Robin’s choices
Theme: Ireland
READ: A Long Long Way by Sebastian Barry
On Thursday 10th October 2024 @ 7:45 pm we met at our old stamping ground, the Poets, to discuss Robin's Ireland themed choices
A Long Long Way by Sebastian Barry is a heartbreaking and depressing novel about the futility of war. In this instance made doubly futile as young Willie Dunne, who is Irish, is fighting for the British in WW1 as Ireland fights for its own independence.
It's a powerful read, full of memorable scenes, and yet many of us remained somewhat detached throughout and were never wholly convinced by it.
Roland, our resident maverick, was far more fulsome in his praise and lauded an intensely poignant and beautifully written novel that delves into the complexities of identity, loyalty, and the human cost of war.
That said, we all found plenty to enjoy in our second foray into Sebastian Barry’s work.
Nick 6.5 / Tristan 7.5 / Nigel 6 / Keith 7 / Roland 9 / Robin 8 / Hamish 6.5
LISTEN: Robin’s Irish Rebellion playlist
Playlists are bullshit as HBG know more than most however most of us found something to enjoy, indeed some found plenty to enjoy.
Roland, our resident maverick, was deeply unimpressed and lambasted the “plinky plinky music” of the Emerald Isle. Oooof. Take that Eire.
Nick - / Tristan - / Nigel 7 / Keith - / Roland - / Robin 10 / Hamish -
WATCH: The Wind That Shakes The Barley dir by Ken Loach
Roland was unsatisfied. The rest of us were more favourably disposed towards this powerful film that was a surprise hit in Ireland. A surprise given Ken Loach’s status as a niche director.
Bleak and uncompromising it may be, however it also features gorgeous cinematography, is tightly paced, and includes a fine performance from Cillian Murphy.
Nick - / Tristan 7 / Nigel 8 / Keith - / Roland 5 / Robin 7 / Hamish -
HBG endorse it: 26th July 2024 - 5 September 2024
Lee (Film)
Marc Almond live
The Outrun (Film)
LPO @ The Dome live
Boat Story (BBC iPlayer)
Northern Soul (BBC iPlayer)
Nilufer Yanya (Musical artist)
A Very Royal Scandal (Prime)
Bowie in Berlin (BBC Sounds)
The Zelensky Story (BBC iPlayer)
The French Connection (BBC iPlayer)
