Armchair Escapism 17

BOOKS
The River (El Jarama), Rafael Sanchez Ferlosio

On a particularly hot summer’s day in Spain, citizens of Madrid have flocked to the El Jarama river for a refreshing relief. The novel traces the casual conversations and mundane moments of the leisurely afternoon though an underlying tension bubbles beneath the surface. On those same riverbanks, a month-long bloody battle had ensued during the Spanish Civil War twenty years previously. The contrast of an erstwhile tragedy with unassuming gaiety proves too unnatural to last and eventually, a new disaster strikes which disturbs the peace of the Madrileños’ relaxing day. A compelling and unique approach to tackling the mood of postwar Spain, Ferlosio explores themes of time and human disconnect.

Watermark, Joseph Brodsky

According to Joseph Brodsky, Venice is ‘the greatest masterpiece our species produced.’ A devoted tourist to the floating city, when he wrote Watermark, he had already visited 17 times usually in December and to see in the New Year. He was enchanted by the misty alleyways, the ghostly silent nights, the waters lapping against the shores, never quite resting. As an astute observer of people and places, Brodsky summarises the Venetian atmosphere as ‘part damp oxygen, part coffee and prayers.’ Anyone who has been to Venice will resonate with the eloquence of his poetic homage. Anyone who has yet to go, will be bumping it to the top of their travel list. 

Cherí, Colette

Léa is an elegant courtesan who is reaching the end of her storied career. One of her dearest clients Chéri, a spoiled and beautiful young man - whom she has shaped and loved for years - is on the brink of an arranged marriage. As the protagonists reach a crossroads in their lives, they realise it is time to end their ties but both have a hard time in detaching from one another. It soon becomes clear how deeply intertwined their lives have become and both Léa and Chéri seek comfort in one another. Against the backdrop of the shimmering Belle Époque, Colette - one of the 20th century’s greatest and most intriguing French female writers - brings us a story of self-deception, acceptance, and impossible love.

FILMS
Vacanze di Natale 83 (Christmas Holidays ’83)

Set on the glamorous slopes of Cortina d’Ampezzo, an eclectic crowd of wealthy Milanese and unsuspecting tourists arrive for the Christmas holidays. In a ‘Love Actually’ styled comedy, everyone’s stories intertwine in hilarious and frantic situations. It is packed from start to finish with romantic entanglements, mortifying misunderstandings and brilliant slapstick moments. The characters ski, seduce and celebrate their way through the mountains, dressed in retro 80s attire and tempting us all to a similar winter escape. 

8 Femmes (8 Women)

One snowy winter on a countryside estate in rural France, the patriarch of a wealthy family is found murdered in his bed. The suspects are eight women - his relatives and associates - who are trapped in the looming house, each harbouring secrets, motives, and resentments. What unfolds is a highly stylised murder mystery set to musical numbers and absurd hysteria. As accusations fly, alliances shift, and musical numbers reveal hidden emotions, the film becomes a witty, theatrical exploration of jealousy, dependence, and deception. Catherine Deneuve leads the brigade as layer by layer, the women’s lies unravel and the final plot twist is revealed.