of the Russian author's tale of madness and misery. It was a fascinating read that raised more questions than it answered and so we hoped the film version would cast light on our darkness. 

Coffee quaffed, scones savoured we took our seats for what seemed a deliciously decadant way to while away a weekday morning. The trailers preceding the main movie gave a hint of what was to come, dark, depressing off the wall movies aimed at a trendy young art house audience, did we fit the bill? I wonder...

The opening credits set the scene, grey and menacing, a joyless soviet state circa 1970. Perhaps it was this introduction and our knowledge of the original book that set the tone of the viewing, we expected no laughter and so there was no laughter. It would be interesting to gauge the reaction of a young fresh audience who are unfamiliar with Dostoyevsky's work as they might find hilarity hidden within the drab sets and serious characters.

The plot stayed true to the original although transposed into a dystopian world where social structures were not as obviously observed as they would have been in the original setting. The majority of the characters were cold and unlikeable although the protagonist engendered pity and had the Hussies rooting for him to triumph over his evil Double. The whole film , like the book is depressingly fatalistic, we know it will end badly for all involved. Jesse Eisenberg played both Simon and James brilliantly, although irritating at times, a believable portrayal of a man on the edge of madness. Mia Wasikowska of 'Alice in Wonderland' fame played the very unsympathetic love interest who's lack respect for Simon was thrown into sharp relief by her idolisation of James.

Like the book the film leaves the audience wondering was there really a double at all? and like the book it deserves a second viewing.Perhaps a 'double' take will clear the mist and we will finally know what it was all about! 

Two Brothers by Ben Elton

                             A MORE PERSONALISED STORY AMIDST THE HORRORS OF THE HOLOCAUST!

....   A quick blogless blog to keep my place in the blogging order!!  The hussies turned up at the new, tastefully constructed, club house of Close House, now aptly named No. 19, offering a hearty menu for many a discerning golfer.  

 

....   Pictures and reviews regarding the book and restaurant are to follow as comments dribble in from the hussies.  I'm sorry to report that the book wasn't completed by the members and, therefore, a fitting blog could not be produced to the credit of the book.

....   So, all I can say at the moment is - WATCH THIS SPACE!!..

                  The next book proposal is The Kabul Beauty School by Deborah Rodriguez.

....   Take Two  -  The Brothers by Ben Elton

....   Finally, a book we all agree upon as 'a page turner'.

....   This is a sensitive and intimate fact based story written with such passion that we were all immediately immersed in 1920's Berlin.  Two brothers. Two girlfriends.  Two families. Two sides of The Second World War!

....   The book is set in 1920's Berlin and tells the story of loyal and loving twins Paulus and Otto, sharing everything life has to offer, except 'blood' , and ending up on opposite sides during the war.  The story delves further into the day to day lives of Jewish families before and during the Nazi uprising which subsequently resulted in their demise - human rights stripped away little by little until they were regarded as worthless human beings.  The bond of childhood friendship between the twins, Dagmar and Silke, and the formation of 'The Saturday Club' is tested throughout with the many twists and turns leaving  the reader wondering - 'who is Mr Stone'.

....   It was noted that the language and phrasing was not always fitting to the period and that the story could have been more condensed in the middle section  where it was a bit repetitive.  As the story unfolded, it seemed a little rushed, not spending enough time on the other members of 'The Saturday Club'.  Still, the book was enjoyable, it draws you in making you care about the characters which makes for a bitter/sweet end as it was felt some of the characters were a let down as we had come to expect better of them.  It was quite an education learning about the Nazi practices and the fact that they thought Jews could be identified by the circumference of their head.  The factually correct events such as Kristalnacht.  The Jazz age and the depreciation of their currency all add to the education.  It is different to other hollocaust books as it is focused on the lead up to the war and concentrates more on how the different personalities deal with the events.  Although entertaining and informative, maybe by focusing on the children's aspect, this book may not be considered a classic.  On the whole we all finished the book and we all enjoyed the book.

....   There were mixed reviews regarding Number 19 at Close House, Northumberland.  This is a newly stone built, contemporary building which sits well in its surroundings.  The decor wasn't to everyone's taste and the food ranged from 'disappointing' and 'nowt special' to 'good , after golf, hearty food'.  The prices were reasonable and the service was good albeit feeling like a Metropolitan Wine Bar rather than a Country House Golf Club!  We were all at the same place, honest!!  Maybe it deserves another visit, especially during the day where you can appreciate the views!

