It’s a continuing historical novel series written by Bernard Cornwell about 9th century Britain, and you may have heard of because our own Mr Armitage was kind enough to provide his voice (and acting talent) to the audiobook version of the third novel, The Lords of the North.
If there was any justice in the world, he would have recorded all 5 books, but I presume the chances of that now are slim to none.
I wrote a post on the audiobook when I was first listening it, but I’ll just repeat myself by saying this is a must for any Armitage fan.
I’ve heard comments that the CD set is hard to come by and/or very expensive, so I hope most of you will get your hands on it, one way or another.
The series contains the following books:
Before I move on, let me make one thing clear.
I wasn’t sure about all that Saxon, Viking, Dane blood-spilling, vengence-seeking malarkey.
It seemed very far removed from what I usually enjoy, but I’m so happy I took the chance.
It is well worth it!
Just as the Spinners weave the fate or mere mortals, Cornwell creates a tapesty of wonderful characters and events.
I have a controversial suggestion, though.
Before you read the first book of the series, start with the RA audiobook.
I know it may seem like a foolish idea, seeing that this is all one long saga, with characters intertwined, and with extensive backstories, but there’s one reason why I suggest it.
When reading the books, I hear Richard Armitage.
His voice is Uhtred’s voice.
That’s enough of a reason to start from the middle.
Uhtred of Bebbanburg
Although he’s described as a very tall strong man, wide in the shoulder and chest, with long blonde hair and a bushy beard, I can’t help but see him like this:
Uhtred, for me, is Guy of Gisborne, season 3.
Torn between loyalties, haunted by past actions, a victim of cruel fate.
He’s brash and arrogant, rude and offensive.
He switches sides like a flag in the wind.
He fights, and smirks, is ruthless, but deep inside has a kind heart.
He’s described as smelling as bad as a wild boar, but that’s another thing I choose to ignore.
By the way, I know my timeline is very off, but the heart wants Uhtred to resemble Guy, so what can I do?
Anyway, what’s a century (or three) among friends 😉
There are some parallels to be draw between Guy’s relationship with Sheriff Vasey, and Uhtred’s with King Alfred, but I don’t want to spoil the story.
Uhtred, just like Guy, seems to favour ladies that are untamed, like soaring eagles.
There are many other parallels, but I’ll shut up now 🙂
I hope I’ve encouraged you to give the Cornwell books a try, but now I’m off to finish The Pale Horseman.
I can’t wait to see what happens to Uhtred, although mid book 3 there’s a twist in the plot that left me sobbing.
I literally mean a grown woman, listening to an audiobook, bawling her eyes out because something terrible happens to a fictional character.
Oh dear, not sure what that says about me…
Almost forgot to add a little sample of Armitage reading The Lords of the North!
I’m siting here, in my plastic Union Jack bowler hat and matching g-string undies, drinking a nice Earl Grey with milk from my Kate and William mug, and thinking which Richard Armitage characteris most ‘British’.
This is a toughy, and I’ll tell you why.
It all depends on the criteria.
1. John Porter and Lucas North have both risked their life for Queen and country, which would make them the biggest patriots.
On the other hand, we have no indication of what their motives were when they chose their professions (I’m conveniently ignoring the whole Lucas/John aspect).
2. John Standring represents the farmer, who works hard to provide food for British masses.
No matter where you’re from, farming is a tough business.
It’s people like John that keeps that giant machine called Great Britain going.
3. John Thornton is a member of the new middle-class of successful manufacturers, who helped Britain become an economic power.
He’s the quintessential Victorian Gentleman.
5. Guy, just because I know you ladies like the scoundrel, and nothing says British like leather pants and a noose…
He looks like the type to wear boxer shorts that read: The Sheriff went to London, and all I got were these crap pants!
6. Look-wise Harry Kennedy is the most ‘British’, with his striped jumper, corduroy trousers, and floppy hair.
His personality could be described as the stereotypical yummines we expect from a British lad.
He knows his Jane Austin films, and loves the British countriside.
Philip Turner could be put in the same category.
As I said, this is a tough one, so give me your choices for the most ‘British’ RA character!
Who is the most stereotypical?
Who embodies the best qualities associated with a British gentleman?
When I was living in Britain as a child, we’d have to travel down from Manchester to London every Saturday to attend the Polish school, which was associated with the embassy.
I loathed the Polish school with the same intensity as I loved the British one.
