February Review
What I've been reading, listening to, and watching this month
Little month of February,
You are small, but worthy—very!
Welcome to A Narrative of their Own, where I discuss the work of 20th century women writers and their relevance to contemporary culture.
It’s time for this month’s review of the best reading, listening, and watching I’ve come across this month! This is an extra end-of-the-month post for all subscribers. If you enjoy this post, please consider signing up for a free or paid subscription to receive weekly literary discussions straight into your inbox.
I really notice the months zipping by when I post these end of month reviews!
Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve been enjoying getting outside more as there have been definite signs of spring in the air here. Crocus, snowdrops, and even a couple of daffodils have begun making an appearance, which is cheering 🙂
This month, I attended my first meet-up of a local non-fiction writers group. I really enjoyed meeting other local writers (in person!) and hearing all about their ideas and projects. It opened my eyes to the many different ways of telling stories and researching interesting people and ideas, inspiring me with my own. It reminded me of the importance of connection amongst writers - whether that be in the flesh or online, in communities such as this one.
Books I read this month…
I finished reading The Last Confessions of Sylvia P by Lee Kravetz at the beginning of the month. This was an interesting and beautifully written book told from the interconnected voices of three women: Dr Ruth Barnhouse, the real-life psychiatrist of Sylvia Plath during her time at McLean Hospital; Estee, a fictional Master Curator who has come upon a previously unknown draft manuscript of The Bell Jar; and a fictionalised poet named Boston Rhodes, a rival of Sylvia Plath.
The book is very much reminiscent of Michael Cunningham’s The Hours and follows a similar structure and split of time. I enjoyed the book and it sparked ideas for future newsletters, but I did find there were some discrepancies in the plot and the ending felt a little implausible for me.
I am now in the middle of reading a nonfiction book about yoga philosophy, How To Find Stillness Within by Colin Dunsmuir, which I’m finding fascinating and thought-provoking!
I have also been following along with Haley PhD’s close reading of The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton this month, together with her amazing supporting notes on the text. She really knows her stuff!
Articles I’ve enjoyed reading this month…
I loved this interview in The Guardian with one of my favourite contemporary authors, Armistead Maupin, about the latest edition to his Tales of the City series and his move to London to claim British citizenship. I am SO excited to say that I have a Zoom evening via The Guardian with Armistead Maupin booked in the diary for March!! Maupin’s Tales of the City series are the books I return to when I need lightness and joy, and I can’t wait to hear what he has to say about his latest installment.
A cheering sign of further confirmation that Gen Z are becoming the readers of the future.
A bit late for Valentine’s Day, but here’s a reflection on love in literature by novelist Tessa Hadley.
A look at the nominations for the inaugural Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction, which I wrote about last year here, along with a look at the work of Rachel Carson.
What I’ve been watching this month…
We recently finished watching the 1995 BBC production of Pride and Prejudice (for the fourth time!) and was pleased to discover Death Comes to Pemberley on Netflix. This is a three-part series from 2013 and is based on the book by the late crime writer PD James. It was enjoyable, although nobody can play Darcy and Elizabeth like Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle in my book!
We have also just returned to the first series of Friends, which brings back so much‘90s nostalgia…
What I’ve been listening to this month…
I was recently introduced to the BBC podcast Shedunnit by my husband, (who is a big crime fiction fan), which looks at the Golden Age of detective fiction and in particular, explores many women writers of the genre. I found this episode especially inspiring.
That’s about it for February. Hoping to enjoy a bit more spring sunshine, blossoming nature, walking, reading, and yoga in March! How about you? What are you looking forward to doing next month?
Back Sunday with another in-depth essay.
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Agree about the BBC P&P...just going to be superior to everything.
Last week, I watched quite a few 2023 films. If you haven't seen American Fiction or Anatomy of a Fall, I think you might enjoy them. Both feature writers and great acting.
Thanks Kate!
Great review! I love BBC’s Pride and Prejudice - no other adaptation comes close. I’ve always wanted to try House of Mirth, it’s on my list. I also enjoyed The Last Confessions of Sylvia P - it definitely reminded me of The Hours in its look at three female voices throughout the ages. Thank you for sharing :)