Louise Willder The Book Was Better The Triumphs and Travesties of Book to Film Adaptation Oneworld Publications, October 2026.
Thank you, NetGalley, for providing me with this uncorrected proof for review.
So often heard, so often demonstrating a misunderstanding of the role and mode of the two different performances…and sometimes so right! Louise Wilder covers these attitudes towards books and their film versions in this thoroughly engaging book. She expresses her opinions forthrightly, sometimes bolstering them with analysis; at others leaving the reader to disagree, or sigh with relief that someone sees it their way without holding forth about how making a film is different from writing a book, both are valid, etc. As I am so often in the holding forth camp it was rather refreshing to read an opinion so strongly held that such arguments are totally pointless. But there is more. Sometimes Louise Wilder has determined that the film is better than the book! And at others, that both are awful. What an exhilarating read this makes The Book Was Better The Triumphs and Travesties of Book to Film Adaptation.
The introduction raises the question of ownership Does the book belong to …the author? the readers? the scriptwriters? the director? the actors? With the controversy over costuming, exemplified by the recent iteration of Wuthering Heights the question could even be asked as to whether a book belongs to the costume designer. Chapter headings provide some clues to the dimensions covered in the book: They Made Jane Austen for Dummies; They Destroyed My Childhood…; They Sexed It Up!..; Did They Actually Read the Book?…; They Sanitised it…; They Ruined the Ending…; Faithless and Fabulous…; From Short to Mighty…; The Book Was Not Better…; Dreams on Screen…; Happy Like Murderers…; Stories About Stories…; Misery: Writers Go to Hollywood; Perfect Book, Perfect Film…; Silly Book, Silly Film…;The Unfilmables…: The Unwatchables…; A Bonus Christmas Special. I have omitted the film titles that appear after the statement in the title – readers of this review might want to add their own. Some are surprises; others are not. Many will capture a reader’s attention and foster a rethink of even strongly held opinions.
I thoroughly enjoyed fulminating against opinions I considered mistaken, agreeing unrestrainedly with those that supported my views, and pondering on others, some books and films of which I had neither read nor seen. The Book Was Better The Triumphs and Travesties of Book to Film Adaptation is a great deal of fun to read. However, it also provides a thoughtful analysis of a phenomenon that creates so much debate.
The following article includes a quote from the writer of Bliss, Peter Carey. It provides a perspective on another adaption of his novel – he seems to be looking forward to it.
BBC Studios Australia, Tony Ayres to adapt Peter Carey’s ‘Bliss’ for television
Sean Slatter· NewsTV & Streaming ·August 25, 2026
BBC Studios Australia Productions is developing a TV adaptation of Peter Carey’s Miles Franklin Literary Award-winning novel Bliss, working with writer and creator Tony Ayres.
First published in 1981, Bliss follows advertising executive Harry Joy, who, after a heart attack, comes to believe he is living in hell and struggles toward redemption as he rejects the corruption of his former life.
Carey’s debut novel was adapted into a feature film directed by Ray Lawrence in 1985, which was nominated for the Palme d’Or at Cannes that same year. The new series will reimagine the novel in a contemporary setting, told from multiple perspectives and exploring the complexities of family, marriage, faith and identity.
Ayres said revisiting the novel had struck him differently the second time around.
“Reading Peter Carey’s Bliss in my mid-twenties was a profound, seismic literary experience,” he said.
“Revisiting this book in 2026 has rocked me in an entirely different way. Peter’s central concept, that you could wake up one day convinced that you are living in hell, is more relevant now than in any time in living history. A contemporary version of Bliss will explore the highs and lows of the human condition, and the full range of acts between nobility and venality which we are capable of.”
BBC Studios Australia Productions executive vice president and creative director Kylie Washington said the adaptation reflected the company’s commitment to premium Australian drama.
“Peter Carey’s work has resonated with audiences around the world for decades, and we are proud to be collaborating with Tony Ayres to bring a fresh perspective to Bliss,” she said.
