Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger: I Know Where I’m Going!

Powell and Pressburger’s I Know Where I’m Going! may begin as a charming romantic adventure, but beneath its light surface lies a gently profound story about fate, desire, and the seductive illusions of certainty. Criterion’s new 4K restoration brings fresh life to this wartime gem.

Henry James: The Portrait of a Lady

I’ve long admired James’s shorter works, but I finally took the plunge into one of his major novels—and it was revelatory. From the charming conversations on the Touchetts’ lawn to Isabel Archer’s fierce independence and the shadows that follow, every page felt alive. This isn’t just a novel to read once, but one to return to, full of psychology, beauty, and heartbreak.

Leif Enger: I Cheerfully Refuse

I Cheerfully Refuse, by Leif Enger, is a dystopian novel set in a future America where a soft-spoken narrator navigates a world unraveling under the weight of despair and fractured human connections. While the novel offers a chilling glimpse into a familiar dystopia, I found myself struggling with its episodic nature and predictable emotional arcs. Read my full review to find out more about what worked for me—and what didn’t.

Caroline Blackwood: Great Granny Webster

Great Granny Webster by Caroline Blackwood is a haunting exploration of family dynamics and the lingering effects of unresolved histories. With its subtle, elusive narrative, the book leaves much to the imagination, creating a lasting sense of mystery and intrigue. Read my full review to delve deeper into the complexities of Blackwood’s storytelling.