Music
Lovely – Billie Eilish ft. Khalid
When I first heard it I was mesmerized by the melancholic tone of the singing as well as the main verse. What makes it even more interesting is the symbolism behind it: suffering from depression and trying to fight it.
Blue Skies – Birdy
This adaptation of the 1926 jazz standard composed by Irving Berlin has a slightly more joyless and nostalgic tone than the original but is still just as beautiful.
I Don’t Feel Like Dancin’ – Scissor Sisters
Being the band’s first top ten single in many countries and having Elton John on the piano it’s no wonder how this pop and slightly disco song became so popular. Also the song’s title makes is a little ironic as it is impossible to listen to it and not want to dance along.
Angel Eyes – Frank Sinatra
Composed in 1946 by Matt Dennis there have been a lot of adaptations in the later years of this amazing jazz song with Sinatra’s version being one of the most popular.
Merry Christmas – Bryan Adams
This sweet Christmas rockabilly song by talented Bryan Adams was such a nice surprise as it differs greatly from the musical styles usually used for Christmas songs but is just as enjoyable.
Books
Dead Man’s Ransom by Ellis Peters
In 1141 the sheriff of Shropshire is taken prisoner and arrangements are made to exchange him for Elis, a young Welshman. But as soon as the sheriff is brought to the abbey, he is murdered. Suspicion quickly falls on Elis, who has fallen in love with the sheriff’s daughter.
With nothing but his Welsh honor to protect him, Elis appeals to Brother Cadfael for help. And Brother Cadfael gives it, not knowing that the truth will be a trial for his own soul…
An Excellent Mystery by Ellis Peters
In August, 1141, two monks ride into the Benedictine Abbey of Saint Peter and Saint Paul bringing with them disturbing news of war…and a mystery. The strangers tell how the strife between the Empress Maud and King Stephan has destroyed the town of Winchester and their priory.
Now Brother Humilis, who is handsome, gaunt, and very ill, and Brother Fidelis, youthful, comely (and totally mute) must seek refuge at Shrewsury.
From the moment he meets them, Brother Cadfael senses something deeper than their common vows binds these two good brothers. What the link is he can only guess…what it will lead to is beyond his imagining.
But as Brother Humilis’ health fails and nothing can stop death’s lengthening shade, Brother Cadfael faces a poignant test of his discretion and his beliefs as he unravels a secret so great it can destroy a life, a future, and a holy order…
The Pilgrim of Hate by Ellis Peters
The fourth anniversary of the transfer of Saint Winifred’s bones to the Abbey at Shrewsbury is a time of celebration for the 12th-century pilgrims gathering from far and wide.
In distant Winchester, however, a knight has been murdered. Could it be because he was a supporter of the Empress Maud, one of numerous pretenders to the throne? It’s up to herbalist, sleuth, and Benedictine monk Brother Cadfael to track down the killer in the pious throng.
Movies
Ladies in Lavender (2004)
Set in a picturesque coastal fishing village in 1936 the film follows two elderly sisters who befriend a mysterious foreigner who washes up on the beach near their house.
Black Beauty (2020)
Based on the 1877 novel of the same name by Anna Sewell it chronicles the life of a wild mustang and her incredible connection with young Jo Green.
Ουζερί Τσιτσάνης (2015)
Set in the Greek city of Thessaloniki during the German occupation it centers on the forbidden love between a Christian carpenter and a Jewish girl in the height of WWII and the continuous persecution of Jews by the Germans.
