April 2023 Recommended Reading and Viewing

[Coír Draoi Ceítien]

Now we're officially in spring again, and it's great to be getting warmer weather (though that's subject to change). While my own reading has slowed down considerably due to being consistently distracted, I have a title in mind, plus its film adaptation, that might suit your tastes.

Reading: The Four Feathers (1902) by A. E. W. Mason

This adventure novel is the best-known work from a now nearly forgotten British writer whose works were the subject of numerous films during his lifetime. On the eve of the 1882 Sudanese Mahdist War, a young officer resigns his commission and is subsequently branded a coward by three of his friends as well as his fiancée, receiving four white feathers to signify their distaste. Upon reflection, the officer undertakes a lone journey to Sudan to covertly work behind the scenes and disprove their accusations, leading to a rescue at the notorious prison at Omdurman. A meditation on masculinity and bravery, the novel may not be discussed too much today, but I believe it still warrants high appraisal.

Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/Four-Feathers-Classic-20th-Century-Penguin/dp/0142180017/
Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/Four-Feathers-Classic-20th-Century-Penguin-ebook/dp/B0030H7U80/



Viewing: The Four Feathers (Zoltan Korda, 1939)

Of the many film versions of the novel, the 1939 Technicolor epic produced by Alexander Korda and directed by his brother is the most highly regarded, considered one of the best British films ever made. Filmed on location and featuring spectacular battle scenes, it's a testament to old style filmmaking from the pre-war days and should probably be viewed more than once (if time permits - it's 130 minutes, after all).

DVD: https://www.amazon.com/Four-Feathers-Criterion-Collection-Clements/dp/B005DI9906/
Blu-Ray: https://www.amazon.com/Four-Feathers-Criterion-Collection-Blu-ray/dp/B005DI994W/
Amazon Video: https://www.amazon.com/Four-Feathers-John-Clements/dp/B009B6Y8RK/


I hope that fills up your April. See you next month!