Everything Pop Culture Got Wrong About Dracula

Bela Lugosi in Dracula (1931) A few months ago, I was mostly unaware of the entire plot of Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel Dracula. Of course, I had acquired some basic knowledge through pop culture and was convinced I’d know what was going to happen. As it turns out, I was wrong. Somewhere around the beginningContinue reading “Everything Pop Culture Got Wrong About Dracula”

The Homes and Houses of Memorial

This article contains spoilers of the novel discussed. Through the university’s English program and the Crossing Border Festival, I had the pleasure to interview Bryan Washington, author of the best book I’ve read this year: Memorial. The novel had been on my to-be-read list for a long time already, having heard of it for theContinue reading “The Homes and Houses of Memorial

The Post-Covid Action Hero

It is a little presumptuous to say we are in the post-covid period. New variants still sprout up quicker than we can weed them out; we are not out of the woods yet, but I naively hope we can see the forest’s edge emerging from between the distant dark-leaved birches. Culturally, what covid’s lasting effectsContinue reading “The Post-Covid Action Hero”

Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Temple of The Dog, The Doors, Pearl Jam, Tom Petty, Bob Dylan– a short list of covers you must hear. Miley Cyrus as a Guide Through The Classics of Rock Music.

Miley Cyrus at iHeartFestival 2019, all credits in the image  When I was younger, I hadn’t yet learned to appreciate legendary artists such as Bob Dylan, Fleetwood Mac, Led Zeppelin or Pink Floyd. I have heard their songs often on the radio at home, but I was not passionate about finding out more about them.Continue reading Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Temple of The Dog, The Doors, Pearl Jam, Tom Petty, Bob Dylan– a short list of covers you must hear. Miley Cyrus as a Guide Through The Classics of Rock Music.

The magic of the fifth of December 

I remember the excitement as a kid. The joy of the mystery and the wonders of secrets and traditions. Not just on the fifth but the days leading up to it. I don’t believe there is a thing as being too early for a holiday. That’s what makes it exciting, that is what fills youContinue reading “The magic of the fifth of December “

A Footnote On Heartbreak

Photo by Lhya Munive In her poem “The Lover as Tapeworm,” Olivia Gatwood asks: “how is it / possible / that you / are both / my joy / & the taker / of it?” I’ve been thinking about these lines every day for the past month. Needless to say, I’ve been thinking about theContinue reading “A Footnote On Heartbreak”

The Benefits of Romanticisation

Kat, etching by Marcel Schellekens (Ann’s Art Gallery) Like nearly everyone, there are periods in my life where feeling happy seems like the hardest thing in the world to me. When I’m lucky, these only last a few days or hours instead of weeks or months. No matter how long they actually last, what alwaysContinue reading “The Benefits of Romanticisation”

Halloween movie recommendations

Lhya’s recommendation – I’m Thinking of Ending Things (2020) The films that mess me up the most are films that manage to turn realistic events into horrific experiences. I’m Thinking of Ending Things does this splendidly, a psychological thriller where there are no demons or witches, but you end up wishing there were because thatContinue reading “Halloween movie recommendations”

On Breakdowns

Photo credits: Julia Kaczmarek I have found that human beings are dangerously good at pushing themselves to keep going in spite of any circumstances that might negatively impact their day-to-day responsibilities. We simply suppress the ‘emotional inconveniences’ and carry on doing what is expected from us. This particular skill has become so well developed thatContinue reading “On Breakdowns”

Just Kids: A Book Review

All credits in the image Patti Smith had been on my to-be-read list for ages when, by chance, I found a French exemplary of Just Kids in a bookcase next to my workplace. I picked it up and added it to my forever-growing stack of unread books. I forgot about it for a few months,Continue reading “Just Kids: A Book Review”