You've likely already seen this, but it's quite beyond me not to post it here. I have very little to say except that, what with this one and The Hobbit, it's going to be a lovely Christmas.
It is a pleasure to be a part of the blog tour for Hazel Prior's debut novel Ellie and the Harpmaker. I confess it was the title that drew me in when Berkley approached me about a possible review. It sounded a bit fey, a bit on the ethereal side. The comparisons to the exquisite Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Finedecidedly did not hurt. And so I readily accepted and opened my review copy to the first page.
A thought:
Some things are easier to hide than others.
A fact:
Harps come under the "others" category. So do small boys. As you know by now, I am such a sucker for a good epigraph, and this one did the trick nicely. As did the novel's opening lines: A woman came to the barn today. Her hair was the color of walnut wood. Her eyes were the color of bracken in October. Her socks were the color of cherries, which was noticeable because all the rest of her clothes were sad colors. And so we are introduced to one Dan Hollis and the particular way that he sees the world and …
Some things are easier to hide than others.
A fact:
Harps come under the "others" category. So do small boys. As you know by now, I am such a sucker for a good epigraph, and this one did the trick nicely. As did the novel's opening lines: A woman came to the barn today. Her hair was the color of walnut wood. Her eyes were the color of bracken in October. Her socks were the color of cherries, which was noticeable because all the rest of her clothes were sad colors. And so we are introduced to one Dan Hollis and the particular way that he sees the world and …
chills!!!!!
ReplyDeleteWhen Fantine starts singing? Sigh . . . can't wait.
DeleteI think I have seen this live in London at least 5 times over the last 20 years or so, and the same scenes always make me cry. It's such a powerful story at so many levels, and I hope the movie will be as good as watching it live. thanks for posting this clip, Angie.
ReplyDeleteI first saw it in London as well! It was brilliant. I recently saw a smaller production of it and it certainly put me in the mood for the film.
DeleteMy pleasure!
Ooh, I'm so excited! I didn't know they were recording it with live singing, and that puts to rest some of my concerns about the movie carrying the power of the live show. When I was a teenager, it was Eponine dying that brought my tears, now it's Fantine, reaching for her baby...
ReplyDeleteI know. I was surprised and pleased to hear that.
DeleteAnd the same emotional shift happened to me, too, Jolie.
Hugh Jackman and Anne Hathaway in the same film!! Two of my favs actors!! THIS X-mas!! I'm going to die!! :D In fact, I made a post about this in my blog too!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the inspiration!
Awesome! Sweet anticipation . . .
DeleteWould you believe I'm not at all familiar with Les Mise other than the basic premise? So embarrassing. My teen and I talked about reading it together over the summer and we never got around to it. In any case, I'm really looking forward to the film.
ReplyDeleteLol. I would not believe that, Christine! Then you should really enjoy the film. :) I'd love to hear your thoughts on it afterward. It's a beautiful story.
DeleteWhen I saw the preview for this in the movie theater a few weeks ago I started hyperventilating. Not even kidding. Hugh Jackman as Jean Valjean? So fabulous. Lovely Christmas, indeed.
ReplyDeleteMy only question: can Russell Crowe sing? I really need a good Javert.
Like Musings in Red, Jackman and Hathaway are two of my favorite actors too.
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of live singing. I can't wait!