“This is a bold and distinctive story, rich in its exploration of identity, morality and transformation, and one that feels just as relevant today as ever. Through this adaptation, we aim to honour its legacy while reimagining it for contemporary audiences, connecting both long-time fans and new viewers. Bliss reflects BBC Studios’ ongoing commitment to investing in premium Australian storytelling and expanding our scripted slate with high-quality drama that travels locally and internationally.”
Carey said he was pleased to see the novel reach a new audience.
“I’m delighted that Tony Ayres and BBC Studios are adapting Bliss,” he said. “I look forward to seeing how the story evolves for contemporary audiences while retaining its original spirit.”
Secret London
This stunning hidden nature walk in North London follows an abandoned railway line – the 2.5-mile green trail connects Finsbury Park to Alexandra Palace
Following the route of an old railway line, the Parkland Walk is inarguably one of London’s most picturesque paths.
Credit: mia! via Flickr – CC BY-SA 2.0 Deed
Sam Barker Staff Writer 23 August, 2026
London is an ever-changing city. Restaurants open and sadly close down. Its occupants flock in and out of the city; some live here forever, some for little more than a year. And buildings, venues, and even railways all transform over time. One gorgeous example of a space that has completely changed its identity over its life is the Parkland Walk. What was once an old railway line is now a tranquil escape in North London.
The 4-kilometre (aka 2.5 miles-ish) stretch of parkland is London’s longest linear nature reserve. Inside, curious visitors and nature-lovers can explore a myriad of environments. If you walk the full length, you’ll encounter everything from sun-dappled woodland to railway relics that hint at its previous life. You might even come across a mischievous elvish figure.
The Parkland Walk is also home to rare flora and fauna, making it an important part of London’s natural ecosystem. But ultimately (and perhaps most importantly), it’s a downright stunning place for a wander – or a full-on hike in the middle of the city.
The old train line in Parkland Walk
The Parkland Walk was originally a train line that was part of the Great Northern Railway. This ran trains between Finsbury Park and Alexandra Palace. It was supposed to become part of the Northern Line, but these plans were abandoned when WWII broke out, and the line fell out of service in the ensuing years.
Passenger services ceased in the 50s, and the last trains passed through in 1970. Then the track came up, and the station buildings were demolished. Over the following years, nature took over the expansive open space. And then, in 1984, it became the Parkland Walk.
While the tracks and the station buildings may be gone, walkers can still wander past and through the old platforms and tunnels. These have rather charmingly been overtaken by Mother Nature.
And, of course, there’s plenty of nature along the way. The nature reserve is home to butterflies, hedgehogs, foxes, and more. Some two hundred varieties of wildlife bloom in the area, and it’s home to rare plants and insects that you won’t find elsewhere.
The Parkland Walk is also home to a mysterious figure that surprises many a passerby. Along the Crouch End stretch of the walk, a mischievous elf can be spotted emerging from the brickwork. It’s actually a sculpture of a Cornish sprite, known as a Spriggan. It’s the only statue that was successfully commissioned when Parkland Walk was going to be transformed into a sculpture trail.
In full sunlight, it looks pretty mischievous climbing out of the graffiti. But in the fading winter twilight, it does tend to loom slightly forebodingly above those going for a winter wander.
Credit:Peter O’Connorvia Flickr –CC BY-SA 2.0 Deed
Getting to the Parkland Walk
There are a number of access points to the Parkland Walk, but if you fancy seeing the whole thing, you’ll want to start at one of the endpoints. You’ll find these on Muswell Hill near Ally Pally and Oxford Road in Finsbury Park. The nearest stations for the endpoints are Highgate and Finsbury Park.
Alternatively, if you just fancy seeing a stretch of the nature reserve, Crouch Hill station is situated about a third of the way along. Follow Crouch Hill north out of the station, and you’ll find the Crouch End Hill Bridge, which goes over the Parkland Walk. The Highgate tube station is also very conveniently situated for those looking to wander a portion of the Parkland Walk.
