Five Great Reads: A Weekend Wrap of Essential Stories
Guardian Australia's weekly selection of fascinating reads from the past seven days, curated by Imogen Dewey, offers a diverse mix of stories to while away your weekend. From the gritty history of a New York dive bar to intimate insights into chronic illness, this collection has something for everyone. Sign up for the Five Great Reads newsletter to get this delivered to your inbox every weekend.
1. The Inside Story of a Royal Disgrace
Andrew Lownie, biographer of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Sarah Ferguson, spent years investigating their greed and excesses for his "cradle to police station" book. In an interview with Zoe Williams, Lownie discusses the barriers he faced in uncovering the truth, noting that only a tenth of the 3,000 people he approached wanted to talk. He expresses indignation, emphasizing that this is a matter of public interest and expecting higher standards in public life. Williams provides a vivid description of the widely shared photo of Andrew post-release, capturing his hunted yet blank expression.
2. CBGB: The Totemic Hub of Modern Music
Fifty years ago, CBGB, an East Village dive bar run by a folk singer and an ex-marine, became a legendary hub for outsiders shaping punk, spoken word, new wave, hardcore, and more. Garth Cartwright chronicles how this venue hosted icons like Patti Smith, the Ramones, Television, Talking Heads, and Blondie, with figures such as Lou Reed and David Bowie frequenting the scene. Lenny Kaye, Smith's guitarist, recalls the gritty atmosphere, noting the perpetually unclean bathrooms. This piece highlights a changing-of-the-guard moment in music history, where fledgling bands laid blueprints for future genres.
3. A Symbol of Courage: Changing French Society
Gisèle Pelicot, now 73, waived her right to anonymity during the trial of her ex-husband Dominique Pelicot and dozens of men accused of raping her after she was drugged unconscious. Angelique Chrisafis's interview reveals how this case challenged the trivialization of sexual offences in France. Pelicot describes the casual demeanor of the perpetrators during the trial, underscoring a societal denial of rape's severity. This story serves as a powerful reminder that there is no such thing as a minor sexual offence, offering an uplifting narrative of resilience and justice.
4. Understanding Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Hermione Hoby shares her personal journey with myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), often misleadingly called chronic fatigue syndrome. She details the winding path to diagnosis, moments of optimism, and crushing setbacks, debunking myths about the condition. Hoby emphasizes that illness is random and meaningless, requiring ongoing management rather than seeking deeper meaning. Her account sheds light on the challenges faced by those with chronic conditions, advocating for greater recognition and understanding in society.
5. Rediscovering the Joy of Oil Painting
Sian Cain recounts her return to oil painting after years away, enrolling in a class to relearn basics like composition and paint mixing. She reflects on her childhood love for Vincent van Gogh, inspired by a picture book that portrayed him as a teddy bear. Cain's story highlights the struggle and joy of creative expression, encouraging readers to embrace the process of learning and enjoy the artistic journey, complete with charming anecdotes from her past.
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