Watching The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry within days of finishing Rachel Joyce's eponymous novel, I realized anew how a faithful film adaptation helps cement the story line of a good book into the brain, even with the liberties often taken by screenwriters. Readers who are film buffs: Haven't you found this to be true? And in this case, because both were terrific in the roles, I've already forgiven the casting of Jim Broadbent as Harold and Penelope Wilton as Maureen vs. Bill Nighy and Helen Mirren, my obviously superior choices as I visualized the characters in my mind's eye while reading. Bookworms who are movie geeks: Do you do this? If yes, who have you cast in lead roles from the last novel you enjoyed?
But even before breaking my record for the shortest duration of time between finishing a strong book and seeing an equally strong film adaptation, I knew Joyce's charming and moving novel would have a secure place in my RAM. Because The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry (2012) is #100 in the queue of books a reading soulmate and I have discussed since we kicked off our book club of two in 2015. Yes, I've been keeping track; it's something I do. List available on request.
Today's discussion of our milestone book was unexpectedly enhanced as we arrived at the coffee shop where all but a few of our one hundred monthly meetings have taken place. Not only had the owners "reserved" our regular table, they also treated us to cupcakes & cookies, and asked if they could take pictures of us for their Instagram feed.
My favorite part, aside from our usual rich conversation? My reading soulmate designed a bookmark listing all one hundred titles. It immediately took its place alongside my book journal entry for The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry. How did you most recently celebrate a significant milestone in your life?
Reflections From The Bell Curve: Bookonnection #4: Brief Encounters
Pat--one of the wonders of being a book lover is the ability to travel with an entire movie production company in one's head. There's nothing better than a faithful adaptation of a great story. My favorite thing is when the movie brings out a surprising nuance from the text. And to celebrate not only at, but WITH the coffee shop. How fun.
ReplyDeleteRegina; Thanks for the comment. I also enjoy when a film adaptation finds something in the text I might have missed. So happens this particular screenplay was written by the author of the book (Rachel Joyce) so it was quite faithful. And the coffee shop part of this milestone was such a treat.
Delete