Latest news with #Clarissa
Scotsman
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Ripeness, by Sarah Moss review: 'feels somehow fabricated'
Sign up to our Arts and Culture newsletter, get the latest news and reviews from our specialist arts writers Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... This is a terribly accomplished novel, and I am unsure if that is a compliment or a criticism. It has an affecting core scenario, some extremely engaging writing, some very interesting observations; and yet I found it, at some gut level, manufactured, or as if it had palpable designs on eliciting a particular response. Moss has written eight other novels, and is much admired by novelists whose opinion I respect, and yet this felt somehow fabricated. It has the kind of realism that makes you mistake a Blaschka glass flower for the real thing. Ripeness has one central character but two distinct modes. In the present day and the third person, Edith is living in rural Ireland, divorced but in a happy and uncomplicated relationship with a German Marxist potter. A friend of Edith's is contacted by a possible step-sibling, and this triggers first-person recollections of her unusual gap year in the 1960s, away from her father's Derbyshire farm, when before going to Oxford she was in Italy, attending the final weeks of her glamorous, ballet dancer sister Lydia's unwanted pregnancy. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Sarah Moss The reader is, of course, supposed to see the visible seams stitching the stories together. There is an element of intrigue in that the first person reminiscence is addressed to an initially nebulous 'you': 'I should be clear that I'm not the one you want either. You shouldn't get your hopes up. We'll come to that'. The reader is, in effect, reading a private correspondence (and the identity of the addressee is not exactly difficult to discern). The rise of personal computers even means that the 'letter' is not at the credulity-stretching length of Samuel Richardson's Clarissa. Likewise, the third person sections slip effortlessly into close focus, internal monologue; as if the whole novel is an intrusion of sorts. Moss's previous works have a feature (not quite a formula) of setting political events against the personal. The Fell had the lockdown, Summerwater had Brexit amongst other apocalypses, Ghost Wall had Iron Age re-enactment alongside un-pretend toxic masculinity and The Tidal Zone featured an NHS in crisis paralleled to the post-war rebuilding of Coventry Cathedral. This time, the ideas of home, belonging and inheritance are sufficiently baggy to have debates about 'good' (Ukrainian, white) refugees versus African ones alongside the intimate details of adoption, empty nests and disconnection. I am always uncertain if such neat matrices of meaning arise naturally from a narrative, or are trimmed and stapled to fit. Indeed, I am increasingly sceptical about the 'aboutness' of novels. The ballet, and to a lesser extent the pottery, offer a lexicon of terms and a stock of images that can be co-opted for symbolism. The idea, for example, of the 'kinesphere' – 'the space claimed by bodily movement' – is a readymade image to be translated onto various poses, postures, intimacies, indignities and distances. The title is again semantically fully loaded. It is literal in the figs, 'which I only knew dried and chopped in suet puddings' (a choice little piece of characterisation), to the metaphor for pregnancy as well as the cusp-y nature of the younger self, through to a sense of late life fulfilment. It appears within the text in a strange (and extremely clever) aside. Moss/Edith has noted the curious parallel of Hamlet's 'the readiness is all' and Edgar in King Lear's 'Ripeness is all' – prefaced by 'men must endure / Their going hence, even as their coming hither', appropriately enough. Much could be said about this, but isn't. Edith says she 'managed to get into my Oxford entrance exam, my idea that Lear is a darker play than Hamlet'. Ye-e-e-e-es: but it's hardly an original idea that Lear is darker than Hamlet. Samuels Johnson and Taylor Coleridge would agree. Are we supposed to read this ironically, as evidence of Edith's naivety and unearned superiority? But it is, with the limits of the novel, written by the elderly Edith: is she concurring? Unaware? Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad There are many memorable, shrewd notes: a marble bathroom is 'a room carved out of Stilton cheese', Edith chafes at A-level Italian including terms for 'nuclear deterrent' but not nappy, a child's 'sea-anemone mouth'. Young Edith brims with Eliot, Brontë, Milton and Hopkins in a convincing way, although the Older Edith talking about her friends 'Dearbhla from the Samaritans, and… Clare from a short-lived Dante reading group, Clare who was from the North via Modern Language at Cambridge' seems almost parodic. More seriously, there is a backstory about Edith's errant mother, who avoided the Holocaust and ends up on a kibbutz, which may have broad links to bohemianism, identity, duty versus free-spiritedness, but smacks of being the kind of thing that tends to occur in novels. Towards the end, Edith muses that 'Wouldn't it have saved the Third Reich some work, to be able to pull us all from a spreadsheet?' It's a throwaway line except IBM/Dehomag did precisely that. The patina of ballet references have a similar feel, and many of the ways in which they are deployed – weightlessness, elegance, pain – are handled more full-heartedly in a novel like Amélie Nothomb's The Book of Proper Names. Although there is much to appreciate here, it would be remiss not to warn the reader that it ends rather bathetically.
