Fall by John Preston This is a full and thorough biography of the late Robert Maxwell by John Preston, who also wrote The Dig and A Very English Scandal. John is my friend, (though don’t let that put you off him), and he is very funny in person and his typical impishness comes through in his portrait of the absolute… View Post
I have been thinking a lot about narcissists recently, they’re on my mind for a combination of reasons. If you have ever had a close encounter, a bust-up or any kind of working or romantic relationship with a narcissist – even an entry-level one – and you witness a dialogue playing out in, for example, the media that reminds you… View Post
These are AMAZING and extremely simple, a really super treat thing when only a chocolate muffin bonanza will do. This recipe is from the website of the excellent American food Baker Bettie, who seems from her online appearance to be a really super person and I love all her meticulous retro styling. She also very kindly converts baffling US cup… View Post
Isn’t it just the best, the greatest feeling, when an item of clothing that you have ordered online arrives and it’s just as you dreamed it would be? So it was for me this morning with the arrival of this pair of khaki chinos from The Great. I have been battling on with my old pair of chinos from Vince… View Post
I have often wondered throughout all this, when people say their mental health is suffering, when they say “we’re all going mad” or “I’m going mad” I wonder what they mean. What does is look like – how is this “madness” manifesting itself? I haven’t felt very mad. I get up on time and go to bed on time. All… View Post
I had a question the other day about what are the best new trainers to buy for Spring and Summer. I am a devotee of Hummel hi tops, but I look with great envy at anyone who has these Americana Hi pair from Adidas. If you don’t like either of those, as a general rule the next pair of (fashion)… View Post
Some things to watch, read or listen to to distract you from the confusing exciting/sad times to come in the next fortnight. Lupin on Netflix Not new but such amazing fun, starring the handsome and charming former stand-up comedian Omar Sy as a modern iteration of a gentleman thief. Absolutely as good as Sherlock was, before it went all mad… View Post
I was, I had been, waving… bobbing around on the sea in the choppy water. Waving for help. Here! Over here! Help me. And then about a fortnight ago I surrendered. I gave up and stopped treading water. Goodbye world, hello to my watery Other Life. I slipped under the surface, silently. Hands up, pale fingertips the last you would… View Post
I’ve been having quite a few side-chats about Beauty Pie recently, some people using their membership a lot, the deliveries representing a bright point in otherwise dark times and feeling a little better than random things purchased from Amazon. Others contact me saying that they have a membership but don’t know what to get. I thought a group discussion about… View Post