....   Join us very shortly to share our views regarding :

                                               The Kabul Beauty School by Deborah Rodriguez

                                                    

                                                                                                                          8th November 2014

The Last Scroll by James Fricton

Comes with a health warning 

In the beer garden of The Dyvels , on a balmy Northumberland evening, the Hussies could barely contain their laughter as they quoted from their latest text,  The Last Scroll  by James Fricton.

Fricton, from the University of Minnesota, specialises in managing chronic pain and wrote this novel to reach his audience through the potentially transformational medium of metaphor.  It is a brave effort and there are some gems of wisdom in this long and relatively expensive text (£8 on kindle, £16 in paperback) but, sadly, it falls short of its noble goals.

In a style which emphasises ‘Tell’ rather than ‘Show’,  Fricton takes us on a tour of Italy with his hero  - a doctor in search of a new lease of life – to witness a “Da Vinci Code” style thriller/ love story and discover the various factors which perpetuate or relieve suffering.

Fricton’s health advice is grounded in international research and offers hope and guidance to all of us, not least those who suffer the daily burden of chronic pain.   Unfortunately,  it is difficult to either distil or believe this advice amidst everything else which is going on in his novel.   

The writing is at its best when describing sex and the Italian food,  but his portrayal of characters relies too heavily on the labels they wear (perhaps he has a deal on commission from Gucci, Benetton, and every other designer he specifies?).  The incredible plot follows Dr Ryan  for a lengthy 600+ pages  as he does this, he does that, he then does this and he then does that.   Multiple typos provide a further distraction from the potentially life changing messages.

It is a shame, that the writing in The Last Scroll distracts from Fricton’s health advice which is both aspirational and potentially inspirational.  Avoiding and relieving personal suffering  appears to be as complex as writing a novel, requiring us all to develop our own protagonists,  dialogue, settings and actions whilst shaping our audience and the real world we all inhabit.

In a real life parallel, worthy of Fricton’s plot, the new manager at The Dyvels, appeared to be Gino,  another Italian with an interest in food.   Sadly, we were unable to comment on many of his culinary delights as the chef was struggling to meet demand that summer night and most of our choices had sold out.

Despite the book and the food, we had a great evening in a very pleasant setting, and in  Fricton’s words,  we were "highly energised in our social, emotional and mind realms".   

Great venue for a summer evening

We will continue to follow Fricton's advice, stimulating our Mind and Social realm, by spending August, reading and reviewing Two Brothers by Ben Elton.

The Double By Fyodor Dostoyevsky.

                            

                                          More Like Double Dutch!

                               

....   Hailed as a masterpiece by some, branded unreadable by others, this early novella from the famed Russian author is a real 'marmite' read. In it, Dostoyevsky chronicles Mr Goldyakins' alarming descent into madness.Yakov Petrovich Goldyakin, a minor office worker, is ground down by the demands of a highly ordered, bureaucratic society in late 19th century Russia. Essentially the main character struggles to find and express his own identity, meeting his double who is exactly like him and yet exactly the opposite of him. Goldyakin junior is everything Goldyakin senior wishes he could be. The reader is left unsure as to whether the double really exists or is just part of the protagonists physcosis, a projection of his inner turmoil. The love hate relationship that develops between the two main characters demonstrates Mr Goldyakin senior's paranoia, he is convinced everyone is plotting against him. 

... The book is full of long monologues in which Goldyakin senior uses the first, second and, occasionally, third person highlighting his almost manic state of mind. He becomes more and more anxious as the story unfolds,  because he feels driven to wear a mask or false identity in public. The way in which the narrative jumps around excentuates his growing anxiety and loss of sanity. 

Although this is a short book it is a demanding read and skimming is not an option. The repetition of long Russian names takes a lot of getting used to and can detract from the plot. This was by no means a page turner but a worthwhile read and for the two Hussies who finished it, a great feeling of achievement. Interestingly, the novella is structured to mirror events, each scene having its own double. 

There are two scenes with Mr Goldyakin and the Dr, two scenes are set around carriage rides and two scenes depict the main character being ejected from an event. It would probably be worthwhile reading another version of this Russian tale.

.... Although Dostoyevsky himself felt the novella didn't work, it has been turned into a movie, written and directed by Richard Ayoade, it is due for release in 2014.

.... We met at Vercelllis Italian restaurant in Hexham to discuss The Double, a vast cavernous interior totally transformed several years ago from a filthy pit into a trendy modern space. Tastefully colour coordinated in shades of coffee ( brown), the restaurant felt clean and fresh, its wooden furnishings made it a little echoey but this added a vibrance to the atmosphere. The food was good and the service efficient and friendly. The portions were huge leaving no room for pudding or coffee. At £17 per head for half  a starter and a main course this wasnt a particularly cheap night out but it seemed quite reasonable value. 

