What are you reading? "Born a Crime" by Trevor Noah

 Ana Melendo's contribution

The Book

Amazon

Through this book, we discover the History of South Africa during and just after apartheid. There is also the story of people, so many and so different. And eventually, of some persons leaving around the protagonist, emphasising the figure of the mother.  The book relates very well the complexity of the relations between different communities. 

Through this biography we understand quite well life after the end of apartheid. It’s at the same time a scathing portrait of South Africa and a magnificent story of filial love. And what’s more, it is written in a very clear style.

It would be a pleasure for me to talk about this book if anyone else read it.

And thank you to Marta who recommend it in our last meeting!

Ana Melendo

The Author

Amazon

Trevor Noah is a South African comedian, writer, television host, and political commentator. Born in Johannesburg in 1984 during the apartheid era, he grew up in a society deeply divided by race. His unique background and sharp observational humor helped him build a successful career in stand-up comedy, first in South Africa and later on the international stage.

A major turning point in Noah’s career was the publication of Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood in 2016. The memoir takes its title from the fact that his birth was technically illegal under apartheid laws because his mother was Black and his father was White. The book combines personal stories, humor, and social commentary, earning widespread critical acclaim and becoming an international bestseller.

The success of Born a Crime greatly expanded Noah’s global reputation, establishing him not only as a comedian but also as a respected author and storyteller.

What are you reading? The Day of the Triffids by John Windham

 Ana Melendo's contribution

Just a few lines to tell you that if you like dystopic novels, I recommend you to read The Day of the Triffids by John WINDHAM. It’s entertaining, not too difficult to understand. You can see on Wikipedia (The Day of the Triffids) the critics it has received

I’m all right with the most positive. If you read it, I would like to have your impression.

The Book

Amazon

The Day of the Triffids is a classic science fiction novel that explores a world suddenly thrown into chaos. The story begins after a mysterious cosmic event blinds most of the human population, leaving society vulnerable and fragile. At the same time, strange, mobile plants known as triffids—capable of movement and deadly attacks—begin to spread and dominate the landscape. The novel follows Bill Masen, one of the few people who retains his sight, as he navigates a collapsing civilization and searches for safety and meaning. Beyond its gripping survival narrative, the book raises thought-provoking questions about human dependence on technology, the fragility of social order, and the resilience needed to rebuild. Its combination of suspense, speculative ideas, and social commentary has made it a lasting and influential work in the genre.

The Author

Wikipedia

John Wyndham was a British science fiction writer known for blending imaginative ideas with everyday settings and believable characters. Born in 1903, he wrote under several pen names before achieving major success with The Day of the Triffids in 1951. Wyndham’s work is often described as “cosy catastrophes,” a term used to depict apocalyptic events unfolding in familiar, domestic environments rather than distant or exotic worlds. His storytelling focuses not only on extraordinary events but also on how ordinary people respond to them, making his narratives both accessible and deeply engaging. Other notable works include The Midwich Cuckoos and The Kraken Wakes. Wyndham’s influence on science fiction is significant, as he helped shape a more human-centered approach to the genre. He died in 1969, but his works remain widely read and appreciated today.

There are several film versions of this work, with varying quality and success; you can watch complete versions on YouTube, we have attached the links.

THE DAY OF THE TRIFFIDS | Full Length Classic Sci-Fi Movie | English

What are you reading? Swastika Night by Katharine Burdekin

 Ana Melendo's contribution

Swastika Night by Katharine BURDEKIN (written under the pseudonym Murray CONSTANTINE) If it had been written after 1945, it would have been an alternative story, but K. BURDEKIN wrote this novel in 1937, so we’re dealing with a dystopia. Seeing the rise of Nazism and the threat of a world war, she imagines that Germany wins and extends this deadly ideology to half of the world, the other half being conquered by a fascist Japan. At the contrary of others stories of this kind, the novelist does not give the priority to action, but to description and reflection. A narration set between George ORWELL’S 1984 and Margaret ATWOOD’s The Handmaid’s Tale.

The Book

Amazon

Swastika Night, written by Katharine Burdekin under the pseudonym Murray Constantine in 1937, is a powerful dystopian novel that imagines a world where Nazi ideology has triumphed and become the foundation of global society. Set seven centuries into the future, the book depicts a world in which Adolf Hitler is worshipped as a god and women are reduced to powerless, subservient roles. Burdekin’s narrative anticipates themes later explored by George Orwell in 1984, particularly the manipulation of history and the erasure of truth. What makes Swastika Night remarkable is not only its early criticism of fascism but also its sharp feminist perspective, which exposes the destructive consequences of patriarchy and authoritarianism. The novel challenges readers to reflect on the fragility of democracy and the dangers of unchecked ideology. Today, it remains a significant and unsettling warning about the consequences of totalitarian thought and the silencing of individual freedom.

