Latest news with #LordOfTheFlies
New York Times
07-08-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Times
Jason Mott Doesn't Get the Love for Cormac McCarthy's Last Books
In an email interview, the National Book Award-winning author of 'Hell of a Book' celebrated 'Lord of the Flies' and a graphic novel called 'Monsters.' SCOTT HELLER Describe your ideal reading experience. At home on the couch somewhere around 6 or 7 in the evening. Dead of winter. We don't get much snow where I live, so I'll settle for a light rain. Just a quiet, soft, chilly winter's day. What books are on your night stand? 'Catch-22' and the collected edition of Alan Moore's 'Swamp Thing' run for DC Comics. What book has had the greatest impact on you? Either 'Lord of the Flies' or 'Grendel.' What's the last great book you read? 'A Different Drummer,' by William Melvin Kelley. It's the story of a fictional county in the South in which all of its Black residents suddenly pick up and leave without any explanation. Its tone and technique could easily be defined as magical realism and, obviously, given the themes of 'People Like Us,' it was both encouraging and saddening to realize just how long this style of fiction has been used to explore the idea of leaving a land that perpetually tells you that you are not equally a part of its being or destiny. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Irish Times
19-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Times
Aisling Rawle: The Compound novel is ‘dark satire of reality television'
Tell us about your debut novel, The Compound. Louise O'Neill called it 'Lord of the Flies meets Love Island'! The Compound is a dark satire of reality television . We follow 19 contestants in an isolated setting in the desert as they compete for rewards and possible fame. I suppose the Lord of the Flies aspect is that the contestants do turn on each other the longer they're there; the contestants hoard resources and try to wrestle power where they can. What is your take on the phenomenon of reality TV? I find it to be an interesting commentary on voyeurism in the digital age. I think in this eerie time of surveillance capitalism, we've not only normalised monetised monitoring, but made it into entertainment. READ MORE You also shine a critical light on consumerism and materialism... Yes; this to me was the driving force of the novel, and the reality television setting felt like a nice container for that conversation. I wanted to discuss the idea that capitalism doesn't want contentment; it wants consumption. Did you also want to address the mid-to-late 20s rush to do something meaningful, carve a path, meet a match and create an identity? The main tenets of the show seemed to me the tenets of early adult life: find a partner, get a house, acquire nice things. There's a sense of urgency that feels at odds with the economic and ecological state we're living in. How did the novel evolve as you wrote it? The tone is quite dark in places. Was that always your intention? Once I had the rules of the show down, I was happy to let the characters lead the story. I knew that in a highly manipulated and manipulative setting, you were going to see the worst of people. I wondered what would happen if, for example, water became scarce in the desert – who would be the first to turn on another? [ The best books for summer 2025 Opens in new window ] You're an English teacher. Did that help, apart from writing the book during your first long summer holiday? Definitely. Aside from the fact that I got to spend my days discussing my favourite writers, I always fed off of my students' enthusiasm. Reading and writing are very insular experiences, but having those conversations with students made it all more wholesome and exciting, to be able to share that love of literature, and respond in turn to their insights. You've also worked as a bookseller. What did that teach you? I had terrible FOMO when people came in discussing books I had never heard of. I started picking up anything and everything; it was a great way to broaden my horizons. US film rights have already been optioned. Any updates? It's still very early days – I can't say much. Your brother David Rawle was the star of Moone Boy. Could you see him getting cast? Who would be your ideal stars? Ah, it would be too strange. I really haven't given it too much thought, I'm honestly just so thrilled that it's made it into a novel. You're from Leitrim and live in Dublin. Has the literary culture of each place rubbed off on you? I grew up in the same village as the writer/actor/director Seamus O'Rourke, and I always felt that his talent for storytelling was a gift we all greatly benefited from. In Dublin, there are so many talented writers at work – but Joyce is an all-time favourite, and it's a pleasure to live in the setting of his masterworks. Which projects are you working on? I'm happily scribbling away at my next book. Have you ever made a literary pilgrimage? Yes, I went to Paris for a literary tour. Wilde, de Beauvoir, Joyce, Hemingway – it was all divine. What is the best writing advice you have heard? You only vomit what you eat. Your writing is an amalgamation of everything that you've read; and I've definitely found that if the writing is stalling, it's time to read some good prose. Who do you admire the most? My siblings! You are supreme ruler for a day. Which law do you pass or abolish? I'm nixing parking tickets. Give a girl a break. Which current book, film and podcast would you recommend? Isola by Allegra Goodman; Friendship directed by Andrew DeYoung; and I'm Grand Mam. Which public event affected you most? I saw an immersive play of The Dead a few months ago, set in the Museum of Literature Ireland (MoLI). It was absolutely sublime to be fully in the scene, at the party, listening to the music and the speeches. The most remarkable place you have visited? The Acropolis of Athens. Your most treasured possession? My piano. Aisling's brother David Rawle and actor Chris O'Dowd star in award-winning Moone Boy. Photograph: Pat Redmond What is the most beautiful book that you own? Emily Wilson's translation of The Iliad. Which writers, living or dead, would you invite to your dream dinner party? Oscar Wilde, Stephen Fry, Zadie Smith, Jane Austen, Elena Ferrante. The best and worst things about where you live? The people make Dublin. The rent prices do a fairly comprehensive job of ruining it. What is your favourite quotation? 