Review: Amelia (2009)

Posted on April 28, 2014 | Leave a comment

Amelia

Starred by the two-time Academy Award winner Hilary Swank, the film was based on the true story of Amelia Earhart – the most legendary American aviatrix.

Here, we see a promising film that didn’t live up to its hype. Not even the trio of Swank, Richard Gere and Ewan McGregor could salvage the it. For one, the predicament of the story is well – very much shallow and predictable that made Amelia un-relatable. Second, the film was borderline heinous. And for a film about aviation – it feels like I’m watching a slow-motion period film that does not require speaking lines at all because it was so bad.

In all fairness to Swan, I still think that she gave a pretty decent performance here but it wasn’t enough to carry the film altogether. The costume and production design was rather nice but really, nothing will matter if you don’t have a good story to tell – and to think that Amelia Earhart was considered a heroine of some sort – the film was, as they say an utter and complete failure.

Movie Title: Amelia
Year: 2009
Genre: Drama
Rating: 4/10

Director: Mira Nair
Starring: Hilary Swank, Richard Gere,Ewan McGregor, Christopher Eccleston

via Pinoy Exchange Movie Challenge

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Review: Coach (2010)

Posted on April 27, 2014 | Leave a comment

CoachCoach centers on Nick (Hugh Dancy) who took up a job (a first in his life) to get his girlfriend back. He landed a job as the coach of a fledgling high school football team. There he learned the value of money, responsibility (growing up) and finding love in the process.

I love how this film isn’t incredibly written but was adequately acted. I also love the cool vibe of it. A single guy who needs to learn a lesson or two about life, with three varied friends. An actress for an ex-girlfriend, wooing a doctor and teaching football and a great deal of lessons to some kids.

Overall, Coach is a feel good film that doesn’t need an intelligent analysis. It has a simple storyline and linear sequences that complimented its simplicity. Here, there was enough drama, comedy and some believable candor.

Director: Will Frears
Starring: Hugh Dancy, Jonathan Gutierrez, Liane Balaban, Mamie Gummer, Michael Chernus, Benjamin Walker, Gillian Jacobs, David Zayas, Bill Camp

Movie Title: Coach
Year: 2010
Genre: Comedy
Rating: 8.5/10

via Pinoy Exchange Movie Challenge

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Review: Julie & Julia (2009)

Posted on April 26, 2014 | Leave a comment

Julie and Julia

Based on true events, the film’s a narrative of two very interesting and fascinating women whose passion for cooking taught them more in life than tasting and enjoying the food. Meryl Streep plays chef Julia Child who “taught America how to cook” and Amy Adams, as Julia Powell, a young writer in New York who lives with his husband. Powell with the encouragement of his husband took on the challenge to cook every recipe that Child has published and recounts her progress through a blog. This attracts the attention of many including the media and Julia Child herself.

The film also recounts Julia Child’s experience in France with his husband who works for the US government – as she was introduced to the art of cooking thus producing Mastering the Art of French Cooking and introducing French Cuisine in America.

As usual, La Streep was at her best – yet again. Like how does she do it? Meryl’s a different kind of artist – I mean she’s UP UP there. Like who could even rival her greatness? She’s very enigmatic on the screen and playing Julia Child, it’s like we’re really watching the real Julia Child. I even thought that she should’ve won the Oscars for her performance. Amy Adams on the other hand was equally stunning, this girl simply complimented Streep’s screen prowess. She’d some moments in the film but obviously, it was THE Meryl Streep who carry the film altogether.

Year: 2009
Genre: Comedy
Rating: 9 out of 10
Director: Nora Ephron
Starring: Meryl Streep, Amy Adams, Stanley Tucci, Chris Messina, Linda Emond, Jane Lynch

via Pinoy Exchange 2014 Movie Challenge
30 Days Movie Challenge – Day 09: A movie of your favorite actress (Meryl Streep) 

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Review: A Walk In The Clouds (1995)

Posted on April 24, 2014 | 2 comments

A Walk In The Clouds

“Just because I talk with an accent doesn’t mean I think with an accent.” – Alberto Aragon

 From director Alfonso Arau, A Walk In The Clouds stars Keanu Reeves as Paul Sutton, who after the war returns to San Francisco to reunite with his wife Betty (Debra Messing) expecting a warm reception from her. It turns out that most of the letters that he sent her were unopened which causes a little misunderstanding but he still decided to forgive her thus continuing his plan to engage in a new career. Betty however, convinced him to go back to his former career of selling chocolates so he set forth to sell chocolates in Sacramento. On his way to Sacramento, he met Victoria Aragon who’s on her way home from college after getting herself pregnant by her professor. Coming from a very traditional family, Victoria’s in a very serious trouble until Paul offered to help her by posing as her husband to meet his family, especially her very strict father.