The Author

Feminismo - cienciaficcion

Katharine Burdekin (1896–1963) was a British novelist best known for her groundbreaking dystopian and feminist works. Born in Derbyshire, England, she was educated at Cheltenham Ladies’ College but largely developed her literary voice outside academic institutions. During the 1920s and 1930s, she published several novels, often exploring themes of gender, power, and politics. Her most famous work, Swastika Night (1937), was released under the male pseudonym Murray Constantine to protect her identity and to give her critiques of fascism greater authority in a male-dominated literary world. Burdekin’s writing was ahead of its time, addressing issues of totalitarianism, the manipulation of history, and the systemic oppression of women. Although much of her work went unrecognized during her lifetime, modern scholarship has rediscovered her contributions to feminist and speculative fiction. Today, Katharine Burdekin is remembered as a visionary writer who dared to imagine dark futures in order to challenge the injustices of her present.

What are you reading? Lord of the flies by William Golding

 Ana Melendo's contribution

This novel tells the story of a group of boys on a remote island after the plane they were traveling in crashed. First, I appreciated the rich language describing the abundant nature as well as the portrayal of the characters who are so different from each other. At first glance, the story doesn’t seem original, but without a doubt, it should rather be taken as an allegory of social relations. If we limit ourselves to reading it as the story of the adventures and misadventures of a group of boys, it is also very captivating. I won’t tell you more, but I strongly encourage you to discover it.

The Book

Amazon

William Golding’s Lord of the Flies (1954) remains one of the most striking allegories of human nature in modern literature. The novel tells the story of a group of boys stranded on a deserted island who attempt to govern themselves, only to fall into violence and chaos. What begins as an innocent attempt at democracy quickly unravels, exposing fear, cruelty, and the fragile veneer of civilization. Golding suggests that darkness is not imposed from the outside but lies within every human being.

The book has generated intense discussion since its publication. Critics have interpreted it as a commentary on the brutality of war, a reflection on the failure of rational order, and a warning about unchecked instincts. It is often taught in schools because of its accessible narrative and deep symbolism, particularly in its treatment of power, morality, and the loss of innocence. Though sometimes controversial, Lord of the Flies has secured its place as a classic, shaping how readers and scholars think about human behavior under extreme conditions. Its haunting vision continues to resonate today, reminding us of the thin boundary between civilization and savagery.

The Author

William Golding (1911–1993) was an English novelist, playwright, and poet best known for his deeply symbolic fiction. Born in Cornwall, he studied English literature at Oxford and later became a teacher. His experience in the classroom, combined with his service in the Royal Navy during World War II, profoundly influenced his view of humanity and the themes that would define his writing.

Golding’s literary breakthrough came with the publication of Lord of the Flies in 1954, which established his reputation as a major voice in postwar literature. He continued to explore the complexities of human nature in novels such as The Inheritors (1955), Pincher Martin (1956), and The Spire (1964). His works often confront moral dilemmas, the tension between civilization and barbarism, and the destructive impulses hidden beneath social order.

In 1983, Golding was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature, recognized for his ability to illuminate “the human condition in the world of today.” He was knighted in 1988 and remained a respected figure in English letters until his death in 1993. Golding’s legacy endures through his novels, which continue to challenge readers to reflect on the depths of human behavior.

The novel was adapted into a film in 1990. Lord of the Flies is an American survival drama film directed by Harry Hook. You can watch it in the attached YouTube video.

"What are you reading? " Virginia by Jens Christian Grondahl

 Ana Melendo's contribution

The Book

Source: Amazon

This is a small book from the Danish author Jens Christian GRONDHAL. You can find it in English. The story takes place during the Second World War. A young woman who lives with her mother in the city, is inviting to spend the summer with people she barely knows in a cottage on the North Sea coast. She meets a teenager, the nephew of her hosts, with whom she has a beginning of friendship. The story turns more complicate when an English airman is shot nearby.

Years later, each main character wonders how much this episode wonders in their life.

More than the story, I’ve loved the way GRONDHAL has told it. 

