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Books

Babel: How Language and Violence Shape Imperialism

R. F. Kuang’s Babel is a powerhouse of a novel—dense, brilliant, and unapologetically critical of empire, language, and resistance. At its core, the book argues that language is never neutral; it is wielded by those in power to maintain control, and breaking free from that system often requires violence as uncompromising as the oppression itself. It is the kind of book that grabs you by the collar and refuses to let go. It’s not just a story—it’s a sharp, unflinching commentary on power, colonialism, and language as both a weapon and a battleground. Kuang makes this argument not just through…

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Books

The Isolation of Knowledge: “I Who Have Never Known Men”

When my book club picked I Who Have Never Known Men, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I had heard it was unsettling, thought-provoking, and unlike anything else, exactly the kind of book that sparks great discussions. And wow, did it deliver. Jacqueline Harpman’s novel is one of those stories that lingers, making you question everything you take for granted about knowledge, culture, and what it means to be human. I realized just how much of our world is built on the stories and histories we inherit, and what happens when those are stripped away. Jacqueline Harpman’s I Who Have…

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Movies

“Woman of the Hour”: Gender Norms and Hidden Horrors

The gripping psychological drama Woman of the Hour delves into a chilling intersection of societal gender dynamics and true crime horror. Directed with acute precision, the film presents a nuanced narrative that goes beyond the surface-level terror of its central serial killer plot. The true horror lies not just in the heinous acts of violence but in the persistent undercurrent of systemic dismissal and mistreatment of women—particularly how their desires and autonomy are continuously undermined. The film follows Sheryl, a young woman navigating the turbulent 1970s backdrop of societal expectations and gender norms, as she becomes unwittingly entangled in the…

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Books

The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern

A Deep Dive into Fantasy, Introspection, and Storytelling Title: The Starless SeaAuthor: Erin MorgensternPublisher: VintageThemes: speculative fiction, Storytelling, Fate, Identity, Love, Memory, Mystery, Time, Choice, Discovery, Imagination. Erin Morgenstern’s The Starless Sea is a masterful journey through narrative itself, blending the imaginative intensity of a modern fairy tale with the layered introspection of literary fiction. Set in a labyrinthine underground library filled with stories, symbols, and secrets, Morgenstern’s world-building is profoundly symbolic, with each level of the library acting as a metaphor for the deeper layers of human introspection. The further the protagonist, Zachary Ezra Rawlins, delves into the underground…

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Movies

“Violent Night”: A Wildly Unrefined Christmas Ride

In a season dominated by holiday cheer and wholesome traditions, Violent Night strides in like a Viking swinging a battle axe, shaking up the yuletide movie formula in a way that’s both absurd and oddly captivating. Directed by Tommy Wirkola, this darkly comedic thriller takes the beloved figure of Santa Claus and throws him headfirst into a chaotic hostage situation, blending Christmas kitsch with Die Hard-style action and Deadpool-esque humour. While the movie’s writing leaves much to be desired, its willingness to embrace its outrageous premise makes it a surprisingly fun ride for those seeking a break from Hallmark holiday…

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Books

The City of Tears by Kate Mosse Book Review

Love, Loss, and the St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre: A Closer Look at The City of Tears and Its Shifting Historical Lens Title: The City of TearsAuthor: Kate MossePublisher: PAN MACMILLANThemes: Forbidden love, Religious persecution, Family loyalty, Survival amidst conflict, Identity and belonging In The City of Tears, the second instalment of Kate Mosse’s trilogy on the Huguenot diaspora, Mosse picks up the story of Minou and Piet amid one of the most turbulent events of the 16th century—the St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre. Building on themes of survival, faith, and the harrowing toll of religious conflict introduced in The Burning Chambers…

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