Alberto Aragon wasn’t happy about this but he eventually conceded realizing that Paul “really” loved his daughter. Knowing that it was all a lie, both Paul and Victoria had to end it even after realizing that they’ve come to truly love each other.

I am supposed to write a review about this film in a different category but I decided that Senor Alberto Aragon’s quotation “Just because I talk with an accent doesn’t mean I think with an accent” aptly speaks volume and I just loved it because I feel that at some point it applies to me having worked in the BPO industry where I was criticized here and there about my accent.

Anyway, this film is probably Keanu Reeves’ second best movie (in my opinion) after The Matrix (start the LOL-ing now). He provided here a subtle approach to his role as a vulnerable and well-grounded man of honor complimenting the performance of his leading lady, Aitana Sánchez-Gijón. I also appreciated the beautiful vineyard scenery that feels like I’m being transported in a beautiful dream – what a beautiful cinematography! The scoring was also superb coming from Maurice Jarre who also did the the scores of Lawrence Of Arabia, Messenger Of God and Ghost. The story of the film was that of a sweet romantic one – a couple who found themselves in a beautiful place where they could just be in love forever – much like what the audience (moi) feels like – walking in the clouds.

Movie Year: 1995
Movie Genre: Drama
Movie Rating: 9/10
Director: Alfonso Arau
Starring: Keanu Reeves, Aitana Sánchez-Gijón, Anthony Quinn, Angelica Aragon, Debra Messing, Giancarlo Giannini, Freddy Rodriguez

via via Pinoy Exchange 2014 Movie Challenge
30 Days Movie Challenge – Day 14: your favorite quote from any movie

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WICKED is Good. The Gladers of “The Maze Runner”

Posted on April 23, 2014 | Leave a comment
via wikipedia

via wikipedia

You guys may have heard about the upcoming film adaptation of The Maze Runner – based on the novel of James Dashner. I actually just finished reading the book and I’m just thrilled about its coming movie adaptation. I already know that a film was coming up that is why I decided give the book a go and I got so engrossed and now – aside from the film, I’m also looking forward to read the rest of the trilogy.

Dylan O'Brien will be playing the lead role, Thomas

Dylan O’Brien will be playing the lead role, Thomas

For starter, (atleast) for those of you who haven’t read the book or what the movie was about. The Maze Runner focused on Thomas, a young guy who find himself mysteriously delivered to a place they called Glade without remembering anything from his past aside from his name. It so happened that each week, a boy was sent out to this place surrounded by giant walls or if you go beyond those walls – they happen to be a set of confusing Maze. Here, the boys along with Thomas set to find an escape from the maze – an escape from the place that would either keep them safe or deliver them to their demise.

Here’s a very cool website from the “creator” of the maze – WICKED – which they made WCKD in the movie

Here are the actors playing the characters in the film 🙂 – what an amazing casting If I may say!

Thomas Brodie-Sangster as one of the Gladers Leader - Newt

Thomas Brodie-Sangster as one of the Gladers Leader – Newt

Chuck's Thomas' sidekick

Chuck’s Thomas’ sidekick

Teresa is the first girl to enter the Maze - also the last person to enter it in the book.

Teresa is the first girl to enter the Maze – also the last person to enter it in the book.

Minho's the Maze Runner's Keeper

Minho’s the Maze Runner’s Keeper

Alby - one of their leaders

Alby – one of their leaders

Ben

Ben

Gally's the keeper of the Builder and one of the antagonists in the book

Gally’s the keeper of the Builder and one of the antagonists in the book

Frypan's the keeper of the cooks

Frypan’s the keeper of the cooks

Here’s the official trailer of the film. It’s pretty exciting!

