1984 Review

I'd been debating whether to get tickets to see the production of George Orwell's 1984 since it started at The Playhouse Theatre at the beginning of the summer. One of the lessons I've learned recently is to stop debating and just do (after plenty of time and careful thought, of course). You can bet I was so glad I did.

The Picture of Dorian Gray

Not a book I've read recently but still a personal favourite, Oscar Wilde's The Picture of Dorian Gray is a timeless classic, teaching the reader a moral lesson each and every time.

A Seaside Stay

Saying 'the seaside' has an almost childish expression to it; as if you can only play on the beach, eat ice cream and go on the galloping horses when you are young. Yet there is something about doing all of this when you are older too (granted, not that much older) that makes it all the more fun.

The Miniaturist

I read The Miniaturist in almost an afternoon, it is simply unputdownable. Considering it is over 400 pages long and a very in depth read, that is pretty good going by my book! (If you'll pardon the pun).

Barcelona Attractions

I spent a few days in Barcelona recently and it is honestly such a lovely city. I have never been to Spain before so Barcelona was the ideal place to start. With historical sights, plenty of Gaudi architecture, a mixture of old and new streets, good food and even beaches, you really can't go wrong. We crammed in as many tourist attractions as possible so I thought I would put together a post of them all to help people who are going or who want to in the future. If you haven't seen my previous Barcelona Photo Diary post, then you can check it out here.

Barcelona Photo Diary

I recently visited Barcelona for a few days and took plenty of holiday snaps! It was my first time visiting Spain and it certainly did not disappoint - so I thought I would share some on my blog for your (and my own) enjoyment.

The Enemy

The Kite Runner

Khaled Hosseini's debut novel is set in Kabul, Afghanistan and follows the life of Amir, a young boy from a wealthy Pashtun family. It searches his friendship with Hassan, their Hazara servant, and the challenges they face growing up in a war-torn society. The story allows the reader to compare life before and after the Taliban took over whilst exposing an Afghanistan I never knew existed, where kite flying was a favourite Afghan tradition and past-time. Amir goes on a journey to redemption throughout the Bildungsroman novel as a childhood event altered the boys' lives forever. Some events are shocking, others saddening, and there's even a tear-jerking moment in a well-crafted, thoughtful plot.