A look back on… August

I thought I’d give one of these monthly round-up posts a try. Not that I know what I’ll include in each one, although I suspect some aspects will become regulars (no prizes for guessing which ones 😉).

Reading

God of Small Things Arundathi Roy (re-read)

For this first time in a very long time, I’ve not completed a single book during the month. I’m in the process of re-reading Arundathi Roy’s first – and Booker winning – novel. Before I go on, a quick side bar to my reaction to someone who won the Booker prize with her first novel – writerly me cycles between admiration and envy! I decided to re-visit it after reading her recent memoir Mother Mary Comes to Me as I felt it could offer me some insights about my mother, in particular about my mother’s relationship with her mother. My mother recommended this book to me a long time ago because it reminded her of her childhood growing up in India – and the first time I read it, I absorbed it the same way. The ridiculously slow read has been frustrating, but perhaps it’s also allowed my thoughts to percolate slowly and gently, because since my first read, I’ve learned a lot – about psychology, generational trauma and human relationships in particular. I’ve come to realise my mother was a covert narcissist, almost certainly as the result of her upbringing at the hands of her narcissist mother, who most likely became one too as a result of her own upbringing. So this time round, I’m reading the book with fresh eyes to see what it can tell me, and what memories of a different, more grown-up and aware sort, it brings up.

Booker Prize 2026

I’ve also had to accept that a Booker read-along will not be happening this year; it’s a shame, as the longlist looks right up my street. The upside is that my TBR is looking very promising indeed.

Daily Life

I’ve talked to all manner of humans since taking on my new job – those displaying remarkable stoicism and resilience, as well as those who’ve continued to find a way to laugh at life despite being dealt a rotten hand. A very few think they have it bad and will almost certainly be disappointed by the negative outcome of their claims, and sadly a larger number than I’d like, display a degree of the white pride which resulted in Britain deciding to opt out of the European Union. Whatever the last group I’ve mentioned might mistakenly believe, there are few “foreigners” making this claim. I’ve spoken to some wonderful West Indians, Asians, South Africans and Europeans, all holding British passports – and there’s a noticeable prickle of sensitivity or fear when the first two groups hear the question I am obliged to ask about their nationality. Each of them audibly relaxes when I tell them I, too, was born overseas and am a naturalised British citizen. What I don’t say, but acknowledge inwardly, is my privilege in having a white skin (and the reason the second two groups don’t have the same reaction to the nationality question) means I am not subject to the challenges they inevitably have to face every day.

Viewing

It’s rare we watch much that’s new, so a fair bit of what appears here will not be news to anyone else, but it all comes with some degree of positive review from me… unless I am very obviously slating it in an attempt to save anyone else from wasting their time!

For All Mankind & Space City (Apple TV & Amazon Prime)

We’ve been watching these two loosely linked series about the space race – For All Mankind for the US perspective and Space City for the Soviet perspective. The twist is that in these programmes, it is the Soviets who win the race to the Moon. For a space geek like myself it’s an obvious win, but these are not sci-fi or science fiction, rather an astute observation of the cultural differences between two great superpowers.

The West Wing (DVD box set)

Still some of the best TV I’ve ever seen and a salve for the soul in current times. We’re up to Season 4 in our current re-watch, and enjoying it all over again.

Reacher, season 4 (Amazon Prime)

We watch this one mostly for Himself, but I am enjoying the unleashing of Alan Ritchson’s deadpan humour, and he’s obviously way better cast in the lead role than Tom Cruise ever was (in my clearly not so humble opinion!)

Ride or Die (Amazon Prime)

Starring Hannah Waddington and Octavia Butler, this series about a woman who finds out her best friend is an assassin is quite clearly a bit of lightweight viewing. But it’s been a easy and lighthearted way of winding down at the end of a tiring day, and Bill Nighy’s occasional appearance is always a bonus.

I am looking forward to the upcoming release of Slow Horses series 6 and have checked back to my review for the book. It sounds like this one will offer less hilarity and more serious stuff. The story still rated 4-stars, and with my tough marking practice, that still ranks it as very good indeed.

Losses

The loss of both Dolly Parton and actor Tim Curry (beloved as Frank ‘n Furter in the original Rocky Horror Show) on the same day brought the month to a sad close, although there was still time in the month for that sadness to be added to by the death of King Harold of Norway. He demonstrated another way for royals to live – being known to walk across the square from the palace by himself to buy a packet of cigarettes or a newspaper from the corner shop. Himself also tells the tale of when he looked up when using the urinals somewhere in Oslo, only to recognise the King standing next to him – all with no security and no fuss. No wonder Norway is mourning his loss.

Review

Hot and horrid is my review for the month, although the weather has finally broken and we’ve had (some) rain. Long range weather forecasts can’t seem to make up their minds between a further heatwave or El Niño bringing storms – either way, it’s not sounding attractive.

Roll on September!

© Debs Carey, 2026