*Deafening sigh* Essentially, I wanted a title that was related in some way to the fact that this is about the summer holidays, book recommendations, and would also allow for alliteration. Who doesn’t love alliteration? But this is all I could come up with. Weak, I know. But give me a break. It’s the last…

“Why is Anne Boleyn so fascinating? Maybe we don’t have to go any further than the obvious: The story of her rise and fall is as elementally satisfying… as a fabulously, indulgent, trashy novel”   In this wonderfully refreshing approach to a historical and cultural exploration of the myths surrounding Anne Boleyn, Susan Bordo’s The Creation…

Care to delve deeper into the historical world of the 15th-16th centuries? Say no more: A Dangerous Inheritance (2012) by Alison Weir Though a prominent historian in her field and thus typically a non-fiction writer, Weir’s foray into fiction is brilliant. Detailing the parallel experiences of women across a timespan of eighty years, the tragic…

‘Juana la Loca’, or Joanna the Mad, is the tragic title left to history of Juana of Castile and Aragon. Queen of the former from 1504 and the latter from 1516, Juana spent the majority of her rule and life imprisoned in a nunnery by her father. And perhaps most tragically, was left to remain…

In celebration of the release of Josie Rourke’s Mary Queen of Scots (2018), this issue is going to be dedicated to all things historical fiction. Realistically, I could fill several full University Express issues if I didn’t narrow it down. So for this issue, given the familial connection with Mary Stuart, I have condensed it…

You Do You by Sarah Knight Again, this has the same balance between tough love and gentle reassurance.     How To Be Single (2016) Directed by Christian Ditter I honestly cannot recommend this film enough. It’s one of my all-time favourites and not because it reminds me of my own breakup experiences (watch Trainwreck…

If you are in need of motivation to get off the couch and get out in the air, see a friend, or begin writing your own idea of the simple, achievable things that make you happy then while you are waiting for motivation to hit this is the perfect film to throw on while you…

The Life-Changing Magic of Not Giving A F**k (2015) by Sarah Knight (8/10) In times of crisis, sometimes a tough-talking friend spewing the hard truths you’re already aware of can be detrimental to your mood, regardless of the positive intentions. On the other hand, sometimes in times of panic, anger, frustration, or upset the last…

The Christmas/New Year period can be the highlight of the year for some but for others it’s merely a storm to brave through. And so, it only seemed fitting that this ‘Welcome Back!’ issue would focus on just a few recommendations that might help with the post celebratory lull. Sometimes picking up a motivational book…