The film was supposed to have its release last February but it was pushed to September 19, 2014.

pictures via themazerunnermovie.com

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Review: Brokeback Mountain (2005)

Posted on April 23, 2014 | Leave a comment

Brokeback Mountain

Set in the 60’s, the film takes us to the journey of Jack Twist (Jake Gyllenhaal) and Ennis Del Mar (Heath Ledger), two country boys hired to herd sheep through the summer at the Brokeback Mountain. There, they discovered some kind of connection that ultimately awaken something about themselves. As their lives goes on after their Brokeback Mountain stint, the two men realized that truly, absence makes the heart grow fonder. Over time, despite having individual families – they still see each other knowing that what they had is something that is far more important than any forces in their lives.

With the screenplay written by one of my favorite authors, (Larry McMurtry who wrote it along with Diana Ossana) my attachment with this film goes beyond being a fan of the story. The mood of the movie was as melancholic as its characters accompanied by its absolutely haunting musical score. The subtle approach of Ang Lee in delivering a controversial yet heavy emotional narrative allows its audience to weep with the character – such instance happen when the distraught Ennis Del Mar broke down while hugging Jack’s bloodied clothing. That for me was the highlight of the film. This film was short of a stunning portrayal of love loss and eternal questions of what-if. Ang Lee truly is a master of his craft.


Year: 2005
Genre: Drama
Rating: 9 out of 10
Director: Ang Lee
Starring: Heath Ledger, Jake Gyllenhaal, Randy Quaid, Michelle Williams, Anne Hathaway, Linda Cadellini, Anna Faris, David Harbour, Roberta Maxwell, Peter McRobbie, Kate Mara

via Pinoy Exchange 2014 Movie Challenge
30 Days Movie Challenge – Day 10: A movie of your favorite director (Ang Lee)

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Review: Nine Months (1995)

Posted on April 22, 2014 | 2 comments

Nine Months

Nine Months is the story of Samuel Faulkner (Hugh Grant,) a child psychologist who’s gotten her girlfriend (Julianne Moore) pregnant that turns his life into oblivion. Fearing the responsibility and the thought of raising a family, Sam gets advises from different people that led to one thing – he’s got to face the inevitable. Soon enough, he finally realized that it’s not just about him – but also his girlfriend, his child and the responsibility that comes with it. This was the first movie that I’ve seen from Hugh Grant and I was like less than ten then. Hugh Grant’s just extremely funny here and extremely charismatic as well. The story isn’t that much to chew on as it’s just clearly a flat out story but I guess the main selling point here is its actors. The actors esp Hugh Grant and Robin Williams are just hilarious. I guess, when the film makes you laugh – either the “good laugh” or the “ridiculous laugh” – there’s still a part of you that enjoys it. Nine Months was my childhood favorite, though not extremely good, watching it over and over – it takes me back to that place. If the movie ain’t worth a thing, I don’t think it would have that effect.

Year: 1995
Genre: Comedy
Rating: 6.5 out of 10
Director: Chris Columbus
Starring: Hugh Grant, Julianne Moore, Tom Arnold, Joan Cusack, Jeff Goldblum, Robin Williams

via Pinoy Exchange 2014 Movie Challenge
30 Days Movie Challenge – Day 6 Your favorite comedy film

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The Pinoy Exchange Movie Challenge 2014

Posted on April 19, 2014 | Leave a comment

So there’s this site that I’ve been a member of since 2007 and they just launched their Movie Club for which I registered and they have this Movie Challenge which I’m really into right now so most of my coming film reviews will now be shorten as I’ll just be copy-pasting my posted reviews from there. 🙂 I think it’d be fun since it would last for a year – it’d be my some sort of pet project this year aside from my little project of reading certain number of books / e-book titles this year.

