Die, Nazi Scum-Soviet TASS Propaganda Posters

     A couple of days ago I was at the Andrew Edlin Gallery in Chelsea helping out a professor with his latest book project. The exhibition with its strongly worded title of "Die, Nazi Scum!" is a collection of propaganda posters from the WWII era Soviet Union. The posters definitely send a persuasive message to its audience, in some ways reminiscent of American propaganda posters of the WWI era, with their depiction of the Germans as evil and inhuman. The posters range from images with one liners to entire pieces of prose. A particularly powerful piece was composed by the famous poet Konstantin Simonov urging the Soviet citizen to pick up arms on behalf of his homeland and family for if "you won't kill the German, no one will". The trip was also interesting for me, because I got to experience first hand the nuances of translation. As a native Russian speaker I noted that some phrases were translated in similar, but not identical terms which often changed the meaning. I also came to appreciate how often times a work of art is difficult to interpret as parts of the text are not translated thus leaving important contextual cues inaccessible to the general public.
    The exhibition will still be open after the holidays so I recommend that anyone that has an interest in WWII or the Soviet Union take the time to visit.

Courtesy of Andrew Edlin Gallery

Labyrinth by Kate Mosse- quick comment

Courtesy of Kate Mosse

I am so excited ! I just found out that Labyrinth by Kate Mosse is being made into a TV series. Some of my favorite actors will be starring in it including Tom Felton, Tony Curran and Katie McGrath. I can't wait to see it.

Pan Am

I've been watching Pan Am for a while and I have to say it is really good. It has definitely kept me occupied while Mad Men is still on hiatus.

Pan Am focuses on the story of the flight crew of a Pan Am air craft during the 1960s. Like Mad Men it is glamorous and the storyline is always fun. I love the costumes and the cast are is incredible. Each episode takes place in another country so the setting is always unique.

Each character's back story is pretty interesting. Kate, is a recently made CIA operative is struggling with the fact that her younger Laura, who recently ran away from her wedding, has also joined Pan Am. She is also trying to find her way as an agent. Maggie is a feminist who loves to break rules, but has a few secrets that could ruin her career. Dean, the youngest Pan Am pilot, is struggling with the disappearance of his fiance Bridget and is starting to get close to another stewardess Coulette.

Courtesy of ABC

The show really gives life to the period and does a good job presenting the freedom and excitement that flight brought to a generation of women. I can't wait until the next episode, two weeks from now, and recommend that anyone looking for something fun to watch give it a shot.

Anonymous

I have recently become very interested in the upcoming movie, Anonymous. Although personally not a fan or a believer of the theories that Shakespeare was a fraud, this movie seems worth watching simply, because the story line is intriguing, it has a pretty good cast and seems to be getting good reviews. In honor of this movie I have decided to make my own coat of arms although the motto has been borrowed from the English royal family.

Jasmine Becket Griffith

I've recently discovered this incredible artist, Jasmine Becket Griffith. She makes interesting Gothic renditions of famous paintings. Below are just a few examples:

Jasmine Becket Griffith is extremely talented so check her out.

Sepulcher by Kate Mosse

     A mix of historical fiction and mystery Kate Mosse's Sepulcher is an excellent read. The story consists of two parallel plots. One takes place in 19th century France where Leonie Vernier becomes involved in the fate of the mysterious Domaine de la Cade, her mother's hateful childhood home and the center of a mysterious power. The second plot takes place in modern day France as Meredith Martin is conducting research for a biography on famous composer Debussy while simultaneously trying to uncover the secret history of her biological family, who seem to have some sort of tie to the Domaine de la Cade.

Courtesy of Kate Mosse

     Personally, I found the 19th century plot line much more engaging than the present day one. The detailed descriptions of the period were richer and the setting somewhat darker. Each cliffhanger was pure torture as I wanted to just skip over the present day and find out what happened next. The present day story line seemed more of the cliche girl meets boy, girl likes boy, boy helps girl uncover a family mystery and they live happily ever after. I felt that the ending could have been stronger in the sense that a lot of information was thrown at the reader in the last few pages and I wish the family history after Leonie was more developed. However, I do think that the suspense that the book created was great and it was a good mix of the historical with the supernatural without entering the realm of the absurd. I definitely recommend this one.

