Read yesterday: The End of Me, by Alfred Hayes. An NYRB classics reissue and a dream novel covering the decline and descent of a 60s Hollywood screen writer. An extra special opening, first ever use of ‘ghosting’, and a beautiful Saul Leiter on the cover. @nyrb-imprints.bsky.social

tis the season to be catching up on culture. Not all of it merry. This one isn't. But my god, what a piece of meta noir. Looks so good. Haven't a clue about the ending. Anyway, again, no mention in annual movie round-ups that I've read. What is going on?
Trailer:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbgU...

Last night watched Red Rooms. Possibly the movie of the year. Unlike a lot of films lately, watched this without distraction. Even with the deep pessimism, some kind of uptick by the end. (I think). Didn't even get an honourable mention in Guardian 50 Films of the Year. How could that happen?

Just finished Keigo Higashino's The Devotion of Suspect X
A beautiful, sharp crime novel, but also a bitter tragedy that almost hurts. It's in that In a Lonely Place territory. Or Decision to Leave. But this time not the standard boy girl thing gone wrong.

Recent retail developments live from Chapel Allerton, (best part of) Leeds

Is it possible to have too much of a good thing?

It's the Blitz and a mother and son have just been blown out of their house.
Reported dead.
Six months later, they return to tell their tale.

kaputalready.com/2024/11/any-...

From the only-just-read pile of shame, To The Lighthouse and Virginia Woolf surprisingly optimistic on the benefits of psychoanalysis:

There's always the first time

Writes about music, books, films, TV, old things found on the beach and, inevitably, the family business…