Archive for December, 2024


A review of the new Indian film “All We Imagine As Light”

December 14th, 2024 by Roger Darlington

When we think of contemporary Indian cinema, we usually have in mind Bollywood movies with singing, dancing, action, romance. “All We Imagine As Light”, both written and directed by Payal Kapadia, could not be more different: it is an art house film that won the Grand Prix at Cannes in 2024. Much of the film […]

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A review of the bestselling novel “Conclave” by Robert Harris

December 13th, 2024 by Roger Darlington

Harris is one of the best-selling authors of British fiction and has made his reputation with a series of works usually set in a particular time and/or place and drawing on much historical research. He is not a great writer and often the journey is more interesting than the destination (his endings can be weak), […]

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What was most popular on Wikipedia in 2024?

December 5th, 2024 by Roger Darlington

Seventeen years ago, I wrote a column with the title “Is Wikipedia the best site on the web?”. I thought then – and I think now – that it is an amazing resource and I use it every day. It is totally non-commercial and funded by subscriptions. I’ve long donated annually and fore the last […]

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A review of the entertaining new film “Conclave”

December 2nd, 2024 by Roger Darlington

Which is best? The book or the film? It’s an endless – and perhaps fruitless – debate. I’ve read and enjoyed so many books by Robert Harris, but not the 2016 novel on which this film is based. The book has been an international bestseller, but this excellent cinematic version has so many visual and […]

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Need a suggestion for a Christmas present?

December 2nd, 2024 by Roger Darlington

This Christmas, if you’re looking for a modestly-priced and personal gift for family and friends, please consider one of these books which are available on Amazon. You can tell them that you know the author.

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