The Colours of the Absurd
Through observations of this carnivalesque fever dream, European Editor Anja Gogo reviews Pirandello’s play, its linguistic landscape and its permeating nostalgia.
RSL Remembers: Paula Rego
In this illustrative article, columnist Soraya Shakibi reflects on her evening spent at the Royal Society of Literature and the Royal Drawing School, exploring the life of virtuoso Portuguese artist Paula Rego. From history, to feminism, to fairytales, Shakibi takes us on an engaging tour of Portuguese culture as portrayed by Rego.
Von Preisverleihungen und Hinterhoflesungen: Ein Bericht über die Leipziger Buchmesse
In her thoughtful account, Michelle Schreiber describes the Leipzig book fair— from its unannounced backyard readings, to its awards, she covers it all, and does so both in German and in translation.
Im Westen nichts Neues: in Kriegsfilmen nichts Neues?
In this German language article, German Editor Freya Swinburne reviews Edward Berger’s highly acclaimed ‘All Quiet on the Western Front.’ In her broad analysis of this cinematic spectacle, she explores the extent to which the film fits the war film formula, and its significance for modern German culture.
WO BIST DU JETZT? – Dislocation in Olivia Wenzel’s 1000 Serpentinen Angst
In this thoughtfully considered article, staff writer Beattie Green sensitively reviews Olivia Wenzel’s debut novel 1000 Serpentinen Angst. In doing so, she explores the questions it raises, which, in some way or another, come to affect all of us.
Dreaming Angelic Conversations: Imagining Jarman and Klein in Phantom Dialogue
Staff Writer Jude Jones eloquently imagines an exchange between filmmaker Derek Jarman and artist Yves Klein, through the latter's 'International Klein Blue'.
Why You Should Listen to ‘Motomami’
Kasia Pendlebury tells you why you should be listening to Rosalía’s latest album, Motomami - and not just because of its TikTok fame.
Strappare lungo i bordi, the Italian cartoon making waves around the world
Jenny Frost reviews the new Italian cartoon mini-series Strappare lungo i bordi by artist Zerocalcare.
Angèle’s Nonante-Cinq is an ode to Belgium - and to melancholy
Daphne Pleming reviews the album ‘Nonante-cinq’ by Angèle, exploring the way she expresses Belgian identity through her melancholic and diverse music.
‘Fake News : Art, Fiction, Mensonge’ Exposition (Fondation EDF, Paris)
The French section’s staff writer Joe Wherry reviews the ‘Fake News : Art, Fiction, Mensonge’ exposition at the Fondation EDF in Paris.
Enter Winter in Sokcho, Elisa Shua Dusapin’s luminous, icy debut
Daphne Pleming reviews Elisa Shua Dusapin’s book Winter in Sokcho, exploring how the author prompts us to consider how we perceive ourselves and the people around us.
Is life more beautiful beyond the adult, absurd world?
In the occasion of Holocaust Memorial Day, Anja Gogo pays her own cinephile tribute by reviewing Life is beautiful, navigating controversies and deeper meanings.
Travel Writing and ‘A Chip Shop in Poznań’
Anna Whitehead reflects on Ben Aitken’s ‘A Chip Shop in Poznań’, Polish culture and travel writing as a genre.
The French Dispatch and Francophilia in Film
Dion Everett reflects on the bilingualism of Wes Anderson’s new film, and the way in which the oeuvre interacts with stereotypical views of the French perpetuated by blockbuster films.
The Hand of God, Paolo Sorrentino’s Most Personal Film Yet
Jenny Frost reviews Paolo Sorrentino’s latest film, The Hand of God, which explores the director’s childhood and his life-saving obsession with Diego Maradona.
In search of German-language pop music - a review of the album Primetime by Strandhase
Daphne Pleming reviews the album Primetime by Strandhase, an upcoming German band who could might be able to raise the profile of German pop music.
‘Linda’, a Pretty Pop Track With Ugly Implications
Isabella Fahey reviews ROSALÍA and Tokischa’s track Linda, and the controversies which surround it, arguing the need for social awareness when consuming creative content.
The Colour of Pomegranates: A Biopic Like No Other
Tom Paterson reviews the Soviet Armenian film The Colour of Pomegranates, which, more than 50 years after its release, remains a landmark piece in USSR film history.
Searching for answers and Apfelstrudel: A Review of The Lost Café Schindler
Anna Whitehead explores Vienna, Erinnerungskultur and The Lost Café Schindler.
Ich bin dein Mensch: Maria Schrader’s film subverts convention and pokes holes in the fabric of reality
Daphne Pleming reviews Maria Schrader’s film Ich bin dein Mensch which subverts the typical rom-com genre through the use of robots.