"The Flight from the Enchanter", by Iris Murdoch

Novel, 1956

A novel which starts with a good deal of energy and potential, but which doesn't entirely succeed under the weight of a large number of characters. Most of these are well drawn and interesting, although it's hard to feel much sympathy or connection with any of them, except - perhaps - Rose. The subsequent dreamy detached atmosphere is perfectly enjoyable, though events drift to an unsatisfactory end. Some great scenes and settings, though overall, not especially riveting.

"Three Cases of Murder", directed by David Eady, George More O'Ferrall, Wendy Toye

Movie, 1955

Early portmanteau film, combining horror and supernatural themes across three murder stories. The first has an eerie, circular feel; the second is a more straightforward love triangle and the third a political revenge piece. The stories are a little clumsily pulled together by a narrator, although the film as a whole entertains.. The eeriness of the first section, in particular, has an affecting feel about it, with the third section notable for an over-made-up Orson Welles almost skewing the whole piece with his presence. Alan Badel is in every story, although why is a mystery in itself. 

"Blades of Glory", directed by Gordon and Speck

Movie, 2007

Daft film, which packs laughs throughout, in following arch rival skaters, also find a loophole and join forces to perform after receiving lifelong bans for a podium punch up. There's little fresh or innovative in this film, but it's solid entertainment, with some odd dance moves and action centered on the ice rink. A perfect film for leaving your brain somewhere else and having your ribs tickled. Some good performances and slight twists in characterisation elevate this film above an even crasser version it could easily have been. 

"John Coltrane," by Martin Smith

Non-fiction, 2003

A book focusing on the socio-political environment into which John Coltrane emerged in the 1950s and 60s. There are touches of biography and descriptions of the music, though this book's simplicity is its main strength and weakness; the idiocy of racism is writ large, in black and white, although at other times, the simple language struggles to reflect the lyricism and complexities of Coltrane's music. But still, reading is no replacement for listening, and while the book doesn't entirely inspire an investigation into the music and those wonderful orange Impulse! spines, there's plenty to get to grips with nonetheless.

"White is for Witching", by Helen Oyeyemi

Novel, 2009

A novel which pulls on a load of shapes and guises, from coming of age, to a twins' psychodrama, to haunted house thriller. This is a book in which too much goes on without much seeming to actually happen. The result is a confusing hodge-podge, which may be an intentional device reflecting the struggles of Miranda, the main protagonist. There's some really outstanding images, but the different voices and narrative layers don't really fully knit together where they feel like they should. Some great ideas and difficult subjects explored, but too fragmented for my liking. 

"The Shadow of the Crescent Moon", by Fatima Bhutto

Novel, 2013

Riveting story of three brothers in Pakistan and, more strikingly, two of the women in the family. Everyday life is shown, from three different perspectives and responses to a harsh environment. While the bombs and terror give a very visceral backdrop, it's really the domestic strains which give the book its real tension. A really well constructed and well told narrative which skillfully explores characters' past lives in adding weight to the main thrust of the story. As such, this is a refreshing look at beliefs and ideologies and how they work and are mediated through communities trying their best to get along and survive. 

"Doctor Sally", by PG Wodehouse

Novel, 1932

Slight, even for Wodehouse, making this unusually non-diverging story feel more like a television drama or a short story. As a result, there's not quite the levels of intrigue and incident, though despite this, and despite the writing feeling a little restrained, this is still glorious, whimsical satire of the highest order. A precious thing indeed for the Wodehouse devotee, though those new to the great man's oeuvre might want to start with a Jeeves and Wooster. But still, some interesting takes on male and female roles and social class.