Gail Honeyman’s debut novel, Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine, delivers far more than quirky humor—it’s a profound exploration of social isolation and the hidden depths of trauma. The story follows Eleanor, a socially awkward office worker in her thirties, who lives a meticulously structured life to shield herself from emotional pain. While the plot initially…
While many creative hobbies involve specialized tools or costly materials, soap carving stands out as a simple, affordable, and surprisingly therapeutic art form. Originating centuries ago in various cultures, soap carving involves sculpting bars of soap into intricate designs using only basic tools like a knife or toothpick. Despite its simplicity, the hobby teaches essential…
Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk is a cinematic masterpiece not just for its storytelling, but for its unsettling, immersive score by Hans Zimmer. Rather than relying on lush melodies or grand orchestration, Zimmer leaned into minimalism—specifically the Shepard Tone, a sonic illusion that gives the impression of a sound rising endlessly. This technique created a sustained sense…
Matt Haig’s The Midnight Library delves into the life of Nora Seed, a woman overwhelmed by regrets and despair. Facing a series of personal failures and losses, Nora finds herself in a mystical library situated between life and death. Each book within this library represents a different path her life could have taken, offering her…
Every June 24th, the city of Cusco, Peru transforms into a living time capsule with Inti Raymi, the Festival of the Sun. Rooted in Incan traditions, this spectacular event honors Inti, the sun god, during the winter solstice. Locals and visitors gather at Sacsayhuamán fortress to witness a re-enactment of the ancient Incan ceremony, performed…
Aquascaping is the creative practice of designing and arranging aquatic plants, rocks, driftwood, and other elements within an aquarium to create visually appealing underwater landscapes. Drawing inspiration from natural environments and artistic principles, aquascaping combines aspects of gardening, design, and ecology. This hobby not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of living spaces but also fosters…
Richard Powers’ “The Overstory” is a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel that intertwines human lives with the silent, enduring world of trees, offering a profound ecological narrative. Published in 2018, it follows nine characters whose stories converge around their relationships with nature, from a scientist discovering tree communication to an activist fighting deforestation. Powers, with his background…
In the world of film, soundtracks play an essential role in enhancing the emotional impact of a scene. A well-crafted soundtrack can set the tone, deepen the emotional resonance, and even elevate the storytelling of a film. Music has the power to shape audience reactions, whether it’s the suspenseful tension built by a haunting melody…
novellainstitute.com – Min Jin Lee’s Pachinko is a sweeping historical saga that explores themes of resilience, identity, and survival through the lens of a Korean family’s journey across generations. Spanning from the early 1900s to the late 1980s, the novel paints a vivid picture of the Korean diaspora in Japan, illuminating the struggles of immigrants…
novellainstitute.com – British comedian, writer, and satirist Ben Elton is set to embark on his highly anticipated Authentic Stupidity tour, bringing his sharp wit and observational humor to audiences across Australia in 2025. Best known for his work on classic television comedies such as Blackadder and The Young Ones, Elton’s return to stand-up promises a…
