Mourning over books, Birthday celebrations and Stingrays.

What I'm reading, watching and listening to this week.

Welcome to another end-of-the-week check in where I share the things that brought me joy this week.

Joy List:

Currently Watching:

Ripley

This 2024 TV mini series is an adaptation of the novel The Talented Mr Ripley by Patricia Highsmith, with 8 episodes in total.

A wealthy man hires down-on-his-luck grifter Tom Ripley to travel to Italy to urge his vagabond son to return home; Tom's acceptance of the job is the first step in a life of deceit, fraud and murder.

The series is shot in black and white but don’t let that put you off - if anything it simply adds to the drama and tension, creating a captivating cinematic experience. Starring Andrew Scott (best known for his role in the drama series, Sherlock and Adam in All Of Us Strangers) as Tom Ripley, the show creates a chilling portrayal of the psychopathic Ripley, executed gloriously by Scott.

A must-watch! I can’t wait to go and read the book now!

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Currently reading:

Weyward by Emilia Hart

Weyward was this month’s read for my book club; I just finished it last night and wow. I am utterly devastated this book is over and I will be in mourning for the foreseeable.

The writing, the characters, the plot, the imagery! It was all magical and thoroughly enjoyable right from the get go. Weyward is Emilia Hart’s debut novel about three women, their tumultuous lives and their determination to survive against the odds.

I devoured this book like oxygen and feel like I can’t breathe now it’s finished. If powerful, witchy, feminist novels are your thing then you will love this book.

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Currently listening to:

Mrs March by Virginia Feito

March, a woman who has spent her entire life adhering to the rules of high society on the Upper East Side of New York. One day, her tidy, respectable life is thrown into disarray when a shopkeeper wonders out loud if Mr. March, a famous novelist, based the main character of his new book on his wife.

I didn’t know what to expect going into this audiobook but it reminded me of Ottessa Meshfegh’s My Year of Rest and Relaxation. The story is told by our protagonist and unreliable narrator, Mrs March, and we listen in as she slowly descends into paranoia as her world seemingly unravels around her. I didn’t find her particularly likeable but that didn’t detract from the plot or storytelling - in fact I don’t think we are necessarily supposed to like her.

I also just found out that this book is going to be made into a movie with Elisabeth Moss (best known for playing June in The Handmaid’s Tale) cast as Mrs March. Honestly, I can’t think of an actor more perfect to play the part and I’ll definitely be watching it when it comes out.

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Outfit of the week:

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