                

....   Above shows a few sample dishes from the Vercelli Menu!

Our next book is on a medical theme....

                               THE LAST SCROLL by JAMES FRICTON

                                        

....   Join us and share your views for what should be a controversial read!

A Curious Incident Brought To Life

The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night

                                                                    By Mark Haddon

                                                   

....The Hussies read this novel back in November 2012, all agreed that it suceeded in its mission to show the world through the eyes of a boy with Aspergers. Its childlike style made it easy to read but at times tedious because of the level of trivial detail the boy included in his narrative. Two years on and I would have to admit that although the title evokes a warm glow in my mind I have no clear memory of what the book was about. A good time to go and see the Royal National Theatres production of the novel, a great success in that won 7 Olivier Awards in 2013. The novel was adapted by Simon Stephens and directed by Marianne Elliott. As part of The National Theatre Live programme we had the opportunity to watch the play from the comfort of  The Gate Cinema, Newcastle. Despite showing it as sold out on line, the cinema was barely half full, a shame as the evening turned out to be an unexpected treat.

.... Great acting and a new and innovative approach to set design brought the story to life and really gave the audience an insight into the world of Aspergers/Autism. There were some familiar faces amongst the cast, most notably Nicola Walker (Spooks, Scott and Bailey and Last Tango in Halifax)
She played Christopher's mother Judy, a not altogether appealing character! She won an Olivier Award in 2013 for her performance.
Niamh Cusack took the role of Siobhan, Christopher's teacher and shared the narration with Christopher, at times her voice was a little grating but she was convincing as a special needs teacher.
The actor playing Christopher was excellent and could move the audience to laughter and tears in equal measure.

....Lighting was used inventively transforming a very plain stage bereft of  props into busy stations
moving trains and alarming tube platforms. The production had the cutting edge feel similar to
that of the new TV series of Sherlock Holmes and a fantastic performance from Una Stubbs that reinforced the similarities between the shows.

....An excellent production that sucked the audience in making us forget that we were watching in a
cinema and not actually in the theatre. The play is coming up to the North East next year and I would definitely recommend a trip to see it!

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

'A Lighter Read Considering the Subject Matter'

....  The book we read this month was called The Book Thief.  It tells a tale of a small girl (Liesel) living through Nazi Germany during the Second World War.  Liesel is adopted and her adoptive family are poor.  Her family conceal a Jew - the Nazis never discover this.  However, in order to spare the family the consequences of possible discovery, he chooses to leave the house and is later observed and apprehended by the Nazis.  Liesel is a prolific reader 'stealing' books from the wife of a local dignitary who, in fact, is facilitating her taking the books.

....  Whilst the book does chronicle some of the fear arising through connection with Jews during this period, it does not dwell upon that fear or indeed upon the consequences of the Nazis finding a German family harbouring a Jew.  We felt that this was a good thing as these issues are well trodden.  The book did deal well with Liesel's relationships, most particularly with her adopted father.  It also dealt well with her relationship with the Jew who was concealed in the family home.

 ....  However, we felt that the book, whilst atempting to avoid sensationalism, did also avoid some of the emotion which could have been recounted by the tale that it was telling.  In other words, it was a fine line between rehearsing facts and emotions well recounted by others and leaving the reader unmoved.  We did not feel that this fine line was particularly well dealt with.

....   The book is written through the eyes of  'Death'.  We did not think that the fact that it was written through the eyes of 'Death' either added to the story or explained it.  We felt that the story was, in fact, a wasted opportunity.  Having said that, the whole group thought that it was an enjoyable read.

....   One of our group having read the book also went to see the film which had been running at the cinema only weeks before the book was chosen.  The film was very long and very true to the book.  The emotions and relationships were more obvious on screen, but the comments noted above about the consequences was also skirted over in the film, resulting in a good film but with little depth.   

* Photo from Trip Advisor showing example of food at Vallum.  Trip Advisor showing 3.5 stars!   

   Did we just have an unlucky night?  Let us know if you have experienced inconsistencies at this

   restuarant. 

....   We went to The Vallum for dinner, no to be confused with the farm and coffee shop.  It was not a very expensive restaurant, nor was it cheap.  The food, however, was very disappointing indeed!

One of the dishes involved leeks which were cut to resemble spaghetti.  Unfortunately, they were

fibrous and chewy and after a choking episode were pushed to one side with the non-crunchie crackling on the belly pork.  Although the fish, from the fish and chips,  was served, as requested, without skin, it too was disappointing when compared with some of the better Fish and Chip Restaurants in Northumberland - Seahouses and North Shields being a perfect example.  The vegetarian option also fell short as the risotto was swimming in oil and wasn't pleasant to eat.  Although this is a modern building with excellent access, especially for the disabled, this, again, was dampened as the ramp was impeded by plant pots and the doorway by other obstacles. As this was our first visit here, we may have just had an unluckly night.  I'm sure we will give it another go to give it a chance to redeem itself.  Afterall, we are very hard to please.

