I love Elena Ferrante's books and Pachinko - the credits are absolutely the best, though I prefer Season 1's credits. I have actually been known to play a You Tube of just the credits on repeat when I am feeling stressed because they just exide joy.
I agree, I love the music of S1, but the whole vibe of S2 got me!! So joyful, despite such a tragic story! Somehow makes it all so much more poignant and beautiful!
Have you watched the TV series of the Neopolitan books? I started watching, then they stopped showing on Apple. Tempted to pay. It was really beautifully made! What are your other recs for book series? I’ve always wanted to read the Cazalet books….
Very poignant, indeed. Min Jin Lee has a new book coming out, which I would love to read (American Hagwon), though I have just noticed that she has another that I haven’t read yet (Free Food for Millionaires), so maybe I should pick that up first.
I don’t think I read that many books in series these days, though used to read a lot of crime series (Tess Gerritsen, Patricia Cornwell, Tami Hoag, Colin Dexter, Ian Rankin, Nikki French…). The only crime series I tend to read these days are Clare Mackintosh books - because they’re very good, but also because she’s a friend from my parent blogging days.
The only one that springs to mind right away is Joanne Harris’s Chocolat series, though I have realised that I haven’t actually read all of those, so need to pop some of them on my TBR list/pile!
Ooh, good shout on the other Min Jin Lee books! So many books, so little time!
Yes, I know what you mean about series. You need to break them up a bit. I tend to listen to the crime books while I paint, apart from the Fred Vargas books, which are too good to not have to full pleasure of reading with! I’ve not read any of the series you mention. Maybe once I’ve finished the Shetland books. The current series keeping me company while I work! X
What a great read Ella. I’ve savoured it with my post walk cuppa. I love all the different elements who’ve written about here, your work, life, films and books. I also really enjoy the way you write, with such honesty and authenticity. This is a read that nourishes and offers so much. Thank you!
On another note I knew Jan Ommerod when I lived in Cambridge, and was a fledging illustrator in the late 80’s. She was very supportive and a force to be reckoned with. She lived on Mill Rd (town end) in a rambling house when illustration was well paid enough to live/work/pay mortgages!! I often look at her books I have and smile. She was an amazing drawer of children, composition and line.
Hey Polly! Aww, thank you so much! That’s really lovely to hear 🥰. It’s a relief to know this format was enjoyable to read! I always enjoy reading this sort of post, and have wanted to do my own for a long time! This is very encouraging, thank you! And thanks so much for your kind words about my writing, and my cat! 🥰🥰
That’s amazing about Jan Ormerod! I didn’t even know she lived in Cambridge. I’ll have to look into her more, and keep an eye out for more of her books! It’s the dream to live in a wild, rambling house as an illustrator, eh?! Xx
I know just what you mean about the revelation about making things in pottery! I started last autumn and was a really nice thread through winter. Have you discovered cutting out newspaper stencils and coloured slip? I’m not sure I can explain it without pictures! It’s really fun a bit like paper stencils in screen printing-If I’m at a morning studio club I’ll show you what I mean :-)
As someone without a car so can totally imagine how life expanding it must be!
Ooh, I haven’t tried that yet. Sounds so fun! Would love to see at Studio Club some time. I can imagine it must be great in the winter. I’ll hopefully sign up for some more after this course is finished.
Loved this Ella, that cat is completely adorable, I'll bet it'll be the exhibition of the year, so many great illustrators. Have a wonderful time! Enjoy pootling around in your car too, I passed my test when I was 17, moved to London a year later and have never driven since, I remember the liberating feeling of being able to just take off and roam unknown places! My advice to Nick is don't go for a massage and drive home, I'm sure it's as bad as drink driving, there should be regular warnings! Thanks for the shout out too, I'll have to get back and finish one of my other Substack drafts! x
Gosh, yes! I’ve spoken to a few people since Nick passed who have done that, just not practiced and let it slide! Are you ever tempted to get back in the…saddle?! I’ll pass the advice on re: massages! Sounds like good advice!
Thanks! Looking forward to the exhibition - I can’t wait to see everyone’s work! Xx
Loved reading this Ella! So much treasure. And your cat piece is a stunner xx
Awww, thanks so much, Anna! 🥰🥰 Hope to see you soon! X
Loved this, thank you.
I love Elena Ferrante's books and Pachinko - the credits are absolutely the best, though I prefer Season 1's credits. I have actually been known to play a You Tube of just the credits on repeat when I am feeling stressed because they just exide joy.
