It's been a while. But I have been reading! I promise. I've just finished Emile Zola's The Sin of Abbe Mouret, for me one of Zola's most erotic novels. Erotic because Albine and Serge are so innocent in their love and exploration of the Paradou (the huge garden, Eden) and of each other. But as someone who has enjoyed several years of the sins of pleasure, my reading of this novel is heightened by the possibilities. Zola's descriptions of the garden, with its lush vegetation, it's fecundity, it's contrast of dark and light, of engendering strong emotions in our protagonists takes your breath away. The Paradou is Gaia. The living, breathing, almost panting Goddess Earth. Gaia symbolizes life, fertility, and the interconnectedness of all living things. She is also known as  Mother Earth, Terra Mater, or Mother Nature, representing the planet as a living, nurturing entity. And Zola's lavish descriptions make you believe in this entity, she is the other; watching, guiding, encouraging Albine and Serge to their eventual sexual climax, but all within the walls of innocent and uncontaminated love. 

I was explaining to a friend that the French film, Blue is the Warmest Colour, directed by Abdellatif Kechiche and staring the incredibly talented Léa Seydoux and Adèle Exarchopoulos is based on a graphic novel by Jul Maroh. They differ in many parts of the plot, while the film is driven by Adele's journey through life, significant relationship and accepting her sexuality, the book explores more subtle aspects of love, sadness and loss. Jul Maroh's artwork is characterized by delicate linework and the use of blue,  symbolizing the emotional landscape of the characters. The illustrations effectively convey the intensity of their emotions and the nuances of their experiences. Instead, the colour blue in the film is used as background with subtle changes in intensity. Emma's blue hair, Adele's clothes and Emma's artwork. I feel colour could have been used better in the film to convey emotions and Adele's life journey from confused teenager to broken young woman. 

Was reading up on the KitKatClub, Berlin today. Such an interesting mix of art, culture, music and adult entertainment. I know at least one person who visited the club, but it seemed to be more of a tourist visit rather than embracing the ethos of the place. It has an interesting and evolving history, including a novel written about the early years of the club. KitKatClub by Vigor Calma, to be added to my tbr! I'll let you know how I get on. You may or may not know that the name of the club is inspired by the amazing musical Cabaret with the extremely talented Liza Minnelli and softly spoken Michael York. Unforgettable choreography by Bob Fosse! The musical film was based upon Christopher Isherwood's semi-autobiographical stories about Weimar-era Berlin during the Jazz Age. Further additions to my tbr. I love these kind of links, connections, tributes to the past, threading a line through time and culture, showing us how similar we really are as human beings. 

Such a lovely morning, bright and sunny, but that wind was bitter. Just started reading Leo Tolstoy's Resurrection and straight into the story of the two protagonists. Had Leo been writing now, I doubt it would be published. His writing style wouldn't fit with what is considered marketable these days. And yet, the Classics are still read widely and constantly republished. Clearly there is an audience for this kind of writing. Was on the train going into central London to pick up some items I'd ordered to the Royal Ballet and Opera House (didn't want it damaged in home delivery). It gave me a great excuse to go into town. The Christmas bells are out already and there was a sense of Christmas anticipation. A lady was singing opera in the market building, as they do, an aria from La Boheme and Time to Say Goodbye. She wasn't bad. It was lovely walking about today, only thinking about books and sex.