'There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so,' from Hamlet. Who is your favourite fictional character? Maybe Joe Gargery from Great Expectations. A book to make me laugh? Temporary by Hilary Leichter. A book that might move me to tears? Pachinko by Min Jin Lee. The Compound is published by the Borough Press
Metro
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Walton Goggins 'shuts down interview when probed on Aimee Lou Wood feud'
Walton Goggins reportedly shut down an interview when probed on his co-star (Picture: Lisa/AFF-USA/Shutterstock) Walton Goggins awkwardly shut down an interview after being asked three times about his alleged 'feud' with Aimee Lou Wood, it's been claimed. The 53-year-old actor played the Sex Education star's romantic co-star in Mike White's third season of The White Lotus. However, despite Rick and Chelsea's on-screen chemistry in Thailand, the pair seem to have fallen out since filming wrapped. Eagled-eyed observers spotted how the pair no longer follow each other on Instagram. Other co-stars also hinted at tangled friendships in a 'Lord Of The Flies summer camp'. Now, reports have emerged that Walton dramatically 'derailed' an interview after being asked about Aimee. Fans claim the pair have fallen out since filming wrapped for The White Lotus season 3 (Picture: Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic for HBO) During a talk with The Times' Ed Porton, Walton seemed stern when asked about his relationship with the Toxic Town actress, replying: 'I'm not gonna have that conversation.' A nearby publicist also added: 'We're not going there, thank you.' After the interviewer pressed Ed about their friendship again and whether Aimee would be present when he hosts Saturday Night Live next week, Walton refused to respond. After this, his publicist suggested the pair talked about his upcoming movie The Uninvited. However, after the interviewer's final attempt to bring up the topic of Aimee, Walton said: 'There is no conversation to be had about that. Sharing politics on social media – it's in a vacuum.' The duo played love interests Rick and Chelsea on Mike White's show (Picture: HBO) Fans observed how the pair no longer follow each other on Instagram (Picture: Walton Goggins/Instagram) When the interviewer tried again, Walton 'gasped', saying: 'What the f**k, Ed! Come on buddy. Wow,' which brought the interview to an abrupt end. Walton's comments come after American comedy show Saturday Night Live aired a skit of the series, called 'The White Potus'. The series' characters were replaced by depictions of Donald Trump and his inner circle. But SNL cast member Sarah Sherman impersonated Chelsea by wearing exaggerated prosthetic teeth. Posting on her Instagram story, Aimee described the sketch as 'mean and unfunny'. Since then, SNL has apologised. Walton is set to host next week's episode of Saturday Night Live (Picture: AP) SNL later apologised to Aimee after a 'mean' sketch (Picture: HBO / Avalon) In later posts, the Sex Education actress said she didn't mind people making fun of her, 'but there must be a cleverer, more nuanced, less cheap way?' She added: 'The whole joke was about fluoride. I have big gap teeth not bad teeth. The rest of the skit was punching up and I/Chelsea was the only one punched down on.' Starring Jon Hamm as RFK Jr., he begins to ramble to Aimee's character Chelsea about various medical plans and fluoride in water before saying he is going to go off and kill a monkey. But, despite Aimee taking offence at her depiction, Walton found the sketch to be 'amazing'. In a now deleted comment on Instagram under SNL's post, he wrote: 'Hahahahahhahaha Amazzzingggg.' He then shared the clip to his Instagram story and wrote the word 'smashing'. In addition, he praised Hamm's parody of Rick by saying: 'Jon… I knew I was miscast.' Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. Arrow MORE: Inside The White Lotus stars Aimee Lou Woods and Walton Goggins' 'feud' as he praises 'cruel' SNL skit Arrow MORE: Aimee Lou Wood's best roles that prove her career is no joke Arrow MORE: The White Lotus star defends 'cocktail-fuelled dancing' watching co-star at Coachella
The National
30-01-2025
- The National
Langkawi beyond the beach: New and enduring adventures on one of Malaysia's best island destinations
