DIY Projects to Make the Most of Natural Light in Your Home

'In the upcoming year, my primary objective is to prioritize enjoyable reading materials.’ – Sathnam Sanghera. After dedicating approximately five years towards authoring three books on the British empire, last year presented me with the opportunity to delve into Matthew Parker’s exceptional work, One Fine Day. This literary masterpiece ingeniously recounts the intricate history of the British empire by focusing solely on a single day in , during its zenith. By adopting this approach, Parker successfully liberates himself from the monotonous task of endlessly enumerating the pros and cons of the empire, a practice commonly observed among British historians. Consequently, what transpires is not a conventional depiction but rather a fresh and enlightening portrayal.

I often find myself engrossed in historical texts, delving into the nuances and readability they offer. However, amidst my immersion in such accounts, I occasionally neglect to acknowledge my own accomplishment of crafting a novel. This realization evokes concern within me, as it seems that my inclination towards creative thinking and writing may have waned. Hence, in the upcoming year, I intend to redirect my focus towards more enjoyable pursuits – literary works detached from themes of the British empire, genocide, or colonization. My aim is to engross myself in human narratives that captivate and entertain, thereby infusing some much-needed levity into my life. To embark on this endeavor, I have chosen The Bee Sting by Paul Murray, hailed as a humorous novel immersed in the Irish setting. Word about its excellence pervades society, instilling further curiosity within me.

I find myself deprived of certain experiences. In particular, I have a strong desire to delve into the pages of David Nicholls’ upcoming book, You Are Here, scheduled for release in the spring season. In my opinion, Nicholls has proven himself to be an unrivaled humorist and possesses an exceptional level of insight when it comes to understanding human nature. Additionally, I am inclined to explore the works of Charles Dickens, a renowned author whose writings have eluded me thus far. Regrettably, during my time at university, I developed a slight aversion towards Dickens’ literary creations. Whenever I attempted to engage with his narratives, I found them to be long-winded and challenging to immerse myself in. The closest I’ve come to experiencing Dickens’ storytelling is through the cinematic adaptation of The Muppet Christmas Carol, which I must admit was quite admirable. However, despite the film’s merits, it failed to evoke within me a genuine desire to engage with Dickens’ written works.

The text profoundly enlightened me as I am an avid devotee of Prince, prompting me to reassess my dismissal of Dickens. Perhaps my previous disregard for his works was a manifestation of my ignorance. Consequently, I have resolved to delve into either Great Expectations or A Tale of Two Cities. Although I harbor some hesitations towards the latter due to a ghastly adaptation that I endured—an excruciating four-hour spectacle conducted in an open-air setting—I am inclined towards exploring the accessible realm of Great Expectations. Additionally, Welcome to Glorious Tuga by Francesca Segal has earned a place on my reading list for later in . This captivating novel centers around a woman’s journey and promises to be a literary delight.

the way they shape our lives has made me curious about the histories and cultures of distant lands. As I delved deeper into my research, I stumbled upon Empireworld: How British Imperialism Has Shaped the Globe by Sathnam Sanghera. This book offers a profound exploration of the impact that British imperialism has had on the world.

Intrigued by the notion of escaping from the confines of everyday life, I found solace in the story of a protagonist who seeks refuge on a faraway island to study tortoises. This fantastical desire to break free resonated with me, particularly in light of the global pandemic we have all endured since Covid- emerged.

Reflecting on this escapism, I shared my thoughts with Ella Creamer during an interview. I emphasized the universal longing for a temporary reprieve from reality and how it manifests in various forms for different individuals.

In exploring the enigmas of water, it has made me realize the profound interconnectedness that transcends borders. Mexico’s illustrious Río Secreto and its network of subterranean rivers have prompted me to cultivate a deeper understanding of Mexican literature. Therefore, I am compelled to delve into the works of esteemed authors such as Valeria Luiselli, Laura Esquivel, Fernando del Paso, Yuri Herrera, and the Mexican-American writer Sandra Cisneros. The multifaceted allure of South Korea captivates me on numerous levels. In particular, the successful resurrection of the River Cheonggyecheon through the practice of daylighting has sparked my curiosity in immersing myself further into Korean literature and culture. Consequently, I intend to explore the writings of Kyung-sook Shin, Bae Suah, and other luminaries of the Korean literary scene.

What we can learn

In exploring the impact that British imperialism has had on the world, it is important to consider the diverse ways in which individuals seek solace and escape. As I delved into the story of a protagonist seeking refuge on an island to study tortoises, I couldn’t help but draw connections to our own collective desire for a break from the challenges of everyday life. Whether it be through literature, art, or personal journeys, the universal longing for a temporary reprieve from reality manifests itself in different forms for each individual. In the midst of a global pandemic, these fantasies of escape take on a renewed significance, reminding us of our shared humanity and the power of imagination to transcend borders and connect us all.