JESSICA RACHID

Writer. Faber Academy Allumni. Member of Soho Young Company.

[journeywriting]

The Players in Game of Thrones

It is rare for a television series to overtake the novels, or in fact, last over a decade. But finally, the game has come to an end. 

Game of Thrones is an epic. It is more than a family drama. The Starks miraculously survived the dead, a Night King and the last war. Jon Snow watched his queen die in his arms. Have to admit he does not have the best luck in the world when it comes to women. Especially, when he ends up at the Nights Watch, again. 

Dany was destined to become the mad queen. She could not live after she killed thousands of innocent men, women and children. Even her beloved Drogon knew that. Maybe that is why he melted the iron throne. It was cursed. It was the reason why his queen died.  

Arya ends up sailing the seas of Westeros. She wins the game in my opinion. Not only has she escaped a lifetime of duty and drudgery as a lady, but she has also found her freedom. She deserves it after everything she has done. She killed the bloody Night King, she deserves a medal. 

Sansa is Queen of the North and the greatest survivor of the series. Her character has gone from strength to strength. She has been manipulated, forced into marriage(s), brutally raped and used as a puppet. Then she decided the play smarter. That is why she deserves her title. Her winnings. 

Now Bran the Broken is the surprise King of the six kingdoms. He will sire no sons. He will have no family of his own. He is the perfect choice for a leader because he does not desire power. 

There has been a great deal of debate over the quality of the writing for the final series of Game of Thrones. I do believe that it is difficult to create material based on books that do not exist... yet. Personally, I am relieved. We have been so concerned about our favourite characters, the survivors and the main players of the game - we cannot forget the creator. George R. R. Martin first penned this story in 1991. 

The last book is yet to be released. 

To know the ending of Game of Thrones is a privilege. And that is why I will miss the players in this legendary game where there are very few winners and many losers.

[journeywriting]

The Price of Freedom in The Act

Gypsy Rose Blanchard became famous after she orchestrated the brutal murder of her mother in 2015.

The Act is not simply a true crime story. It explores the humanity of the characters and why they committed these crimes. 

Dee Dee Blanchard played the role of a mother, abuser and victim. She cared for her severely disabled daughter who suffered from multiple disorders. They practically lived in the hospital. Everyone knew who they were. People in the community admired Dee Dee for her selflessness. Compassion. Diligence. No one suspected that the hairless girl in the wheelchair could actually walk and talk for herself. Gypsy did not need a feeding tube, endless medication and all her teeth removed. 

Her growth was stunted. She was trapped in a putrid pink house with her overprotective mother. So Gypsy found her rescuer online. Nick Godejohn broke Gypsy out of her prison only to deliver her into another one, where she is currently serving time.

It was interesting watching the dynamic between the abuser and the abused. Especially, when those roles were reversed. Gypsy outgrew her shackles. She had lived half a life as her mother’s puppet, which must have left deep psychological scars. But when I think about Gypsy, I cannot help but wonder if she was entirely to blame... or was she simply trying to survive?

Hulu has told Gypsy’s story with respect, giving the viewers a unique perspective on the crime and the criminals. None of it is black or white. It is deeply dark and twisted. Yet, it also challenged the audience. Do we pity Gypsy and Dee Dee or do we condemn them? Are they fraudsters? Did they manipulate the system? Or were they a product of the system and the American Dream?

If Gypsy had not escaped would she still be alive? 

I do not know the answer. 

I just know that she paid a price for her freedom and she is still incarcerated.

The Act is sensational. Joey King stars as Gypsy Rose and Patricia Arquette masterfully portrays Dee Dee. These two actresses together are electrifying. These strong female characters are complex, scarred and human. Their story will haunt you as it has haunted me. 

[journeywriting]

The Brilliancy of My Brilliant Friend

It is incredibly inspiring to read and watch a friendship blossom between two girls who become women. Elena and Lila grow up together, sharing their love for literature and learning. They are competitive. Constantly comparing and contrasting their lives. 

Both want to escape a life of poverty and obscurity. They search for fulfilment in the pages of novels. Elena is the narrator, guiding the reader through the rough streets of Naples. Their lives bleed into one another, creating a bond that defined a lifetime. 

It is no wonder that the HBO adaptation is creating a buzz worldwide. 

My own mother watched the first episode of the new television series and immediately phoned me to ask if I had a copy of the book. Elene Ferrante is a mysterious writer, literally. There are no photos. No interviews. No voice. Only her words on the page. And a magical story that has stayed in the hearts of so many readers. Now there is more of a debate about her identity, as My Brilliant Friend continues to grow in popularity.

These particular words have stayed in my mind since I turned the last page:

“I feel no nostalgia for our childhood: it was full of violence. Every sort of thing happened, at home and outside, every day, but I don’t recall having ever thought that the life we had there was particularly bad. Life was like that, that’s all, we grew up with the duty to make it difficult for others before they made it difficult for us.’

Isn’t that what every life is? 

A constant battle between our need to survive and thrive? To better ourselves? To expand our horizons?