Every time I visit Malaysia I make sure to escape for a few days to Langkawi, a paradise bolthole of palm-fringed sandy beaches, tropical mangroves and 500 million year-old rainforest. With its idyllic archipelago of tiny islands rising out of the Andaman Sea, this destination is one of those rare getaways that remains unspoilt and under the radar of mass tourism. Instead, the island attracts curious independent travellers attracted by its fantastic wildlife, innovative sustainable initiatives, arts and literary festivals, and outdoor activities that range from a 2,500-competitor Ironman contest to exclusive sailing regattas. In 2025, Langkawi looks set to boost its global reputation, with filming of the BBC series adaptation of William Golding's novel Lord Of The Flies under way. For travellers there are also plenty of new attractions, as I found out on my latest visit. Resisting the temptation to laze on the beach, I instead head straight for Pantai Rhu where local sports outfit H2Ocean rents out kayaks, paddle boards and catamaran bikes. These are perfect for exploring the surrounding coast's deserted beaches, hidden caves and mangrove forest without leaving a carbon footprint. Countless local boat operators also offer tours out to the tiny islets of Langkawi's archipelago, especially to Pulau Dayang Bunting – Pregnant Maiden Island – and its spectacular lake, but the trips can get busy. Another way to explore the islands is offered by Hussein Mohd Said, originally from Kuala Lumpur, who runs water sports company Mega Water Sports. It has a fleet of about 200 jet skis, and organises two-hour guided excursions to secluded islands and beaches. As the sun sets, a taxi takes me from my hotel to the centre of the island to visit Dream Forest, the biggest attraction to have opened in Langkawi since my last trip here. This rainforest night walk invites travellers to explore a fantasy world of giants, warriors and mythical creatures, created by colourful illuminations, projection mapping, music and dance. The must-do experience, it is a unique attraction that also adds some exciting nightlife options to a destination not known for it. Impressively, it was created within the forest environment without cutting down a single tree. When it comes to eating out, Langkawi is still on the slow road of post-Covid recovery with few new locations to speak of. But the street food scene is booming in traditional night markets, where travellers can indulge at scores of stalls in a different village each night of the week. On a Tuesday in Kedawang, the market is a seething mix of locals and tourists feasting on generous plates of fried noodles, spicy papaya salad, satay sticks, and fiery beef and chicken curries. Over on Pantai Tengah, there is an important address that gourmet tourists will want to visit: Chinese restaurant Orkid Ria which recently reopened after being closed for more than four years. A favourite with locals and tourists alike, the owners have built a palatial new locale with verdant landscaping, modern architecture, live music, and the freshest, most delicious locally-sourced seafood you have ever tasted – giant tiger and mantis prawns, mud and soft-shell crabs, lobster, grouper and pomfret. Next morning, as I drive around Langkawi it is clear that the hotel scene is lively right now. There is a buzzing backpacker and budget scene at the two main beach resorts, Pantai Cenang and Pantai Tengah, while luxury travellers are tempted by the island's renowned international resorts. This year, Hilton Burau Bay Resort Langkawi will provide more choice in this market, opening along on the western coast. For now, Four Seasons Langkawi remains the most desirable hotel, and added two renovated bedroom beach villas last year and a new restaurant. Hava is the place to go to sample a gourmet menu of Indian dishes such as delicate Kashmiri gucci shorba soup of morel mushrooms with saffron, or tandoori samundri ratan, chargrilled locally-fished lobster and succulent river prawns, all the work of Himalayan-born chef Barwan. The hotel is a short boat ride away from a maze of steamy mangroves, part of Langkawi's famed Unesco GeoPark. I have taken this excursion many times, but today the nature guide puts much more emphasis on educating us not just on the wonders of the flora and fauna, but also travellers' collective eco-responsibilities, including respecting the natural environment by not feeding the greedy monkeys and swooping sea eagles that have been spoilt by tour groups thoughtlessly throwing them food to get souvenir photos. Over at The Datai, Langkawi's most exclusive retreat, there are also new sustainable projects including a craft workshop, surrounded by dense jungle, that is dedicated to upcycling, where guests learn to create everything from candles, soap, jewellery and bags out of recycled rubbish. This year, The Datai's innovative Chef Series will bring some of the world's most celebrated chefs to Langkawi to cook in the hotel's kitchen. Exclusive dinners will be prepared by the likes of Ana Ros from three Michelin-starred Hisa Franko in Slovenia and Jordi Artal of Cinc Sentits, a two Michelin-star restaurant in Barcelona. Visitors seeking to stay in a Malay stilt house can still find this at Bon Ton, Langkawi's pioneering boutique heritage property, where owner Narelle McMurtrie has also introduced new attractions. These include a boutique of Malaysian designer Ehka's sought-after upcycled bracelets, necklaces and handbags, a dedicated children's atelier and Copycat Cafe, dedicated to cat-lovers, where purchases go towards supporting animal welfare work on the island. For travellers seeking the ultimate hideaway, Langkawi boasts what for me is one of the most distinctive glamping concepts, Coconest. This eco-friendly, coconut-shaped pod floats just offshore, accessible by boat from Tanjung Rhu jetty. It is the brainchild of two local architects and won a 2022 Airbnb competition for creative holiday rental proposals. The solar-powered retreat is expanding in 2025 with additional pods, a new cafe, and a hangout space, making now the best time to go and sleep under the stars on the Andaman Sea.