....   Our Next book is revisiting Russian Literature coupled with revisiting mental issues.  Join us in a new updated version and, soon to be movie, of ....

THE DOUBLE by FYODOR DOSTOYEVSKY

....   Join us next month to explore our views and check out the movie!!!

 

  

 

The Shock of the Fall by Nathan Filer

A SHOCK TOO FAR FOR SOME!

....   The Shock of the Fall was s step too far for a few of the Hussies.  Whether it was the

controversial content of the book or the fact that we all have teenage sons, this book certainly threw
up mixed reviews and mixed emotions.  One thing we were unanimous about was the fact that it was a page turner, but not for the usual reasons.  We weren't rushing to see what happened next because most of the story was obvious and predictable, but because it was so well written and the lead character became so endearing.  You actually wanted to know that something positive could come out of such a devastating condition.

....   Another thing we were all unanimous about was the 'odd' comments from the critics on the reverse of the book.  Jo Brand must have been quoted out of context or has maybe not even read the book, because to say it was 'funny' seemed bizarre or maybe she just has a distorted sense of humour!

....   On the surface this book is cleverly written,  giving a very honest and sympathetic account of the diagnosis of schizophrenia and how this devastating condition affects the patient, the family and the
support workers.  Even the Medical contingent of our group was impressed by its accuracy.  Although the exact causes of schizophrenia aren't fully understood, the story touched on the various factors which seem to play a role.   There seems to be some sort of genetic predisposition and childhood stressors can also contribute. Boys often become unwell at a younger age than girls and can have more extreme symptoms.  It is undoubtedly one of the worst mental illnesses, but there are effective treatments.  As the saying goes - keep taking the tablets.    Ultimately, we were all saddened by, and some found it hard to witness,  the hopelessness of the situation.  



(The County Hotel. If they could do up the food the way they have done up the hotel they would be on to a winner!!)



....   The Hussies gathered at The County Hotel for a lunchtime discussion of the book and also to check out this newly refurbished hotel in Hexham.  We were all very impressed with the new 'boutique style' decor which was very comfortable, albeit a little chilly for some.  It is a little confusing because it's a hotel but doesn't offer full 'at your table' service.  Unfortunately, that's were the positive comments end.  The food presented to us was not representative of the decor and the menu description.  Soup of the Day was the unimaginative 'Vegetable Soup'.   The starters seemed very basis and the salads, although, sounded good on paper, were disappointingly average for the price.  Maybe we should give the evening menu a try before we write this venue off for future meetings!!

....   The next book of choice is The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

 

....   Please join us and let us know what you think of this book.  Most of you will have seen the recently released film which, I have to say, was very good.  This time we are reading the book after seeing the film rather than the other way round!


....   Next Meeting Wednesday 30th April 2014

The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty

Enjoyable, but a little confused 

Tonight we are dining at  The Feathers at Hedley on the Hill which is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars on Trip Adviser, and demonstrates why not to judge a book by its cover.   This apparently simple village pub serves culinary delights created by owner and chef, Rhian Cradock.  Sourcing local produce, Rhian focuses on a small menu which changes regularly and repeatedly feature in local and national dining awards.  

During our meal, served by a friendly, and helpful waitress and washed down by a smooth Shiraz, we review The Husband’s Secret.

For a pleasant change, all the Hussies are happy with this easy read and its page turning plot.  But lurking between these pages is some controversy.  Unlike The Feathers, this book is a relatively superficial delight.   

Set in Australia, one of the central characters is a successful Tupperware Consultant.  Yes, Tupperware.  There must be few less glamourous roles. Although the story required something suitable for a mother mixing work with parenting,  other direct sales products could have fit the bill without the drudgery evoked by  equipment concerned with storing wilting lettuce.  Jewellery, clothes,  make-up, stationery, any of these would have sufficed and avoided conjuring up the negative images we associated with Tupperware. 

The story ends with an unexpected surprise which confuses its central theme.  Delight in this shock ending was undermined by sincere frustration at the failure to fully develop this story line.

On one level its a book about secrets and the consequences of opening Pandora’s Box.  But it also explores the nature of love and relationships between lovers, between spouses, and between parents and their children.  Both topics are common themes and this book treats them well but offers little originality.  

