First, while staying with my parents, I discovered a new movie. My parents are the best at finding wonderful obscure movies and this is no exception. Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont is only a few years old (2005). Its a lovely tale of a most unlikely friendship.
Why do I like this film? Like any British film, the characters are quirky and eccentric. The film was able to make me LOL and cry too, always a good indication of something I would like. Also, I love the two central actors, Joan Plowright and Rupert Friend.
Joan Plowright has been in so many classics it would difficult to name them all. One of my favorites, although not technically a classic, is Enchanted April. I will most definitely use this as a favorite down the road, so I will not go into details at this time. Check out the link if you are interested in knowing more about it.
Many of you will recognize the character of Ludovic Meyer, as played by Rupert Friend, as Wickham in the most recent version of Pride and Prejudice with Kiera Knightley. He is fabulous in this role.
So, go rearrange your Netflix queue and add Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont to the top. It truly is a wonderful film.
Okay, number two fav, a book... 
Years ago my dear friend Ingrid referred me to this book, Peace Like a River. And although I have read this book before, I am reading it again. (I reread many of my favorites and this is no exception.) Lief Enger can tell a tale like not many others can. So many of the passages in this book are so beautiful and poetic, (like Ingrid would suggest) you want to highlight them to read over and over again.
I won't give you a synopsis, (you can get that from Amazon) but I will say one of the things I like most about this book is Rube's references to miracles and his father's great faith. Also, as a mother of two kids, with an older quietly observant son and a younger spunky daughter, I love the relationship of the kids Rube and Swede. I have hope that as they get older, Et and Sis will become more like these two characters with reference to their devotion, love and appreciation for one another and their unwavering loyalty and reliance on each other.
Again, if it can make me laugh and cry, chances are I will like it. I could say check it out at your local library, but it is such a wonderful book instead I will say, go buy yourself a copy. You will want to read it again and again and when you tell someone about it (which you will), you can lend them your copy. :)
4 comments:
i've been meaning to read this book, now maybe i will get on it!!
I've heard great things about this book. I suggested it for book club... we'll see if it gets picked. Thanks for the recommendation about the movie. I'm obsessed with british films and BBC video. I like your criteria (laugh and cry). I think I will adopt it.
By the way, Esther is gorgeous. I love the way she is looking more and more like you!
Do you have long hair now? I thought I caught a glimpse in one photo.
Finished the book today. Love it. Had me laughing and crying all the way to the end. As far as movies go, you can't go wrong with the BBC.
Yep long hair these days. My challenge to myself was to grow it out while living here in Baltimore. I am really liking it. True, Esther is looking more like me in a lot of ways, at least pics of me when I was that age.
Squeaky is absolutely beautiful BTW.
Wow I think this will be my next read.
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