'A carnival of the mind'

The Times recommends watching Emily on TV tonight if you are in the UK:

Film choice, by Wendy Ide

Emily (15, 2022)

Sky Cinema Premiere/Now, 10pm

Frances O‘Connor’s literary biopic is the story of Emily Brontë (Emma Mackey, towering), told through the lens of Wuthering Heights. It imagines how the themes and ideas of that landmark novel originated from and informed the life of the second youngest Brontë sibling. The definitive moment here is a parlour game gone wrong, when the Brontë sisters and dinner guests appear to access the darker realms of the spirit world. Until this point it’s impeccably crafted period high jinks, with O’Connor setting the scene of isolated Yorkshire moors, lonely nights and the budding creative lives of the sisters. She weaves together details from life and fiction with aplomb. It is, in short, a stark and plaintive elegy for the best of all Brontës. (130min) (Kevin Maher)

The Times also discusses the importance of rectories and parsonages in the history of Britain.

The Old Vicarage at Grantchester is now occupied by Lord Archer. That says it all, for me, about the current state of Britain. The parsonages of Britain used to be the homes of the Brontë sisters, Jane Austen, Laurence Olivier — all clergy-children. The catalogue of those who were the children or grandchildren of the clergy is impressive and an indication of how those who lived in the parsonages of Britain enriched its cultural life: Monty, our most colourful general and the victor of El Alamein; the gloriously mad Powys family (John Cowper, Llewelyn, TF et al), the Bensons of Mapp and Lucia fame, Louis MacNeice; Jon Snow; Virginia Wade; even funny old Theresa May. All were products of these wonderful old houses, growing up in households that stood for something.

The Times also lists the '100 best books for summer 2023' and one of them is

Fyneshade by Kate Griffin

In this original take on the familiar gothic tale of a Victorian governess facing dangers, Marta is Jane Eyre’s black-hearted alter ego. She finds shocking secrets at the gloomy mansion to which she has been exiled and takes its wicked heir as her lover. Throughout an ingenious plot, Marta proves a memorable antiheroine as she rises to every challenge thrown at her. (Johanna Thomas-Corr, Laura Hackett. Robbie Millen, Susie Goldsbrough)

The Irish Times interviews writer Siobhan MacGowan.

Your childhood literary idol was Charlotte Brontë. Why?

I felt attuned to her and the period, and loved her way with language. In her less celebrated work, Villette, she writes almost psychedelic passages that I call a carnival of the mind. They had an influence on me. [...]

Have you ever made a literary pilgrimage?

Yes. Much to my husband’s chagrin, to the Brontë Parsonage on our honeymoon! (Martin Doyle)

The Republic (Nigeria) interviews writer Leila Aboulela:

What book from your childhood would you pass on to someone younger?   

Every generation seems to have its own favourites and passing on books can sometimes result in disappointment. But I would recommend A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle and Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë. And for older readers, I would recommend The Autobiography of Malcolm X by Alex Haley and Malcolm X. 

There's an article on The Meghalayan on the journey towards acceptance.

Whether it is Jane Eyre’s (Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte) unwavering spirit or Holden Caulfield’s (The Catcher in the Rye by JD Salinger) quest for authenticity, these characters remind us that our identities are not defined by others, but by our own truths. (Abha Anindita)

Slash Film interviews composer Thomas Newman:

This one might be a hard one, but if you had to choose a Mount Rushmore of the Newman family music, what do you think are the essential pieces?

Oh, man, you should've given me this question before! [laughs] Cathy's Theme from "Wuthering Heights" would certainly be one. Any Randy Newman song. For me, I mean, Randy Newman is godlike in terms of just the American songbook, whatever he's given to that. How about two instead of four? (BJ Colangelo)

Augustman solves the question of 'The Best Book To Read As Per Your Chinese Zodiac Sign'.

Tiger – 'Jane Eyre'

The bold and fearless tiger-born people take matters into their own hands, creating their dream life by pacing through all problems with determination and persistence. These charismatic leaders have a strong sense of justice and authority, therefore a strong protagonist-led novel like Jane Eyre is what they’ll deeply resonate with.

Charlotte Brontë’s iconic tale revolves around a simple and plain girl, Jane, as she braves through life’s struggles. Orphaned at an early age and made to feel like an outcast growing up, Jane’s life turns upside down as she enters the forbidding Thornfield Hall as a governess. What follows is the beginning of a heart-wrenching love story between her and her sardonic employer Edward Rochester. Throughout the story, Jane’s natural independence and spirit prove invaluable in navigating a dreary life. Jane Eyre perfectly encapsulates a woman’s gut-wrenching and emotional journey as she discovers her own self with utmost respect and grace. The tiger zodiac sign will relate to the protagonist’s ferocity and valour. (kritinayyar)