Seriously?

So, driving home from the supermarket this morning, on my way home from work, I was being followed, rather too closely by the car behind me.     I steered the car to the side of the road and slowed down to just under the speed limit, as there was room for the driver behind me to overtake on two stretches.

On the second stretch, the driver put on his blues and I pulled over.   I asked the policeman what was up, thinking it was my lights, only to have him ask me where I had just come from.  I told him, work via the supermarket.  He asked me if I had been drinking.   No, I don’t drink at all.   It seems he was concerned because I was driving too close to the kerb and slowed down.   I responded by reminding him of the speed limit and how people tear along that stretch of road at this time of the morning, and I prefer to have them in front of me than behind me, so I slowed down and moved over to let him pass.

Well, the silence was deafening.    Seriously, this guy was came up quickly on my rear and then proceeded to stay close, so what else was I supposed to do?

Yes folks, I was pulled over because I dropped my speed a mile below the speed limit.  I kid you not.

I’m so ashamed.

I just could not wait you see.

I had the weekend free: no overtime, no prior engagements, so I was planning on going to see “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo“ at the cinema, since I had already diligently read the book, but I’m a bit pedantic, and I wanted to watch the Swedish version first.    Oh dear!   When I got to Blockbuster, all three films of the Millennium trilogy were available at just 99p each.   What could I do?   Was I really so patient as to be able to wait two months to find out what happened next in the audio books prior to watching the DVDs?   Of course not!    So, I rented all three, and added “Trollhunter” to the mix on a whim.   

I headed home, popped in the first DVD and proceeded to watch all three of the Millennium films in quick succession.   I don’t really regret doing it, except that in viewing all three, in one sitting I severely disrupted my sleeping pattern.   Luckily for me, I had all four films for two (2) days, so put off watching Trollhunter until Sunday evening, which was perfect as there was nowt on TV.

I must say I was very impressed with the film version of the first book, “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo“, the only one of the trilogy books I’ve read.   Throughout all three films, Noomi Rapace allows Lisbeth Salander to inhabit her, or so it seems, and for me it was as though Salander had simply stepped off the page and on to the screen.   The chemistry between Noomi Rapace and Michael Nyqvist (as Mikael Blomkvist) works, and works well, but I’m not sure if that’s because the writers/directors of the Swedish films altered their relationship to something far more platonic than is indicated in the books*.  I already know how things end between them (damn internet research!)   Yes, there are redactions to the storylines, plots and characters, but they were reasonable from my point of view.  

I admit I had to watch “The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets’ Nest” more than once; I so thoroughly enjoyed the untangling of the stories, and even the final scene.    I just know I will be visiting ebay, in order to purchase the DVDs of the Swedish films; I know I should like to view them again, but after I have read the books and soaked up the intricacies of the plots.

Trollhunter (Trolljegeren) has received some good reviews of late; it’s a film about mythological creatures and it’s European, so naturally I wanted to see it.    What can I say?  It was not what I was expecting having seen the trailers.   It was damn funny though.   A lot of the humour being provided by Thomas, the student interviewer/journalist, played by Glenn Erland Tosterud; however I cannot be sure this was intentional, even with the inclusion of fart jokes.

As much as I enjoyed Trollhunter, it could have been so much more.    I certainly felt no tension; it wasn’t frightening (and I’m easily scared); and the end was less than satisfying.    To be honest, the whole movie made me think: “awwww“.   You know?   When you see an ugly little animal, but you still feel it’s somehow adorable.   Trollhunter may have been a genuine attempt at a monster movie, but it just came across as “cute“.

Trollhunter follows three students from a university attempting to track down a supposedly rogue bear hunter, who is accused of randomly hunting the animals.   Despite anyone else’s lack of ability to do so, the students track down the hunter and proceed to follow him across the country, even being so foolish as to follow him onto a blasting site set in a remote forest,  in the dead of night.    Cue the “Blair Witch Project” pastiche, prior to the entry of the CGI creature(s).

The best thing I can say about Trollhunter is that it was fun, but it’s not down for a second viewing.

So, that was my entertainment for the weekend.    