North Wales Live
21-05-2025
- Health
- North Wales Live
Nutrition expert says mushroom coffee offers an energy boost 'without the crash'
Coffee is a staple for many, serving as a comforting warm beverage on dreary days or a cool refreshment when the sun's out. It's our go-to pick-me-up to power through the workday. Research has highlighted the numerous perks of coffee consumption, but there's a catch: the dreaded caffeine crash that often strikes in the afternoon. To combat this, we might reach for another cup, which can interfere with our sleep patterns and cause sleep deprivation. But there's good news for those looking for an alternative - mushroom coffees like DIRTEA offer a promise of sustained energy without the crash and a host of other advantages. DIRTEA's concoction melds 100% Arabica beans with Lion's Mane mushroom (1,000 mg) and a suite of B vitamins, including B6, B12, Pantothenic acid, and Folic acid, reports Wales Online. While its nutritional profile is noteworthy, what truly distinguishes it? We turned to nutrition expert Clarissa Bell for her insights on the mushroom coffee brand. Bell shared her thoughts: "What sets DIRTEA's Coffee Superblend apart is the powerful combination of organic arabica coffee with functional mushrooms, adaptogens and essential nutrients, all carefully chosen to elevate energy, focus and resilience." Lion's Mane, a functional mushroom celebrated for its cognitive perks, is at the heart of this innovative coffee blend. It's touted to enhance mental clarity, memory, and focus, positioning it as an ideal kick-starter for your day. Similar to caffeine, Lion's Mane is a nootropic known for boosting brain function. Combining it with caffeine is said to amplify its effects. Clarissa delves into the additional components: "The blend also includes two well-known adaptogens, ashwagandha and Maca. Adaptogens help the body manage stress more effectively; in this case, they balance out the stimulating effects of coffee." She further details the benefits of each ingredient: "Ashwagandha promotes steady energy levels and can soften the post-caffeine energy crash, while Maca supports cognition, mood and stamina. On top of all this, DIRTEA coffee is enriched with organic B vitamins that support natural energy metabolism, providing your body with resources to keep you energised all day long." Of course, they aren't the only adaptogenic coffee on the market. London Nootropics is another popular option, containing Hifas da Terra lion's mane, cordyceps, and chaga mushroom extracts. They offer a five-star rated starter bundle for £40. Otherwise, Amazon sells Javasu mushroom coffee, which contains lion's Mane, chaga, cordyceps, and L-theanine. So far, shoppers have rated it 4.2 out of five. A 150g box costs £36. Clarissa said: "Many people find that switching to DIRTEA coffee delivers a noticeable shift in how they feel, starting with more sustained, balanced energy levels and sharper mental clarity. Many people report feeling more alert and productive, without the common side effects of caffeine like jitters, crashes or anxious energy." She went on to discuss the health benefits of DIRTEA's mushroom beverages: "Beyond coffee, DIRTEA's functional mushroom range offers targeted support for a range of health goals. Chaga is exceptionally rich in antioxidants and supports immunity, digestion and skin health. "Reishi is known for its calming effects, helping to regulate the stress response and promote deeper sleep while strengthening immune defences. Tremella is known for enhancing skin hydration and elasticity, making it a go-to for those interested in skin health from within. "Cordyceps supports cellular energy, stamina, and recovery, and it is ideal for active lifestyles or anyone needing a natural, caffeine-free energy lift." With an impressive 4.8 rating from almost 20,000 reviews, DIRTEA has earned significant acclaim. Notably, one thrilled consumer remarked: "I go to bed looking forward to my DIRTEA coffee every morning. It is a real treat, and I feel the benefits. I also love a DIRTEA on the go." One enthusiast shared: "I didn't think I'd like this as much as I do. I was looking for something to help with my concentration and focus. I'm going through perimenopause, and my brain feels very scattered a lot of the time. I also knew caffeine wasn't my friend, but I love coffee. "So, having already jumped on the DIRTEA Cacao bandwagon, I thought I'd give the coffee a go and see if a) it would help reduce my caffeine intake and b) would help with my focus and energy levels. Pleased to say it is doing both, and I actually really look forward to my morning coffee now, it tastes great! Well done, DIRTEA." While many users were singing its praises, some weren't entirely convinced by the coffee's effects. A customer remarked, "I can't say I noticed much difference after finishing one jar... Maybe I need more." On the other hand, another user expressed satisfaction, saying, " I love the stuff. I started to feel positive effects after a couple of days, and I only need one coffee now to get through the day." DIRTEA is available for purchase at £38 per pouch (which works out at 63p per serving), or you can subscribe and receive a free mug, jar, and spoon, all for £30 (equating to 50p per serving) when ordered directly from its website.
