‘Boy Swallows Universe’: A Criminal Coming-of-Age
Dalton’s debut novel, “Boy Swallows Universe” (2019), embarks on a captivating journey through the tumultuous life of Eli Bell, a sensitive and intelligent tween boy residing in 1980s Brisbane, Australia. Initially presenting itself as a nuanced character study within the confines of Eli’s eccentric family, the narrative quickly escalates into the realm of a violent […]
‘Origin’: A Moving Call to Action
In 2020, Isabel Wilkerson’s groundbreaking book “Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents” shook the literary world with its profound exploration of entrenched systems of social categorization and their devastating impact on human society. From Nazi Germany to modern-day America, Wilkerson’s meticulously researched work exposes the insidious ways in which caste systems have perpetuated injustice and […]
4 New Adaptations To Watch in February
Be sure to keep an eye out for our upcoming in-depth columns on two highly anticipated book adaptations: “One Day,” a Netflix limited series based on David Nicholls’ beloved novel premiering on Feb. 8, and “Shōgun,” a new FX miniseries based on James Clavell’s epic historical novel premiering on Feb. 27. But before these releases […]
Netflix’s ‘One Day’: Quotidian Rom-Drama Meanders
British author David Nicholls’ novel “One Day,” initially published in the United States in 2010, garnered attention for its resemblance to Nora Ephron’s beloved rom-com “When Harry Met Sally…” Both narratives follow the trajectory of a man and a woman whose friendship evolves into romance over the years, starting shortly after their college graduation. While […]
FX’s ‘Shōgun’: A Faithful and Sweeping Saga
James Clavell’s 1975 bestseller, “Shōgun,” presents the classic narrative ingredients that might suggest a white-savior tale. Its protagonist, John Blackthorne, an Englishman, initially lacks knowledge of Japanese culture and language but rises to become a high-ranking samurai under the patronage of a powerful feudal lord. Additionally, his romantic involvement with the lord’s translator, a noble […]