reviews

Now that I have some free time, I'm reading and I've watched a few movies. I'll start with one of each:

Hateship, Friendship, Courtship, Loveship, Marriage: Stories by Alice Munro.
As you would guess this collection of short stories involves relationships--some past, some present; some good, some bad--all told with Munro's wonderful ability to create real, approachable characters who think and feel with such an honesty that you feel you know them, or, even more amazing, that maybe Munro knows you.

I read a few of her stories years ago, and remember thinking that she was a talented writer, but I didn't feel that connection that I do now. Most of these stories are told by middle-aged women looking back or reluctantly looking around at what their lives have become. That probably explains my reaction now. If you've never read Munro, especially if you're a woman over 30, you'll love discovering this author who speaks for you and about you, and does so so beautifully.

Coincidentally, the last story in this collection, "The Bear Came Over the Mountain," was released last week as the film Away From Her. It's the story of an elderly couple (Julie Christie and Michael Murphy in the lead roles) dealing with Alzheimer's disease, her institutionalization, and the changes that arise in their relationship. Munro's original is touching and a little scary to contemplate. Hopefully, the film will do it justice.

Waking Ned Devine (1998)
In a small town in Ireland someone has won the lottery and two friends aim to find out who it is. They soon learn the (un)lucky fellow didn't handle the news well and died in his bed watching the lottery results. The plan then, becomes how to claim the money for themselves. They soon learn it won't be simple, someone has to pose as Ned, the real winner, and everyone in town has to go along.

You'll never pull so hard for a lie to succeed or a death to occur or a priest to condone it all. But you'll enjoy every minute of this funny film , even the 70 year-old naked man on the motorcycle. (Don't let that turn you off. Believe me, it's funny.)