The First Princess of Wales

The First Princess of Wales is one of my favorite books. It is the love story of Joan of Kent and Prince Edward, famously known as the Black Prince of Wales. The story begins with a young Joan leaving her childhood home in order to become a ward of the Queen, her distant relative. Newly arrived at court Joan unknowingly meets the Prince of Wales thus sparking a love story that would survive for hundreds of years.

Courtesy of Karen Harper

The novel is beautifully written and the reader easily falls in love with Joan. One can readily relate to her free spirit and her internal struggle between love and revenge. At the same time Prince Edward is a noble love interest, truly devoted to Joan if at times misguided in his efforts to win her love. Although the story first brings to mind the late Princess Diana, on further reflection it is possible to see how the author may have been inspired by the true love story of Camila Parker Bowles and Prince Charles. Their love may have not been as glamourous, but proved to be more lasting than his marriage with the late Princess Diana. Just like Charles and Camilla, Edward and Joan face many obstacles including parental disapproval, but were ultimately able to have their happily ever after.

The Irish Princess by Karen Harper

Courtesy of Barnes and Noble

The Irish Princess by Karen Harper turned out to be a disappointing read. The novel tells the story of Elizabeth Fitzgerald, better known as Gera, a young woman who is forced into exile by the downfall of her powerful family and must learn to navigate the treacherous currents of Tudor politics if she hopes to ever find her way back to Ireland and also to the love of her life, Edward Clinton.

Courtesy of Wikipedia

While the story sounds promising Harper, whose novel The First Princess of Wales I so enjoyed, fails to create substantial characters other than Gera herself. We know very little about Gera's family members or even her beloved Edward. We rarely get a glimpse of their personality and see them only through Gera's eyes. Also Gera's relationships are not fully developed. She seems to go from love to hate in one step with no apparent explanation.

Furthermore, the story itself seems to jump around. While it is perfectly natural for a prologue to take place at a later time than the first chapter it is very strange that within one paragraph the story jumps years into the future with no explanation or a character ends up in a place with no account as to why she is there.


Overall, The Irish Princess could have been better, but does give some glimpse into the power players of the Tudor period.

The Girl from Junchow

Courtesy of Amazon.com

The Girl from Junchow is the conclusion of a trilogy written by Kate Furnivall. The trilogy focuses on a mother and daughter, Valentina and Lydia Ivanova, who are trying to make a living during the rise of Communism in both China and Russia. Valentina, a member of the Russian aristocracy, falls in love with an architect and risks everything in order to be with him. However, when the Revolution overtakes Russia the two are separated and Valentina is forced to survive along with her young daughter, Lydia. This signals a downward spiral of depression and alcoholism for Valentina. Many years later Lydia meets her own true love in the form of Chang An Lo, a young Chinese communist. However, their love is complicated by his communist beliefs and the difficulty of relationships between races.
The Girl from Junchow finds Lydia in Soviet Russia attempting to find her long lost father. Along the way she makes new friends and enemies while also trying to determine what to do about her love for Chang An Lo.
I found the story very well written, but also quite touching. Lydia makes a wonderful protagonist, because she is so complicated and damaged. She is also struggling with the problem of being with the person who she really loves while at the same time not endangering him. The idea of endangered ones loved ones is fully explored in this novel as Lydia comes face to the face with the fact that her sometimes reckless actions may unintentionally hurt the people who are most important to her. On a personal note I enjoyed the way in which the series as a whole discussed the changes that the Russia Revolution and the rise of Communism brought to the Soviet Union. As someone with family from that area the topic was very relevant, as it showed the consequences not only for the nation as a whole but for individual persons, many of whom had done no wrong.



For more information on Kate Furnivall and her work, visit her website http://www.katefurnivall.com/

Cleopatra's Daughter

Cleopatra's Daughter is another excellent book by Michelle Moran. It tells the story of Cleopatra Selene, the only daughter of Queen Cleopatra, Egypt's most famous queen. The story begins with the aftermath of Cleopatra's defeat in the Battle of Actium and follows Selene and her twin, Alexander, as they attempt to adopt to their new life in Rome under the protection of Octavia, Augustus' beloved sister.

