Lapvona Robert Holland Ginette Vincendeau on Jean-Pierre Melville

Ginette Vincendeau on Jean-Pierre Melville (2004

Laced with subversive humour and warm intelligence

and lush Mellotron sounds with a solid hard rock base

Why does imposing democracy on other countries never work

in 'The Magician' (1958) von Sydow plays a 19th century mesmerist who is charged with blasphemy and questioned by the authorities

Lapvona Robert Holland Ginette Vincendeau on Jean-Pierre MelvilleBrace yourself for Lapvona a rollercoaster ride of depravation and perversion in the singular new novel from Ottessa Moshfegh, author My Year of Rest and Relaxation Welcome to Lapvona. In a village in a medieval fiefdom buffeted by natural disasters, a motherless shepherd boy finds himself at the centre of a power struggle that puts all manner of faith to a savage test . . .