If you’re curious about the Pinoy Exchange Movie Challenge, this is how it works

  • Eligibility: Open to all registered PinoyExchange members regardless of join date.
    Members must sign-up to the PEx Movie Club to be able to participate.
  • How to Join: Participants must be able to watch movies and write a five-sentence review for each movie.
    Participants are free to write movie reviews of any genre and year, and set their own targets.
  • Movie Format: All current and old full-length movies, both foreign and local, are accepted.
    Mainstream, indie, non-English, short films are also accepted.
    Participant can provide a link to the trailer/synopsis and official film photos for unfamiliar films.
  • Entry Submission: Participants must post their entries in the main challenge thread with all the mandatory details in the prescribed format in order to be valid.
    Participants must follow the format posted in the challenge thread.
  • Invalid Entries/Disqualification: Strictly NO PLAGIARISM allowed.
    Participants who committed plagiarism will be disqualified.
    Guidelines against plagiarism will be posted and entries will be checked for verification.
    ONLY ONE MOVIE REVIEW PER DAY WILL BE VALID.
  • Pins: Pins will be manually awarded to those who achieved milestones and who completed the 2014 Movie Challenge.
    Pins will be manually awarded on a weekly basis by the organizers upon verification of reviews.
  • Leaderboard: The Leaderboard thread will serve as a reference for the status of all the challenge participants.
    All standings, pin updates, awarding of prizes will be posted there.
  • Verification: Participants must post the links of their completed reviews in the Leaderboard for checking.
    Other questions, disputes and concerns should be raised and resolved in the Leaderboard thread as well.
  • Prizes: Prizes and exclusive pins will be awarded to the top finishers of the movie challenge in the leaderboard, to be announced by the organizers at the end of the challenge.
  • Challenge Period: The 2014 Movie Challenge will end on December 31, 2014.

2014 MOVIE CHALLENGE FORMAT:

Participants are encouraged to list down the details of the movie by the following format:

  • 1/50 or 1/100
  • Movie Title:
  • Year:
  • Genre: (see options below)
  • Rating: (out of 10)
  • Poster/Image: (optional)
  • Review: (five-sentence review minimum)

MOVIE GENRES

  • Action
  • Adventure
  • Animation
  • Comedy
  • Documentary
  • Drama
  • Fantasy
  • Horror
  • Musical
  • Romance
  • Sci-Fi
  • Thriller

I. THE BASIC MOVIE CHALLENGE:

Participants must finish at least fifty (50) different movies and must be able to write a five-sentence review (minimum) for each movie.
Movies should be unique and must fall only in on category. If a movie can fall in more than one category, participant must only choose one. Movies in multiple categories are not allowed.
Participants must watch (20) different movies in the following categories:

  • four (4) movies nominated in the Academy (2014 and older)
  • four (4) non-English movies (foreign language films, local indie)
  • four (4) movies released in 2014
  • four (4) movies released before 2000
  • four (4) animated films

II. THE LEVEL-UP MOVIE CHALLENGE:

  • 100 Movies
  • A-Z Movies
  • Movie of the Month
  • The 30-Day Movie Challenge (Optional)

A. THE LEVEL-UP MOVIE CHALLENGE: 100 MOVIES

Participants must finish 100 different movies and must be able to write a five-sentence review (minimum) for each movie.
Movies should be unique and must fall only in on category. If a movie can fall in more than one category, participant must only choose one. Movies in multiple categories are not allowed.
Participants must watch (20) different movies in the following categories:

  • four (4) movies nominated in the Academy (2014 and older)
  • four (4) non-English movies (foreign language films, local indie)
  • four (4) movies released in 2014
  • four (4) movies released before 2000
  • four (4) animated films

B. THE LEVEL-UP MOVIE CHALLENGE: A-Z, # MOVIES

  • Participants must finish 27 different movies and must be able to write a five-sentence review (minimum) for each movie with titles beginning from letters “A” – “Z”, and a number “#”.
  • Movie titles can be reviewed in no particular order.
  • Articles “A”, “An”, and “The” are ignored when identifying movie titles.

C. THE LEVEL-UP MOVIE CHALLENGE: MOVIE OF THE MONTH

Participants must finish 10 different movies and must be able to write a five-sentence review (minimum) for each movie from the identified Movies of the Month:

  • March: Captain America: The Winter Soldier
  • April: The Amazing Spider-Man 2
  • May: Maleficent / X-Men: Days of Future Past
  • June: Edge of Tomorrow / How to Tame your Dragon 2
  • July: Dawn of the Planet of the Apes
  • August: Guardians of the Galaxy
  • September: The Maze Runner
  • October: Paranormal Activity 5
  • November: Interstellar / The Hunger Games: Mockingjay
  • December: The Hobbit: There and Back Again / MMFF

CHALLENGE MILESTONES:

Participants who were able to finish movies and write a five-sentence review (minimum) for each movie will receive these pins:

