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ALFRED SEARLS’ BLOG
Book Review: Darkness at Noon by Arthur Koestler
This year marks the centenary of the Russian Revolution. In the third of a series of articles for Northern Soul, Alfred Searls explores how 1917 – and the Soviet society which developed in its shadow – has been portrayed by writers since that momentous year of revolution.
Read the full story..Book Review: The White Guard by Mikhail Bulgakov
This year marks the centenary of the Russian Revolution. In the second of a series of articles for Northern Soul, Alfred Searls explores how 1917 – and the Soviet society which developed in its shadow – has been portrayed by writers since that momentous year of revolution.
Read the full story..Book review: Ascent by Jed Mercurio
Now and again you come across a novel so closely published to your own specifications that you strongly suspect the publishers have secretly focus-grouped you to within an inch of your life, and then wiped all memory of it from your mind.
Read the full story..Review: Red Star Over Russia by David King
This year marks the centenary of the Russian Revolution. In the first of a new series of articles for Northern Soul, Alfred Searls explores how 1917 – and the Soviet society which developed in its shadow – has been portrayed by writers since that momentous year of revolution.
Read the full story..Review: A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter M. Miller
That Walter M. Miller had a unique perspective on monastic life is hardly surprising given he gained it one bright February morning in 1944 from the rear gun turret of a B-25 bomber.
Read the full story..Review: Martyrdom in Manchester – the Hallé, Bridgewater Hall
On the evening when Manchester United was fighting for the FA Cup down in London, back in Manchester a different season was also drawing to a dramatic close.
Read the full story..Interview: Felix the Huddersfield Station Cat
It is a matter of general agreement that, in today’s world, instant fame is too often accorded to the talentless and undeserving – the ‘stars’ of reality television, the one hit wonders of social media, and the disgraced minor public figures determined to turn their shaming into a successful career.
Read the full story..Death in Manchester: a sublime evening with the Hallé Orchestra
Mortality might be considered a brave choice as a theme for an evening at the symphony, but Manchester’s Hallé Orchestra has always taken risks.
Read the full story..Review: Verdi’s Requiem, Hallé Orchestra, Manchester
Earlier this month a full house at Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall was treated to a night of high drama and fine performances as the Hallé Orchestra performed Verdi’s great and glorious Requiem Mass.
Read the full story..Manchester Camerata: Beethoven and The Beatles
Autumn is upon us and with it the annual signifiers of the change of seasons: the days shorten, the trees take on their first hint of gold and in Manchester the city’s great orchestras begin their new programmes.
Read the full story..Editor's Picks
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