_______________________________________________________

*Not having read the second or third book, though, my comments only really relate to the first novel and film, “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo“.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo – Audio Book Review

Author: Stieg Larsson
ISBN: 1407434578/9781407434575

Why did I read it? Why did I not read this sooner? I must admit to having seen the books promoted for a few years now, but I never got past the cover (shame on me for judging a book by its cover). I also read rave reviews about the European films, but still ignored it. Then the BBC did its Nordic season, focussing on the Scandinavian countries, from travelogues, through myths, modern day fiction and crime writers; Stieg Larsson was featured in this season of programming, and I learned quite a bit about him and his Millennium trilogy. Although intrigued, it was not enough to tempt me to deviate from my planned reading list.

Over the winter break 2011, I watched an amazing movie for the upteenth time, and found myself moving on to enjoyable European movies, and reading blogs about the current movie version of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, but I knew that those that had seen the European version were much more enamoured with it. I am one of those people who prefers to read a book before watching the film, so when my monthly book club download came up, I decided to go with The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo Audiobook, Unabridged.

Synopsis: Mikael Blomkvist is part owner of Millennium, a magazine focussing on the financial world of Sweden. Blomkvist publishes a damning exposé on a financial hot-shot, Wennerström, but finds himself convicted of libel, facing three months in gaol and possible financial ruin. Blomkvist resigns from his own magazine, Millennium, after being lured by the (retired) patriach of a family-run, industrial company, Henrik Vanger, to investigate the murder of his niece, Harriet, 40 years ago by an unknown member of the Vanger family.

Vanger’s lawyer does his due diligence on Blomkvsit before hiring him through Milton security’s top investigator, Lisbeth Salander. Salander is 24, tattoo-ed, pierced, asocial, legally-declared incompetent and under the care of a guardian; Salander works alone, but Blomkvist needs a research assistant, and after reading the exceptional report Salander did on him, he finds her, and together the delve into the labyrinthine world of the Vanger family in search of a murderer.

What did I like? All of it. This audio version is 18 hours long and I have just spent two days listening to it, almost non-stop; unable to walk away from the story. Larsson is an exceptional storyteller, adept at weaving together varying threads, explaining the intricate details of the financial world, subtlety exposing the psyche of his characters using delicate shades, and hooking his audience along for an extraordinary roller-coaster ride. There is brutality in this book, but Larsson keeps you glued with descriptives that allow the reader to fill in the detail from their own experience. This was important for me, as there are times when I cannot read certain passages relating gruesome scenes, the author seeming to relish in extreme exposure, a kind of salaciousness that often makes me squirm. Larsson avoids this with great skill, while still managing to pack a punch; it helps that the book is punctuated with statistics about the brutalisation of women in Sweden.

The Vanger family is extensive, running through generations and, although I did not have a hard copy with the family tree provided, I was able to follow the extensive research into the family, and the various relationships without issue. I found myself fascinated by the various characters, the exceptional, and the seemingly plain. I had already come across the resolution of the main mystery in my research on the movies and book, and the financial world bores me, but this did not stop me being drawn into Stieg Larsson‘s creation and finding myself desperate to see it all through to the bitter end; I found myself addicted to characters, the story, the environment, the pace. It’s rare for me to be captivated from the start of a book, many authors trying to capture the reader by starting with an action scene but failing, whereas Stieg Larsson had me from the first few paragraphs. I would say intrigue is his forte, because, as the book moved along, I found myself glued to the iPod. Now, I use my iPod in the car and on the speakers at home, but I’ve never used it in public, with the headsets until now. I could not step away from The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo , it invaded my life. Everywhere I went, everything I did, I had the iPod on and was listening to The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo; it became my focus.

The story never felt rushed, but I found myself urging it on, desperate to learn what was to happen next. In this regard the audio version helped add to the tension, with pauses inserted between various paragraphs, not just the chapters, building a sense of urgency in me. Saul Reichlin narrated the version I downloaded from Audible and he did his utmost to give each character their own voice.  On the whole, it was good narration, with clear diction, and good sound quality.

What didn’t I like? Two audio issues: Saul Reichlin failed to distinguish who was speaking in a few discussions which occurred between Blomkvist and Salander, leaving me confused, disappointed and having to rewind to try and untangle the mess. There was an editorial error in the penultimate chapter of the audio version where turning over Tape 17 is mentioned. Apart from these quibbles with the audio edition, I can honestly say there was nothing I disliked about The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.

