Always writing with all the senses, Kate. Splendid. And Murakami, yes! Added to the list. Will have to watch "Drive My Car", too. I am in the middle of War and Peace, so it will be a while!
Beautiful writing. Having lived in Switzerland for five years (half of that time in a ski resort) I can totally picture the scene. The period costumes, the music, some yodeling thrown into the mix... the flavours of Swiss cheese
Loved the perspective of your limited visual view opened up through your imagination and beautiful prose. As a reader, I'm watching with you from your hotel vantage point, but also seeing you from the street and I'm also there in the ballroom with the uncomfortable costumes, cheese, and music.
Ah, lovely Kate. These posts are great. The little segue into Kyoto and back was magical.
Drive My Car is an excellent film. The short story is worth your time. The collection it is from (Men Without Women) is perhaps not his best, but I enjoyed all of the stories of course. I found it impressive that a story so short became a film so long. Everything is stretched out. Not in a bad way, but in a subtle manner that you allude to. Thanks for putting the trailer up there. It was good to relive some of the film just now.
I have never seen "Drive My Car" but you've inspired me to do so. But because I am a film score nerd, I have listened to its all job score and it is FANTASTIC.
"I walk the empty streets, peeking in at the gatherings as if they are miniature dolls in a train set. The aura of that light fills with the oils of their meal. I melt into my oversized hat and scarf, hiding from their gaze." I loved the writing, Kate! And I must check out Drive My Car. Thanks for the rec!
I really enjoyed your beautifully evocative piece - reminded me of snowy holidays in Germany and Switzerland years ago, seeing people through lit windows of homes and businesses and imagining what their life was like. I love that feeling when away from home, the idea that for one tiny moment you have "interfaced" with someone by total chance, will never do so again, and they don't even know it. And of course, others will have done the same with you.
"Drive My Car" looks like a must-watch. My husband likes Murakami and we went to see the film "Norwegian Wood" years ago. I remember enjoying it very much. I can't remember the plot very well however that might have something to do with the emphasis you speak of - the intimacy, the slower pace, etc. Not as showy but no less compelling than movies that place the emphasis elsewhere. Thanks for the recommendation.
“The cloak of invisibility allows me to both stand back to judge and seamlessly enter the scenes.” A great line that mimicked the reflective inferiority in this piece: invisible hiding and watching, judging the affair and its participants as “children” yet fondly embracing the spirit and imbibing in the historiographic cultural eloquence of event. Just a lovely piece. Thanks for this DKW!
“A partner is present, but he is like a weightless paper doll and he flutters away in the wind from our circular motion, drifting outward toward the walls and disappearing through them.”
Ravishingly beautiful scene, Kate. This line especially pulled me into such a state of reverie. 💙
Always writing with all the senses, Kate. Splendid. And Murakami, yes! Added to the list. Will have to watch "Drive My Car", too. I am in the middle of War and Peace, so it will be a while!
Beautiful writing. Having lived in Switzerland for five years (half of that time in a ski resort) I can totally picture the scene. The period costumes, the music, some yodeling thrown into the mix... the flavours of Swiss cheese
Kathleen,
Loved the perspective of your limited visual view opened up through your imagination and beautiful prose. As a reader, I'm watching with you from your hotel vantage point, but also seeing you from the street and I'm also there in the ballroom with the uncomfortable costumes, cheese, and music.
Loved this piece, Kathleen, your writing is so flavorful, like a well-cooked meal. A very sensory experience, I lose myself in it.
Ah, lovely Kate. These posts are great. The little segue into Kyoto and back was magical.
Drive My Car is an excellent film. The short story is worth your time. The collection it is from (Men Without Women) is perhaps not his best, but I enjoyed all of the stories of course. I found it impressive that a story so short became a film so long. Everything is stretched out. Not in a bad way, but in a subtle manner that you allude to. Thanks for putting the trailer up there. It was good to relive some of the film just now.
I have never seen "Drive My Car" but you've inspired me to do so. But because I am a film score nerd, I have listened to its all job score and it is FANTASTIC.
"I walk the empty streets, peeking in at the gatherings as if they are miniature dolls in a train set. The aura of that light fills with the oils of their meal. I melt into my oversized hat and scarf, hiding from their gaze." I loved the writing, Kate! And I must check out Drive My Car. Thanks for the rec!
I really enjoyed your beautifully evocative piece - reminded me of snowy holidays in Germany and Switzerland years ago, seeing people through lit windows of homes and businesses and imagining what their life was like. I love that feeling when away from home, the idea that for one tiny moment you have "interfaced" with someone by total chance, will never do so again, and they don't even know it. And of course, others will have done the same with you.
"Drive My Car" looks like a must-watch. My husband likes Murakami and we went to see the film "Norwegian Wood" years ago. I remember enjoying it very much. I can't remember the plot very well however that might have something to do with the emphasis you speak of - the intimacy, the slower pace, etc. Not as showy but no less compelling than movies that place the emphasis elsewhere. Thanks for the recommendation.
“The cloak of invisibility allows me to both stand back to judge and seamlessly enter the scenes.” A great line that mimicked the reflective inferiority in this piece: invisible hiding and watching, judging the affair and its participants as “children” yet fondly embracing the spirit and imbibing in the historiographic cultural eloquence of event. Just a lovely piece. Thanks for this DKW!
I love the exploration of the town with your imagination, Kate - I'm quite familiar with similar sorts of reveries ;)
“A partner is present, but he is like a weightless paper doll and he flutters away in the wind from our circular motion, drifting outward toward the walls and disappearing through them.”
Ravishingly beautiful scene, Kate. This line especially pulled me into such a state of reverie. 💙
Gorgeous!