Yup, I am writing this wrap up 2 weeks into March but that is only because I finally got internet in my new flat last week (more on than a bit later on) So without further delay, let’s see what was good in the month of February.
1. Book: American Gods by Neil Gaiman
I know, I know! I must be the last person on Earth to be reading this book, but better late than never, huh? This book is actually my introduction to Gaiman and what an introduction! American Gods tells the story of Shadow, a prisoner, who finds out his wife was killed in a tragic accident days before his release. With nothing much to look forward to anymore, he meets Mr Wednesday soon after his release and together embark on a mysterious and twisted trip through the heart of the US.
Before starting this book I was feeling a bit intimidated (the extended version is over 700 pages long) but the moment you start, you get transported right to the middle of the story and before you know it, the book is done. Gaiman is truly an artist of words and can create the most vivid characters and surroundings. The story takes many turns and twists but you know you are in safe hands, and that the story will wrap up all the loose ends and make it to a great ending. I am aware that some people have had issues with the pacing, which I can see why they may be complaining, but this is such a minor criticism within the scope of such greatness, that it should not influence your decision of whether you should or not read this book.
Without a doubt, a new modern favourite.
2. Movies: Mother! and Spinal Tap
Two very different favourites this month but both were equally enjoyable, if for different reasons. Mother! was one of the most divisive movies of 2017 and after seen it, I can see why. I do think it does help walking into the movie knowing some aspects of it but I also wish I didn’t know so much prior to my viewing to see if my opinion would have then been different. As we all know, Mother! is a movie about a newly married couple who live in a remote country home, when an unexpected married couple turn up on their doorstep. From there on, a series of circumstances and events take place which lead to a plethora of consequences.
What I liked about Mother! is that the movie is not about characters but about archetypes and and such, it can be taken in many different ways and meanings. The concept of Mother Earth and God are perfectly portrayed by Jennifer Lawrence and Javier Bardem, and to be honest, the entire cast (which is superb by the way) do a fantastic job at portraying all these different ideas. The movie moves you, and make you think about all these different concepts days after you watched it. It also manages to tackle big topics such as religion and portray it in a smaller more digestive manner. This is not a movie you will enjoy, but it is a movie which will make you think.
The other movie I loved this month was Spinal Tap, which I know lots of people won’t believe that it has taken me this long to watch but I actually never knew about this movie until my other half mentioned it to me. A mockumentary about an 80s English Rock band which is about to embark in their first US tour, this movie is pure genius. The movie does a remarkable job at emphasising what made rock and metal bands so crazy- so you have the usual hotel antics, the drugs, the forever changing line-up, the groupies, the egos in the changing room…everything that made rock bands cool is documented in such a way that you can’t help but laugh and agree with it all. It is basically ‘What we do in the Shadow’ but for the metal heads out there.
3. Life: Moving out!
I guess the craziest highlight in February was that I moved out on my own! It has only been 2 weeks, but I can tell you, it has been a roller coaster of emotions. I think moving places is always a good way to clear out old stuff and just make space, but it is also a good time to reflect and to see where your life is going. Being on my own forces me to be dependent on only me and to deal with situations on my own. It also allows me to spend some much needed quality time with myself and trying to figure out what I want out of life. Don’t get me wrong, it can feel scary living on your own after being with someone for so long, but it is also so liberating. Pics will be posted soon so stay tune!
A Sense of Clarity 