Courtesy of Michelle Moran

This is a well written tale  that gives a reader a feel for the time, but at the same time it is easy to relate to the homesickness and loneliness of the novel's heroine, Cleopatra Selene. Moran also focuses on the relationships of the key players in Roman history as well as exploring the difficult journey from childhood to adulthood.  Much like Moran's previous novels, The Heretic Queen and Nefertiti, the reader is able to explore the life of a strong female, historical figure and live through some major historical events 

Roosevelt House

Courtesy of Hunter College

Located on 47-49 East 65 Street in New York City, the Roosevelt House was once home to one of the greatest American presidents, Franklin Delano Roosevelt. The house was purchased for Franklin and his wife, Eleanor, by Franklin's mother, Sara. Although from the outside it looks like one house, in reality it was two separate homes, one for Franklin and Eleanor and the other for Sara. The house served as the Roosevelt's primary residence in New York City and this was were the president recovered after contracting polio. Shortly after the death of Sara Delano Roosevelt the house was put on sale and was ultimately purchased by Hunter College and named the Sara Delano Roosevelt Interfaith Memorial House, in honor of the president's deceased mother who had been a great supporter of interfaith tolerance and understanding. The house served as a gathering place and wedding hall for many Hunter students and the first lady, Eleanor Roosevelt, would often visit. Hunter would establish very close relations with the Roosevelts and in fact Eleanor would speak at Hunter several times and establish a great friendship with the president of Hunter College, Dr. George Schuster. The Roosevelt House was forced to close in 1992 due to the house having fallen into disrepair. It has only reopened last summer and is now home to Hunter College's Public Policy Institute. At the same time, the house remains a historic monument and tours are being given which discuss Roosevelt life in the house.


For more information on the Hunter College Public Policy Institute visit:

http://www.roosevelthouse.hunter.cuny.edu/

Helen of Troy: Goddess, Princess, Whore

Bettany Hughes' Helen of Troy takes an interesting approach to the legendary heroine. Using our knowledge of the Bronze Age, the time during which the legendary Trojan War would have taken place, she tries to reconstruct the real Helen. In this book, Hughes reveals a powerful royal woman who was central to a society where the right to rule was passed down through the female line and where woman were held to be sacred. Bettany Hughes also discusses in great detail the difference between the modern notion of the helpless captive who was stolen by a Trojan prince and the more realistic sovereign woman who chose a better catch. Hughes also examines the politics of the time and suggests that the legendary Trojan War may have been based on a real conflict fought not only over a woman but in order to bring down an extremely wealthy eastern province, perhaps even starting the eternal feud between East and West.

Courtesy of Amazon.com

This book is extremely well written with its descriptions bringing the Bronze Age to life. Furthermore, Hughes presents various perspectives creating a well rounded narrative while at the same time presenting a clear hypothesis. It is interesting to see Helen portrayed as a powerful female as opposed to the play thing of powerful men seen in Hollywood films such as Troy. I highly recommend this book, but for those who would prefer to watch rather than read about Helen of Troy Bettany Hughes has made a documentary called Helen of Troy which can be watched on PBS

The Borgias

Courtesy of Showtime

Just got back from a wonderful vacation in Italy and have begun to watch Showtime's new series, The Borgias. I believe that just like with The Tudors Showtime has done a good job making history as enjoyable as possible. The Borgias focuses on the papacy of Pope Alexander or Rodrigo Borgia. The Borgia family became infamous for poisoning its enemies and it's mob like mentality. In fact, some have even gone so far as to say that the Borgias were the original mafia. Whether or not this is true, the show does focus on the sinfulness of the time with both the Pope and his son Cardinal Cesare enjoying numerous love affairs. There is plenty of blood, but in my opinion it serves a purpose and is not just used for effect. While it is true that the story does not always stick with historical fact some license must be given to the fact that The Borgias does not claim to be a documentary, but a drama. It is exciting and perhaps will encourage its viewers to examine the time period more closely. The actors are great, it seems like they have truly immersed themselves into the period. Overall, this new show has my support and will hopeful continue to live up to its expectations.

Camelot

Courtesy of Starz

Starz is soon going to release their new TV series, Camelot. It seems that they are trying to reconcile the legend with real life. Based on trailers and interviews this one is not the idealistic view of a perfect king and ideal knights. Instead, the viewers see a brutal war, love and human flaws. Hopefully, this one will try to stick to a more historic Britain of Arthur's time, not the knightly Britain of the medieval war. Afterall, Arthur was no chivalrous knight. If he did indeed live, he was probably a warrior chieftain, more worried about survival and probably more brutal than the legends. Only time will tell if this show does justice to the top, but it is showing signs of being a very interesting adaptation.