Well, not exactly true: I don’t like the fact that, under the terms of my Audible account, I have to wait until next month to download the second part of the Millennium trilogy, The Girl Who Played with Fire, and another month again to download The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest. I’m not sure I have the patience to wait for the next instalment.

Would I recommend it? Yes! To every adult reader and I would recommend they read it sooner than later. I regret not having picked up these books when they first appeared on the shelves as recommended, or when the European films of the trilogy were widely lauded, or even as friends are recommend the American film version of the first book. For anyone remotely curious about Swedish culture, the workings of the media, the financial world, lovers of crime fiction, intrigue and those who are interested in the inner workings of the human mind, read Stieg Larsson.

For me, Stieg Larsson is a “must read” and Stieg Larsson a fantastic writer.

Rating: 5/5.

Coming Late to the Party

Why I never read it before, I don’t know.  I was intrigued when there was material about Stieg Larsson in the BBC’s Nordic season, and the books have been promoted to death; the European movie received good reviews; and the Americans have released their own version of the book.

I read some further information on the book before deciding to take it as my bookclub’s audio download for the month.   I started listening yesterday and I am already one-third of the way through; I just can’t stop listening to The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.    It just draws you in, Stieg Larrson is as adept as stringing his audience along as Vanger is at reeling in Blomkvist.   I know the solution to the mystery, it came up in my searches, but it’s not stopped me enjoying the book and, I think, I’ve been able to resolve some of the other intrigues woven throughout, but I am sticking with the ride until it’s over.

I have high hopes for the rest of the trilogy, too, but it will be another month before I can download, The Girl Who Played with Fire, and another month again before I can listen to The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets’ Nest.   Patience is not a virtue I possess.

Personal Tone

It took some tweaking last night, and I don’t know how I managed it in the end, but I finally got the piece of music I wanted as my personal ring tone loaded on to my iPhone.  I generally make my own ring tones, and will use songs that reflect my feelings towards the person, or business they represent, or I choose their favourite song and/or piece of music.   I really wanted a piece of music from a soundtrack that resonates with me.

The first problem I had was getting a hold of this particular music as it was never released and, as such is not available on music websites like iTunes, Spotify, Soundcloud et al, which drove me to peruse some dodgy sites indeed.   Luckily, I found a site that had it available (in fully) which was safe according to my anti-virus software, sound and, best of all, legal.

The next step was creating the ring tone from the .mp3.  In the past, I have followed the instructions found all over the net, it only takes a few seconds, especially if you have been creating a few and get into a rhythm; however, for whatever reason this ring tone was not playing ball.   Firstly, I couldn’t get the .mp3 file to convert to a .m4r, then when I finally managed to change it, it would not import into iTunes as a ring tone, but insisted on going into my main music library and playing.    I don’t know what happened in the end, but it finally transferred into the correct folder and I was able to locate it as a ring tone on my iPhone.

Now I have my perfect ring tone, but I am likely never to hear it because I will probably never call myself!   Foolish, isn’t it?

Welcome to 2012

With the Olympics around, this may not be the best year, but it’s started well.  I’m at home, not in the office, so no photographs of fireworks this year, I’ve had a wee dram to myself and I’m taking a drug-free trip with the help of my favourite movie and it’s soundtrack.

Wishing good health, wealth and happiness to all those that venture here.

‘t were nowt really

Arrived at work to find all the lights off and nobody home.    When my colleague arrived, she wasn’t much impressed either.

Highlight of the day: finding a (late) xmas card on my desk with a nice gift certificate inside, much more generous than it ought to be.    I really do work for some genuinely nice people.   The two, thoughtful gift-givers are always keen to remember myself and my colleague who, working odd hours, are often forgotten about, especially since we are so efficient, the manager never hears much about us.

It’s probably a small thing to them, but to myself, and my colleague, it’s nice to be appreciated.

Late Arrivals

I’ve come back to work this evening to find my desk over-run with post (and work).    I had received some more cards.  Thanks Sis and sorry I didn’t get it sooner.

