The Broad’s seasonal recommendations are back! In this edition, our new Creative Team, Srishti Ramakrishnan, Sorcha Tipping, and Kristy Galbraith bring you their top book, film, and music recs from the past month!
BOOKS
Orla Mackey, Mouthing
Penguin Books, Mouthing, 2024
Irish literature has recently seen an influx of exceptional works, from (of course) Sally Rooney’s Intermezzo to Claire Keegan’s beautifully constructed short stories. Another recent release which caught my eye was Orla Mackey’s Mouthing, an incredibly clever narrative of narratives - how they originate, and how they are distorted. Set in the small, rural town of Ballyrowan, Mackey tells the story of gossip, interest and Irish communities. Now that the days are getting shorter and darker, this hilariously captivating novel will make you forget all your winter woes.
Zoe Gilbert, Folk
Bloomsbury Publishing, Folk, 2018
Folk weaves together fairy tales, folklore and Gilbert’s imagination to create a tapestry of short stories set on the fictional island, Neverness. Following a generation as they grow, connect with magical beings, marry each other, discover other-worldly beings, and eventually have children of their own, Folk creates a tone and atmosphere rich with mystery and suspense, and always creates a desire in its reader to explore more. I discovered this book shortly after its release on a stormy day in the town of Fort William, and I have been entranced with the stories and characters within it ever since.
Ian McEwan, On Chesil Beach
Anchor Books, On Chesil Beach, 2008
Although much shorter than McEwan’s most well-known novel Atonement, this book is equally captivating and written in McEwan’s distinctly beautiful style. It tells of two young newlyweds and the difficulties they face on their wedding night, while seamless flashbacks reveal the troubles and events of the past which have shaped the way they are now. A seemingly simple story, it nonetheless masterfully deals with the complexities of human nature. The film adaptation starring Saoirse Ronan is also very well done and captures the uncomfortable yet honest tone of the book.
MUSIC
Junodream: ‘Dream Untitled (On and On)’
junodream, photo by Ned Botwood, Fred Perry UK
This new release from junodream, a dream-rock band based in Brixton (stay with me) would appear to be everything pretentious on paper, but their music toes the line perfectly between sad and uplifting. Just like the transitional season, their single a Dream Untitled is perfect for both background music after a long day of uni work, or for singing along to as you mourn the end of summer.
Gregory Alan Isakov, ‘That Moon Song’
Gregory Alan Isakov, ‘This Empty Northern Hemisphere’, Spotify
This song came out a while ago, in 2009, but something about it feels timeless and nostalgic, with its dreamy strings and evocative lyrics. Isakov’s voice blends perfectly with the backing vocals and instrumentation, and this song is perfect for listening to while walking through an autumnal evening, especially given how beautiful the Super Hunter Moon has been this month.
Stevie Nicks, ‘The Lighthouse’
Stevie Nicks, ‘The Lighthouse’, Spotify.
Easily an artist who has made herself synonymous with October-time, Stevie Nicks’ most recent single begins with a whisper only to kick full steam ahead into a power-rock anthem. Penned after Roe v. Wade was overturned, the fury in Nicks’ voice is brought into full colour with guitar by Sheryl Crow and production by Dave Cobb.
FILM & TV
The Outrun
‘The Outrun’, 2024, The Guardian
Based on Amy Liptrot’s memoir and starring Saiorse Ronan as Rona, this beautifully-shot film depicts a woman’s battle with alcoholism as she navigates her relationships, family, and the pursuit of her own happiness. Filmed in the stunningly scenic Orkney Islands, it is also a testament to the beauty of nature. Saiorse Ronan brings to life the joy and peace that can be found in the natural world, from wild swimming to Rona’s search for the corncraken bird. This film will make you appreciate the Scottish landscape in all its forms, and maybe make you feel better about the impending Edinburgh winter.
A Single Man
‘A Single Man’, 2009, AnOther
I stumbled across this movie on Netflix and didn’t expect it to leave such an impact. Based on Christopher Isherwood’s 1964 novel of the same name by, it portrays a day in the life of a British university professor living in 1960s California, dealing with depression after his partner of sixteen years died in a car accident. Colin Firth’s acting is, of course, exceptional, and the film is beautifully shot; it will leave you both heartbroken and touched at the same time.
All Creatures Great and Small
‘All Creatures Great and Small’, 2020, Channel 5
Easily one of the cosiest autumnal watches I’ve found, All Creatures Great and Small has been airing since 2020. Following a young vet who makes his way from Glasgow to the Yorkshire Dales, All Creatures Great and Small finds love and comfort in the lives of the animals featured as well as the characters, with an excellent cast. The entire series can be found on Channel 5, Netflix and BBC iPlayer.
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