The Book or the Movie?

One of my favourite books of all time is A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving. In 1998, with the odd title of Simon Birch, this excellent novel was turned into the worst movie disaster I have ever seen. The word corny was invented to describe what went on in this screen adaptation. I rolled my eyes and stuck it out only because I was with a good friend who seemed to be enjoying herself; mind you, she hadn’t read the book. What got me thinking on this subject was the film The Time Traveller's Wife that I saw last Sunday afternoon. I was more than curious to see how the director, Robert Schwentke, would handle the difficult task of time travel, asexual nudity, an older man being friendly with a pre-pubescent girl, along with the older/younger make-up problems and the usual squidging together of a book that would take you three or four days to read into 110 minutes screen time. Verdict? Well, I think Schwentke did a good job! I was ready to cringe, had my credibility monitor all set and ready to go but I just sat back and enjoyed the story unfold. I was entertained, and that, after all, is why we go to the movies on Sunday afternoons.

The Enchanted April by Elizabeth Von Arnim introduced me to the delights of the Italian countryside. Four lively women, who had not previously been acquainted, joined forces and holidayed there in 1922, staying in a small country manse with the wisteria in full bloom encircling the entrance. This was the advertisement that started their adventure: "To Those who Appreciate Wistaria and Sunshine. Small Mediaeval Italian Castle on the shores of the Mediterranean to be Let Furnished for the Month of April. Necessary Servants remain. Z, Box 1000, The Times." After reading this humorous tale I found myself in Italy for the first time, in April 2004, where the wisteria was indeed in bloom. I loved everything and wanted to stay forever. On my return home, a friend lent me the movie, and once again, I was transported back to a place that had captured my heart. What did I prefer: the book or the movie? The book, always the book, but I did enjoy the movie.

I was wowed by the green dress and the music in the film adaptation of Ian McEwan’s novel Atonement; and Girl With A Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier brought the Dutch artist Vermeer, wonderfully to life. I could go on, but I’m more of a bookworm than a movie buff so a bit of input from you would be good here: the book or the movie?

PS - I’ve just remembered one where I thought the book was good but the film was absolutely fabulous: The Reader by Bernhard Schlink. Even thinking about it now makes me shiver. Directed by Stephen Daldry, it starred Kate Winslet who gave the performance of her life. Ten out of ten!

Tempus Fugit

How many times have I heard someone say, Oh, I haven’t got the time to read! What’s implied is that those who do read have less important, less stressful lives so of course they have time to read. But we’ve all been allocated the standard twenty-four hour day, seven day week, complete with all the attendant trials and tribulations that life can throw at you. I don’t get any more time than anyone else; I just choose to spend some of that time with my head stuck in a book.

I get up early and read in bed with tea and toast before anyone else even thinks about rising. I take time out after a meal, let the digestive system work away, while I manage another chapter or even two. There’s always a book in my bag for when I’m stuck in a queue at the bank or the post office. I’ve even been known to whip out my latest read as I wait to pay for the groceries, all irritations swept away while I take myself into a world where sulky bar codes, loose change in bottomless purses and complaining voices vanish into background noise. Next? Next please??

And as my neighbours switch on their television for the evening soap opera, the familiar music piercing through our thin separating wall, I take up my book, once again, for an absorbing half hour.

As a result, my blood pressure is normal, I don’t suffer from stress, I travel the world without leaving home and I meet a multitude of different characters who entertain, inform and amuse me daily.

For something completely different, try reading The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger. It’s about Henry for whom time has no relevance as he switches back and forth through the ages catching up with Claire, the love of his life, who processes time same as the rest of us ordinary mortals. It’s a love story about coping with the vagaries of time travel while the characters learn to enjoy life, with all its attendant surprises, to the full.

Why not try and make time for yourself to discover the immense pleasures of reading. It may even save your life.