The Italian film Shun Li and the Poet, is about friendship, mostly, and immigration, poets and fishing. It is poignant and lovely and sad, a little bit heartwarming, a dash of toughness. I found it on dvd at the library, a great source for movies. I also recently read a fierce and loving book called My Brilliant Friend, by Elena Ferrante, the story of the friendship of two girls in Naples in the 1950's. So detailed and fascinating and infuriating. It is the first in a trilogy, and I am making myself wait a bit before I read the next one.
The above pictures were taken last weekend, on the waterfront in Greenpoint, Brooklyn.
Such a view already!
ReplyDeleteMy library doesn't have Shun Lee and the Poet but it does have My Brilliant Friend and I am now 89 on the wait list. Sadly, funding seems to be going into e copies and not books so much. Sad.
Just realized I spelled it wrong--it's Shun Li, not Lee. I've recently started using Netflix streaming on my computer. It's a real bargain at $9 a month. I can't believe I didn't start using it sooner. Tons of movies and tv shows, and they do have Shun Li.
Delete89! I think the third book in the trilogy was just released in this country, and has been getting a lot of press. Hopefully they will get more copies.
Nice photo. They don't look like feral cats. We saw a funny independent film titled "In a World . . ." about a daughter competing with her father to do movie trailer voices. Belle Lake wrote, directed and starred in it. She's very good. I'll make a note of My Brilliant Friend. Why infuriating? It's certainly gotten good reviews. I see it's available on Kindle right now for $2.99. Maybe I'll buy it.
ReplyDeleteIn a World is on my list--glad to hear you liked it. Infuriating subject matter (being a woman in Naples in the 50's) but in a good way--that is it's so well written I feel the reality of it.
DeleteI've just read the reviews of 'My Brilliant Friend' and like the sound of it. An addition to my book list.
ReplyDeleteLet me know what you think, if you read it, Mise.
DeleteHi Jen, I will look out for that book over here too. It sounds heartwarming. A good idea to read during the forthcoming cold and dark days and nights. Happy day to you! CHrista
ReplyDeleteMy cold and dark nights book pile is getting quite high, Christa!
DeleteHi Jen, I love the contrasts in your first picture--the brilliant sunshine illuminating the buildings despite the dark, brooding clouds, and the crowded, modern city above that decrepit wooden pier.
ReplyDelete--Jim
I got lucky with the colors. So glad you noticed the pier.
DeleteHello Jen,
ReplyDeleteI have not heard of the film. must look out for it.
kitty is enjoying the shoreline there in Brooklyn. A great view.
happy days
val
Val, I think you would enjoy the film. It's Italian, and I saw it with subtitles.
DeleteBeautiful photos. Scary cat. I can't watch movies on my computer, I find it to be yet another "social" event turned lonely by social media Another book for the list, the piles are starting to tip over :)
ReplyDeleteThis was the first movie I watched on my computer (a laptop) and it was a good one for that--many movies need a big, or at least bigger screen. This isn't a movie anyone else in my family would have enjoyed, so I didn't feel like I was being unsociable.
DeleteIt's good to have a pile of books handy for winter!
such a coincidence....my mother just told me that she read My Brilliant Friend for her book club. Normally, she and I don't share the same literary tastes, but with two good reviews now, I will definitely put it on my list.
ReplyDeleteI'm reading A Thousand Splendid Suns...oh, it's heartbreaking but I love every page of it.
If you want another really good movie to watch on Netflix....In America is one of the best movies I have seen in a very long time. I recommend it highly.
Sarah, I loved A Thousand Splendid Suns too. A book to savor. Thanks for the movie recommendation!
DeleteI just watched the trailer. Looks good. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI think you'll like it, Denise.
DeleteI believe it is one of the best pleasures in life to read a wonderful book. And you will be happier when you can deepen your impression of the book. Have a nice weekend. Please take care not to catch a cold and lose precious time for reading.
ReplyDeleteI love your phrase "deepen your impression". I do sometimes tend to race through books too fast. Thanks for visiting!
Delete"My early and invincible love of reading, . . . I would not exchange for the treasures of India." Do you agree with what Gibbon says, don't you? :-) I hope next week is brighter for you.
DeleteI do agree!
DeleteI'm always interested in a good book, especially one that is part of a series. I think the last series I enjoyed, more than any in a long time, was the Jan Karon, Mitford Series.
ReplyDeleteThanks--I love getting recommendations. Will check it out!
Deleteahhhhh, no more book recommendations please :)))
ReplyDeleteClose your eyes.
DeleteFunny! thanks, Jen. Your On the Waterfront" photo is as good as, or better than, any such photo I've seen in the New York Times or other similar sources. Good on ya!
DeleteDiane in Denver
Smelling the last roses
intently here in Denver
Snow tomorrow!
Awww. Thanks, Diane.
Delete