JOHN GREEN surveys the remarkable career of screenwriter Malcolm Hulke and the essential part played by his membership of the Communist Party
Attila the Stockbroker Diary: December 1, 2023
The bard attempts to introduce the economics of the internet without being patronising, and wallows in his fortune as a south coast seabird
The Star's critic MARIA DUARTE reviews Last Breath, Sister Midnight, Opus, and The Electric State
HENRY BELL is moved by the account of scientists under seige in Leningrad who preferred to starve rather than sacrifice their life-saving work
RUTH AYLETT recommends two anthologies: one that bears witness to refugee and immigrant experiences, and the other to our political relationship to water
SETH SANDRONSKY appreciates a fresh take on a 100-year-old novel that helps to contextualise the current moment of conspicuous wealth, waste and climate chaos
A no-nonsense ex-Garda female cop, Scandi-noir’s newest flawed hero, the lure of Aussie gold, and unexpected decency in Silicon valley
JAN WOOLF doubts that soft-core musical is the best way to transmit an important story of heroism and resistance
NOW, I don’t want to impugn the cultural awareness of our readers in any way, but I think it may be possible that if I tell you that yesterday was Bandcamp Friday and last Tuesday the launch of Spotify Wrapped, a few of you may not have the faintest idea what I’m talking about.
Spotify Wrapped is when the well-known streaming service (I’m not going to explain what one of those is, that would be ridiculously patronising) tells users what they’ve listened to and tells artists how many plays and listeners they’ve had over the past year.
Bandcamp Friday is when the well-known independent online sales platform waives its fees so DIY artists get the full amount from their sales.
More from this author
The phrase “cruel to be kind” comes from Hamlet, but Shakespeare’s Prince didn’t go in for kidnap, explosive punches, and cigarette deprivation. Tam is different.
ANGUS REID deconstructs a popular contemporary novel aimed at a ‘queer’ young adult readership
A landmark work of gay ethnography, an avant-garde fusion of folk and modernity, and a chance comment in a great interview
ANGUS REID applauds the inventive stagecraft with which the Lyceum serve up Stevenson’s classic, but misses the deeper themes
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