I’ve had writers block this week, but thankfully I haven’t had readers block.
This piece in the Guardian has stuck with me since I read it on Monday. Journalist Stephen Walker reopened his notes from when he interviewed some of the men on board the Enola Gay when it bombed Hiroshima and also those on the Bockscar when it bombed Nagasaki in World War Two. I know I am not the only one who has felt apprehensive and at times contemplative of what the world may have become this week, and reading this really brought home how destructive the human race can be against one another. While many see the bombings as the moment that ended WWII, retrospectively there is so much commentary on what it meant for the world we live in today. Then again, as one of the men say in the article, “If there hadn’t been a Pearl Harbor, Hiroshima would never have happened.”
Prior to America bombing Iran, Subtle Snark reader, Nina, shared this New Yorker piece by David Remnick on Iran-American relations. For those looking to broaden their understanding of this relationship, this article is a great place to start. Of course, it is slightly outdated after the events of this week, however still a very good and very relevant explainer.
Change of pace and of course, the commentary on Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy continued in fashion circles. I admired Margaux Anbouba from American Vogue going straight to the source, CBK’s hair colourist Brad Johns, to chat all things blonde. What I would give to be living like this man, blissfully unawares of the discourse on shit quality satin skirts and Converse sneakers, a discourse I myself contributed to – prior to Vogue raching out, Johns wasn’t even aware that American Love Story was in the works and hadn't seen the images of Sarah Pidgeon. He doesn’t mince his words, and I’m here for it.
In terms of actual books, I read Ordinary Human Failures by Megan Nolan this week. I was gripped from the start, racing through half of the book in one sitting, though with a total page count of just more than 240, some may not find this impressive. The story focusses on a family who moved to England from Ireland after a change of circumstance and are now caught up, years later, in the alleged murder of a young girl. I have said for years, there is something in the water in Ireland and Northern Ireland that churns out incredible pieces of literature, and this is no exception.
Nick Cave’s Red Hand File of being ‘intense’ on stage was, as always, as gutwrenching and poignant as one would expect. Nick details how prior to taking the stage, he brings to mind those in his life who have passed and uses the strength he gets from that in his performance. And it’s always a performance that stays with you.
Are Birkin bags overexposed? So asks Amy Odell in her Substack, Back Row, this week. I tend to agree with her. Once the exclusive darling of Hermes, they seem to have lost their charm. I’ll allow the Substack to speak for itself as the analysis is detailed enough without me trying to relay it secondhand.
And lastly, this X thread of Homer Simpson’s smarter moments. As many know, I am a huge fan of the Simpsons. When Homer uses his brain unexpectedly and offhandedly, it makes a scene what it is.
Until next week, when I will be joining you from France (!). Bisous!! xx