Instructions for a Heatwave (2013) by Maggie O’Farrell

*1970s Britain*

On Wednesday 21st July 2021 we met on the beach at Hove having made abandoned our plan to cycle to Devils Dyke after numbers dwindled. 

We discussed Tristan’s 1970s Britain choices

READ: Instructions for a Heatwave (2013) by Maggie O’Farrell

There was much love for this book. Most gushed about its many perceived merits. Even the naysayers enjoyed it but felt it was a tad predictable and lacking any jeopardy.

Nick 9 / Tristan 9 / Nigel 6 / Keith 8 / Roland 6 / Robin 7 / Hamish 9

LISTEN: Cut (1979) by The Slits

Most had barely listened to this seminal album. The Dennis Bovell production is what elevates it. The earlier Peel Sessions by The Slits show how transformational Dennis Bovell was. And of course The Slits blazed a trail for women everywhere. The stunning cover of I Heard It Through the Grapevine  takes the original song in a totally different direction.

WATCH: Abigail’s Party (1977) directed by Mike Leigh (DVD)

We all loved this perfect fit with the theme

Beverley is the epitome of the nightmare suburban housewife: crass, tactless, lacking self awareness and seething with a thwarted energy. 

A razor sharp deconstruction of subtle class dynamics too.

Interestingly Dennis Potter concluded that, for all its merits, it was sneering and vindictive. Which perhaps fits with Mike Leigh’s agenda? Either way it’s a masterpiece.

ENDORSE IT

Goodwood Festival of Speed

West Cork podcast + Netflix series

Stewart Lee: Unreliable narrator (BBC Sounds)

Bob Dylan: Verbatim (BBC Sounds)

NEXT TIME

Next time out we are discussing Hamish’s choices

Theme to be revealed (apparently it’s quite obvious and stems from the film)

READ:  The Zero (2006) by Jess Walter 

LISTEN: Nocturnes (2020) by Revolutionary Army of the Infant Jesus

WATCH: That Obscure Object of Desire (1977) directed by Luis Buñuel

Date of discussion: Thursday 9th September 2021