Book Review: The Study Circle by Haroun Khan

A debut novel from a skilled and observant writer, The Study Circle is a work of fiction which an alternative look into modern-day urban Britain. Mariah Feria reviews the book’s timely and important themes and discusses the representation of a community that is so often one-dimensionally shown.

#new Vogue – new era?

The December 2017 issue of British Vogue magazine was unveiled by the new editor in chief (EIC), Edward Enninful. His appointment as EIC was much anticipated and equally celebrated. Vogue, once at the forefront of fashion consciousness and lifestyle choices, was screaming out for change. It was trying to navigate a space where it no… Continue reading #new Vogue – new era?

The Mandibles [a family, 2049-2047] by Lionel Shriver, a review

This was my first encounter of Lionel Shriver’s writing, and I was certainly not disappointed. Known for other dystopian-style works such as We Need to Talk about Kevin and Big Brother, Lionel has a knack for really exploring the hard-hitting issues that are plaguing our modern society. The Mandibles takes us on the journey of… Continue reading The Mandibles [a family, 2049-2047] by Lionel Shriver, a review

#ustoo – it’s everyone’s problem

The world has been rocked over the past few weeks with the ongoing allegations of Harvey Weinstein’s outrageous sexual harassment towards members of the film community. Brave women, women who are often in the media spotlight, have broken their silence and supported one another as they speak out against the abusive, powerful, Hollywood figure. Another… Continue reading #ustoo – it’s everyone’s problem

The power of walking

Ladies, a quick experiment for you to try next time you’re out. When you’re walking, see who moves out of the way for you – for example if you’re both on the same side of the pavement, about to collide with each other if one of you does not change their path. It’s something most… Continue reading The power of walking

5 things I learnt from Love Island 2017

The trashy, pointless, yet brilliantly addicting TV show took over our screens for seven weeks this summer. Whether you wanted to watch it or not, and consequently whether you did or didn’t watch it, everyone who was anyone was talking about Love Island. I’m a veteran viewer, having watched the two seasons previous to this… Continue reading 5 things I learnt from Love Island 2017

A female Labour PM is a long way off

The shock result of the 2017 General Election took everyone by surprise. No matter what side you stand on, it cannot be denied that the election and the race to the finish itself was full of drama, backlash, and more importantly, young people. Aside from Labour’s unexpected success, another record was also broken. We now… Continue reading A female Labour PM is a long way off

Is anybody out there?

When I was younger, like most little girls, I wanted to be a princess. Cinderella, Snow White, Belle; take your pick, I could be them all. It wasn’t until I was much older that I started to understand the problems with Disney and it’s representation of women, causing me to look for role-models and aspiring… Continue reading Is anybody out there?

Why being a sex object is far from empowering

‘Young women today have never experienced a media environment that didn’t exaggerate the centrality of sex and ‘hotness’ to everyday life’ – Susan Douglas, Enlightened Sexism, 2010 Women today have it tough. We are expected to be intelligent, confident, successful, charismatic, kind, and sexy. We are expected to ‘keep up the with the men’ in… Continue reading Why being a sex object is far from empowering

Roe vs Wade: Does McCorvey’s death symbolise America’s failing abortion rights?

Norma McCorvey – the ‘Roe’ of Roe vs. Wade – died on the 17th February of this year. Best known for helping to establish the legal right to have an abortion in America, after the trial, she had a complete shift in her opinions. She spent the remainder of her life advocating the pro-life movement,… Continue reading Roe vs Wade: Does McCorvey’s death symbolise America’s failing abortion rights?

Adichie: The new face of No7 and modern feminism

In October 2016, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie became the most recent face of No7, Boot’s own makeup brand. She appeared in a nature-inspired television advert wearing a full face of makeup, and making statements such as ‘makeup doesn’t really mean anything’, and that it is ‘what makes me [Adichie] happy when I look in the mirror’.… Continue reading Adichie: The new face of No7 and modern feminism

The only brit at the party: An outsider’s view of American frat parties

American College is famous for its Greek Life. In the movies, the iconic Fraternity is often the only thing that is really explored; think Bad Neighbours, American Pie: Beta House, and Goat. We are presented with a fast-paced, raunchy, and often dangerous setting, in which young men play out the final few years of their… Continue reading The only brit at the party: An outsider’s view of American frat parties

Nod – a bleak look into the overexertion of humanity

Adrian Barnes’ first published novel, Nod, is the unique, engrossing story of the destruction of modern society. Paul, our narrator, finds himself among the select few who still has the ability to sleep, amidst a world which is plunged into constant insomnia overnight. The novel isn’t what I would usually go for. In fact, Sci-Fi… Continue reading Nod – a bleak look into the overexertion of humanity

Charlotte Perkins Gilman – literary legend and feminist icon

Over the course of the women’s rights movement, the world has experienced its fair share of feminist icons. These ladies inspired, radicalised, and changed the largely male dominated world around them, making way for the fairer (yet by no means completely equal) society in which we now live in. Many documented their struggles through their… Continue reading Charlotte Perkins Gilman – literary legend and feminist icon

An afternoon in Fiji

Fiji is a country that is probably on most of our bucket lists. With its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and fascinating culture, it’s not hard to see why. Thankfully, you can now get a taste of this island lifestyle at ‘Fiji: Art and Life in the Pacific’, the newest exhibit to enter the Sainsbury Centre… Continue reading An afternoon in Fiji

Halloween around the world: The all souls procession in Tucson

Across the globe, the period surrounding the end of the October and beginning of November is celebrated in various different ways. Whether it’s the Western idea of Halloween, or the Spanish speaking holiday of Dias de los Muertos, it cannot be argued that this time of the year has significant impact on how (and why)… Continue reading Halloween around the world: The all souls procession in Tucson

Citizens of the world

Earlier this month, Theresa May claimed that “if you believe you’re a citizen of the world, you’re a citizen of nowhere.” In such controversial, post-Brexit times, this quote struck a chord with both young and elderly people alike. Whilst ‘leave’ voters would celebrate the idea that our PM is thinking on a smaller, British-sized scale,… Continue reading Citizens of the world

Fashion and animals – Angola Fashion Week 2016

Africa is not usually known for its fashion weeks; instead, we leave it to the cities of London, Paris and New York to show the world what being ‘fashionable’ really means. However, one overlooked and increasingly popular event is taking place in Angola every year – Angola Fashion Week. This year, models and designers alike flocked… Continue reading Fashion and animals – Angola Fashion Week 2016

The ADP riot tour – Norwich

Following the shocking Brexit result, and the ever accumulating terror attacks, Jimmy Cauty brings us his latest art installation project – The Aftermath Dislocation Principle. A 40ft shipping container travelling the country until Christmas Day, the piece contains a miniature post-apocalyptic world. Small holes in the container allow visitors to peak into Cauty’s destructive environment,… Continue reading The ADP riot tour – Norwich