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The Guardian
5 days ago
- Lifestyle
- The Guardian
Ghost Wedding by David Park review – a thought-provoking novel about the power of the past
Time is layered in Northern Irish writer David Park's latest novel. The past ever present, it underpins but also threatens to undermine the two protagonists. The story opens in present-day Belfast, with Alex, a man caught up in wedding plans. He loves his Ellie, but doesn't love all the fuss over venues and seating arrangements. The pair are paying a visit to the Manor House, a grand hotel outside the city; Ellie has her heart set on the boathouse by the lake for their reception, and wants Alex to feel the same excitement. This first chapter finds him distracted, though. Impatient with deadlines and invitations, but also keen just to be married; more specifically, to let go of his old life and his old pals from his single days. We're not told why, only that he is tired of 'all the pretences and games' and that marriage represents his 'best opportunity to loosen the connection'. Chapter two returns us to the same place but a century earlier. The Manor House is home to the Remingtons, and the lake and boathouse of Ellie's future dreams are as yet under construction, under the supervision of George Allenby. A young architect, George is also a veteran of the first world war. The fighting is not long over and he, too, would rather put his past behind him. But the lake excavation and the daily sight of his workers in the mud and rain is proving an awful reminder of the trenches. There, he was an officer; here he is once again in charge of men. George is sorely aware of their toiling, and the precarity of their employment set against the wealth of the Remingtons. George's employers are new money, and he finds himself embarrassed at their ambitions to pass as landed gentry. He knows the lake he is constructing is part of this: a charade doomed to failure. Returning to Alex, we find he is also uncomfortable in his work. He's employed by his father in property development. Regeneration in 21st-century Belfast provides riches for some, Alex included, but he sees those left behind, not least the tenants in the shopfronts his father lets out. Among them is a barber and a tattoo artist; Alex pays them visits as landlord, but strives to be more than that, to make human connections. So Ghost Wedding is about class and power as well as the past. This finds its best expression in George's story, in the relationship that develops between him and Cora, one of the Manor House maids. What starts as an allyship against the housekeeper – and against the awful Remington Junior – soon becomes more than that, with Cora visiting George at the cottage in the grounds where he is billeted. She's a gift to him – and to the book. Her sharpness is beguiling, as are her appetites, her humour, her determined independence. Park is one of those rare and precious male writers – like Roddy Doyle, like Colum McCann, who have both championed his work – who write women well. Park describes George falling for Cora extremely well too. Will this love prove impossible? It's beautifully drawn and perfectly chosen for a novel that wants its characters – and readers – to see beyond boundaries. Above all, Park wants us to look beyond the now: beyond 'the calendar on the kitchen wall that pretends to control the space of days wherein we live'. Alex and Ellie are to marry by the lake that George is excavating while he falls in love with Cora; these couples are separated by a century, and by nothing at all: prey to the same dilemmas, hemmed in by the same structures. The past isn't past. When Alex visits his father's building projects, lying empty and derelict, he finds a kind of peace there; but Park fills the rooms for his readers, bringing us the spirits and stories of Titanic dockyard workers, and seamen who crewed the supply boats in wartime. Conflict and shipbuilding are the twin forces that have shaped Belfast and the lives of its people, and Park excels at making this tangible. Alex himself is less finely drawn. We know there's a darkness in his past; that something unspeakable took place, in a tent, at a festival. We learn there was a young woman – too drunk, too high, and left too vulnerable. But what part did Alex play there? And what of his old friends he wants to discard? They and his memories are rather too thinly dispersed through the book to provide drive. It's a hinterland left underexplored, and one that feels less integrated with the novel as a whole. But in George and Cora, and in the Belfast ghosts, there is more than enough to move us – and to prompt thought. 'Time shuffles itself lightly, like a pack of cards. Who can tell what sequence it will deal? Who can tell what will fall across our future days?' Sign up to Inside Saturday The only way to get a look behind the scenes of the Saturday magazine. Sign up to get the inside story from our top writers as well as all the must-read articles and columns, delivered to your inbox every weekend. after newsletter promotion Ghost Wedding by David Park is published by Oneworld (£16.99). To support the Guardian, order your copy at Delivery charges may apply.
