MANHATTAN–THAT WAS THE WEEK THAT WAS
Full of optimism for being able to celebrate Christmas this year in person with our son and family, we flew to New York a week ago. The first few days were lovely—spring-like temperatures hovering around 60, dining in favorite eateries, and spending time after school with our marvelous granddaughters. As we watched the Covid-19 case numbers climb and observed the long, around-the-corner lines at Covid testing sites, we became a bit concerned.
We stayed off the subway, we did not go to Rockefeller Center to see the always beautiful Christmas tree, and we did not get tickets for any museums. Instead, we restricted ourselves to eating dinner indoors, often early, at our handful of favorite restaurants. Going early, we avoided large numbers of diners and generally got great service. One day we walked 60 plus blocks for exercise, and on another, we strolled in a lightly populated Central Park. We were staying in comfortable digs, so reading and watching the occasional new film kept us occupied.
Yesterday, that changed when a family member tested positive for Covid. More concerned, and feeling vulnerable at our ages, we made the hard decision to leave town and return to Florida. Alas, it will be another Christmas shared via Zoom. Perhaps 2022 will be better and next Christmas, we can once more celebrate in person! In the meantime, we prize our current good health and will do what we can to preserve it.
COMPELLING NEW FILM
The Power of the Dog (Netflix)
Jane Campion’s new film has been getting a lot of attention and mostly praise. Set in Montana in 1925, it’s the story of two brothers, Phil and George, and George’s new wife Rose and son Peter. George is the owner of the ranch and seemingly ineffectual while Phil is “cowboy” personified and a mean cuss. Phil berates his brother regularly, calling him “Fatso.” When George marries Rose, Phil turns his venom on her and initially bullies medical student and aspiring surgeon Peter.
Benedict Cumberbatch is brilliant with a commanding presence as Phil. He seems to be the one in charge and in control of events. Phil teaches Peter how to ride and makes him a rawhide rope in scenes with erotic undercurrents. How the relations between these four characters play out is shown in acts like a play, and the ending will surprise you. Only in retrospect did I appreciate the clues that were laid out from the beginning. Peter is a much more complex individual than he appears as is Phil.
The cinematography is gorgeous showcasing the wide-open spaces of the west and the smallness of one man against such a vast horizon. I look forward to watching this film a second time. Highly recommended!
NEW FICTION–SUCCESSOR TO THE MORLAND DYNASTY
The Secrets of Ashmore Castle by Cynthia Harrod-Eagles
For some of us, maybe Americans in particular, Harrod-Eagles’ long series, The Morland Dynasty, was a way to easily absorb the sweep of British history from the 15th to the 20th centuries. I have read nearly all 35 novels about the successive generations of Morlands and found them fascinating. That series seems to have ended in 1931, and now there is a first novel in a new series.
The Secrets of Ashmore Castle introduces the Tallant family and the sons and daughters of the late Earl of Stainton. As the oldest son and the newest earl, Giles has a duty to marry and to marry well. His father left the estate in disarray and in poor shape financially so Giles needs to find a rich bride. He meets Kitty Bayfield and her friend Nina Sanderton and becomes engaged to one of them. The house and stable servants also have a role to play, think Upstairs Downstairs, and have dreams and aspirations of their own.
This first novel covers the courtship and events leading up to and including Giles’ wedding from several different perspectives. Harrod-Eagles has a keen eye for detail, and you get a real sense of the social niceties and rules governing behavior in 1900 Britain. Recommended for fans of historical fiction. (~JWFarrington)
Note: Header photo is the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center we didn’t see (people.com).