However, Liane Moriarty has also created an original and exciting theme which is revealed late and is sadly under developed.  

This is the shameful and tragic secret of this book - it is confused, dealing with too many issues and ultimately failing to fully develop the potential of its unique plot line.

Perhaps the author should have taken a leaf out of Rhian’s recipe book at The Feathers?  Focus on providing something different from the usual, and do it to the best of your ability.  Don't be distracted by offering too much and let the quality win over quantity.  Unfortunately Liane Moriarty's menu is less polished. 

The Hussies have taken their own culinary skills to a new level, offering book themed cake decorations to celebrate one members' achievement.  A big Hussy thank you with a nod to Mary Berry  -  she would be so proud!

Anyone got a Tupperware container to keep this fresh?
Oh dear - a definite spoiler for The Hussie's Secret 

This is our book for March, it won the 2013 Costa book award and we will be reviewing it at the end of the month. Give us a whirl!

Mad About The Boy! by Helen Fielding

   
  NOT ... Mad About the Boy!



 

....    Sighs of disappointment all round this month as we met at The Angel of  Corbridge to discuss Helen Fielding's 'Mad About The Boy'. Having waded through 'Silas Marner' last month, this selection was supposed to provide light relief in the shape of an easy read, following a character that we all know and love and can empathise with. Sharing in Bridget's ups and downs as she faces life as a widow with two young children. It would seem that Helen Fielding's idea of the life of a single parent is widely different to that of most people. She seems to inhabit an indulgent London bubble where work is an optional extra and the school run can be delegated to the hired help whenever the hangover is too vicious.  Bridget is now 51, but clearly her advancing years and life experiences have had no effect on her attitude and behaviour, she remains self obsessed, disorganised and, quite honestly, throughly irritating!

....   Fielding fails to make the reader care about any of the characters, all of whom are shallow, glib and self indulgent. Bridget's circle of friends are one dimensional and immature. The return of Daniel Cleaver as the children's God Father is implausible, given his role as arch villain in the last two novels. It seems at best odd and, at worst, an attempt by the author to secure a role for Hugh Grant when the book becomes a movie. Lets hope Bridget doesn't get the job as screen writer or we could have a long wait! 

....    The style in which the book is written doesn't quite work as it jumps between a diary, tweets and narrative. It seems disjointed and repetitive and prevents the reader being drawn into the story which doesn't really get going until the last third of the book. Some of the exchanges on Twitter are unintelligible, but, on a positive note, its good to see an author embrace new technology. Helen Fielding raises some interesting points regarding the effect of the internet on everyday life, both for children and adults, but fails to pursue them, instead returning to the same old problems faced by an ageing woman determined never to grow up.

....    'Mad About The Boy' goes on the unfinished pile, three Hussies couldn't get past the halfway mark. Most people, if they are lucky meet  ' Mr Right ' once in a lifetime. Bridget seems to think it her right to meet him again and again and it would seem that Helen Fielding's concept of 'Mr Right' is mysterious, stern, aloof , muscular and handsome with the obligatory country pile ( no new-build owners need apply!)  It's easy to guess from early on in the story who Bridget will end  up with.

....    Only one Hussie finished the book and that's a shame as the last third is much more like Helen Fielding's earlier work. As the story shifts its focus away from toy boys, back to the school gates it becomes far more engaging. Fielding offers some insightful observations about different types of parents. Bridget's life as a mother is far more interesting, readers who are of a similar age and stage to the protagonist can empathise with her plight. We've all seen the over dressed mothers at school pick up time with ridiculously big handbags and sunglasses, vying for position as top dog. Desperate to show how in control and successful they are, when in fact, as Fielding points out, things are not quite as rosy as they seem! Would you rather have a faithful husband or a big handbag? If the whole book had focused on life at the school gates, without a detour into the murky world of internet dating, it would have been an excellent addition to the Bridget trilogy. It would also have benefitted from more interactions with the mysterious Mr Wallaker. We await the movie, bets are on for who will play
Mr Wallaker, Colin Firth perhaps?

 

Can you spot the difference in the picture?  Look carefully!! 

....    On a more positive note, a last minute change of venue found us back at The Angel of Corbridge.  On previous visits we had been disappointed, but this time it was an all round thumbs up. Good food, good service and a warm and cosy atmosphere, although a touch over-priced for pub grub.

....    Our next book is the very popular unputdownable novel ....

THE HUSBAND'S SECRET by LIANE MORIARTY

 

 

 

....    We have planned to review this book next month in The Feathers Inn, Hedley on the Hill, Stocksfield.  An award winning Gastro Pub!  Join us soon to digest our thoughts!! 

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                             January 2014