The Unconsoled

A hauntingly strange book, yet quietly attractive.

More than once, I felt that the narrative seems to be detailing a bad dream which the protagonist cannot wake up from. There is his uncanny ability to subtly read the minds of the people around him, and the multiple scenes in which he steps through familiar doorways only to find himself in unfamiliar spaces, and vice versa. Overall, the journey was disturbing and comforting at the same time, if such a combination is ever possible. Best experienced when surrounded by quiet and tranquility, with the slight rustling of trees, or the undertones of distant, unintrusive chatter.

The White Ribbon

Two and a half hours of quiet disturbance.

http://www.theguardian.com/film/2009/oct/25/interview-michael-haneke-white-ribbon

Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children

A most peculiar read, indeed.

What intrigued me most was the fact that the photos used in the book were not fabricated, but they are actually real-life photos, by real-life photographers!

Made me wonder which came first – the story or the pictures?

Either way, Ransom Riggs did a really good job of creating a world of suspense and mystery, so much so that I actually enjoyed the buildup more than the climax itself.

The sequel came out this year. Will be waiting to read it.