The Author

Source: Wikipedia

Jens Christian Grøndahl is a celebrated Danish author born on November 9, 1959, in Lyngby, Denmark. Renowned for his introspective and eloquent writing style, Grøndahl has significantly contributed to contemporary Scandinavian literature. He studied philosophy at the University of Copenhagen and later attended the Danish National School of Theatre. His literary career began in the 1980s, and he has since written numerous novels, essays, and plays that explore themes of love, identity, and existential contemplation.

One of his notable works is "Virginia," a novel that delves into the intricacies of human relationships and the passage of time. "Virginia" tells the story of a man who reflects on a summer he spent with a captivating woman named Virginia during his youth. The narrative is a poignant exploration of memory and longing, highlighting Grøndahl's talent for capturing the nuanced emotions that define human connections. Through his precise and evocative prose, Grøndahl invites readers to ponder the ephemeral nature of life and the lasting impact of fleeting moments.

Grøndahl's work, including "Virginia," has been translated into numerous languages, earning him international acclaim. His ability to blend philosophical insights with deeply personal stories makes his writing profoundly resonant with readers around the world.

Endless Love Review by Ana Melendo

 Ana Melendo's contribution

Book icons created by Freepik - Flaticon

We just had to read the first chapter of this novel in our EBC meeting, but I thought it was a shame I didn’t finish it. I wanted to know more about all the numerous characters and the profound, real meaning of endless love for Scott SPENCER.

Further, I was stopped by a quite erotic scene, long enough. I did not feel comfortable as long as it seemed to me I was like a voyeur. But, well, I tried again and soon I appreciated the deep and precise descriptions of the characters, their way of living, their feelings in the family, love, politics, their everyday life, their psychology and even their souls.

The story takes place during the sixties and the seventies of the last century in the States. So, it’s also interesting to behold families’ lives in that time. On one side, a hippy one with four children; on the other, a communist one with a rigid mentality like the first generation in the 1920th, with only a son.

Through the story of the protagonist, we discover the difference between a private psychiatric hospital and a state one.

I can’t tell if I like all the parts of the book. Moreover, many descriptions have turned out to be quite difficult but, overall, the novel seems to me hugely interesting.

Ana Melendo, 3rd March 2024

What are you reading? Miss World by Benjamin Zephaniah

 Ana Melendo's contribution

The Author

Benjamin Zephaniah . Image source: Palatinate.org

Today I want to share with you a discovery I’ve just made: the poet Benjamin ZEPHANIAH(1958.2023), born in Jamaica.

I didn’t know him since his death on the last 7th of December. Some of his poems are not easy to understand (in English), but when I read the next one, I felt the desire to share it with you because of its beauty:

The Poem

Miss World

Beauty is about how you behold

more than silver more than gold

if I say I am beautiful

it means beauty is accessible,

beauty is about how you greet

de everyday people dat you meet

you are beautiful so all rejoice

your beauty is a natural choice.

My sister is a beautiful girl

she don't want to be Miss World

her value is not prize money

more value than a pearl

my sister is a beautiful girl

human delight

she could be out of sight but she would rather stay and fight.

Her legs are firm and strong

best for self-defence

my sister kicks like wildfire

so cause her no grievance

she won't walk the platform

to upsex people's lust

and you can't get the number of her height, age or bust,

she don't want to go to the market

to be viewed like a slave

the viewing time is over

put de judge in the grave,

she don't need to go to the market

'cause she's already won

beauty contest no contest

she don't need to run.

.....

Little Sister

That's my little Sister,

just five minutes old.

Already seeking something,

to bite, chew and hold.

That's my little sister

already going bald,

I can't just call her sister,

so what will she be called?

I want to call her Carol,

but all Carols are hymns.

I want to call her Jimmy,

but I always visit gyms.

I want to call her spotty,

but she may punch my nose.

I will not call her Rosy,

she don't look like a rose.

When I hear her crying,

I want to call her LOUD!!

If she's the type for talking,

I may call her a crowd.

If she's good at singing,

I'll call her nightingale.

If she keeps on grinning,

she'll make the Doctors wail.

The Doctors call her beauty,

but Beauty is a horse.

The nurses called her cutey,

being polite, of course.

My Mummy and my Daddy,

just don't have an idea.

We don't have a name ready,

but we're so glad she's here.

..........

My sister is a beautiful girl

But she don't want to be Miss World

her personality cannot be rewarded by no judge or earl.

My sister is a beautiful girl

She needs no contest

and you can't put her with another judging who's the best.

