Rosewater (2017) by Tade Thompson

Tristan's choices: Thursday 5th January 2023

Theme: *Afro-Futurism*

READ: Rosewater (2017) by Tade Thompson

LISTEN: Negril to Kingston City (2010) by Transdub Massiv

WATCH: Neptune Frost (2021) dir by Saul Williams and Anisia Uzeyman

Tristan chose the book and the theme together. Tristan loves a bit of sci fi and, whilst not spectacular, dubbed it a page turner with lots to like. 

Roland was less convinced and appeared to be in physical pain whilst delivering his review. 

Robin found the non linear structure too challenging. Too too challenging.

Nick revealed Tade Thompson is an NHS doctor based in Portsmouth. Elements of Logans Run and Cloud Atlas for Mr S

Keith liked it. Happy to go with it. Increasingly bonkers. Disappointed that it was unresolved, being the start of a trilogy and all

Nigel enjoyed this inventive, gritty and original slice of modern science fiction with an imaginative scenario peopled by characters who are convincingly flawed and confused. He also appreciated the clever and amusing allusions to colonialism and global politics. A winner

Hamish was v enthused. He lauded Tristan’s great track record of picking science fiction books. The idea of an alien travelling underground using xenoforms is utterly brilliant. Interesting setting it in Nigeria, which seemed well portrayed especially how the West isn’t everything whilst also allowing the story to draw on West African superstitions and beliefs. The key characters were relatable, human and convincing. You have to concentrate and it seem a little disjointed at times, but Hamish liked the short chapters and the lack of flannel. An early book of the year contender.

Nick 5.5 / Tristan 7 / Nigel 7 / Keith 8  / Roland  5 / Robin 6 / Hamish 8

LISTEN: Negril to Kingston City (2010) by Transdub Massiv

Tristan went to impressive lengths to find a suitable soundtrack but was frustrated with this, the ultimate outcome. Curiously anything DUB and HBG is generally so there for it. A solid reinvention albeit one that only elicited faint praise. Only Roland was truly enthused but he’d only listened to three tracks

Nick - / Tristan 5 / Nigel 6 / Keith -  / Roland  - / Robin - / Hamish -

WATCH: Neptune Frost (2021) dir by Saul Williams and Anisia Uzeyman

Tristan apologised for the film and found it too incoherent despite being written by the wonderful Saul Williams. It should have been marvellous but alas…it wasn’t

Nick enjoyed it at 1.5 speed and found it interesting

Robin didn’t watch it and nor did Hamish

Roland took it on its own terms but thought the songs were rubbish.

Keith dubbed it a challenging watch but loved the music

Nigel thought it was a great fit with the book - and similarly imaginative. Best to forget about the narrative and just enjoy the visually stunning ride

Nick 6.5 / Tristan 3 / Nigel 6 / Keith 9  / Roland 3 / Robin - / Hamish -

HBG endorse it: 24 November 2022 -> 5 January 2023

The Menu (Film)

My Neighbour Totoro (Musical)

Toad in the Hole (Pub game)

White Lotus (Now TV)

Happy Valley (BBC iPlayer)

Mayflies (BBC iPlayer)

My Old School (2022) dir by Jono McLeod (BBC iPlayer)

Storyville: A Bunch of Amateurs (BBC iPlayer)

Moonage Daydream (2022) dir by Brett Morgan (Documentary)

Glow Wild at Wakehurst Place, Sussex

The Traitors (BBC iPlayer)

Another Round (2020) dir by Thomas Vinterberg (Netflix)

Where the Crawdads Sing (Film - 2022)

Neutrogena (hand cream, 1930-)