I agree, I love the music of S1, but the whole vibe of S2 got me!! So joyful, despite such a tragic story! Somehow makes it all so much more poignant and beautiful!
Have you watched the TV series of the Neopolitan books? I started watching, then they stopped showing on Apple. Tempted to pay. It was really beautifully made! What are your other recs for book series? I’ve always wanted to read the Cazalet books….
Very poignant, indeed. Min Jin Lee has a new book coming out, which I would love to read (American Hagwon), though I have just noticed that she has another that I haven’t read yet (Free Food for Millionaires), so maybe I should pick that up first.
I don’t think I read that many books in series these days, though used to read a lot of crime series (Tess Gerritsen, Patricia Cornwell, Tami Hoag, Colin Dexter, Ian Rankin, Nikki French…). The only crime series I tend to read these days are Clare Mackintosh books - because they’re very good, but also because she’s a friend from my parent blogging days.
The only one that springs to mind right away is Joanne Harris’s Chocolat series, though I have realised that I haven’t actually read all of those, so need to pop some of them on my TBR list/pile!
Ooh, good shout on the other Min Jin Lee books! So many books, so little time!
Yes, I know what you mean about series. You need to break them up a bit. I tend to listen to the crime books while I paint, apart from the Fred Vargas books, which are too good to not have to full pleasure of reading with! I’ve not read any of the series you mention. Maybe once I’ve finished the Shetland books. The current series keeping me company while I work! X
I had a feeling as I finished reading this that one day someone will make a beautiful illustrated book about your artistic life :)
Thanks for the book ideas too…I’ve ordered Jan o for Father’s Day xx
What a LOVELY thing to say Tessa!! Thank you! ❤️ And yay for the Father’s Day book!! 🥰😘
Fab read!
I just want to smoosh your cat’s face….adorable!! 😍
And also, here if you ever want to chat Northern Lights….🐻❄️😂
Ahhh! Perfect! If you want to smoosh his face, because Sonny has a completely smooshable, so I must have done something right!
Always here to talk Northern Lights!! X
What a great read Ella. I’ve savoured it with my post walk cuppa. I love all the different elements who’ve written about here, your work, life, films and books. I also really enjoy the way you write, with such honesty and authenticity. This is a read that nourishes and offers so much. Thank you!
On another note I knew Jan Ommerod when I lived in Cambridge, and was a fledging illustrator in the late 80’s. She was very supportive and a force to be reckoned with. She lived on Mill Rd (town end) in a rambling house when illustration was well paid enough to live/work/pay mortgages!! I often look at her books I have and smile. She was an amazing drawer of children, composition and line.
Lastly, I absolutely adore your cat illustration!
Hey Polly! Aww, thank you so much! That’s really lovely to hear 🥰. It’s a relief to know this format was enjoyable to read! I always enjoy reading this sort of post, and have wanted to do my own for a long time! This is very encouraging, thank you! And thanks so much for your kind words about my writing, and my cat! 🥰🥰
That’s amazing about Jan Ormerod! I didn’t even know she lived in Cambridge. I’ll have to look into her more, and keep an eye out for more of her books! It’s the dream to live in a wild, rambling house as an illustrator, eh?! Xx
I know just what you mean about the revelation about making things in pottery! I started last autumn and was a really nice thread through winter. Have you discovered cutting out newspaper stencils and coloured slip? I’m not sure I can explain it without pictures! It’s really fun a bit like paper stencils in screen printing-If I’m at a morning studio club I’ll show you what I mean :-)
As someone without a car so can totally imagine how life expanding it must be!
Ooh, I haven’t tried that yet. Sounds so fun! Would love to see at Studio Club some time. I can imagine it must be great in the winter. I’ll hopefully sign up for some more after this course is finished.
Yes, the car has been so life-enhancing! Xx
Loved this Ella, that cat is completely adorable, I'll bet it'll be the exhibition of the year, so many great illustrators. Have a wonderful time! Enjoy pootling around in your car too, I passed my test when I was 17, moved to London a year later and have never driven since, I remember the liberating feeling of being able to just take off and roam unknown places! My advice to Nick is don't go for a massage and drive home, I'm sure it's as bad as drink driving, there should be regular warnings! Thanks for the shout out too, I'll have to get back and finish one of my other Substack drafts! x
Gosh, yes! I’ve spoken to a few people since Nick passed who have done that, just not practiced and let it slide! Are you ever tempted to get back in the…saddle?! I’ll pass the advice on re: massages! Sounds like good advice!
Thanks! Looking forward to the exhibition - I can’t wait to see everyone’s work! Xx