Suzanne Kerouen

A BEM story that even that sniffy sprog Kingsley Amis seemed to approve of (see 'New Maps Of Hell'). Frankly, I enjoyed it rather more than 'Slan'; much preferring my science fiction to be set in distant galaxies (or, at least, on other planets etc.). This is a bit like favouring, say, The Memphis Jug Band over John Coltrane or best bitter over claret - or still enjoying Tom and Jerry cartoons at the age of (going on) fifty five. Yes, Amis and Bruce Montgomery did their bit - no question - but I cannot help but distrust the word of the paid-up intellectual - and Montgomery does give me the impression he's slumming it a bit in his introductions to the Faber anthologies (all that name-dropping) and seems to be sniffy about the old pulps. Still, perhaps distance (or time) lends enchantment. Who can really resist those Earle Bergey covers?
I wish Amis and Montgomery had found it in themselves really to stick two fingers up to the more vocal critics of science fiction. Montgomery - I suspect - was too well bred; and don't tell me KA wasn't concerned, circa 1960, with still keeping in with the likes of Mary McCarthy and the other brain merchants he'd hobnobbed with at Princeton.

Rock Paper Scissors is the fourth novel by Alice Feeney, and it’s the second one that I’ve read. I was hooked by the intriguing premise: a couple in a troubled marriage who win a weekend getaway to a remote chapel in the Scottish Highlands. What could possibly go wrong?

The story alternates between the present, where Adam and Amelia Wright are trapped in the chapel by a snowstorm, and the past, where we learn about their relationship through letters that "the wife" wrote to Adam every year on their anniversary. The letters reveal secrets, lies, and betrayals that have shaped their marriage, and they also hint at a shocking twist that will change everything.

Feeney is a master of suspense and deception. She creates a claustrophobic and creepy atmosphere that makes you feel like you’re in the chapel with the characters. She also keeps you guessing with unexpected revelations and twists that make you question everything you thought you knew. The ending was just perfect: it was properly satisfying and very cleaver.

Soyons léger 🥰

Bonjour à tous en ce début de week-end. Voici une chouette lecture découverte un peu par hasard. Le domaine « horreur » n’est pas mon thème de prédilection. Mais ici c’est différent car ce court roman est vraiment très original. D’abord l’histoire fantastique elle-même, prenante et bien menée. Mais âmes sensibles s’abstenir ! Sauf que là où cette histoire se distingue des autres, c’est par son versant satirique et subversif plutôt réservé à la seconde partie. Avec quelques originalités comme une ellipse en tout début. Je ne peux guère en dire plus pour ne pas dévoiler l’intrigue. Sachez simplement que le titre n’est pas à prendre au pied de la lettre. C’est plus une métaphore que l’on ne comprend qu’au fur et à mesure du roman. Le style est vif et bien emmené. Bref… je recommande 🥰

Un film de société étrange et intrigant. Les trois acteurs principaux sont excellents, avec quelques pépites comme le nain de GameOfThrone ou la maitresse de l'ex mari qui est la cruche ultime. Cela mérite clairement pour moi les oscars.