Although I disliked having to sit in class, I loved the time after, spent roaming around London.
It’s a popular holiday destination, and most people bring back some souvenirs from there stay.
London does tacky souvenirs like no one else.
Here is a list of my favorite:
1. The silly hat.
It reminds me of the London episode of Friends, where Joey goes around wearing a Union Jack monstrosity.
The rule of thumb with these sort of purchases is: Will you wear it to work on Monday?
No? Put it back on the shelf.
This point also includes the plastic bowler hat.
British Gentlemen don’t wear them, neither should you.
2. Royal wedding tat.
I understand being excited about a royal union, but do you really want to be drinking your morning coffee from a Fergie and Andrew Forever mug?
Wouldn’t a Charles and Diana cup and saucer put a damper on you day?
Isn’t it just a mockery of the institution, seeing that the divorce rate among the Windsor couples is so high?
You don’t want a gulp of bitter with your morning cup.
3. The bottle opener in the shape of a monument.
I bought one of those in London.
We wanted to drink a few Bacardi Breezers in Hyde Park, and I was old enough to know that a tooth broken while opening a bottle wasn’t going to grow back, and dental surgery isn’t cheap.
Next best thing? Spend 99p. on the tackiest opener possible.
4. The Fridge magnet.
It starts really innocently.
You buy a cute magnet in the shape of Nelson Mandela’s head in South Africa.
Then it all starts snowballing.
People see your growing collection, and when buying a souvenir for you think:
What should I get her?
Maybe a pair of diamond earings?
A Gucci bag?
I know!
She does seem awfully fond of fridge magnets.
Lets get her a beer mug that doubles as a bottle opener.
She’ll love it…
Slippery slope, Ladies and Gents, best not to start!
5. Snow globes
I loved these as a child, but even then I knew they were bloody useless.
You can use them as paper weights, but if it’s so drafty at your house, might I suggest spending your money on getting that fixed, instead of gallivanting around the world buying tat.
6. Novelty items
It’s a pen, a feather duster AND looks like a British policeman?
If it can also launches rockets, I’m sold!
Take that James Bond!
7. Anything that says I Heart London, Mind the Gap or shows a map of the London Underground.
Union Jack undies, made from a disturbing blend of something unidentified and cotton, is not what the Brits wear under their Top Shop trousers.
Neither should you, unless you want to catch a nasty infection.
8. Same goes for things with a Harrods logo on it.
You know it doesn’t make you upper-class or rich, right?
We have a Harrods container on the kitchen shelf till this day.
It doesn’t have anything inside, but we hope when people visit, they’ll think we’re somehow related to the British Royal family.
9. Thimbles.
You don’t sew by hand.
Put it back.
10. The dreaded plastic dolls.
These have haunted me throughout my life (and I mean literally, they gave me nightmares).
It wasn’t until we redecorated the kitchen at my parents house last year, that I finally put my foot down and refused to see them resurface.
They are disturbing, with their baby faces,wonky eyes, and lipstick.
Before you accuse me of being judgmental, let me tell you I am the worst offender of them all.
I have probably bought most of these items at one point or another.
Tacky gold Statue of Liberty bell? Check.
Small leather camel? Yup
Ashtrays, cups, fans, masks.
Pictures, figurines, clocks, and things made of seashells.
Nowadays, I stick to edible souvenirs, so in years to come I don’t have to cringe.
When shopping for gifts from London for friends and family, remember to
“To suffer without complaining is the only lesson to be learnt from this life”: Vincent Van Gogh
Some of you may know how much I adore dramatized shows about the life and work of artists.
They may not always be accurate, but they give the viewer a chance to glimpse at life and times of a painter, as well as the back story of the creation of their most famous work.
We have “Desperate Romantics”,about the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, “The Impressionists”, “Frida”, and many more.
I’ve long wished for someone to make a film about Tamara Lempicka, but a few years ago Madonna showed interest, so maybe it’s best to leave well enough alone.
Another dramatization I can recommend is ” Van Gogh: Painted With Words”,a BBC production (who else?).
Benedict Cumberbatch portrays Vincent Van Gogh, and his performance is haunting.
It once again made me wonder what it was about the British actor’s craft that makes them such exquisite performers.
What is special about this program is that the dialogue is taken from authentic letters and documents.
Every word spoken by the actors in this film is sourced from the letters that Van Gogh sent to his younger brother Theo, and of those around him.