I also found two packages: firstly an oversized calendar containing photographs of the British Isles, which will either make it to the recylcing bin unless someone wants it; and, secondly, an unexpected parcel from Ireland which contained a sheepish bag, Bailey’s heart-shaped chocolates (something for New Year’s Eve I think) and an amazing CD of music from Abiencellist.   And: Wow!  What a soundscape this CD holds; just loving it!    Thank you so much to Ger, Mark and Dara; it’s amazing, and, strangely, timely.

So, I’ve pinned up my cards, scanned my statements, done the work I am paid to be here for, and am now sitting listening to the CD from across the Irish Sea.   The last person to leave the office before me left three hours ago, the WiFi is down barring me from making calls back to Oz, so I might just settled down and read a book, though I seem to have misplaced “American Gods” which was next on my fictional list.   Hmmmm ….

Hoping everyone is enjoying their evening.

Making the Most of Mankind’s Magic

As I am not up to much today (painkillers are great invention of humankind), I am grateful for the internet to keep me entertained: I’ve watched an amazing movie I have been craving; and am finding inspiration from odd sources.

A bad day turned good.

Tá mé ‘mo shuí

Tá mé ‘mo shuí ó d’éirigh an ghealach aréir
Ag cur teineadh síos gan scíth ‘s á fadú go géar
Tá bunadh a’ tí ‘na luí ‘s tá mise liom féin
Tá na coiligh ag glaoch ‘s tá ‘n saol ina gcodladh ach mé

Sheacht mh’anam déag do bhéal, do mhalaí ‘s do ghrua
Do shúil ghorm ghlé gheal fá’r thréig mé aiteas is suairc
Le cumhaidh i do dhiaidh ní léir dom an bealach a shiúl
Is a charaid mo chléibh tá na sléibhte ag gabháil idir mé ‘s tú

Deireann lucht léinn gur cloíte an galar an grá
Char admhaigh mé é nó go raibh sé ‘ndiaidh mo chroí ‘stigh a chrá
Aicíd ró-ghéar, faraor nár sheachnaigh mé í
Chuir sí arraing ‘s céad go géar fríd cheartlár mo chroí

Casadh bean sí domh thíos ag Lios Bhéal an Áth’
‘S d’fhiafraigh mé díthe an scaoilfeadh glais ar bith grá
‘Sé dúirt sí os íseal I mbriathra soineanta sámh
Nuair a théann sé fán chroí Cha scaoiltear as é go brách

Translation

I have not slept since the moon lit the heavens last night
Just setting the fire and stroking the ember to light
The household’s retired and I am left here to sigh
The roosters are crowing all the world is asleep barring I

My soul is enthralled with your mouth your face and your brow
For your sparkling blue eyes I abandoned contentment and glee
Due to longing for you I’m unable to travel the way
Oh friend of my bosom the hills come between me and you

Wise men proclaim that lovesickness can leave one unwell
I did not believe it until my poor heart came under its spell
A malaise in my craze I failed to ignore
With a hundred and more aching pangs it’s pierced my heart to the core

I met a banshee by the Fairyrath near Ballina
I asked her politely if one could be cured of this “grá”
And she answered me kindly in tones so simple and low
“Once it sets in the heart it cannot be freed evermore”

The Peach Keeper

Author:  Sarah Addison Allen
ISBN:  1444706675/9781444706673

I am sorry to say that this book left me cold. Almost from the start, I discerned the conclusion and this discouraged me from reading further; so much so it took an age to finish this book despite it being relatively light reading.

I found the plot a predictable, as were the characters, which did not seem as full-bodied as ought they ought to be. It seemed the author did not wish to probe her characters, or storyline to any great depth and, by the end, had given up. There was nothing to explore, to engage with leaving me with a lack of empathy for any of the characters; I just could not care. It is a sad thing to feel an author lost interest, and, if Ms Addison Allen had, perhaps the project should have been abandoned.

I was more involved with the two chapers of The Girl Who Chased the Moon found at the back of the version of this book gifted to me. I only hope it does not disappoint as The Peach Keeper did. I enjoy the style of Sarah Addison Allen generally; easy reading with a light supernatural touch where everything generally comes good in the end; a snug afternoon’s indulgence. It’s just a shame The Peach Keeper did not meet my expectations, either from the author or from a novel in general.

I’m afraid I cannot recommend it to anyone.

Rating: 2/5.