The Parkland Walk is a delightful way to experience nature in the city. It also lets you go on a nature hike without even leaving London!
Find out more about the Parkland Walk here.
Dolly Parton Tributes
Feminist News
Imagine the gumption it’d take to pass on the King of Rock ’n’ Roll.
Elvis Presley wanted to record Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You,” and Dolly was thrilled by the possibility.
Then, on the eve of the recording session, his manager, Colonel Tom Parker, delivered the condition: Elvis would need at least half of the song’s publishing. Dolly declined.
The choice broke her heart. She later recalled crying all night while friends insisted she was crazy to let an Elvis recording slip away.
Yet Dolly had already built her own publishing company, and the song had reached No. 1.
She understood that a glamorous opportunity could still come with a rotten deal — and rhinestones have never blocked a woman’s view of the fine print.
Years later, Whitney Houston transformed the song into a global phenomenon.
Because Dolly had protected her ownership, she received the financial rewards generated by one of the bestselling singles in music history.
With her signature humor, she joked that Whitney’s version made her enough money to buy Graceland.
That story captures so much of Dolly: tenderhearted, ambitious, generous, shrewd and entirely capable of making the difficult call while everyone around her questioned it.
She could adore Elvis, dream of hearing him sing her work and still safeguard what she had created.
Women are regularly encouraged to accept prestige in place of fair compensation.
We’re told exposure is priceless, proximity is payment and gratitude should soften our negotiating position.
Dolly read the contract, trusted herself and kept control of the asset. May every woman approach her next negotiation with Dolly’s instincts, Dolly’s backbone and enough hairspray to reach heaven.
Dolly was a strong supporter of LGBTQ+ people, including transgender people. When asked about anti-trans legislation in her home state of Tennessee, she simply said she wanted “everybody to be treated good” and spoke about having transgender, gay and lesbian people within her own family and circle.
“I know and love them all, and I do not judge.”
She’ll be missed
Dolly Parton R.I.P.
Robert Reich <robertreich@substack.com> Unsubscribe
Forwarded this email? Subscribe here for more Dolly Parton R.I.P. A great and remarkable person Robert Reich Aug 25
Friends,
I’m very sad to report the death of one of the people I’ve idolized since I was old enough to idolize anyone — Dolly Parton.To me, Dolly Parton represented the very best in America. Her kindness, compassion, laughter, love of life, hardscrabble beginnings, humanity, ambition, and extraordinary talent were what this country is — or should be.
She connected Americans to one another, even during these dark times of Trumpian divisiveness. She sang everything from country to mountain bluegrass to disco-era pop — and always with an ebullience that radiated hope and courage.
But I think what I admired most was her empathy (the sentiment disparaged by Elon Musk. In fact, to my mind she was the human that embodied the exact opposite of Musk.) She felt the pain of those in poverty. She felt for women subordinated to patriarchy (“Down From Dover” and “Daddy Come Get Me”). She felt for working women (“Nine to Five”).
She was also a great philanthropist. Her Imagination Library has distributed more than 200 million books to babies and young children.I could go on, but you know it all. You’ve been touched by her as well as I have. I’m so very sorry that she’s gone from us.
Anthony Albanese – Facebook Post
Dolly Parton made our world a better place in so many ways, it’s hard to imagine the world without her. A singer and songwriter of rare power and talent, she also shone brightly as an actor, author and philanthropist.
And the big, radiant heart of the Dolly universe was a personality as strong as it was compassionate, a vivacious woman of great humour and a sense of humanity sustained in no small part by the humble strength of her roots.
One of the joys of my time in Government was when I was able to help Dolly overcome a bit of red tape and get her tour bus on to Australian roads in 2011. It was a magical experience meeting her, but what was even better was seeing her among her legions of local fans.
