Avenging Lost freedom – Boudicca was from the Iceni tribe, their queen, in 60AD. The Iceni tribe would occupy the area we know today as Norfolk. At this time in history, the Romans had nearly conquered England. When Prasutagus, husband to Boudicca died he wanted half his land to go to his daughters and the […]
Fascinating Women from British History – Boudicca
Espionage has been a tactic of war for a millennium. Spies have as much power in changing the outcome of the conflict as much as any soldier on the battlefield.
A Call to Spy is a 2019 World War II movie that is based on the true story of three female British spies whose work helped the Allies to win the war. Virginia Hall (Sarah Megan Thomas) is an American woman who lost the bottom half of one of her legs in a hunting accident. Noor Inayat Khan (Radhika Apte), of Indian Muslim descent, was one of the first female radio operators to be sent behind enemy lines. Leading them is Vera Atkins (Stana Katic) was born to a German Jewish father and a British Jewish mother and one of the few women in a position of authority. Leading them all was Maurice Buckmaster (Linus Roache).
I really enjoyed this film. Though it told the story of these three specific women, there were many more who gave up their safety and their lives for the nation. It is a well-written, dramatic, and powerful tale of bucking expectations and in doing so, saving the world. What I really liked was that our three protagonists are all different, providing a vision of the future in which we all have opportunities, regardless of race, religion, background, etc.
Do I recommend it? Yes.
A Call to Spy is available for streaming on Netflix.
There are two ways to look at life. The first is a series of potholes that we stepped in and learned from. The second is to always be the optimist. My view is a combination of them both. Life is a combination of good experiences and bad experiences. What matters is how we deal with the outcomes of those events.
Harvey Fierstein‘s new autobiography/memoir, I Was Better Last Night: A Memoir was published in March. Born in 1952 to a Jewish family in the Brooklyn neighborhood of Bensonhurst, he knew from an early age that he was a born performer. He also knew that he was not like other boys.
His life and career is nothing short of a roller coaster. As an LGBTQ activist, Fierstein has paved the way for this generation of queer young people to be out and proud of who they are. As a writer and actor, he has become well known and respected for his body of work: Independence Day, Newsies, Mrs. Doubtfire, Hairspray, etc.
Fierstein’s story is one of acceptance, change, and dealing with both the highs and lows that come with living a colorful life on your own terms.
I loved this book. In his trademark voice, Fierstein is funny, sarcastic, open, heartbreaking, and real. This is a man who has been to Hades and back and still finds joy in the little things. He is more than an icon in this book. He is a human being who has inspired us, made us laugh, made us cry, and most of all proved that we can be ourselves and thrive.
Do I recommend it? Absolutely.
I Was Better Last Night: A Memoir is available wherever books are sold.
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