And you cannot judge my sister's heart

By looking at her breasts.

If you want to hear the poem recited by the author, you can watch the following YouTube video:

What are you reading? En Salle by Claire Baglin

 Ana Melendo's contribution

Attention! Book only in French currently

Source : Tonnet Librarie

The author is very young – only 24 years old – and she has already found a personal style.i

She alternates stories of her working father and her job in a fast-food.

The reader also discovers part of her childhood and through it, the differences in the way of thinking between parents and children as well as the way of living of a low-income family.

On the other side, Claire BAGLIN explains quite well the days of the workers in a fast-food, narrow, repetitive and stressful world.

As soon as it is translated into Spanish or English, I recommend you to read it.

What are your reading/watching? "Maurice" by James Ivory

Source: Sensacine

 Ana Melendo's contribution

At the beginning of the 20th century, colleges in Great Britain were only for men. The students lived in a strict discipline concerning not only their studies but all parts of life, which means their personal matter: they are supposed to find a woman, marry her and have children while taking care of their professional career.

In this context, the film focuses on two students who begin a friendly relationship and little by little they feel a physical attraction…

It is interesting to see how each one reacts about being homosexual in puritan England.

If you like James Ivory’s movies, I think you would like this one. The viewer will find the atmosphere, the rhythm, the landscapes and the music of other films.

Personally, I appreciate the kind of stories where I have time to enjoy each part, to think while I am watching it… 

YouTube - Maurice - Trailer - acontrafilms

> You can also watch the full movie in the following YouTube video:

Youtube - FILM Maurice (1987) Spanish subtitles - Film&Art

What are you reading? "Katina" by Roald Dahl

 Ana Melendo's contribution

This story is the first one of this book. It takes place during the Second World War. A group of soldiers who belong to the British Aircraft are setting in Greece. We are in 1941 so the German army is still strong. The reader becomes the witness of some battles, some fires, the suffering of the local population but also their solidarity and commitment with the British soldiers. All these facts may not be interesting for the reader used to different tales of this author. But, in the middle of that mess, there is something which gives a particular meaning to the story.

The Complete Short Stories, Katina by Roald DAHL

Source: The Book Bundle

Review of The Vanishing half by Brit BENNETT

 Ana Melendo's contribution

It’s a long novel for me - nearly 360 pages - because it’s in English. Anyway, it was worth it.

I’m interested in the subject: the situation of Black people in the States. I like very much the way the author narrates the story that takes nearly all of the 20th century.

It’s interesting to see with what skill she mixes individual stories with the major events. Thanks to it, the reader understands quite well the evolution of mentalities and morals. The description of the psychology of the characters is very nuanced. That’s why it is very difficult to criticise the characters: the reader understands their choices and points of view even if he/she doesn’t share them.

If you haven’t read this novel, I highly recommend it!

Source: Waterstones

What are you reading/watching? 10 Rillington Place by Ludovic Kennedy

 

Source: Filmaffinity

Ana Melendo's contribution

Hello, Today I want to talk to you about two films I’ve seen recently on Filmin, a platform I recommend to you. The first one is called 10 Rillington Place by Richard FLEISHER, shot in 1971. It’s at the same time a thriller and a drama. It’s the adaptation of a Ludovic KENNEDY’s novel. I liked the way the story is presented and also that the viewer can see very well how poor people lived at that time. It’s a journey to the past. The movie catches immediately our attention. Thanks to it, I’ve discovered that  Richard ATTENBOROUGH was not only a film director but also a great actor.

 

Youtube: 10 Rillington Place (1971) ORIGINAL TRAILER [HD 1080p]

 

The second one is called Compulsion by the same director. It is in black and white because it was shot in 1959. It’s a judicial thriller with Orson Welles who won the Best Actor Award at the Cannes festival.

Youtube: Compulsion 1959 Trailer | Orson Welles | Dean Stockwell | Diane Varsi

Generally, surrealism is connected with poetry but Julien CRACQ (1910-2007) was one of the few surrealist novelists. I first discovered The Opposing Shore (Le Rivage des Syrtes) and I really loved it. I liked the slow rhythm that goes so well with the story itself, and the mentality of the characters.  The richness of the language and the turn of the sentences are two other  points to love this novel. It’s like a prose poem.

Source: Amazon

 Now, I’ve read The Castle of Argol (Au chateau d’Argol). The language is  perfect but I don’t like to much the course of the story.