The Fashion of Film: Fashion Design Inspired by Cinema by Amber Jane Butchart

 

"The desire to shock, scare and thrill by depicting the supernatural is as old as the moving picture itself."

What a fabulous coffee book, combining twin passions of fashion and cinema. From the gorgeous cover featuring the amazing Jane Fonda, to the contemporary catwalk interpretations of classic cinema this is a feast for the eyes.

If you've lusted over Catherine Deneuve's YSL in Belle de Jour or felt a pressing need to buy multiple cheongsams after watching the unforgettable In the Mood for Love, then this book should take pride of place on your display cabinet and will end up particularly well thumbed.

Fantasy and desire are enveloped in visual escapism personified by the silver screen and Butchart's book will give the uninitiated a quick course in cinematic looks. Interestingly there are a few films referenced that even this devoted cinephile has yet to experience and that adds an extra flourish.

4 out of 5 - I long to be as fabulous as Michael Caine's sunglasses in The Italian Job.

The Thursday Murder Club (Thursday Murder Club #1)by Richard Osman

 

“At least I have discovered that online dating is not for me. You can have too much choice in this world. And when everyone has too much choice, it is also much harder to get chosen. And we all want to be chosen.”

Richard Osman is probably best known as a comedian with appearances on various UK panel shows and probably the least likely candidate to be the next Agatha Christie, but sometimes the most unlikely person can really deliver.

When I read the premise about a group of pensioner sleuths I was in, I mean one has to have some aspirations for retirement! This novel was chosen for my bookclub and it perhaps wasn't the best choice for that format because there's not a lot to discuss. Its more one of those enjoyable reads that don't require much discussion, just comfortable enjoyment.

Possibly the perfect Mother's Day present, but equally appealing to all ages. Sign up for the Thursday Murder Club, not since Jessica Fletcher have the more mature sleuths out there had such intriguing exemplars.

5 out of 5 retirement homes wish they were this exciting.

Themes and Variations by David Sedaris

 

“If you think I’m putting my bra back on for this bullshit, you are so sorely mistaken.”

David Sedaris is an uncommonly good writer. He captures the crazy minutiae of the everyday in a way that is hysterically funny and consistently compelling. I was introduced to him by a guy who I used to be friends with. So, even friendships that end leave a positive residue - in this case familiarity with a fantastic writer.

I had the pleasure of meeting David Sedaris at two book signings with said ex-friend. His quips at those meetings and the adorable message he wrote in my book affirmed my undying love for Mr Sedaris. If you ever get the chance to see him live, do it!!

This rather brief essay is the antidote for the misery on your television screen. Turn off the news and hook into this.

5 out of 5 - definitely worth putting your bra on for.

Dead Man Switch(Book #1 A Billie Walker Mystery) by Tara Moss

 

“It wasn't a fancy space. It didn't need to be. Clients didn't come to her for interior decorating tips.”

I was torn on this one initially. Getting into the novel took a little time because I was distracted by the length of prose dedicated to dresses and earrings. Another aspect that jarred was the overtly film noir stereotypes. I'm a big fan of Tara Moss and think she's an excellent human from what I've seen of her, so my expectations were very high.

The mystery of the novel certainly dragged me in once I got over my initial concerns. I love noir, I love a mystery, this should have totally won me over. Part of its charm was the Australian setting which I found endearing at times, and jarring at others. Whenever any character said or did something that seemed quintessentially noir, but not particularly local to Australia; I was taken out of the tale.

Ultimately, I enjoyed this trip back in time and while my praise seems less than effusive, that perhaps links closely to the expectations I had. Confusingly there are two versions of the title and I stupidly bought the paperback and the kindle, such was my enthusiasm for the premise. This broken reader who has avoided dating since breaking up with Voldermort wanted some romance for the protagonist. At least one of us should be having more excitement in that area.

Perhaps that was what was lacking and maybe that will be developed as the series progresses. Reading about another workaholic is not the escapism I need right now. Putting that aside, the novel certainly held my attention and the tale was interesting.

4 out of 5 Sydney, back in the day, also had some seedy characters

Challenge Accepted! by Celeste Barber

 "Have you noticed that most hot people you see in the street look confused?"

Celebrity books can be a little hit and miss, so I was somewhat sceptical about this one.Clearly I shouldn't have been concerned, Celeste is just as delightful as her instagram posts. Her enthusiastic, self-deprecatory voice shines through and draws you in from the get-go. 

The unexpected gem here is the author's life story, something lacking from the hilarious visuals online.From struggles with schooling to the vagaries of life as a would-be actress and the challenges of childbirth, the book meanders in a distinctly non-linear way and I think that adds to its charm. 

Barber comes across as unfiltered and honest, which merely adds to her tremendous appeal. Even when she name drops it is done in a way that you forgive, because its just like a close friend is explaining an unbelievable encounter to you over a sneaky glass of something fizzy.

5 out of 5 - Who wouldn't want to hang out with Celeste and her hot husband?

The Accountant: A novel by Barry Smith and some wine

 

“Hi, my name is Fiona Jones. I work for legal aid ($54,000).”

From the cover page’s attribution to wine, on to the hilarious blurb, lies a rather unusual, often hilarious crime novel penned by one of my workmates – the eponymous accountant, Barry Smith.

Barry is often a source of mirth and marvel in the office thanks to his penchant for puns and magic tricks, both of which inform his writing. The structure is unique with each character introducing themselves in a way that breaks out of the story and becomes almost theatrical. Even the victim has a voice. I enjoyed the way he characterised them by their earnings which really added to the accountancy flavour.

I had my suspicions about ‘whodunnit’ a good way into the novel and yet was always sceptical. The cast are a veritable rogues gallery, and with lots of money involved, things can often get messy.

Murder, schemes, swiss bank accounts, this one has the lot. If you feel like an enjoyable and giggle ridden mystery with a dash of book-keeping, then you too can discover Barry’s oeuvre on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Accountant-novel-Barry-Smith-some/dp/1521443629

 

4/5  - Dodgy accountants have even dodgier associates.

Piranesi by Susanna Clarke

 “Perhaps that is what it is like being with other people. Perhaps even people you like and admire immensely can make you see the World in ways you would rather not. Perhaps that is what Raphael means.”

 

Giovanni Battista Piranesi, a Venetian artist and architect,  lived in 1700s Italy and is famous for his Caceri or Prisons series of prints that depict strange, impossible, labyrinthine structures.

I've done a little bit of internet research and discovered this great video that epitomises his work.

Piranesi Carceri d'Invenzione from Grégoire Dupond on Vimeo.

Much like the eponymous artist, Piranesi is a fantastically puzzling tale that twists and turns through a strange world before its secrets are revealed. I have to admit it took a long time to acclimatise with the world building of the novel and my confusion and sense of displacement was mirrored by the protagonist in a novel and impressively rendered manner.

Patience they say is a virtue... so hold on tight, keep your mind open and keep reading.This one is definitely a slow build, but worth it. Unlike the absolutely weighty tome that was Jonathan Strange and Mr Norris by the same author, Piranesi is a relatively quick read at under three hundred pages. The rather large gap between novels attributed to the author's ill health according to this interview I tracked down online. I sincerely hope her health improves and we can enjoy more wonderful works in the future.

5 out of 5, disappear into another world.