I recently visited the wonderful village of Haworth in West Yorkshire which was, of course, the home of the Brontë family. I have been before many times but the place means something to me. I grew up with a knowledge of the sisters, I share a name with one of them, as does my sister.… Continue reading Acton, Currer, Ellis and The Madwoman in the Attic
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A Taste of Literature: Introducing Hemingway’s Two Signature Cocktails
Is Hemingway more famous as a writer or a drinker? Honestly, We’re not sure you can take one without the other, so why not read in the same manner? So, what best to drink while reading Hemingway? Want to know what to read? We’ve got you covered. Wine is the obvious choice; Hemingway mentions wine… Continue reading A Taste of Literature: Introducing Hemingway’s Two Signature Cocktails
Aphra Behn, International Woman. The Trailblazing Writer, Spy and Feminist Icon
As it’s International Women’s Day today I wanted to draw attention to a hugely influential female writer, Aphra Behn.Aphra Behn was one of the first women to ever make a living from being a writer. Born in 1640 in humble circumstances, Aphra led a life that is worthy of a novel itself. She rubbed shoulders… Continue reading Aphra Behn, International Woman. The Trailblazing Writer, Spy and Feminist Icon
Based On A True Story. Justice For The Witches Of Vardo
I have just finished reading the Witches of Vardo, by Anya Berman. A compelling tale of women caught up in the moral panic of the 17th century that led to the deaths of tens of thousands of women across the world. The story focuses on a small part of Norway on the lives of two… Continue reading Based On A True Story. Justice For The Witches Of Vardo
Philip K Dick: The 5 Ways To Start Reading
Sci-fi literature is looked on from outside with a great deal of suspicion and trepidation. The perception probably warped by a perfunctory awareness of 50s madness, 70s kitsch and 80s movie adaptations. Selling sci-fi as a credible genre is a tough order. However there are a few authors which really stand out as titans of… Continue reading Philip K Dick: The 5 Ways To Start Reading
Winnie vs Carrie.
I can remember the exact moment I fell in love with books. I don’t recall my age exactly but I will have been around 5 or 6. Winnie The Pooh My mum was reading Winnie the Pooh to me, the one where he falls out of the tree trying to get honey. I laughed so… Continue reading Winnie vs Carrie.
Happy Birthday Virginia Woolf! Reflecting on the great feminist writer
It was Virginia Woolf ’s birthday this week (25 January) and I wanted to take a moment to reflect on this great woman’s life. Woolf is an absolute must for anyone wanting to get to grips with the history of feminist or queer writing. Misunderstood in her day, her thinly veiled attraction to women (and… Continue reading Happy Birthday Virginia Woolf! Reflecting on the great feminist writer
Sevastopol; Absurd War. Tolstoy’s pacifism in the face of war
Sevastopol, or Sketches of Sevastopol, is a set of three short tales set during the siege of Sevastopol (1854-1855). During the Crimean War Sevastopol was an important strategic port held by the Russians. It was besieged by the French (and allies) until it eventually surrendered after a notoriously bloody and horrific siege. Tolstoy visited Sevastopol… Continue reading Sevastopol; Absurd War. Tolstoy’s pacifism in the face of war
For the love of non-fiction
There is more skill required, in my opinion, to write compelling non-fiction, than there is to write fiction. And I feel this is largely due to people’s perception of what non-fiction is. We all remember dry school textbooks that tried to make the subject interesting but could do little for the disinterested minds of teenagers.… Continue reading For the love of non-fiction
Hemingway: 5 To Get You Started.
Top 5 Hemingway (to ease you in gently) We love Ernest Hemingway here at Rotten Poetry, he gave us our name afterall (see here). But there are many people out there who have never read any for one reason or another. So we thought we would put together a starter pack of recommendations for you… Continue reading Hemingway: 5 To Get You Started.