Books: THE FINKLER QUESTION by Howard Jacobson

Title: The Finkler Question
Author: Howard Jacobson
Published: 2010
Genre: Fiction

I am always reluctant to write about award-winning books. I always want to read them because the writer in me wants to know what it is that makes an award-winning book, but in the same breath I approach them cautiously because the hype can often lead to a disappointing experience. I did not pick up The Finkler Question for its rave reviews, so my expectations were somewhat managed.
I read this  Booker Prize winner a few months back, and have been struggling to sit and write up on it for a while now. Did I enjoy it? Yes. Would I recommend it? Yes, but a with one caveat: be very patient with the protagonist.

Kabuki costumes

It being Museum Wednesday  - a new thing in our family - we tossed a coin to decide between the Museum of Magic and the current Kabuki Japanese Theatre Costumes exhibition at the Fondation Pierre Berge Foundation-YSL.  The latter won out, magic will have to wait.
I was worried that it would prove to be a brief visit - my son is six and has the accompanying attention span for his age - but it turned out fairly well. Along with the extensive display of the intricately-designed and richly embroidered silk kimonos, were videos being shown in English and French commentary, showing the history of Kabuki in Japan. This was what cinched it for the young man, who was not all that interested in the costumes - he sat through the entire video show- and walked out enthralling us with the facts such as "only boys can do Kabuki".

All that glitters at Château de Versailles

Château de Versailles was the seat of power from 1682 to 1789. With every every king that lived there, three in all, the Château was transformed and expanded - making it an enduring and beautiful part of French history. It is after all the Museum of the History of France. For a history lesson that's concise, and far more interesting than any guide book will provide make a trip to this well-preserved castle.
You can take the guided tours or go for the self tour option. It is bustling with tourists, literally bus loads of them. The grand rooms from where war strategies were formulated, the exquisite grandeur of the hall of mirrors where statesmen were entertained, amongst other exhibits, is all breathtaking. In summer, there are music concerts in the large sprawling, meticulously-maintained gardens, as well as musical fountain shows - check site for details. It's a day trip out of Paris, and a history lesson that's well worth it. As always, more pictures than was necessary were taken on my last trip there.
All photos here - I was pretty much speechless and in awe throughout the entire tour.

François Hollande wins

Photo courtesy: www.telegraph.co.uk

La République Française has a new president. After weeks of constant debates on TV, endless campaigning and heated election conversations over dinners, the people of l'hexagone have spoken.
François Hollande's 51.9% win to outgoing President's, Nicolas Sarkozy's 48.1%, is being  accompanied by jubilant celebrations in Paris by Socialist Party supporters, in the rain, as well as all over the country.
It's a number of firsts in many years for France's political scene:

'Kultures' with Khwezi Strydom in Paris

Alliance Française is renowned for giving young and old burgeoning artists a platform on which to show their work. It's done it again, this time with an exhibit by a young South African artist Khwezi Strydom. The 'Kultures' exhibition will run until 15th June at the Paris branch on Boulevard Raspail.

Khwezi is very reluctant to talk about himself. At the opening night of his exhibition he was casually and comfortably working the room, but in a one-to-one conversation he is reluctant almost to the point of evasive. I am able to glean that he was born in the US of a Tunisian mother and South African father. Raised in the US and France he began drawing at a young age, encouraged by his artist mother. This is his first exhibition.

"The Suit" at Théâtre des Bouffes du Nord

There has been plenty of things South African in Paris this week. We celebrated Freedom Day on the 27th April, took in a South African play; The Suit at Théâtre des Bouffes du Nord last night and tonight Alliance Francaise is hosting an art exhibition by Khwezi Strydom, who works and lives in France.
The Théâtre des Bouffes du Nord is reminescent of the Market Theatre, so it was almost fitting that the Suit is showing here, because the play was first staged at the Market Theatre many years along. If you are in Paris, and would like to see this South African play by Can Themba, it is only until this Saturday 5th. It is sub-titled for the French Speakers and has been sold out, for the entire time is as been running, that is, since April 3rd.