Posted on Jul 9, 2021 at 6:05 am
« Terra Alta », Javier Cercas
Translated by A. Grujici and K. Louesdon, Actes Sud, 307 p., 22, 50 euros.
“Terra Alta is an abrupt, arid, inhospitable and isolated territory”, two and a half hours from Barcelona, where usually nothing happens. Until this bloody murder, that a strange investigator with the biblical name, Melchior, is responsible for clarifying. In his latest opus, the Spanish writer plays with the codes of the noir novel and melodrama by continuing to explore the themes that are dear to him. A resounding success. A. F.
“A wanderer in the language”, Matthieu Mével
Gallimard, 141 p., 15 euros.
In this first autobiographical novel, the writer-director Matthieu Mével expresses all his affection for his autistic brother with his wandering tongue and his passion for a theater that brings emotions. A manifesto of humanity, vibrant with passion and compassion, that its author can proudly wear like a second skin. Ph. C.
“The Day Kennedy Didn’t Die”, RJ Ellory
Translated by Fabrice Pointeau, Pocket Book, 576 p., 8.70 euros.
Like Philip Roth in “The Plot Against America”, RJ Ellory signs a stimulating political uchrony in which he imagines that Lee Harvey Oswald missed his shot in Dallas. Ten months later, it is nevertheless a weakened head of state who appears at the Democratic convention in Atlantic City. We take great pleasure in considering what would have become of America if JFK had been able to run for a second term. I. L.
The selection of books of the week.©DR
LISTEN
« Pink Noise », Laura Mvula
1 album, Atlantic
Laura Mvula as a Prince.sse … the Birmingham singer takes inspiration from 1980s style (and Prince’s funky spirit) for this new supersonic album. Metallic rhythm, sophisticated backing vocals, refrains like melodies … “Pink Noise” is a devastating mix of pop and soul in fusion, both lyrical and dancing. The supercharged artist builds a luminous bridge between retro and future. The explosion of this “Pink noise” will leave traces. Ph. C.
« Boy from Michigan », John Grant
1 album, Bella Union
Flayed alive, gifted melodist, elusive artist, John Grant offers us a sixth album of great depth, alternating, with his crooner voice, soaring piano ballads and electro hypnotic pieces. The American songwriter, Icelandic by adoption, talks about his life, his homosexuality (denouncing homophobia) in the opening title “Boy from Michigan”. An experimental and captivating musical journey.
« Peace or Love », Kings of Convenience
1 album, EMI/Universal
Their names are Erlend Øye and Eirik Glambek Bøe and they are Norwegians. But their group has an Anglo-Saxon name: Kings of Convenience. For twenty years, they have enchanted us with their rare and delicate folk, which is reminiscent of the legendary duets The Everly Brothers or Simon & Grafunkel. “Peace or Love”, their fifth album, is miraculous in every way, with the added bonus of a distinguished guest, Feist, for two weightless tracks. Ph. C.
“La Cerisaie”, by Tchekhov, directed by Tiago Rodrigues.© Christophe Raynaud de Lage / Festival d’Avignon
SEE
“La Cerisaie”, Festival d’Avignon
On France 5. Live from the festival, July 9 at 10:15 pm
With deconfinement, public television can reconnect with its habits and offer a live broadcast of the flagship show of the Festival d’Avignon, given in the main courtyard of the Palais des papes. This “Cherry Orchard” is particularly eagerly awaited. Because it is the Portuguese shaman Tiago Rodrigues who directs it and the cast is hell (with Isabelle Huppert in particular). And that everyone loves Tchekhov… Then available on CultureBox. Ph. C.
« Virgin River », saison 3
On Netflix, from July 9
The pinnacle of romantic soap, this series by Sue Tenney exudes a charm that is hard to resist. Located in a small town lost in the mountains of California, the love story between the beautiful nurse (Alexandra Breckenridge), recently widowed, and the ex-Vietnam veteran (Martin Henderson), owner of the only restaurant in the area. , can become addictive. In bad shape at the end of the second season, will Jack break Melinda’s heart in the third? L. B.
« The White Lotus »
On OCS, from July 12
HBO’s new series is a satirical comedy. How can a week’s vacation in a Hawaiian resort where all the employees seem to care for their guests turn into a nightmare and show the worst in everyone? This is the whole intrigue of this series by Mike White (“Enlightened”) who enjoys the contrast between a dream setting and the tortured and tortuous beings who inhabit it … L. B.
Jolene Purdy and Murray Bartlett in “The White Lotus”, the new series from HBO.©2021 Home Box Office, Inc. All rights reserved. HBO
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