The Beginning Comes After the End by Rebecca Solnit review – a manual for coping with change
Amidst turbulent times, author and activist Rebecca Solnit offers a powerful reminder of transformation's potential. In 2004, she published 'Hope in the Dark,' a collection of essays written in response to the Iraq War. This work, inspired by the profound resilience observed after Hurricane Katrina, presented a vision of unity and steadfastness. The book saw a dramatic increase in readership and quickly sold out following the 2016 election of Donald Trump.
Revisiting 'Hope in the Dark' a decade later, its enduring acclaim became clear. This concise yet impactful book provides insightful guidance on the boundaries of intellectual certainty and the perils of succumbing to pessimism. Solnit eloquently states, "Hope is not a door, but a sense that there might be a door at some point, some way out of the problems of the present moment even before that way is found or followed." It encourages a humble acceptance that, regardless of how predetermined the future might appear, it ultimately remains unknown—a fertile ground for hope. Her latest work builds upon this philosophy, asserting, "You do not have to picture the destination to reach it or at least draw closer to it, you just need to choose a direction and keep on walking."
While Solnit has authored over a dozen books since 2004, 'The Beginning Comes After the End' stands out as a direct thematic and structural continuation of 'Hope in the Dark.' It is a novella-length essay, divided into concise yet comprehensive chapters that weave together historical context, philosophical insights, and modern perspectives, with particular attention to instances of healing and advancement.
Fresh materials — Society news
Esther Rantzen, TV Presenter and Childline Founder, Dies at 86
Esther Rantzen, the Bafta-winning television presenter and creator of the charity Childline, has died at 86. Her family described her as “the most wonderful mother” and “cherished grandmother,” whose “legacy of compassion and understanding will live on in her charities Childli
How Zach Cregger's Resident Evil Captures the Game's Essence
Some Resident Evil fans have voiced dissatisfaction online with Zach Cregger’s film adaptation, calling it "not a real Resident Evil movie." Yet, despite the absence of iconic heroes like Leon or Claire, familiar villains, and well-known settings, Cregger's interpretation stands out a
Questions for Michael Winterbottom
The 90s are currently in vogue, but they wouldn't have happened without the 80s. Michael Winterbottom's 2002 film, 24 Hour Party People, explores Manchester's music scene from the Sex Pistols' 1976 gig at the Lesser Free Trade Hall, through Factory Records, Joy Division, New Order, an
Mighty Sparrow, Trinidad and Tobago's 'Calypso King of the World,' Dies at 91
Slinger Francisco, known on stage as the Mighty Sparrow and hailed as the “calypso king of the world,” has died at 91. His family confirmed his peaceful passing surrounded by loved ones in New York on Sunday, stating it followed a brief illness. Francisco rose to prominence in calypso music
Korea review – a nirvana of wild beauty shattered by the 20th century
Can they replicate the success? The British Museum's blockbuster Bayeux Tapestry exhibition has set a high bar. Now, they follow with "Korea," an exploration of "2,000 years of creativity" from a land that, prior to the 20th century's hardships, experienced millennia of peace, as refl
Taylor Swift's "The Life of a Showgirl: The Encore": A Human Glimpse Amidst Bitter Love Songs
Taylor Swift's decision to release an expanded version of her album, "The Life of a Showgirl," titled "The Encore," has sparked speculation. Many fans believe it's a strategic move to influence Grammy voters or to disrupt chart records. This follows Swift's earlier statement that "