There are a lot of broken hearts in Australia and across the world today. Wherever you are, turn your stereo or your phone to Dolly then turn the volume up.
And may the great Dolly Parton rest in peace.
American Politics
Further analysis of US mid-term election prospects
Bob McMullan
There have been some interesting developments over the last two weeks in the race for control of the US Senate in November. However, the main trend has been consolidation of the strong Democrat positions in key states.
New state prospect
Arkansas
A recent apparently credible poll suggested Democrat Senate candidate, Hallie Shoffner, was leading incumbent Republican, Tom Cotton by more than 3 percentage points in the strongly republican state of Arkansas.
This result seems too good to be true and I would want to see a lot more supporting data before I accept that the Arkansas Senate seat is seriously in play.
Nevertheless, it is a fascinating prospect.
Consolidation in key states
Georgia
In Georgia, Jon Ossoff continues to lead his Republican opponent by a substantial margin and appears to be increasing his lead week by week. One of the prediction sites rates Ossoff a 92.3% chance of winning.
North Carolina
Democrat candidate, Roy Cooper continues to lead by an average of 6-7% with a variety of pollsters giving him a lead of between 3 and 9%.
On present indications both these states look strong for the Democrats.
New Hampshire
With the retirement of the popular Democrat incumbent this state must be seen as “at risk” for Democrats in 2026 despite the state’s record of providing modest margins in favour of Democrats in most recent state-wide contests.
The likely Democrat candidate, Chris Pappas, maintains a modest lead over his most likely Republican opponent, but the margins tend to be slight. On balance, Pappas seems likely to win but it is far from certain.
Michigan
After some early shocks the most recent polling suggests that the Democrat candidate, Dr Abdul El-Sayed has a slight lead over the Republican candidate, Mike Rogers.
Maine
Polling averages suggest the new Democrat candidate, Troy Jackson leads by 2-2.5% over longtime incumbent, Susan Collins.
I would put these two states, Michigan and Maine in the possible category rather than probable at this stage.
Should the Democrats win the five states above that would take them to 49 seats in the 100 seat Senate.
Therefore, they need to win all of them and find two more states from the more difficult contests elsewhere.
The difficult but possible states
Ohio
The Democrat former Senator, Sherrod Brown, has been leading his Republican opponent in every poll but one since April. The margins have been as strong as 8%. It is hard to believe he could win Ohio by that sort of margin, but he obviously has a good chance to win.
Iowa
Trump seems to be deeply unpopular in some of his previously strong constituencies in Iowa. Tariff policies have certainly been unpopular with the farming community. The resulting polling estimates have Josh Turek virtually tied with his Republican opponent, Ashley Hinson.
Texas
The crazy Republican decision, led by Donald Trump, to choose Ken Paxton as their Senate candidate in Texas has given the Democrats their best chance to win in decades. At this point James Talarico is leading in the polling averages by a margin of 2-3%. There is still a long way to go but Trump may have achieved what successive Democrat leaders have failed to do and delivered the Texas Senate seat to the Democrats.
Alaska
The Democrat candidate, Mary Peltola, is leading the incumbent Republican, Dan Sullivan in most polls, but the margin is very tight. Definitely one to watch.
The outside chances
Should the democrats not pick up two of the “difficult but possible” states they will have to look to the outside chances, which appear to be: Nebraska and Arkansas.
Nothing much has changed in Nebraska where the Republican incumbent leads the Democrat aligned Independent by approximately 4-5%, and Arkansas is as outlined previously, interesting but unlikely.
Footnote
An interesting aspect of current polling is the dramatic differences between state-wide candidates in several states.
In Georgia Jon Dssoff leads significantly but the Democrat candidate for Governor is currently tied with her Republican opponent. By way of contrast the Democrat candidate for governor of Michigan leads by much more than the Senate candidate, El Sayed.
This will be interesting to watch on the night.
Robin's Room 