  • Movie Challenger Pin (2014) – 10 Movie Reviews
  • I Reviewed 20 Movies Pin (2014) – 20 Movie Reviews
  • I Reviewed 30 Movies Pin (2014) – 30 Movie Reviews
  • Basic Movie Challenge Pin (2014) – 50 Movie Reviews
  • I Reviewed 70 Movies Pin (2014) – 70 Movie Reviews
  • I Reviewed 80 Movies Pin (2014) – 80 Movie Reviews
  • 2014 Movie Challenge Complete Pin – 100 Movie Reviews

III. THE 30-DAY MOVIE CHALLENGE: (OPTIONAL)

Participants must finish 30 different movies and must be able to write a five-sentence review (minimum) for each movie from the identified category.
The posts must be accomplished in chronological order.
Accomplishing it in 30 non-consecutive days is accepted.
One post per review per day only is allowed.
Participants must watch (30) movies in the following categories:

  • Day 01 – The best movie you saw during the last year
  • Day 02 – The last movie you watched
  • Day 03 – Your favorite action/adventure movie
  • Day 04 – Your favorite horror movie
  • Day 05 – Your favorite drama movie
  • Day 06 – Your favorite comedy movie
  • Day 07 – Your favorite animated movie
  • Day 08 – A movie of your favorite actor
  • Day 09 – A movie of your favorite actress
  • Day 10 – A movie of your favorite director

  • Day 11 – Your favorite classic movie
  • Day 12 – Your favorite documentary
  • Day 13 – Your favorite movie from your childhood
  • Day 14 – Your favorite quote from any movie
  • Day 15 – Your favorite character from any movie
  • Day 16 – Your favorite movie based on a book/comic
  • Day 17 – The most overrated movie
  • Day 18 – The most underrated movie
  • Day 19 – A movie you wish more people would see
  • Day 20 – A movie that you relate to most

  • Day 21 – A movie you hate
  • Day 22 – A movie with the best soundtrack
  • Day 23 – A movie that disappointed you the most
  • Day 24 – A movie that you used to love but now hate
  • Day 25 – A movie that no one would expect you to love
  • Day 26 – A movie that is a guilty pleasure
  • Day 27 – A movie that changed your opinion about something
  • Day 28 – A movie you wished you’d seen in theaters
  • Day 29 – A movie you’ve seen countless times
  • Day 30 – Your favorite movie of all time

PRIZES:

  • 1st – DQ GC/Movie Passes, Movie Merchandise Set
  • 2nd – Movie Merchandise Set
  • 3rd – Movie Merchandise Set
  • 4th – Movie Merchandise Set
  • 5th – Movie Merchandise Set

LEADERBOARD:

  • The top finishers of the 2014 Movie Challenge will be recognized in the Leaderboard thread.
  • Prizes and exclusive pins will be awarded to the top finishers of the movie challenge in the leaderboard, to be announced by the organizers at the end of the challenge.

NOTES ON PLAGIARISM:

  • Strictly no plagiarism allowed. Plagiarism is the wrongful use of another author’s “language, thoughts, ideas, or expressions,” and the representation of them as one’s own original work.
  • If it is proven that a participant has posted content that does not have proper citation or has not followed known rules on citing sources, said participant will be subject to the rules of the user agreement and his pins will be removed from his profile.
  • The organizers and PinoyExchange will not be held responsible once a participant has committed plagiarism.

HONOR CODE

This signifies that upon joining the challenge:

  • I will abide to submit my own work and give proper attributions to sources used, if any.
  • I will use one PEx user account only, and will not use alternicks during the challenge.

 source: www.pinoyexchange.com

please do join, it’s fun!

p.s

I am doing the 30 Days Movie Challenge now.

my handle there is, well… paddylast!

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Book Review: Orosa-Nakpil, Malate by Louie Mar Gangcuangco

Posted on April 16, 2014 | Leave a comment
Orosa Nakpil Malate

“Orosa-Nakpil, Malate” is a literary gem woven with humor, insight, heartbreak, and profound contemplation. It is preachy yes, but it is also sincere.

In this novel, Gangcuangco cleverly intertwines romance, vengeance, mercy, and forgiveness with vital information about HIV-AIDS. Through engaging storytelling, he presents up-to-date scientific data on the virus in a fresh and factual manner. The narrative delves into issues surrounding HIV-AIDS, particularly among men who have sex with men, maintaining reader interest with its blend of humor and wit. Gangcuangco dispels misconceptions about the virus while reinforcing the importance of safe sex through compelling dialogues among the novel’s diverse and controversial characters.

