@soniapurnell.bsky.social
Kingmaker: Pamela Harriman’s astonishing life of power, seduction & intrigue. New York Times bestselling author. A Woman of No Importance. Fellow of Royal Historical Society. Warned you about Johnson. Plutarch Prize winner www.soniapurnell.com
The last three films I’ve enjoyed in the cinema have all been foreign language. Sentimental Value, Sirat and The Secret Agent. Can Hollywood come close for originality, character, thoughtfulness, compelling acting and visual impact?
I swear, if the British diverted just a little bit of the time and energy they spend discussing the likes of TV baking shows, animals on bank notes, Wagatha Christie and the weather then it would be the richest most dynamic country in the world.
This this this
An absolutely riveting history from @soniapurnell.bsky.social
A woman of no importance is 🔥
Virginia Hall was a force of nature- les étoiles dans les yeux
Highly recommended
Thanks so much!
Picking Mandelson as ambassador was based on totally wonky thinking. Especially as we had an excellent one already. Massive mistake by Starmer. But PM is not responsible for mandelson’s wrongdoing and other PMs eg Johnson have done far worse eg Covid. Is it really in country’s interest to oust him?
Collective amnesia of what we have had in recent years. A few highlights to remember: Dodgy meetings with Russians. Massive frauds. Murders of MPs. Industrial scale lying to Parliament. Trashing of relations with allies. Biggest con of public ever with Brexit etc etc etc
Nigel Farage tells GB News that Keir Starmer's decision to appoint Peter Mandelson as US ambassador shows his judgement is "seriously wrong" and he should stand down as Prime Minister.
Here's what Farage said when Mandelson was appointed
Another v good article by @soniapurnell.bsky.social in this month's @bylinetimes.bsky.social
Anti UK propaganda is partly engendered by the UK! We must stop putting ourselves down. Stop posting right-wing media. We are still tolerant, inventive & humorous with fine cities & beautiful countryside
Thank you!
This this this
Spying appealed to his theatre-loving side, the disguises and the dissembling, the building and betraying of trust. Aldrich Ames enjoyed almost every part of the job
All these Reform defections are short term gains which undermine their core selling point - which is change.
Why would the country elect a party full of all the same washed-up, scandal-hit former Tory ministers they just kicked out of office?
Opens the space for both a Labour and Tory recovery
So looking forward to this. if you’re in San Francisco later this month come say hello!
Critic Campaign: it's time to admit that it was a mistake to abolish the Department if Culture. Keir Starmer should bring it back.
thecritic.co.uk/brin...
Wow thanks so much Anthony Scaramucci @scaramucci.bsky.social for the lovely shout out on Open Book for my books. Even my sons are impressed their mum gets to be called “legendary”! You’ll be the first to know about my new book I promise. Happy New Year !
www.globalplayer.com/podcasts/epi...
Thanks so much!
David Attenborough [whispering]:
“Like a grain of sand in a vast desert, the predator blends seamlessly into its environment, nearly imperceptible to the naked eye.”
Merry Christmas from London to all my followers and readers wherever you are and whatever you’re doing. Thanks so much for your support! May the New Year bring you good health, peace and sweet contentment (Robert Burns via Cheryl)!
Also process where seemingly good people are gradually twisted into the dark side. Compelling and resonant
Also process where seemingly good people are gradually twisted into the dark side. Compelling and resonant
#TheLine on ITVX is gripping tale of occupied France in WW2. Small triumphs + large failures of Resistance, love with the enemy, collabos and heroes and a few who were both. Drama showing messy awfulness of war but also strength of human spirit. Setting for real life #VirginiaHall
For years I've been baffled at how so many YIMBYs are in denial about some of the basic environmental ABCs of UK politics.
But at this rate if Starmer and Reed fail to follow @luketryl.bsky.social's shrewd advice the Labour Party will get shredded by the Greens.
www.ft.com/content/f456...
I wrote this from the heart Just a few of the marvels these island still have to offer. Http//:subscribe.bylinetimes.com/edition/81/how-the-light-gets-in/
A mini-story to cheer you up this morning. The other day my teenage son returned to his locked bike to find the back wheel nicked. We went back yesterday to rescue it - and found this note taped to the frame. We have the wheel again. A very happy Xmas to Ollie and his note-writing other half.
Good grief! Sorry to hear this. It’s a common problem as you say and an under reported one
If you liked A Woman of No Importance and need a Christmas present for someone in your life aged 8 to 12, Agent Most Wanted is for you. It’s the young adult version of Virginia Hall’s story and I’m so proud of it. Available now on Amazon!
Good morning. This is a scary read but a necessary one. Beholden in Brussels to toughen up and Britain to get back to where it belongs in Europe. Subito
Reasoned response to a well argued if depressing article by Stella Creasy. Brexit: The Pain Continues
Ten years on the UK is still mostly talking to itself about EU relations (from NS Morning Call).
Let me know when any politicians start talking about far greater mobility / freedom of movement, because that will show them thinking about the other side.