Critics’ Recommendations

LEWIS CAPALDI:

HOW I’M FEELING:

Netflix’s new documentary, Lewis Capaldi: How I’m Feeling Now, grapples with the challenge of becoming an international popstar at the beginnings of a global pandemic. It encapsulates the transition from childhood dreams - family films showing a brighteyed child ripping open his first guitar on Christmas day - to the realities of the music industry, and the loss of a more ordinary life.

This is an honest reflection of Capaldi’s personal struggles: having tourette’s syndrome, the increasing pressure he felt after the success of his first album, and the death of his aunt Pat at a young age. Whilst similar to other music documentaries such as Taylor Swift’s Miss Americana, it differs in tone, somewhat to be expected given Capaldi’s frankness, and the comical happy-chappy aura he is known for.

This documentary seeks to reveal the all-too-common line that fame isn’t everything - it changes family dynamics, and strains mental and physical health. It is an interesting watch, giving a genuine and unashamedly honest insight into Capaldi’s rise to fame, as well as the industry’s flaws and personal cost of searching for a guaranteed sensation. Lewis Capaldi: How I’m Feeling Now is available to stream on Netflix

- Ella Pilson

FRANKENSTEIN:

Mary Shelley’s 1818 novel, Frankenstein, tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, an ambitious scientist flawed by his insatiable lust to create a sentient man from dead matter. Told through three narrators, the novel focuses on the narrative voice of our titular character, as he recounts his grisly tale. In today’s society, where artificial intelligence is becoming an ever-greater potential threat, Shelley’s novel acts as a warning of the catastrophic consequences of single-mindedly pursuing a scientific endeavour. Through a dichotomy between the creator and created, Shelley’s ultimate question is which side is to blame for the novel’s tragic events? Whilst often stereotyped as a horror, Shelley’s characterisation of the monster is far more nuanced than a typical horror villian, and at various times she evokes immense empathy for the plight of the monster, leaving us tearful not terrified.

For a novel that was written before the rise of psychology as a science, Shelley’s exploration of nature vs nurture is both compelling and impressive. Whether you are scientifically-inclined, interested in psychology or simply love lyricism in prose, Frankenstein remains a must read. Frankenstein is available at all good bookstores

- Evie Crossland

THE LITTLE BRICKHOUSE:

Tucked away on Derby Road, and perhaps overlooked by students heading into the town centre, The Little Brickhouse (known to some as Little Bricks), is undeniably a gem of the Nottingham dining scene. Founded by German and Norwegian couple Katharina Linnenbrink and Joakim Nielson in 2021, the bijou bistro has become a magnet for those wanting to experience a little bit of European fine dining in our midlands city.

The menu, which changes regularly, is well crafted, and fuelled by local produce. It was a breath of fresh air to be presented not with a plastic menu bigger than the table, but four or five options lovingly scrawled on a blackboard.

The food is delicious - my mushroom stroganoff was outstanding (and a bargain at £11), and I am assured that my partner’s stew was one of the best he’d ever sampled. The decor has a simple Nordic feel that lives up to the Brickhouse’s name.

The best thing about The Little Brickhouse, however, is that it is a hub for the community. Local art available for purchase lines the walls, and their underground venue, Below Bricks, hosts often sold-out music nights. Whether you’re looking for brunch, to sample some natural wines, or for a cosy, home-cooked meal, I urge you to make a booking. The Little Brickhouse is located on 110 Derby Road

- Kit Sinclair

ued the series’ mystery, humour and complexity. I particularly enjoyed The Bullet That Missed, because it has various links to the media world, with many chapters set inside a broadcasting studio.

Bethany Waites, the victim in the story, was a journalist working on a major story at the time of her disappearance/ murder.

THE THURSDAY MURDER CLUB

BOOK 3: THE BULLET THAT MISSED: It has been nearly three years since Richard Osman first introduced us to the quirky residents of Cooper’s Chase retirement village: Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim and Ron. It is safe to say that the most recent instalment has contin-

Whilst the first novel of the series succeeded in establishing the setting and characters, the second introduces a man from Elizabeth’s past and this one allows for even more emotional depth and clever plotting. The dialogue between the characters is authentic, and the chapters narrated by Joyce are wittingly written. Her random observations and endearing rambles never fail to make me smile.

Richard Osman brings us the classic, beloved genre of ‘cosy’ crime. Combining the feeling of a Miss. Marple novel with modern touches, he makes us laugh, cry, and sigh. Roll on Book 4: The Last Devil To Die!

The Thursday Murder Club Book 3: The Bullet That Missed is available at all good bookstores

- Hannah Walton-Hughes

realism, East, West has that, too. Each story is fully developed, thought-provoking, and packed with so much emotional depth that they feel like full novels in themselves. Handy when you need something quick to read between university assignments!

Rushdie separates the stories into “East” (about India) and “West” (about the UK), followed by “East, West” which combines the two. This is a fascinating way of exploring themes about cultural identity, immigration and belonging. As a result, the stories feel deeply personal to Rushdie whilst reaching out to readers from all backgrounds. East, West is available at all good bookstores packed tightly side by side with denim-clad drunkards, jumping in rhythm to the dominating bass playing throughout the song Roxette.

The album’s lyrics won’t change your life. There is less on emotion and more on ‘sex, drugs, and rock ‘n’ roll’. The debut album isn’t here to move you, but instead tell you “shut up and sit back, this sh*t sounds good, don’t it?”

EAST, WEST:

East, West is a brilliant, lesser-known classic which doesn’t take long to get through. This short story collection is easily worthy of five stars, with every story as original and impactful as the last. The writing is beautiful and Salman Rushdie has a lovely way of presenting characters to be instantly engaging. If you like creative and unusual storytelling, with a sprinkling of magical

- Amy Child DOWN BY THE JETTY:

‘Down by the Jetty’ by Dr Feelgood is an album with a scent: a scent produced through sound. Cigarettes, sweat, and booze emanate from the record. The little consideration for track listings, jarring cuts between songs, and shoddy sound mixing transport you to an underground gig

Wilko Johnson’s choppy guitar style, functioning as both rhythm and lead, strikes the aggression that makes you blast each track. Lee Brilleaux’s beer-stained voice beats you around the head with every hard consonant. All the elements come to fruition in All Through the City. It’s no surprise that this album has been cited by bands like The Jam, The Ramones, and The Sex Pistols as an inspiration. It baffles me that Dr Feelgood never took off to huge success. This album and their entire discography cement them as one of the most important footnotes in 70s music. Down by the Jetty is available at all good record stores and streaming platforms

- Will Stead