Good morning! I’m writing this week’s Sunday Stories whilst munching on my breakfast and feeling content. Yesterday we met some friends for a BBQ in a local park and it was so lovely to be out in the sun, feeling somewhat normal! Today’s plan is to catch up on some reading so let’s crack on with this shall we.
Currently Reading
This week I have been reading a wonderful book called The Parisian by Isabella Hammad. It’s about a young Palestinian who travels to France to study during the First World War. I’m about a third or so through it so I still have a fair bit to go, but so far it’s incredibly rich and I’m fascinated by the complexity of the shifting Middle Eastern politics. Can’t wait to get stuck into it again today!
Watching
This week by pure chance I saw on Instagram stories that Zadie Smith was doing a talk with Penguin about her new essay collection Intimations. It was on that evening, so I pounced on some tickets immediately! In the conversation with Shahidha Bari, she discussed her essays, which she wrote during lockdown, and how they were her attempt of capturing the feelings that the events of this year have provoked. I find Zadie Smith so incredibly insightful. She made so many interesting points about online culture, what it is to be human and how we have lost sight of that, and the escapism of fiction. A copy of the book was included in the ticket price and I can’t wait to read it!
Other Reading
I’ve really been enjoying the Welsh arts, culture and society magazine Santes Dwynwen. Their aim is to platform the talent and work of the people of Wales, in an industry that is very London-centric. The pieces on there cover personal essays, arts and culture, food, creative writing, and more, and captures a breadth of voices. I’ve really enjoyed dipping into the articles, and whilst the magazine does accept submissions from people everywhere, as a Welsh person it’s exciting to see somewhere that encourages and celebrates Welsh artists. Also, I love the look and aesthetic of the website. I am obsessed with illustrations and want to fill my house with them.
That’s it for this week’s Sunday Stories. I’m looking for a new podcast series to listen to, please let me know if you have any recommendations? I’ve worked my way through my usuals, so now I’m on the hunt for something new.
I hope you have a glorious Sunday wherever you are! Time for coffee now I think.