We see the journey of a complex man, tormented by his own mind, and by the world around him.
You can watch “Van Gogh: Painted With Words” on YT, sliced into 6 parts.
A while back we were discussing the anatomical features of the Thorin statue I am meaning to install in my bedroom (as a scarf rack, get your mind out of the gutter…).
One of the queries was what one could find once the Thorin figures clothes were in the wash…
In other words, would he be from the Ken school of anatomical correctness (meaning a pair of Y-fronts molded in plastic where other bits and bobs should be).
BTW, when I punched in ‘Ken naked’, I actually did get tones of pictures of a guy named Ken naked!
Good on you, Sir, let it all hang out!
Anyway, back to my twisted tale.
The musings lead me to think about the anatomy of the dwarves.
In vain I struggled to find some Tolkien forum that would go *cough* in-depth regarding the dwarves more personal features.
Believe me, I tried.
I stood at the gates of Hobbit geekdom, and on Gandalf’s suggestion, uttered:
‘Speak ‘Friend’ and Enter!'”
Unfortunately, Tolkien fans seem to be discussing dwarf private parts in some secret layer that mere mortals don’t have access to.
They probably time-share it with Batman.
Anyway, I figured the next best thing would be to analyse the fairer sex of dwarves, and through that gain some access to the private lives of the likes of Thorin and Kili.
For the next 2 months or so, you will have the pleasure of hosting British actor Richard Armitage.
I would just like to underline that he is on loan from Europe, and we would like him back at some point.
New Zealand played fair, and so should you!
I wouldn’t be the person I am if I didn’t offer some advice and guidance on how to make Richard feel at home.
Here are my top 10 tips, feel free to add any of your own.
1. He doesn’t drink coffee, he takes tea, my dear! (Thanks Sting).
Coffee is vulgar and offensive to a Brit and should never be offered at breakfast.
Richard may ask for it in the morning, but he’s just being polite.
Refuse him sternly, and insist he has an Earl Grey with milk and sugar!
2. Just as Americans always say ‘Have a nice day!’, the British often use phrases like: ‘I say, steady on old chap’and ‘Right you are Gov’nor’.
Think Mary Poppinsand Charles Dickens when you choose your phrases to make Richard feel right at home!
Also, take the time to teach him the proper meaning of the word ‘chips’.
3. In general, put on a faux British accent.
The Brits love it! Really!
There’s nothing quite like an American imitating the Queens English!
The only reason Brits don’t seem so enthusiastic about your attempts is because all they are, ya know, so cool and reserved!
4. Make plenty of rude comments about the French.
I know, I don’t get it either, must be a cultural/historic thing…
You can also mention the American Revolution, and ask whatever happened to The British Empire.
5. Get the fog machine out, pray for rain.
Every time it does rain, comment that he must feel right at home.
In general, 95% of conversation not relating to filming should be about the weather.
Any other topic would bore Richard, or just be highly inappropriate!
6. Have a cricket field close to his hotel, with a Pub en route.
Convey to Richard that he can put on his bowler hat, crab his cane and go play cricket, stopping for a pint of larger along the way.
He’ll appreciate your thoughtfulness, and think you’re a stand up sort of chap.
On the topic of sports, explain to Richard why he’s been so wrong in the understanding of the word ‘football’.
You mustn’t let him make that blunder!
7. Make sure you tell Richard about your trip to London in 1994.
Mention it at least 3 times, and list all the landmarks you visited, one by one.
Buckingham Palace, Changing of the Guards, Piccadilly Circus…
Have holiday snapshots to illustrate your London trip.
If you can also underline that your ancestors were from England, Scotland or Ireland, I’m sure he’d be ever so grateful, and he’d feel you must be kindred spirits, hearing about something that happened years ago to people he’s never heard of.
8. Make as many Monty Python references as you can!
Every time Richard makes anything remotely resembling a joke, be sure to say: ‘That must be that famous British humour!’ and poke him in the ribs for good measure.
He’ll love it, but being the typical British gentleman, he’ll refrain from bursting out with laughter!
9. Ask Richard to do his best Austin Powers impression.
Yeah, baby!
He may refuse at first, but encourage him by impersonate Powers yourself!
The Brits have long regarded the International Man of Mystery as the best ambassador of all things British.
In a poll conducted by Ms Ayama Royal-Prick, he beat the Queen, One Direction, and rice pudding!