BBC News
28-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Housing plan approved in Peterborough's Glinton village
Plans for nine new homes within the grounds of a Grade II listed manor house have been City Council granted the planning application for two two-bedroom homes and seven four-bedroom homes within the former farmyard area of Manor House on High Street, Parish Council and some residents objected to the plans over the design of the homes and access for vehicles. The council's case officer said the proposed homes adopted an "appropriate, traditionally referenced barn-style design theme". The applicant, Alston Country Homes, had also sought listed building consent for works to a dovecote structure on the site, which will be incorporated into one of the homes."The resulting scheme respects important views and retains the visual prominence of the dovecote within the streetscape," the case officer said. While the case officer noted the proposed development was in a part of Glinton that has a "strong local identity and historic character", they decided the development would make "effective use of brownfield land" and the layout "responds positively to the key characteristics of the site and its surroundings".The case officer's report stated: "While the site lies within the Glinton Conservation Area and within the setting of the Grade II listed dovecote, the proposed development has been informed by a detailed understanding of the site's heritage value."Construction on the site must begin within three years. Follow Peterborough news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
South Wales Argus
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
Pad at Celtic Manor Resort: Larkin Cen's stunning menu
Set in the airy conservatory at the Manor House at the resort, Pad offers a relaxed atmosphere, friendly and helpful staff, and a culinary experience you have got to try if Asian food is your thing – or even its not. We were even lucky enough to get to chat to the chef to find out about more about his concept for the menu and his delight at being back at the Celtic Manor. Starting the evening with a couple of signature cocktails, including a fruity Singapore Sling, we sat is the big bay window of the bar and watched the world go by – which this particular evening meant watching guests gather in black tie and some fantastic gowns for event at the ICC Wales. We decided to go for the Imperial tasing menu option (£48 pp) which was packed with delights including Korean Pork Belly Bites, Roasted Duck Massaman and a Whole Seabass with Soy Dressing and Herb Salad. (Image: Jo Barnes) (Image: Jo Barnes) (Image: Jo Barnes) Kicking off with Shrimp Crackers we knew we were in for a treat – each dish was just bursting with flavour. The tasting menu is designed to share and made for a wonderfully social meal as we dipped in and out of the bowls with our chopsticks (not in any way expertly but we managed). To accompany the food we asked for a bottle of sparkling water and were delighted to be offered a range of options to flavour the water – these included a slice of root ginger or lemon grass among others. The ginger added an extra dimension giving the water just a slight hint of the taste – I may well be trying this at home. We also decided on a bottle of Hutton Ridge Shiraz from South Africa which turned out to be the perfect choice – delicious but not too heavy to drown out any of the delicate flavours coming from each of the dishes. Tasting menu done, it would have been rude not to sample a dessert. The Mochi Selection (£8.50) included Coconut, Passion fruit and Mango, and Strawberry and Cream, was yummy. (Image: Jo Barnes) (Image: Jo Barnes) The Passion Fruit Panna Cotta (£7.50) with Mango lassi was a revelation and beautifully presented. The menu also offers small plates, bao and dumpling options, larger dishes including steak and a selection of Asian curries and wok dishes. To find out more and to book go to the Celtic Manor website.
BreakingNews.ie
14-05-2025
- BreakingNews.ie
Family pays tribute to ‘proud Irishman' fatally injured while running errands
Relatives have paid tribute to a 'proud Irishman' who was fatally injured while out running errands. John Mackey, 87, had been to the supermarket and a kebab shop in Manor House, north London, on the afternoon of May 6th before he was allegedly set upon near Goodchild Road. Advertisement The pensioner suffered head injuries and died in hospital two days later. On Wednesday, Detective Chief Inspector Mark Rogers, who is leading the investigation into his death, gave details of the 'adored' uncle's life. Goodchild Road in the Manor House area of north London where emergency services were called (James Manning/PA) He said: 'John was a proud Irishman and an innocent member of the public, and was walking back home after running errands when he was the victim of this tragic incident. 'His family tell us he was one of 11 children. He was born in Callan, County Kilkenny, Ireland, and moved to London in the 1950s. Advertisement 'He was uncle to a remarkable 22 nieces and nephews and a brother to his remaining four siblings, they will all miss him. 'John's family describe him as funny and charming. He was a life-long Arsenal fan, who was adored by his family and was loved by his local community. 'His family will join John on one final trip back to Ireland where he'll be laid to rest.' 'I would like to reassure the local community that a man has been charged and we are not looking for anyone else in connection with John's death.' Advertisement Peter Augustine, 58, of Green Lanes, Hornsey, north London, was arrested on May 8th and charged with Mr Mackey's murder and robbery. On Tuesday, his case was brought to the Old Bailey for a preliminary hearing. Judge Richard Marks KC set a two-week trial from November 3rd, with a plea hearing on July 29th.
Telegraph
13-05-2025
- Telegraph
Pensioner, 87, died after street attack ‘over box of cornflakes'
An 87-year-old man was attacked and left for dead for the sake of a box of cornflakes and a shepherd's pie, a court has heard. John Mackey was found unconscious and bleeding from the head on Goodchild Road in Manor House, north London, at around 5.53pm on Tuesday, May 6. Two days later he died in hospital. The pensioner was allegedly followed in the street and set upon by a man who shouted: 'Give me the bag.' Mr Mackey had bought food and a newspaper from a north London Co-op store before visiting a kebab shop. Ben Holt, prosecuting, said: 'A member of the public saw Mr Mackey lying on the pavement and heard a male shouting, 'Give me the bag', and a man standing over Mr Mackey.' Other eyewitnesses allegedly saw a male being punched, kicked and stamped on, the Old Bailey was told. The attacker allegedly made off with the victim's black duffle bag containing his cornflakes, shepherd's pie and newspaper. A post-mortem examination gave the provisional cause of death as bleeding on the brain and fractured ribs, Mr Holt told the court. Peter Augustine, 58, from Hornsey, north London, was arrested on May 8 and charged with Mackey's murder and robbery. On Tuesday, his case was brought to the Old Bailey for a preliminary hearing. Judge Richard Marks KC set a two-week trial from November 3, with a plea hearing on July 29.