Wales Online
20-05-2025
- Health
- Wales Online
Nutrition expert says mushroom coffee offers an energy boost 'without the crash'
Nutrition expert says mushroom coffee offers an energy boost 'without the crash' Nutritionist Clarissa Bell explains what stands out about DIRTEA coffee, which is made with 100% arabica beans, Lion's Mane and B Vitamins. DIRTEA's coffee is said to boost energy levels without the caffeine crash afterwards (Image: DIRTEA ) For most people, coffee is an absolute must-have. Whether it's a hot cuppa on a gloomy day or a refreshing iced blend on a sunny afternoon, we rely on the drink to push through to the end of the workday. Various studies have pointed out the numerous benefits of drinking coffee; however, one significant downside is the inevitable caffeine crash that usually hits mid-afternoon. Typically, another cup of coffee is needed to get us out of this slump, but that can disrupt sleep patterns at night and lead to sleep deprivation due to caffeine. Fortunately, there are alternatives, such as mushroom coffees like DIRTEA, that claim to give an energy boost without the crash and numerous other benefits. DIRTEA's blend combines 100% Arabica beans, Lion's Mane (1,000 mg), and B vitamins (including B6, B12, Pantothenic acid, and Folic acid). READ MORE: Simply Be's dress 'perfect for spring and summer events' now nearly 50% off READ MORE: Victoria's Secret swimsuit is £140 cheaper than designer version The nutritional content is impressive, but what sets it apart and how does it work? We sought out the opinion of Clarissa Bell, a nutritionist, about the mushroom coffee brand, reports the Mirror. She explained: "What sets DIRTEA's Coffee Superblend apart is the powerful combination of organic arabica coffee with functional mushrooms, adaptogens and essential nutrients, all carefully chosen to elevate energy, focus and resilience. Shop the range £38 £26 Dirtea Buy Here Product Description The mushroom blends are 'crafted to fuel energy, focus, and resilience' "At its core is Lion's Mane, a functional mushroom known for its cognitive benefits. It can support mental clarity, memory and concentration, making it a powerful addition to your morning routine. Like caffeine, Lion's Mane is classed as a nootropic, enhancing cognitive function. Taking them together compounds their benefits." Clarissa explains the other ingredients: "The blend also includes two well-known adaptogens, ashwagandha and Maca. Adaptogens help the body manage stress more effectively; in this case, they balance out the stimulating effects of coffee. "Ashwagandha promotes steady energy levels and can soften the post-caffeine energy crash, while Maca supports cognition, mood and stamina. On top of all this, DIRTEA coffee is enriched with organic B vitamins that support natural energy metabolism, providing your body with resources to keep you energised all day long." Of course, they aren't the only adaptogenic coffee on the market. London Nootropics is another popular option, containing Hifas da Terra lion's mane, cordyceps, and chaga mushroom extracts. They offer a five-star rated starter bundle for £40. Otherwise, Amazon sells Javasu mushroom coffee, which contains lion's Mane, chaga, cordyceps, and L-theanine. So far, shoppers have rated it 4.2 out of five. Amazon sells a 150g box for £36. Clarissa highlighted the advantages of switching to DIRTEA coffee: "Many people find that switching to DIRTEA coffee delivers a noticeable shift in how they feel, starting with more sustained, balanced energy levels and sharper mental clarity. Many people report feeling more alert and productive, without the common side effects of caffeine like jitters, crashes or anxious energy." She also pointed out the health benefits of DIRTEA's mushroom range: "Beyond coffee, DIRTEA's functional mushroom range offers targeted support for a range of health goals. Chaga is exceptionally rich in antioxidants and supports immunity, digestion and skin health. "Reishi is known for its calming effects, helping to regulate the stress response and promote deeper sleep while strengthening immune defences. Tremella is known for enhancing skin hydration and elasticity, making it a go-to for those interested in skin health from within. Cordyceps supports cellular energy, stamina, and recovery, and it is ideal for active lifestyles or anyone needing a natural, caffeine-free energy lift." With a 4.8 rating from 19,848 reviews, DIRTEA has garnered significant praise, including one satisfied customer who shared: "I go to bed looking forward to my DIRTEA coffee every morning. It is a real treat, and I feel the benefits. I also love a DIRTEA on the go." Those who opt for DIRTEA's subscription get a free jug, mug and spoon with the coffee (Image: DIRTEA ) Another chimed in: "I didn't think I'd like this as much as I do. I was looking for something to help with my concentration and focus. I'm going through perimenopause, and my brain feels very scattered a lot of the time. I also knew caffeine wasn't my friend, but I love coffee. "So, having already jumped on the DIRTEA Cacao bandwagon, I thought I'd give the coffee a go and see if a) it would help reduce my caffeine intake and b) would help with my focus and energy levels. Pleased to say it is doing both, and I actually really look forward to my morning coffee now, it tastes great! Well done, DIRTEA." While some were full of praise, others felt the coffee fell short. One reviewer commented, "I can't say I noticed much difference after finishing one jar... Maybe I need more." Article continues below Meanwhile, another added, " I love the stuff. I started to feel positive effects after a couple of days, and I only need one coffee now to get through the day." You can snag DIRTEA in a pouch for £38 (63p per serving) or opt for a subscription, which includes a complimentary mug, jar, and spoon, for £30 (50p per serving) directly from its website.
Daily Mirror
18-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Nutritionist says Dirtea 'elevates energy' without caffeine crash
We spoke to a nutritionist about the effects of mushroom coffees like Dirtea to understand how the blends of organic arabica coffee with functional mushrooms, adaptogens and essential nutrients work Coffee is one of the greatest discoveries ever. Even the dullest of days is somewhat manageable with a cup of hot coffee dragging us by the collar over the 5pm finish line. Then, when it's sunny, what's better than picking up an iced coffee? Nothing, I tell you, nothing. But while multiple studies indicate the health benefits of cup of joe, it does come with one major downside: the caffeine crash. Normally hitting mid-afternoon, the only thing that normally gets us out of it is another coffee, which can lead to tossing and turning in bed for hours at night, creating a caffeine-induced sleep deprivation loop. This is where mushroom coffees like Dirtea come in. Unlike regular coffee, they promise the boost without the caffeine crash - as well as a host of other benefits. Their blend is made with 100% arabica beans, with 1,000mg of Lion's Mane and B Vitamins (B6, B12, Patothenic Acid and Folic Acid). Those are certainly a lot nutrients, but do they work? And if so, how? We reached out to nutritionist Clarissa Bell to explain what stands out about DIRTEA coffee. She told The Mirror: "What sets DIRTEA's Coffee Superblend apart is the powerful combination of organic arabica coffee with functional mushrooms, adaptogens and essential nutrients, all carefully chosen to elevate energy, focus and resilience. DIRTEA Mushroom Coffee Product Description "At its core is Lion's Mane, a functional mushroom known for its cognitive benefits. It can support mental clarity, memory and concentration, making it a powerful addition to your morning routine. Like caffeine, Lion's Mane is classed as a nootropic, which means that it enhances cognitive function. Taking them together compounds their benefits." Outside of Lion's Mane, the other ingredients also pack a punch, according to Clarissa. She continues: "The blend also includes two well-known adaptogens, ashwagandha and maca. Adaptogens help the body manage stress more effectively, and in this case, they balance out the stimulating effects of coffee. "Ashwagandha promotes steady energy levels and can soften the post-caffeine energy crash, while Maca supports cognition, mood and stamina. On top of all this, DIRTEA coffee is enriched with organic B vitamins that support natural energy metabolism, providing your body with resources to keep you energised all day long." Of course, they aren't the only adaptogenic coffee on the market. London Nootropics is another popular option, containing Hifas da Terra lion's mane, cordyceps, and chaga mushroom extracts. They offer a five-star rated starter bundle for £40. Otherwise, Amazon sells Javasu mushroom coffee, which contains lion's mane, chaga, cordyceps and L-Theanine. It has been rated 4.2 out of five by shoppers so far. Amazon sell a 150g box for £36. Clarissa also elaborated on some of the other benefits DIRTEA can offer shoppers: "Many people find that switching to DIRTEA coffee delivers a noticeable shift in how they feel, starting with more sustained, balanced energy levels and sharper mental clarity. Many people report feeling more alert and productive, without the common side effects of caffeine like jitters, crashes or anxious energy. "Beyond coffee, DIRTEA's functional mushroom range offers targeted support for a range of health goals. Chaga is exceptionally rich in antioxidants and supports