For many years I wondered if ‘The End of the Affair’ by Graham Greene might not be my favourite novel. Admittedly a bit depressing as your GOAT, but that’s the kind of guy I am.
A curious thing happened though. I re-read ‘The Ministry of Fear’ by the same author 30 years on and I found I couldn’t connect with it in remotely the same way. I enjoyed the opening chapter about a man who correctly guesses the weight of a cake at a country fete and consequently gets sucked into a world of espionage. Had the book changed (no) or had I changed (presumably).
Anyway, ‘Brighton Rock’ is a novel by Graham Greene – filmed twice, once with the protagonist Pinky portrayed by Richard Attenborough, once by Sam Riley, who has the distinction of also playing both Mark E Smith and Ian Curtis on film, a record unlikely to be broken. But, more importantly, it’s the subject of this episode.
Some great songs with an emphasis on mostly new artists.
I lived in a village north of Brighton – Keymer – for three years. Lovely walk to the South Downs, charming Sussex villages. But I didn’t settle at all after the bright lights of London. Not that I’m a such a capital lover, not at all. But it all felt a bit premature – opting out of the action too soon. So, we moved to Melbourne, which was a very good compromise, though admittedly a very long way away.
I’ll be back in Brighton visiting old friends this (English) summer. I’ll report back. I might even catch one of these excellent bands.
