JANUARY 2018 FAVOURITES


'Primeval and Other Times' ('Prawiek i inne czasy') by Olga Tokarczuk


BOOK OF THE MONTH

I have this little tradition that I reread my all time favourite book every year, usually in January. And I did it again. I am talking about 'Primeval and Other Times' by Olga Tokarczuk. She is one of my favourite writers, and this is, in my opinion, the best book of hers.

The novel tells the story of three generations of few families from Primeval- a small village in Poland, where realism meets magic, the sacred meets the profane, and where the pagan power of nature meets the rigid Christian rules. There are no heroes in it, just ordinary people living their seemingly ordinary lives. Tokarczuk makes them all important, though. She proves that they all belong to the world and they create it. Both world wars and big historical changes are only a background to the story, which begins in 1914 and spans over three-quarters of the 20th century.

This book is very comprehensive. It talks about life, love, sex, friendships, god, war, the youth, the adulthood, and the old age. The beauty and ugliness of mankind.
It is phenomenal, sophisticated but easy to read. It will satisfy an occasional reader, as well as a true bookworm, with an impressive knowledge of literature. It is engaging and disturbing. In 'Primeval...' the world is described from many different perspectives. 

I love Tokarczuk's unconventional way of writing. She is very unique. Thanks to her sharp observation skills and unbelievable prose, reading her books is an amazing experience. You can see the world she describes, you can hear it, you can smell it.



Jane Fonda as Grace Hanson and Lily Tomlin as Frankie Bergstein in 'Grace and Frankie'.  Photo credit: Netflix



NETFLIX FAVOURITES:

'Grace and Frankie' 4
It was so good to see my favourite squad from San Diego! These feisty 70-somethings made me laugh and cry once again. The fourth season was slightly different from the first three, it was more nostalgic. Nonetheless, it was awesome! My full review of the 4th season is here, and if you never heard of this show before, you can read about it more here.


'Cable Girls' 2 
Lidia Aguilar and her firends are back in the gripping series Cable Girls.The second season did not disappoint. Set in 1920s Madrid, the show features a strong female lead and powerful feminism message. Don't skip it!



THE FOOD I WAS LOVING IN JANUARY

January was the month of bananas and peanut butter. It is the most clichéd combination ever (ok, probably tomatoes and mozzarella team beats it). But I just can not get enough of this taste!








 SKINCARE FAVOURITE

Vitamin E Hydrating Toner byThe Body Shop

  It is the best toner I have ever used. My skin is usually dry to   normal, but recently it was dryer than ever. Adding this     gem to my skincare routine was/a great decision. It calms   and  moisturises my skin, leaving it soft, smooth and supple.








NANGA PARBAT RESCUE MISSION

At the end of January, the whole world was watching the Nanga Parbat rescue mission organised by Polish climbers. A brave team of 4, Adam Bielecki, Denis Urubko, Jaroslaw Botor and Piotr Tomala, left their own dreams and ambitions behind, and put their lives at risk to save Elisabeth Revol and Tomasz Mackiewicz stuck just below the top of Nanga Parbat- The Killer Mountain. 

Voluntarily, in the darkness and unimaginable cold, they were climbing up in the dizzying speed. 
They found exhausted Elisabeth, who did not give up on walking down the mountain. Unfortunately, they could not save Tomasz. The weather conditions didn't allow the rescue team to attempt to find him, he was he was too high, and when Elisabeth was leaving him, he was in agony. He will stay forever on his beloved Nanga Parbat.

People like them change the world. It takes a courage to live the life to the fullest. I hope Elisabeth fully recovers and the boys of the rescue team safely reach a top of K2. And may Tomasz rest in peace.


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22 comments

  1. What fab suggestions! I need to check out cable girls.

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    1. I highly recommend this show, especially if feminism is close to your heart :) x

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  2. I've gone big on the Body Shop once more. I sought out the oils in this dry, cold weather.

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    1. oils are lifesavers in this weather! Thanks for reading <3

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  3. Ooh bananas and peanut butter! Great combination!

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  4. I do love the sound of 'Primeval and other times' especially as you said that Olga has a very distinctive way of writing. Also I love that you are cruelty free me too!

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    1. Olga is a fantastic writer, and she fights for animal rights,too! I am sure you would love her books x

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  5. Oo banana and peanut butter sounds delicious! I too am a big fab of the Vitamin E range from The Body Shop, it always leaves my skin feeling great.

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    1. This is a fantastic range of products, very moisturising and refreshing. Thank you for reading! x

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  6. I would love to watch Grace and Frankie 2. Heard a lot about it.

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    1. 'Grace and Frankie' is one of the best shows ever. Very funny, uplifting and touching x

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  7. I haven't watched either show on Netflix but they sound good. And I'm on the hunt for a good book to read so I might try your favourite author!

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    1. Tokarczuk is an incredible writer, I am sure you would love her books :)

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  8. Love banana and peanut butter together, that reminds me of what I can have for my lunch tomorrow :)

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  9. Mmm banana and peanut butter - always a winning combination in my eyes!!

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    1. Such a classic duo, but nothing beats this taste! x

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  10. I really want to read that book now, you've sold it so well!

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  11. I'm with you on the bannas and peanut butter! Such a tasty combo

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    1. It is mid-February, and I still didn't get bored with this taste :)

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