literally every day my wife or I go outside with our daughter people go out of their way to be friendly, offer aid or a kind word, no matter where we've traveled. it's nice to remember that hostility as default mode of interaction is not destiny, much as it benefits some to pretend it is
Once I was in a grocery store with my 1yo, and a man looked at my son, beamed at me, and said, “Truly this is the face of god” 🥹
Riding the NYC subway with my extremely smiley firstborn was a great way to witness the inherent goodness of humanity. I remember a very tough looking gentleman shaking his head and muttering “I guess I’m having a good day today“ after my infant son beamed at him
Me too! Literally to the point of pulling it up like a weed when it self-seeds in the "wrong" place. It was so delicious - chard & mushroom risotto with plenty of tarragon - the new Spring leaves are so rich and flavourful
Such an interesting thread on publishing in Iceland, and publishing a book translated into English before it's published in its original language.
Also, "And blurbs aren't really a thing here, either, for some reason."🤯
This is the only accommodation anyo ne should be offering in their back garden.
#bedsinsheds
Gorgeous!
Self-seeded, entirely ignored, over wintered chard from the greenhouse
#freefood
Loved The Hounding. Yes, 18thC village but also commentary on now: entitled males with a victim/messiah mentality controling information, suspicion of and violence towards women/boys who refuse to conform, an older generation blind to the secret lives of their children, the damage of viral gossip >>
The structure puts the reader in the position of trying to figure out the truth of what is (or isn't) happening, much like trying to discern the truth through differing opinions and reports online without ever hearing directly from the source.
The writing is assured, taut, well paced, evocative >>
There are nods to climate change, fear of disease, class tension, unquestioned traditions, when tribe becomes mob, the fine line of belonging or not.
*Lots* to discuss should you be looking for a bookclub recommendation.
There are nods to climate change, fear of disease, class tension, unquestioned traditions, when tribe becomes mob, the fine line of belonging or not.
*Lots* to discuss should you be looking for a bookclub recommendation.
The structure puts the reader in the position of trying to figure out the truth of what is (or isn't) happening, much like trying to discern the truth through differing opinions and reports online without ever hearing directly from the source.
The writing is assured, taut, well paced, evocative >>
Loved The Hounding. Yes, 18thC village but also commentary on now: entitled males with a victim/messiah mentality controling information, suspicion of and violence towards women/boys who refuse to conform, an older generation blind to the secret lives of their children, the damage of viral gossip >>
I'm making one last push to let people know about this online talk -- sponsored by the British Library in conjunction with their current exhibition on fairy tales. The live stream starts at 7:30 tonight, but if you buy a ticket *before* the event you can watch it any time over the next 7 days.
Christ knows. "voted for by the public"🙄
Certainly. Also 'visiting' little green men.
Fair; they are fragile creatures prone to hysteria
It seems to be the best year for bluebells in half a century. Bluebells to infinity in Moore Abbey Wood in Monasterevin.
Not just in patches, but everywhere this year.
Howards End (-ish)
Alice Perry in B&W head and shoulders photo #WomenInSTEM #WomenInEngineering
Alice Perry 1st woman in #Ireland to graduate w' engineering degree. Only woman to have been Irish County Surveyor (Engineer), but not allowed to do job permanently. Factory inspector, later published poet. Uni of Galway named building for her. d #OTD 21 Apr 1969 en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alice_P...
Books are the best weapon in the world. Arm yourself! - Doctor Who
Books - you want them, we’ve got them! - Michael
Crossing Qasmiyeh bridge, bombed by Israel. #lebanon
Tá clár gnóthach imeachtaí ar líne agus ar an láthair á reáchtail ag an Chester Beatty faoi láthair, chomh maith le dhá thaispeántas le taiscéaladh. Claraigh anseo le bheith ar an gcéad duine a chloisfidh ar nuacht agus imeachtaí is deanaí. https://rb.gy/zn6942
Two hooded figures with lamps approach a moonlit, isolated cottage. A woman answers the door. We have come for the child, says the hooded figure So soon? she asks It is time, says the hooded figure. The woman is distraught. We should never have got him a library card! What is done cannot be undone, says the hooded figure We couldn’t see the harm! We just wanted him to enjoy reading! For most, it ends there, says the hooded figure, turning away and walking into the wilderness Oh lord, What have I done! says the woman, the child walks past her and out into the darkness with them. Do not cry mother. I am a writer now.
my latest books cartoon for @theguardian.com
A conservation measure aimed at reversing the decline in the curlew population has yielded a breakthrough as the first recorded instance of a 'headstarted' curlew that has established a breeding territory has been identified
Would back reintroducting duels in one very specific circumstance:
Any president/prime minister/despot wishing to wage war* on another country can only resolve the conflict by challenging that country's leader to a duel - 20 paces, rapiers, no subs
*includes "special military operations"
We're so proud that #Saraswati by Gurnaik Johal has been longlisted for the @rsliterature.bsky.social Ondaatje Prize 2026!
Congratulations to Gurnaik for another prize recognition ✨️ The shortlist is announced on 11th May.
We are very pleased that Helm by Sarah Hall has been longlisted for the RSL Ondaatje Prize.
Same.
#BlackrockSinglesClub
If only it was you dressed as a sad Victorian woman holding a large brassica...
#SimplyIrresistible
