Ingrid Braulini

Amazing quartet! I read this back in the 1970’s, again in the late 1980’s and now, in 2025. The descriptions of Alexandria are spot on. Not to divulge too much, I can seriously say: this is a man’s love story and among the best. Without a doubt one of the most brilliantly depicted stories of unrequited love with all its passion and nuances, all the intrigue and hopelessness imaginable. Even though the books are somewhat dated, they show us the shadowy world of Alexandria as no other western author I have encountered. They also give us a glimpse of the machinations behind the founding of Israel. Definitely a series worth exploring but be aware: Durrell uses many referrals to the classics and vocabulary one may not always be used to seeing. In addition, I recommend keeping a list of characters… there are many.

Justine

1 like

There is nothing worse than an inaccurate portrayal of history in a novel by a well-known writer who is attempting to speak with authority. One has to wonder where the editor was hiding or did they assume because it was McDermott that there could be no errors? From that first major error of giving us the faulty timeline and geographic “oops” it was hard not to stop thinking of the mistakes instead of immersing oneself in a what should have been a good book. What a shame!

Absolution

This past week is probably the last time I’ll waste my time watching Maher. Besides being obviously unprepared for his show this past Monday, he also had no concept of what he was doing on stage and asked stupid, irrelevant questions of his special guest. I used to watch Bill on Politically Incorrect and then off and on over the years but losing interest as he became more and more caustic and less funny or clever. Every now and again he has brilliance like in the old days but all he does now is react to those who don’t agree with him or call him on his bullshit, making himself look nasty and aggressive and not at all clever and insightful. I mourn the clever and astute man who has kept me guffawing and shocked at his knowledge and wit over the years. It’s a shame HBO renewed his contract.

Real Time With Bill Maher

4 likes

Klara and the Sun

3 likes

I agree with Christine. The last Sydney episode was absolutely ridiculous. You would have been better off killing him off, like our wonky American series usually do. He doesn’t need Amanda but he sure doesn’t need that weird one hop-in-the-bed and-I’m-in-love storyline either. Then last night, poor Leonard who is so conflicted, goes off the deep end and reports Will even after his lover tells him to be kind. If your reasoning is to get Leonard to take over, you sure set it up wrong. Leonard is lovable and sensitive, not a bitchy back stabber. Did they get a new writer for this show?

Grantchester

26 likes