Snippets from February
Sophie Lombardi
February has passed me by in a flash. Between traveling and a couple of rounds of Norovirus, I haven’t got much to report. Sadly no-one offered to read to me in my bed chambers and I’ve been mainly complaining whilst nibbling on small pieces of toast. Some good books and TV have kept me company, here are a few recommendations that I have found cheering and heartwarming.
Reading
Three Days in June by Anne Tyler. I finished this whippersnapper of a book in less than three days. Anne Tyler’s tender and well written tale tells the story of divorced couple Gail and Max over three days as they celebrate their daughters wedding. There are no big plot twists just great writing and wonderful eccentric characters.
NT Live
The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde. I love NT Live productions as they give us country mice the opportunity to see wonderful productions for just a few more quid than a standard cinema ticket. This joyful re-imagining of Oscar Wilde’s classic play is beamed to your local cinema hot off the West End. Fabulous performances, gorgeous costumes and clever sets breath life into this fun, anarchic and frivolous version of The Importance of Being Earnest. Wilde was incarcerated for homosexuality just weeks after the play debuted, so it is fitting that it is full of cheeky moments that would have met his approval.
Streaming
Bad Sisters - Apple TV. I’ve only recently discovered this whip smart black comedy from Sharon Horgan. At the heart of the series are five Irish sisters who plot to murder their abusive brother in law JP. We painfully watch him police and put down his wife and daughter incensing rage amongst the sisters and a series of murder attempts. The story is deeply disturbing at its core, but the relationship between the girls is rock solid and will have you rooting for them all the way !
Listening
Louis Theroux interviews Jamie Oliver - Spotify . I found this long form interview really interesting because it reveals so much about celebrity chef culture as well as the food industry. Jamie starts off telling us that he was chastised and physically chased by men 1990’s who blamed him for their girlfriends new expectations that they help with the cooking. He also sheds light on the stuffiness of the cookbook world and how easy it is for recipes to stray into what is considered cultural inappropriation. Jamie comes across as very likeable and this is ideal listening for a long journey.
Wishing everyone a wonderful March. Little teasers of spring are popping up but I have feeling there is a lot of Netflix to go before we are sipping tea in the garden. Please let me know what you are enjoying in the comments below.
Sophie x
Our tablecloths and napkins in Wimbledon Linen will be available to order at the end of March.