ALEXANDER CLARE & LUKE QUINN IN PARIS

This February I had the opportunity to see the final show of my friends Luke Quinns' concert tour, in which he supported Alexander Clare . The show took place in Paris - a city which has always been special to me in ever so many ways. Having had lived there as a child, I always try d to go back there whenever I get the chance. This seemed a perfect opportunity just for that. Here are a couple of my favourite shots from the concert that took place at the La Maroquinerie in Paris. Both of the performances were amazing and if you haven't seen Alexander Clare or Luke Quinn live yet..make sure to put it on your bucket list!

To listen to some of Lukes' songs head over to his soundcloud :)

A taste of Dulwich, London

Usually when I am in London I tend to stick to central. I guess because I am not there all the time, I enjoy that constant buzz. However is that the REAL London? I wanted to explore this notion, so this time round I decided to venture in a different direction- more precisely, the South, Dulwich.

There is no denying that London is like a hub made up of many different "mini towns" which is great because that's what fuels it's incomparable diversity, however it can make you stick to one area and not venture outside of it. I guess that usually tends to happen to me..not this time round though! I wanted to live the life of a real Londoner and hence I ended up in Dulwich. An area of London, previously a part of Kent that definitely carries some of it's flavours. 

I have to say I really liked the area with its green fields, hills and friendly local cafes & shops. It has it all. I even found a really adorable small book shop on the highstreet and didn't want to leave it. It's those small bespoke community stores and restaurants that really draw me into places like Dulwich. In a sense it didn't feel like I was in London but at the same time I was only a 20 minute tube ride away from the "touristy" London known to us all. 

Hence, next time when you're in London you need to step out of your comfort "district" whether it's Shoreditch or South Ken and venture out, it's definitely worth it.

Here's some snaps from the day..

The Secret History - Donna Tartt

About 2 weeks ago I was at a book store and came across this title by Donna Tartt.
Known across the world for her success behind the Goldfinch I was obliged to at least flick through the book. I'm not sure it if was the book cover with its touch of renaissance art or the tittle itself Secret History that really intrigued me but I ended up taking it home with me..the synopsis helped too. When I arrived home, I found out that this is Tartt's first book to write as it was my first one of hers to read. Normally I prefer reading books in their original language, being bilingual I decided to give this Polish translation a try.

Couple days later I was already on the last pages, the book really took control of my life and I couldn't put it down. This was my first Tartt book and I have to say that I really enjoyed it. 

The book follows the lives of 5 closely knit university students between whom a murder takes place. Alone, each one is just your average student but together they manage to create an elite as well as an ideology. We see the story through the eyes of Richard Papin who is a newcomer in a way into their specific social circle. Without revelling too much - This book is not a classic "whodunnit" but a why do it. Furthermore it continues to explore various themes and engages the reader in a diversified way of thinking about ideologies brought up in the story. I would love to explore those themes and mention something more about them but I think that would spoil the narrative for you. Hence I'll stick to a general review and you just have to trust me. Every descriptive derail in the book brings the history alive and Tartt successfully manages to make you feel like you're part of the discussions and situations that take place between the characters. Tartt really has a gift of revealing all and nothing at the same time, whilst still keeping the narrative engaging as well as secretive in its nature. 

For me, it's a straight 10/10. I enjoyed the explored themes and loved the natural way in which the author installed a sense of suspense and mystery. However I just want to note that the overly descriptive nature of the written text may not suit every type of reader.
Seeing as how much I loved this book I just started reading the infamous Goldfinch. The book for which Tartt gained the Pulitzer prize in 2014..let's see if it will live up to my expectations, as after this lecture those are inevitably very high.