Thursday 30 July 2009

Twenties Girl

I have just finished my first read of the summer hols, Twenties Girl by Sophie Kinsella, and thought I would post a quick review as I loved it so much.

Lara is a young woman dissatisfied with her life, not knowing how to find true happiness nor having the self belief to begin her personal journey. Sadie is a rather confident ghost, paradoxically full of energy, desperately wanting to experience a last Charleston, to feel that certain sizzle whilst in search of a treasured dragonfly necklace, which is to unlock her future and her past. In Lara Sadie finds the only person who she can communicate with and although Lara is at first reluctant to aid her personal haunter in her, for Sadie insists on such boldness and such courage which are frightening to express,as the story progresses she allows herself to take control of her beliefs and the amazing adventure she has been thrown into, growing into a beautiful person both inside and out.

As a lover of the 1920s era with its zest for life, its sparkle and its daring, I couldn’t resist this book even though I was a little weary as Kinsella has never appealed to me before. I was pleasantly surprised by an original story line, full of humour intertwined with an abundance of powerful messages on how to live life to its full potential.

This book is worth reading for the fiery character of Sadie alone and I was left with a deep longing to know more of he rincredible story, there is surely the potential for a prequel there! I very much enjoyed dipping into an era of such vibrance and found the the contrast with life now very poignant, for it is so easy to live and believe that measured, calculated and often corporate lifestyle which Lara is part of at the beginning instead of following the passion that Sadie evokes. I loved the hope that the reader is able to find in Lara, that we can open ourselves to that inner spirit and tap into our own adventure.

Another theme which touched me greatly was the treatment of the older generations, for Sadie is the ghost of Lara’s great aunt, who she knew very little of. How many of us judge by the body’s outer mask, and simply don’t make the time to look for the person inside? I fully agree with Kinsella that we should value the life and the sheer wealth of experiences of each individual and celebrate these human beings rather than dismiss in them in favour of our busy lifestyles.

Yes, Twenties Girl it is a feel good story but such stories have such an important part to play in a world which is so often ruled by pessimism, seriousness and monotony.

Tuesday 21 July 2009

I am writing at long last

Having promised myself to take my writing seriously this summer I am proud to say that I am actually doing so. I thought I would blog some of writing exercises to send my words into the technological universe, it can only be a good thing! Today's piece is based on my three very different cat's thoughts of this rainy summer's morning.


Let me out. Those wet drops that fall from above are my favourite game, I like to race in between each one and catch them with my tongue. I am sat here quite still, not fighting with that little black cat who tried to usurp my position as king of this castle (he didn’t succeed and is now a loyal follower), I’m not bothering with intense old lady cat, even though it is so tempting to pounce on her tail as she swishes it from side to side so invitingly. I am here my human beings, by the towering window that magically slides open to reveal lush grass, drenched, whispering at me to nibble it. Look, I have sunk my head on my lovable paws, my eyes are as wide open as I can possibly stretch them, I am even purring for goodness sake, a last resort. Hearing the pitter patter is like thousands of mice tapping on the glass, teasing me to play. Let me out.

Warm. Soft. Safe. Full tummy. Content. Sleep...What’s that? Rattling in the food room. Food?

Hello...is anybody listening to me? I can’t possibly squeak any higher. Hello? I need to find those tall ones, I like the man best but the other one will do in a needing my ears to be scratched emergency like this. The other two that look like me are so very boring this morning, no mischief to be had there. Tap. Tap. TAP! Nothing. Come on dudes, where’s the race? I need something to do. Crouch behind the door, ready to pounce on soft covered feet, ooh yes swinging off the material covering the female ones legs. Hurry up, waiting...