Bill Blatty's 'The Ninth Configuration' is a psychological thriller exploring themes of faith, redemption, and the nature of reality. Set in a remote psychiatric hospital, the story centers around a group of patients and staff grappling with their past traumas and spiritual crises. The narrative unfolds through flashbacks and dreamlike sequences, blurring the lines between sanity and madness. The film delves into the complexities of human nature and the search for meaning in a world often perceived as chaotic and absurd. The novel's exploration of faith, mental illness, and the human condition continues to resonate with readers and critics alike.
Thunderbolt is a comprehensive biography of General Creighton Abrams, focusing on his pivotal roles in World War II, the Korean War, and Vietnam. The book explores Abrams's contributions to transforming the U.S. Army and his leadership during the withdrawal phase of the Vietnam War. It also discusses his impact on military strategy and the challenges he faced in adapting to changing political realities.
In *Chronicles: Volume One*, Bob Dylan reflects on pivotal moments in his life and career. The book takes readers through his early days in Greenwich Village in 1961, describing a city full of possibilities, including smoky parties, literary awakenings, and lasting friendships. Dylan also recounts his experiences in New Orleans, Woodstock, Minnesota, and other places, offering an intimate and personal account of his journey. The memoir is characterized by Dylan's distinctive American voice, which is generous, engaged, fanciful, and rhythmic, reflecting his storytelling gifts and expressive style[1][4][5].
Davi Kopenawa's "The Falling Sky" is a powerful and moving account of the Yanomami people's experience in the Amazon rainforest. Told through the voice of Davi Kopenawa, a Yanomami shaman, the book offers a unique perspective on the impact of colonization and globalization on indigenous communities. Kopenawa's narrative blends personal experiences with traditional Yanomami cosmology, providing insights into their worldview and their relationship with the forest. The book is a testament to the resilience and cultural richness of indigenous societies, while also serving as a critique of the destructive forces of modern civilization. It's a significant contribution to indigenous literature and a powerful call for environmental and social justice. The book's impact lies in its ability to convey the profound spiritual and ecological connection of the Yanomami to their ancestral lands.
The Silence of the Lambs, published in 1988, is a novel by Thomas Harris that follows FBI trainee Clarice Starling as she is assigned to capture the serial killer known as 'Buffalo Bill.' To gain insights into the case, Starling seeks the help of Dr. Hannibal Lecter, a brilliant forensic psychiatrist and cannibalistic serial killer. The novel explores the complex and manipulative relationship between Starling and Lecter as they navigate the dark and intricate world of serial killers. The story delves into themes of psychological profiling, trauma, and the cat-and-mouse game between law enforcement and criminals. The novel is renowned for its detailed characterization and its impact on the thriller genre, and it has been adapted into a highly acclaimed film directed by Jonathan Demme[1][3][4].
In 'The Penguin Lessons', Tom Michell shares the story of his life-changing encounter with Juan Salvador, a Magellanic penguin he rescued from an oil spill in Uruguay. The book explores their unique friendship and how the penguin became an integral part of Michell's life at a boarding school in Argentina during a time of political turmoil. The story highlights the transformative power of compassion and friendship.
In this book, David Halberstam focuses on the 1984 single sculls trials in Princeton, detailing the lives and struggles of four young rowers as they compete for the right to represent the United States in the 1984 Olympics. The narrative explores the physical pain, mental toughness, and personal sacrifices these athletes endure, set against the backdrop of a sport that offers no financial rewards but immense personal fulfillment. Halberstam's writing combines vivid sportswriting with compelling narrative skills, providing an in-depth look at the world of amateur rowing and the characters that inhabit it.
A Simple Favor is a gripping novel that explores the dark twists of friendship. It begins with a simple favor when Stephanie agrees to pick up her friend Emily's son, but things take a turn when Emily disappears. The story unfolds with betrayals, reversals, and shocking secrets about the characters' pasts, leading to a thrilling conclusion. The novel delves into themes of psychological manipulation, unreliable narrators, and the complexities of human relationships.
The novel follows Rachel Watson, a 33-year-old alcoholic who is reeling from the end of her marriage. She commutes to London daily and fantasizes about a perfect couple she sees, whom she names 'Jess and Jason'. However, when the woman she calls 'Jess' (actually Megan) goes missing, Rachel becomes deeply involved in the investigation, revealing a complex web of relationships, betrayals, and dark secrets. The story is told through the perspectives of three women: Rachel, Megan, and Anna, Tom's new wife, each with their own struggles and unreliable narratives.
In 'Gone Girl', Gillian Flynn crafts a gripping narrative about the disintegration of a marriage. The story revolves around Nick and Amy Dunne, a couple whose seemingly perfect relationship turns out to be a facade. On their fifth wedding anniversary, Amy disappears, and Nick becomes the focus of a police investigation and media scrutiny. Through alternating narratives, the novel reveals the complex and troubled dynamics of their relationship, exposing themes of deception, manipulation, and the superficial nature of appearances. Amy's elaborate scheme to frame Nick for her murder is a central plot twist, highlighting her vengeful and manipulative nature. The novel concludes with Nick trapped in a toxic relationship, forced to maintain the illusion of a perfect marriage for the sake of their unborn child.
Vanguardistas have more fun—so if you don’t already subscribe to the podcast, join the Vanguard today via Apple Podcasts or extratakes.com for non-fruit-related devices. In return you’ll get a whole extra Take 2 alongside Take 1 every week, with bonus reviews, more viewing recommendations from the Good Doctors and whole bonus episodes just for you. And if you’re already a Vanguardista, we salute you.
The 50th anniversary re-release of ‘Slade in Flame’ is making Mark very happy this week, and he’ll be reviewing this “Citizen Kane of rock movies” at the top of the show to celebrate. Starring the real-life Black Country glam rockers as the fictional band Flame, it follows their rapid rise and fall via record company clashes that reveal the darker side of the music industry. Plus, new (and new-ish) releases ‘Thunderbolts*’, the Marvel anti-hero ensemble starring Florence Pugh, and ‘Sinners’—Ryan Coogler’s 1930s southern gothic tale of two twin brothers coming face to face with evil when they return to their Mississippi hometown in search of a new start. It came out while we were on our holibobs, so we’re catching up this week with a full review and some top takes from those of you who have seen it already.
‘Another Simple Favor’ is out this week too—and we’ve got director Paul Feig, also known for ‘Bridesmaids’, ‘Spy’ and, yes, the all-female Ghostbusters remake—on the show to talk Simon through it. A follow-up to the 2018 hit ‘A Simple Favor’, it sees Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick reprise their roles in a genre-mashing comedy-mystery-crime-thriller, this time on the isle of Capri. Feig talks power dressing, breaking his no-sequels rule, and how that Blue Origin all-female space flight could definitely be straight out of one of his movies. Mark reviews it too—and we also hear plenty from you wonderful wittertainees, including your takes on Mark’s ‘Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith’ review. Enjoy!
Timecodes (for Vanguardistas listening ad-free):
Slade in Flame review: 11:34
Sinners review: 27:49
Paul Feig Interview: 36:44
Another Simple Favor review: 50:05
Laughter Lift: 57:20
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Kermode & Mayo’s Take 