The protagonists Dave and Ross are very relatable, particularly for members of the LGBTQ+ community. Their love story evokes a poignant sense of nostalgia akin to “Brokeback Mountain,” leaving a lingering melancholy that resonates even after the story concludes.

There are moments of tenderness and selflessness amidst the triggering events in the book, such as Ross’s courageous act of protecting Dave’s reputation and his heartfelt sacrifice to purchase a gift, a gesture that resonates with a poignant sincerity.

One of the most touching moments occurs during the reunion between Dave and Ross, a scene that deeply moves me with its emotional impact. Just as the story appears to follow a predictable path, a surprising twist unfolds, nakakaloka!

Regarding the antagonist, Michael Pundasyon, his character evokes a strong visceral reaction in me—so consider this a trigger warning, folks!

In the hands of Louie Mar, the narrative becomes a vessel through which his experiences are vividly shared, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the lives of the characters and share in their joys, sorrows, and triumphs. “Orosa-Nakpil, Malate” is a testament to Louie Mar’s skill in crafting a narrative that not only entertains but also profoundly impacts the soul.

“May mga bagay sa buhay natin na hindi natin kontrolado.May mga pagkakamaling hindi na natin maitatama pa gaano man nating gustuhin. Kaya minsan kailangang gamitin and utak kahit iba ang isinisigaw ng puso. Kahit pa maskit, kailangan nating magtiis.”

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Published 2006 by Louie Mar’s Publications

About The Author
Louie Mar Gangcuangco is the author of a Filipino novel Orosa-Nakpil, Malate. In 2008, Louie Mar Gangcuangco published his second book, Gee, My Grades Are Terrific: A Student’s Guide to Academic Excellence, a self-help book for students.

Louie Mar has served as a guest speaker in UP Manila, UP Diliman, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, San Beda, Philippine Normal University, and the American Chamber Foundation Philippines on various topics including homosexuality, HIV-AIDS, and gay literature in the Philippines.

Louie Mar passed the Straight Internal Medicine Internship in the Philippine General Hospital. He will be graduating from the UP College of Medicine in 2010.

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Book Review: The Flight Of The Maidens By Jane Gardam

Posted on April 16, 2014 | Leave a comment
B 7

The Flight of the Maidens follows three young women’s journey into womanhood. It chronicles the lives of three country girls in a post-World War II era as they embarked on college, with each getting scholarships at a university. There’s Hetty Fallowes, who has a mind of her own and is trying to find the courage to get off her loving but tactless mother. Una Vane, the level-headed daughter of a salon  owner, is romantically linked with the milk delivery boy, Ray, and Liesellote Klein, who is part of the Kindertransport burdened by a tragic past caused by the war. Together, the three somehow discovered some sort of solace with one another as they experienced life outside their realm for the first time.

“…The Maidens” is nowhere near the likes of Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants or Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women of some sort. There was more life in it and intelligence in how author Jane Gardam told their story. There was a strong narrative for each girl that collectively felt similar as they went through life.

Much of the pages were focused on Hetty, whose character reminds me so much of the young Jane Austen or, in a modern world, the ambitious young Elizabeth Taylor. There was depth in her understanding and the way she dealt with each situation—a heavily realistic approach that lends a great deal of scope to what young girls her age really feel.

While Una, despite her cool head and independence, still has the idealism of a young girl, She’s not perfect, and she knows it, so she’s trying to manage and deal with her mother, her beau, and her entry to Cambridge. I am very happy that by the end of it, the ever-so-charming Ray was “presumably” her first and last.

Liesellote, on the other hand, was barely having a life as she was still trying to move on from the fact that her family died during the holocaust. I love the fact that Gardam isn’t pretentious at all with her characters. There was a sense of realness in them and a tangible vibe that captured the spirit of their journey.

I’ve only wished that the angle about Rupert (the man that Hetty fell in love with in the latter part of the book) was thoroughly explained and perhaps prolonged at some point. It wouldn’t hurt Hetty’s character, I guess, or maybe I’m just being romantic, that’s all.

Overall, the novel was a great, sympathetic, and humorous narrative that soars high enough to engulf the reader’s elusive attention, thus providing enough steam to power up the flight of the maidens.

Ratings: 2 out of 5 stars

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