If you’re looking for your next hauntingly well-written, un-put-downable read, add I Who Have Never Known Men to the top of your list. Originally published in French in 1995 and recently translated into English, Jacqueline Harpman’s slim sci-fi novel follows the story of 39 women and one young girl, held captive for decades in a mysterious bunker guarded by men. They have no real memory of how they got there and have been given no inclination of why they’ve been kept—only the dizzying repetition of sameness: concrete walls, metal bars, bare mattresses, and limited food. Then, one day, everything changes. It’s an affecting and deeply intimate story about what it means to be a woman devoid of context, in an empty world, untouched by men, with no sense of future or understanding of the past. My sister suggested Sarah Polley as the perfect person to adapt this, and she’s right. -VvP |
|
Something you should know about me is that I absolutely hate it when Ss are replaced by Zs. It drivez me inzane. That said, Inzane in the Membrane is a stellar strain that I recently loaded up on because it’s so effective at regulating my mood, keeping me focused, and getting me off the couch. Of purposely mysterious origins (breeder Ethos Genetics say its lineage is “Noneya x Bizness”), to my mind, this is one of the best sativa-dominant strains out there. And while tracking strains can be difficult as they cycle through dispensaries so quickly, I do know that the Berkshires’ Mass Yield Cultivation currently has Inzane in the Membrane pre-rolls, flower, and shake out in the field, and that Curaleaf has historically had it on offer. Also, on an almost completely unrelated note, Cypress Hill played with the London Symphony Orchestra this week. -DW |
|
I can’t stop thinking about this necklace-like power cord by Bless ever since seeing it last week in Emilia Petrarca’s newsletter, Rat Diet. Petrarca spotted it in Baserange’s Paris showroom, which feels 1000% percent on brand. Unfortunately, as far as I can tell, they don’t make a version compatible with U.S. outlets, but if you’re in Germany or France, scoop one up. In the meantime, I’ve been mulling over how to recreate the look arts and crafts-style which, if I’m being honest, was never my strong suit. C’est la vie. -VvP |
|
Over the years, you may have come across one or more posters featuring a celebrity cradling a classic book and telling the viewer to “READ.” Created by the American Library Association, these posters were part of a campaign to get kids to—you guessed it—read more. I’ve long tried to find the Paul Newman one due to my fondness for all things Newman, but instead have found countless other versions featuring anyone from Kirk Cameron (problematic) to Kristi Yamaguchi (almost pulled the trigger) to William Hurt (also problematic). However, there is a Mikhail Baryshnikov one currently on eBay that, while not for me, is definitely a snag for the right person. I’m putting it here in the hopes that such a person is one of our readers. -DW |
|
Designer, model, filmmaker, and Gossamer Conversation subject Emily Labowe’s first solo art show is on this weekend only, through 4 PM on Sunday at The 3100 Gallery in Los Angeles. I’d be there if I could (which reminds me, I’m extremely overdue for an L.A. trip.) Check it out and report back! -VvP |
|
I’ve been waiting for Purslane Cafe to open at the Prospect Park Boathouse ever since their deal was announced, and I’m extremely happy to report that it does not disappoint. Run by The Oberon Group (of Rucola and June fame), this light bites and coffee outpost is both significantly tastier and less expensive than I expected. On Thursday, I picked up an excellent broccoli, mushroom, and cheese sandwich (trust me) that was about as long as my forearm and cost $9 or $10, a rarity in a city stuffed with overpriced mediocre sandwiches. It’s a great thing to have in the neighborhood, but I also predict its presence will make the Boathouse—and its prime sunbathing area—a top Brooklyn destination this summer. -DW |
|
|
|
|