If you could provide fake Austin Powers teeth, that would just be the cherry on the cake…sorry…pie…pudding!
He’ll feel so welcome, I think it would render him speechless!
10. Every time you see Richard eating, make sure you express how happy you are that he is finally able to taste some proper food, seeing that British cuisine is so bland and stodgy.
You may also want to add how amazed you are he grew up to be such a dashing lad on baked beans, speckled dick and haggis.
Go ahead and give him your thought on The Full English Breakfast versus a stack of pancakes with maple syrup and a rasher of bacon on the side.
It’s a solid conversational topic, and one that shows your excellent knowledge of all things British.
Here is the British comedian, Ricky Gervais on the top 10 things Americans say that Brits hate.
By the way, I’d say all these things to Richard, just to prove Gervais wrong!
If you take my tips to heart, Richard will feel so good in the USA, he might never want to leave…
*smirks, rubbing hands*
*starts chuckling*
*chuckle turns into diabolic laughter*
*bursts into evil flames, consumed by her own wickedness*
Mr Armitage, we’ll see you back in Europe very soon!
Based in the investigative powers of the RA community, I can now conclude that the mystery man on the stair, with the Simon Cowell cleavage, is indeed Mr Armitage.
It seems the stairs were the hot spot in the picture, as we can also catch a glimpse of Aidan Turner.
I’ll surprise you, though.
It wasn’t spotting the two hunks that made my day.
Imagine this scenario.
You have worked on the set of the 2 most anticipated films of 2012 and 2013.
You were fortunate enough to take part in the cast and crew photo of said films, being the envy of millions around the world.
This is a picture that is proof of your involvement in the films, and one you will no doubt show your grandchildren in years to come.
What do you do?
Well, if you’re this unfortunate man, you will stick your finger up your nose at the precise moment the photo is taken.
Dear Sir, I’m not sure if this was the case of an unfortunately timed nose itch, or if you were indeed digging for something up there.
Maybe you took the ‘Watch the Birdy” too literally, thinking it was wedged up your nose.
Maybe ‘Cheese‘ made you think of some smelly Camembert or Brie.
Either way, this is bad timing on your part.
Based on my observation, I have noticed men favour the moment they are standing at the traffic light to engage in a little around the nose activity!
They don’t usually wait for the moment when an entire cast and crew are photographed to capture and celebrate cinematography history.
Not cool, Sir!
There’s a lesson to be learned here, Readers!
If you ever pose for a Peter Jackson End of Shooting Cast and Crew photo, make sure you keep your hands well away from your face!
I was going to write a post on Lee Pace, and how his friendship with Richard Armitage made me want to learn more about him as an actor.
He’s playing Thranduil the Elven King in the Hobbit, and I remember him from Pushing Daisies.
They seem to have become friends during the filming in NZ, and were even seen catching the movie Prometheus together (oh shock, oh horror! Actually seeing a movie WITH ANOTHER PERSON! Unheard of!).
In my naïvety, I ventured out to see what was the buzz online.
Big mistake!
I mean ‘gouge my eyes out so I don’t have to read your nasty malice, but it’s etched on my brain’ mistake!
Apart from the obvious, and predictable, gay rumours, there are whole strings of bitchiness and inappropriate comments, both about Richard Armitage in relation to Lee Pace, and about the RArmy (rabid is the word used).
I found it quite ironic that, although RA fans were portrayed as hormonal loonies, I saw lines crossed that would NEVER have been in our fandom.
I’m not linking the forum, becasue I don’t want to give them a wider audience.
Before I go any further, let me make this point clear.
I don’t care either way if there’s something more going on.
That’s because:
1. It’s none of anyone’s business.
2. If they are together, they make an adorable couple, but see point 1.
3. Two men being friends doesn’t mean they are romantically linked, but see point 2 and point 1.
Seriously, what’s wrong with people?
Is it the anonymity of the internet that switches off the natural censor buffer between the brain and the gob?
I don’t want, or need Richard Armitage to have to explain or divulge his sexuality!
He doesn’t have to justify any friendship or relationship to me as a fan, or to anyone else.
If you feel the need to speculate, at least have the decency to conduct it in a polite and respectful manner!
I’m leaving comments open, although I ask that this doesn’t become a “is he gay?’ discussion.
I think we can all agree that it’s none of our beeswax!
