An Underrated MASTERPIECE

[wendyernstrom]

As a book lover, I am so glad I stumbled on this channel. Your sharing about the books you have feeds my soul. Thank you.

[southernlady]

There’s a great film, “A Month in the Country, ” from the late 80s based on this book with Colin Firth, who plays the art restorer, and Kenneth Branagh who plays the archeologist who is intent on digging up more than the assigned task. One can rent or own it through Amazon, I believe.

I was highly interested in seeing the movie as I’ve worked with icons and ancient ecclesiastical art. I’ve toured churches, big and small, to see ancient frescoes and mosaics ( medieval period) in the UK, and studied a bit about the restorative process of these masterpieces. The film didn’t disappoint. The film is very true to aspects of art restoration, even today.

In terms of plot, without revealing spoilers, it’s a quietly paced film that takes time to flesh-out its characters, types that are all so familiar are examined as they interact with the two men. The plot revolves around the efforts of two ex-soldiers returning from the Great War (WWI), trying to get on with their lives even while emotional wounds linger and nightmares haunt. As the two men grapple with their respective war experiences and the intense trauma that results, they return home to communities that have moved on without them. They both deal with the anger and frustration they feel for a country that sent them to war in the first place, but can never fully comprehend what each has been through. To the ones who stayed behind, they have become curiosities who don’t quite fit in anymore. To add to the trauma, the Branagh character was impacted by a particular incident involving his sexuality. Both men take on jobs in which they can again find and restore the Beauty that war ripped from their lives and through which they eventually find Truth- - on multiple levels and in different ways. The two men who are thrown together by similar circumstances, trauma of different sorts, end up enabling the other’s healing, or at least its start.

There is pretty intense dialogue dealing with the raw emotional states of these men as they discover, after being released from military service, that polite society can’t cope with the horrors that have forever changed them.

Homosexuality is discussed and there is an intense relationship (on an emotional level) of one man with the Vicar’s stunning yet fragile and neglected wife, played by the late Natasha Richardson. (A great actress in her own right)

As I remember, there are no scenes that actually show intimate sex scenes. It’s mostly implied, although there may be a long shot or two of Branagh’s backside and perhaps one that shows bared breasts.Also, I vaguely remember a scene in which Firth washes his body. All in all, it’s minimal, and necessary not only for plot, but also for symbolism. (And there is MUCH SYMBOLISM.)

This movie is not for children, however, due to its mature subject matter. Performances are truly stellar, even Oscar-worthy. I highly, highly recommend this excellent film. The Yorkshire countryside is breathtakingly captured, too.(Again, I saw this in the late 80s. Forgive me if a detail or two is a bit fuzzy. But for me, the film is memorable to this day!)

[thierryploum]

Your describing the book makes me want to read this book. Thank you!

[Emilia-osvw]

What a discovery!! Thank you so much. Can you please share more book recommendations?

[elisabethmolatore]

What a pleasure to learn these things. You are a treasure.

[Hrodn]

Unfortunately, I've never read the book, but the film is my favourite. The film portrays a gentle England that, if it ever existed, is lost forever.

[Crossword]

A desire to have again what once seemed ours forever.
- that hits.

[strangehominid]

I'm definitely putting this in my list of "short afternoon reads." The action of restoring old works, and themes of love and recovering from grief seem like they intertwine very well and give good insights about the process of healing!

[nchanin]

I’m so glad someone’s recommended this book. My English teacher in high school had us read this and attached no assignments to it. Purely for pleasure.

[-karat-plonker]

You sold me on this book, it sounds like such a beautiful story😢

[AcchillesAlder]

this channel really is a gem for book lovers

[robindeabate]

You are such a fantastic human. Your recommendations have resulted in some of the most heartfelt tears. Some of the greatest laughs of my life. You've made me truly appreciate literature.

[bencooper]

One of my all time favourites. I grew up in the village where the film adaptation was made so I know that church very well ❤

[nattie_ceee]

A truly great book. The movie (made in the 80’s) is great too.

[sebeckley]

You really should put the book title and author in the description.

[RRW]

Please 🙏 suggest more of these!! As an avid reader I’m always on the hunt for rare masterpieces and this was one! So please, keep sharing little jewels like this one.

[MouthyMama]

I can feel the homesickness for a distinct moment in time just from this description. Definitely going to have to search this one out for my cozy Autumn reading list.

[shloveaffair-eivb]

I love how every book is his favourite one.

[ravenraven]

Thank you so much! Im a student in college (an art history major) who hopes to work in art restoration. I just ordered the book.

[Blun]

Learnt of this book's existence on this channel. Returning to say a massive thank you, as this is now amongst my favourite novels.