UK Literary Luvvies

[atome74]

How does Pandy’s newsletter work, what do you get if you pay? Thought it was the ‘list’ thing but I read that for free. £7 itchy socks recommendations, people will pay for that?

The one I've read today is apparently a sample of what you get if you're a paid subscriber, but it's just a list of links to buying things, basically a listicle
It's so weird she's done this, given that substack is meant to be for long form writing or writing that would otherwise not really have a venue (see Hanif Kureishi's excellent dispatches from his hospital bed).

 

[soph30]

Wildly
Relatable
Hilarious
Profound

Tender
Devastating
Funny

 

[Mbella]

Wildly
Relatable
Hilarious
Profound

Tender
Devastating
Funny

I read "Really Good, Actually" and found it very underwhelming. Some witty bits, but the main character was so unlikeable in a really boring way.

 

[4dominoes]

Wildly
Relatable
Hilarious
Profound

Tender
Devastating
Funny

I enjoyed both reads, as it goes!

 

[FOD's missing hairbands]

I enjoyed both reads, as it goes!

I really enjoyed Really Good Actually, thought it was a breath of fresh air and that the author actually had talent and tried to do something different instead of stick with the usual cliches - thought it ran out of steam at the end though - didn't feel like it had a proper ending.

 

[slugella]

I read "Really Good, Actually" and found it very underwhelming. Some witty bits, but the main character was so unlikeable in a really boring way.

Same I thought it was awful. A few funny bits and some relatable behaviours post breakup but mostly pretty boring and way too long for the story. Possibly could have been more interesting if the side characters had a bit more storyline. I usually resist buying books recommennded by the usual suspects - she mentioned Dolly and Caroline in the acknowledgements but didn't realise they were friends until after I read it - but fell for the marketing of this one.

 

[Libertine]

I enjoyed Cleopatra and Frankenstein.

Though I didn’t notice Pandora’s endorsement on the cover until now.

 

[Mbella]

Same I thought it was awful. A few funny bits and some relatable behaviours post breakup but mostly pretty boring and way too long for the story. Possibly could have been more interesting if the side characters had a bit more storyline. I usually resist buying books recommennded by the usual suspects - she mentioned Dolly and Caroline in the acknowledgements but didn't realise they were friends until after I read it - but fell for the marketing of this one.

It also just blew my mind that books are being published in 2023 that include wry observational humour about that most original and startling subject: the travails involved with IKEA flat pack furniture.

 

[jenmarks]

She really has absolutely no clue about her privilege, does she?!

 

[slugella]

She really has absolutely no clue about her privilege, does she?!

I don't have kids and never feel like I have enough time to do everything I want to so I do understand feeling that way even if you have more time than others it doesn't make your feeling less valid. But I wouldn't write an article about it as who needs advice from me when on the scale of things I'm not as busy as people with full time jobs alongside children and caring responsibilities etc etc. Also doesn't she have a nanny? So seems a bit off to be implying she makes it work while caring for her children full time.

 

[tatty400]

Saint Pandora telling us for the 100th time that she doesn’t have Instagram on her phone yawwwwnnn

 

[soph30]

Saint Pandora telling us for the 100th time that she doesn’t have Instagram on her phone yawwwwnnn

It actually makes her look a bit sad, like she's obsessed with it. Like people who have to delete shopping apps from their phone so they don't overbuy instead of being cool enough to take them or leave them

 

[queenamber]

She laments technology and social media and then quotes research from Microsoft Surface. Make it make sense.

 

[jenmarks]

She laments technology and social media and then quotes research from Microsoft Surface. Make it make sense.

MONEY MONEY MONEY MONEY CASH MONEY

 

[atome74]

She laments technology and social media and then quotes research from Microsoft Surface. Make it make sense.

yes Microsoft Surface, that esteemed research institution

I mean honestly this article could be "I read books while everyone else *adjusts glasses* watches tv"

 

[really_whythough]

She laments technology and social media and then quotes research from Microsoft Surface. Make it make sense.

Microsoft paid for that article and she still managed to make it all about she’s the most bookish mother ever to exist and shuns technology because she is so virtuous.

 

[juy7nhio]

She really has absolutely no clue about her privilege, does she?!

Not mentioning the fact she HAS A NANNY

 

[Londongirl89]

Do the Sykes family only ever eat jacket potatoes? Do they eat anything else with their spuds? Don’t they get bored of the same dinner? Much to ponder here.

 

[atome74]

The nanny probably cooks dinner for the kids.

 

[jenmarks]

Microsoft paid for that article and she still managed to make it all about she’s the most bookish mother ever to exist and shuns technology because she is so virtuous.

Yeah, and it should be noted that it's sponsored. Pandorz can't quite keep up with her own logic
---

Do the Sykes family only ever eat jacket potatoes? Do they eat anything else with their spuds? Don’t they get bored of the same dinner? Much to ponder here.

Of course she doesn't. Look at her!?