immunity, digestion and skin health. "Reishi is known for its calming effects, helping to regulate the stress response and promote deeper sleep while strengthening immune defences. Tremella is known for enhancing skin hydration and elasticity, making it a go-to for those interested in skin health from within. Cordyceps supports cellular energy, stamina and recovery, ideal for active lifestyles or anyone in need of a natural, caffeine-free energy lift." DIRTEA's blend currently boasts a 4.8 from 19,848 reviews, with over 18,000 of those five star. One happy reviewer wrote: "I go to bed looking forward to my Dirtea coffee every morning. It is a real treat & I feel the benefits. I also love a Dirtea on the go!" Another added: "I didn't think I'd like this as much as I do. I was looking for something to help with my concentration and focus. I'm going through peri menopause and my brain feels very scattered a lot of the time. I also knew caffeine wasn't my friend... but I LOVE COFFEE. "So having already jumped on the DIRTEA Cacao bandwagon I thought I'd give the Coffee a go and see if a) it would help with my reduction of caffeine intake and b) would help with my focus and energy levels. Pleased to say it is doing both and I actually really look forward to my morning coffee now, it tastes great! Well done DIRTEA." The affects of the coffee didn't work for everyone, with a reviewer noting: "I can't say I noticed much difference after finishing one jar.... Maybe I need more." Another reviewer wrote: "Love the stuff. Started to feel positive affects after a couple of days, and only need one coffee now to get through the day." DIRTEA offer a pouch for £38 (63p per serving) or a subscription - including a free mug, jar and spoon - for £30 (50p per serving) on their website.
Indian Express
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
10 lesser-known facts about Virginia Woolf's Mrs Dalloway on its 100th anniversary
A century on, Virginia Woolf's novel, Mrs Dalloway, remains a profound meditation on time, memory, and human connection. Its stream-of-consciousness style and psychological depth continue to inspire writers and readers alike. In honour of the novel turning 100, we revisit some fascinating, lesser-known details about the modernist masterpiece. From its original title to its surprising literary influences, here are 10 things you might not know about Mrs Dalloway: 1. It was almost called The Hours Before settling on Mrs Dalloway, Woolf's working title was The Hours. Later, Michael Cunningham borrowed the title for his 1998 novel (and the subsequent 2002 film) about Woolf's life and the legacy of her book. 2. Clarissa Dalloway debuted in an earlier novel Long before her 1925 spotlight, Clarissa Dalloway appeared as a minor character in Woolf's first novel, The Voyage Out (1915). . 3. Iterations of the famous first line The iconic opening—'Mrs Dalloway said she would buy the flowers herself'—was originally about gloves, not flowers. Woolf's shift to 'flowers' introduced a motif that blossoms throughout the novel. 4. It was inspired by Ulysses Woolf admired James Joyce's Ulysses (1922) for its single-day structure but criticised its 'squalid' focus on bodily functions. She sought to capture a day in London with more psychological depth and lyrical beauty. 5. The sky-writing scene was based on real-life advertising The mysterious airplane writing letters in the sky was inspired by a 1922 Daily Mail stunt using sky-writing for ads. Woolf transforms it into a symbol of modernity's fleeting, fragmented messages. 6. Septimus Smith was a late addition Originally, Woolf planned to have Clarissa die by suicide. Instead, she created Septimus, a shell-shocked veteran, to embody postwar trauma—while allowing Clarissa to live, deepening the novel's contrasts. 7. Woolf wrote it while battling her own mental illness During Mrs Dalloway's composition, Woolf struggled with depression. Her intimate understanding of mental anguish shaped Septimus's harrowing breakdown and Clarissa's quiet existential reflections. 8. The novel's timeframe mirrors Woolf's writing process The book takes place on a single day in June 1923—a period Woolf wrote about in real-time, drafting sections in sync with the season to capture its sensory richness. 9. Motorcar symbolises modern alienation The motorcar that interrupts London streets represents impersonal modernity, much like Henry Ford's assembly lines. Woolf contrasts this with characters craving individuality in a mechanised world. 10. It's a novel about survival While Clarissa's party is the climax, the book explores deeper tensions: postwar grief, repressed love, and the struggle to find meaning. As Woolf wrote, it's 'a study of insanity and suicide; the world seen by the sane and the insane.'
