Culture

Walshe’s text in “Minor Characters” moves at a fast pace, mirroring the speed of thought in the music. At times, her vocals appear to celebrate internet memes and the temporary elevation of “minor characters” to social media fame. However, she quickly shifts gears, chastising the world or herself for disregarding weightier issues. The music reflects this rapid movement, transitioning between …

Nechama Tec, a Polish Jew who survived the Holocaust by pretending to be Roman Catholic and later became a renowned Holocaust scholar, passed away on August 3 at the age of 92. Her son, Roland, confirmed her death. Dr. Tec gained recognition for her book “Defiance: The Bielski Partisans” (1993), which recounted the courageous acts of Tuvia Bielski and his …

Michela Murgia, an acclaimed novelist, intellectual, and civil rights campaigner, passed away at the age of 51, leaving behind a legacy as a symbol of freedom and feminism in Italy. Murgia gained prominence nearly two decades ago with her first novel about her experience working in a call center, which was later adapted into a popular film. She was known …

Although not approved by the church or the state, the relationship with Lewes was much more peaceful and fruitful, and it is the main focus of Carlisle’s attention. She describes how the couple met while working as journalists, through an editor at The Economist magazine with whom Marian had unrequited feelings. Neither of them was considered attractive, but Lewes, who …

Claudia Mitchell is a potter from Acoma Pueblo in New Mexico. Before gathering clay, she expresses her gratitude to the Clay Mother, Earth, through prayers and offerings. Mitchell also gives thanks to the women who came before her, especially her grandmother Lucy M. Lewis, a highly regarded potter. Mitchell incorporates pottery shards from previous generations into her own work, grinding …

“The Romantic” by William Boyd explores the emergence of the Romantic movement and its impact on society. Prior to the Romantics, art and culture in the West revolved around God, with illuminated breviaries and magnificent cathedrals dedicated to him. However, around 1300, the human face reappeared in the arts, signaling a shift towards acknowledging the individual’s significance beyond their role …

Keith Waldrop, a renowned poet, translator, artist, and professor at Brown University, passed away on July 27 at the age of 90. Waldrop’s poetry collection, “Transcendental Studies: A Trilogy,” won the National Book Award in 2009, 40 years after being a finalist for the same award. Brown University announced his death without providing details of the location or cause. Waldrop …

Tom Jones, the renowned writer of the book and lyrics for the beloved musical “The Fantasticks,” passed away at the age of 95 at his home in Sharon, Conn. The cause of death was cancer, according to his son Michael. Jones first collaborated with Harvey Schmidt, his frequent partner, while they were students at the University of Texas. Jones studied …

Dear readers, During a recent purge of my bookshelf, I came to the realization that I had accumulated dozens of volumes over the years simply because I couldn’t resist their intriguing titles. Books such as “Four Frightened People,” “Mushroom Town,” and “Keeping a Horse in the Suburbs” ended up being passed on to others through our laundry room’s giveaway table. …

Baratunde Thurston, a writer and cultural critic known for his work on race, technology, and comedy, found himself in an unexpected position as the host of the PBS nature series, “America Outdoors With Baratunde Thurston.” Despite his background, Thurston saw an opportunity for representation as a Black person hosting a show about the outdoors. The second season of the show, …