The Spanish Ballad or the Jewess of Toledo

Lion Feuchtwanger's historical fiction tells the story of a young woman, Raquel, a Jewess, who becomes the beloved of the Spanish king Alfonso. However, their story is not meant to have a happy ending. As discontent over a dreadful defeat rises the citizens of Toledo turn on Raquel and her father Yehuda, the king's financer. The two are murdered as they await the king's return.

The Jewess of Toledo shows how one woman is able to change a king. At the beginning of the story Alfonso is a proud knight, a courageous, but foolish king. He can only think of war, not what is best for his people. However, love for Raquel changes him, makes the king see peace as a good thing. Unfortunately, his jealous wife uses his knightly pride to force Alfonso into a war he can't win. Sadly, Alfonso is truly able to become a great king only after he has lost his only love, Raquel. He death leaves him hallow, but able to posses the patience and prudence necessary to be a good king to his people.

Courtesy of geometry.net

A truly moving tale, The Jewess of Toledo is a must read. Unlike many older books it is neither stuffy or boring. It is highly descriptive and the language is very accessible. I highly recommend it.

The Scarlet Lion

   Elizabeth Chadwick's sequel to The Greatest Champion lives up to the reputation of its predecessor. The Scarlet Lion focuses on the later years of William Marshal and Isabelle de Clare's marriage. The couple's happiness is turned upside down by the changes in politics brought on by the succession of John to the throne of England. John sees the Marshals as powerful threats and does his best to bring them down. Throughout the hardships to come Isabelle and William relay on each other and their strength of character to make it through the coming storm.

Courtesy of elizabethchadwick.com

  Chadwick spins a wonderful tale of 12th century England. While nuisances of court life are included in great detail Chadwick doesn't overlook the important details of family life. Personally, I found Isabelle both admirable and relatible. She is a strong, proud woman who wants the best for her family. I admire her courage and her intellect. Her husband, William, the other narrator is a fine example of what a true knight should be. He survives many kings and becomes a veteran of the courts, but despite his enjoyment of the excitement of the court he always returns to his "safe harbor" Isabelle. Their love for each other is extraordinary, but not as extraordinary as the fact that it was real. The Scarlet Lion is a work of historical fiction, based on long hours of research done by the author. This work does an excellent job bringing to life an era that is often forgotten and revives two people who are little known, but made an impact on at least two countries.

*comments are always welcome

Fortune the Pug

Courtesy of GeorgianIndex

Pugs are known for being adorable, clown-like creatures. What most people don't know is that they have a long history as companions to royalty. One of the most famous pugs belonged to empress Josephine. His name was Fortune and proved to be more than a match for the empress' powerful husband, Napoleon. Fortune was Josephine's constant companion, he even shared her bed. Legend has it that on the couple's wedding night when Napoleon was about to join his spouse in the marriage bed Fortune bit the emperor's leg. It seems that the dog was unhappy with the thought of sharing his mistress with another.  To make matters worse, when Napoleon wanted to have the dog remove Josephine made it clear that if it was a choice between him and the dog, the dog would be the one to stay. Imagine the irony of the winner of the Battle of Austerlitz being beaten by a tiny pug !

Before the Mirror

Before the Mirror courtesy of the Guggenheim.org

At the Dressing Table courtesy of Wikipedia

Although my day of museum going didn't go as planned I was able to see a stunning painting by Eduoard Manet. Before the Mirror depicts a French courtesan gazing at her image in the mirror. Although the concept is not as controversial today as it was in 19th century France, the painting itself is breathtaking. The simplicity itself is magnificent as the artist is able to fully capture this ordinary event in such a way that it becomes an art form. The image appears different when looked at various angles and the viewer becomes a part of the painting, looking at the woman as she in turn is observing herself. A hint of mystery is created by the missing reflection in the mirror. I personally enjoyed the light blues that made up the composition. This painting also brought to mind a self portrait done by Zinaida Serebriakova. The self portrait entitled At the Dressing Table, was considered Serebriakova's greatest work of art. Like Manet's Before the Mirror Serebriakova's work is able to impart a sense of mystery and intrigue the viewer. It's interesting to note how a similar occupation could intrigue two very different artists.