Posted by admin on Nov 28, 2009 in
books 
Another month, another multitude of books that have been devoured. A stranger selection than usual.
Unseen Academicals, Terry Pratchett
Pratchett bravely tackles the eccentricities of football in his latest book, referencing the varying views on the popular sport. You see the wizards of the Unseen University learning to master it, and the street urchins displaying unfathomable skill which seems magical to the wizards. An interesting dissection of how sport crosses all cultural divides, and how it’s perceived by those not directly involved in it.
Bel Canto, by Ann Patchett
Deeply delicious, this book follows the unlikely tale of a hostage situation, where a house full of wealthy people are captured and then held for over 3 months. The relationships and entanglements that form out of this situation are strangely dark, yet sweet; and though the end is inevitably tragic the journey is unforgettable. Read more…
Tags: books, reading, Terry Pratchett
Posted by admin on Nov 5, 2009 in
books,
news 
I don’t think I’ve been this excited about a play since I heard the orchestral intro to the Terry Pratchett adaptation of Only You can Save mankind, the first book in his Johnny Maxwell trilogy. OK, that became an album rather than the stage show I anticipated, but the same heart fluttering excitement was to be had. When the above image popped into my inbox I was excited all over again, though I’d rather they’d chosen one of his Discworld novels to adapt, rather than his reworking of the Lord of the Flies.
Mark Ravenhill, creator of The Cut has adapted the book for the stage, with the first showing on November 11th 2009. There’s also a competition running in conjunction with this which gives young auteur’s the chance to get involved. The categories are for 10-14 and 15-17 year olds, and they need to film a 3 minute YouTube clip featuring an extract from the novel, with the winning entries reshot and screened in January.
Get your tickets here before they sell out!! They’re currently starting at £22 for adults, and seats are going fast.
Tags: Nation, National Theatre, Terry Pratchett