notes on a scandal
I haven't thought of the possibility of making Notes on a Scandal into a film, but now the idea is in the oven I realise the plot is brilliant material for the screen. This book came to my attention because it has a yellow shiny Booker shortlist sticker on the cover, and the judge that year, John Carey, said there was not one word extra in the novel. Once I turned the first page it was very hard to stop. At the time the dark story was incredibly intriguing; I liked the way 'class' was discussed, and am interested to know how far a society can accept absurd/abnormal behaviour? And what is normal; who decides normality? Now after recommending some friends to read the book and discussing it, I am thinking that this is merely an easy beach read, sort of like a novel version of tabloid newspapers. Is it the subject-matter that proved it unworthy of being the winner, not the stuff that makes 'grand' literature? My friend also considers the speaker a lesbian which I strongly disagree. Anyways, I suppose the actresses are well chosen, except for the fact that I adore Cate Blanchett and would not like her to portray this easily manipulated woman in the book.