Salmon fishing in the Yemen - a pleasant surprise

My first thought was why would you try and make a film about this absurd idea - but then it became clear that the process of putting it into action may well be more entertaining. Ewen McGregor plays a dedicated but aspergist scientist and his engagement with the project was an entertaining 180' turnaround. He flipped the tables on his lazy and disengaged boss and captivated the project's assistant to create a delicate romance in an interesting trio. The indulgent sheik who dreamed of bringing fly fishing to the deserts of Yemen was equally engaging and by the end I was almost believing that it was all possible. Kristin Scott Thomas plays the Prime Minister's press secretary is a wonderfully arrogant and expressive way and she uses dry political humour very well. There is an quiet underlying theme of following your dreams with faith that is quite pleasantly idealistic.

an unusual Paulo Coelho book - The Winner Stands Alone

I needed a book to read on holidays in Noosa - and had to choose it in the airport at Dubai... So when I saw a (comparatively) new book by my old time favourite author, Paulo Coelho, I was tantalised. It sounded different from his previous introspective escapes, where the reader quickly associates with the key protagonist and evaluates their own personal response with that described by Paulo. Sometimes I have found it a bit too esoteric and idealistic, but I have always enjoyed personally engaging with Paulo's characters and plots. This time it was different.The protagonist, Igor is a well developed russian entrepreneur. While it is comparatively easy to understand his ambitious workaholism and feel regret for his failed marriage, it is difficult to understand his plan to turn worlds upside down (by rampant and unprovoked murder) in order to win back his only love. I read voraciously to try and understand his motive and psychological state and was disappointed to conclude that he was just another sociopath. In contrast, I felt a lot closer to his ex wife Ewa, who seems to have pragmatically decided on a divorce, and married an ambitious and successful clothing designer, although I felt she was quite shallow in her attempts to deal with some bizarre text messages from Igor. What was quite clever was how Coelho weaved life stories together as we traced several young things in their quest for a chance at success and ultimate fame. He described the superficiality of the lives of the famous and powerful and I almost felt sorry for the new kids who were still trying to hold onto some personal integrity. But overall I felt disappointed and frustrated at the final scene and really still don't have my usual positive take home message from this book... maybe in time I will find the hidden gem!