For me, I felt like Elene and Lila were one and the same. They grew up to become mirror images of one another, trying to improve their appearances, their minds and their entire livelihoods. Yet, they were not only allies, but they also became enemies, sisters and soulmates. 

My Brilliant Friend is one of those rare classics that transcends translation and it is a tale that can be told all over the globe. That is why it is a timeless work of art. 

[journeywriting]

The Vibrancy of Colour Me In

We live in technicolour and Lydia Ruffles has drawn a vibrant map to our world with her second novel, Colour Me In. The bright lights of London town have become too blinding for nineteen-year-old, Arlo, who has decided to flee England with his sketchbook and leave his acting career behind. Arlo pursues his dream of becoming a real artist. To find a life of fulfilment and along the way, he meets a fellow traveller, Mizuki. She is on her own mission. 

However, no one cannot escape their past or hide from their future. Arlo must face his own demons. Colour in his heart with art as well as love. He no longer wants to feel hollow. 

Colour Me In is a novel that deals primarily with grief, or rather, the impact of despair. The story touches on mental health issues and how young men deal with their complex emotions. 

Lydia Ruffles is not afraid to deal with hard-hitting topics. Colour Me In is an important novel that will resonate with anyone who has suffered from the unexpected loss of someone they love. Of course, there is sadness and loneliness, yet there is also so much joy that can be found in unlikely friendships. Human connection is what unites us and that is why Colour Me In is a book to look out for. 

[journeywriting]

It is so good to be BAD

Chloé Esposito’s debut novel caused quite a stir. Mad was a trailblazing, sexy thriller that was pure unadulterated entertainment. Honestly, I couldn’t put it down. Not only was Alvie Knightly funny, she was deadly and her killing spree was going to set Sicily on fire.

Mad, Bad and Dangerous to Know are three tales of bloodlust. Alvie kills her twin, steals her identity and becomes a murderous vengeful spiteful anti-hero.

You almost want to hate her. But you can’t help but admire her determination.

Even when her heart is shattered into a million pieces, she uses the shards to maim her enemies. She doesn’t go down without a fight (and a cocktail.) Bad is dynamite. Genuinely, it packs a punch for every woman who has ever felt loves keen sting.

If you like hilarious hitmen, revengeful girlfriends and a whole lot of mafia drama, then this book is for you. Chloé Esposito has a unique voice. It is no wonder that the movie rights have been snapped up and there was a buying frenzy over this trilogy. It is a combination of Killing Eve and The Talented Mr. Ripley. I cannot wait to read the final act and to see what is in store for Chloé Esposito’s career.

[journeywriting]

The Wildness Of A Monster Calls

The Old Vic is staging the magical production of A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness. To be honest, I have never been so blown away by a tree made out of ropes. The monster is manmade. His voice resonates through Conner, a boy dealing with the repercussions of a disease he cannot understand. He is going to lose his mum. He knows this and yet, he cannot fight the nightmares, no matter how hard he tries to run away from his problems. The bullies in school. His absent father. His disagreeable grandmother. His old best friend.

Grief often comes in many forms and guises. In this case, a monster comes walking to tell Conner three tales of bravery, loss and love. 

A Monster Calls is a modern-day masterpiece. A stunning collection of talented actors with not one weak link. The music compliments every single second of the performance (I wish the soundtrack was available to buy, that is how much I loved the musicians playing in that tiny little box.) 

Surprisingly, the most unsettling part of the production was the standing ovation. Only a few people remained in their seats, sobbing in their partner's arms. I was blinded by my own tears, but I saw the branch that united all of us together. We have all gone through that barren land of despair. We have all lost someone we love. We have all felt pain and heartache and crippling sorrow. That does not mean we are alone. 

We all have to face our monsters. 

In the words of Patrick Ness:

“Stories are the wildest things of all, the monster rumbled. Stories chase and bite and hunt.”

For tickets and more information about A Monster Calls, follow the link: https://www.oldvictheatre.com/whats-on/2018/a-monster-calls

[journeywriting]

The Wonders and Worries of Writing a Novel

The page can be a battlefield. Especially, when you do not know how to navigate your way around the landmines of self-doubt. Writing a Novel is not any ordinary guide. It is full of creative ammunition for any aspiring writer.

When I first joined the Faber Academy, I took a chance. I admitted to myself that I wanted to write. I started the Writing a Novel course and found my people. Nearly three years later, we still meet up to discuss our manuscripts and our lives.

I was lucky to have Richard Skinner as my teacher. He taught me many things but most importantly he taught me that, ‘The first person you should be writing for is yourself.’ 

In his guide to Writing a Novel, he explores how to generate ideas, characters and voice. Reading his book was like taking my seat in the Faber Academy again. It reminded of plot, structure, pace, conflict and the importance of setting. Honestly, it was like revisiting a combat zone. Afterwards, I approached my novel with a sharper pencil and attacked. Killed off all my darlings. 

Richard Skinner definitely knows what he is talking about. He has taught some of the leading literary voices of today, from SJ Watson, Laline Paull, Alice Feeney, Ali Land, Lydia Ruffles, Chloé Esposito, Karen Hamilton and Renée Knight. To name a few. I am lucky to have met some of these incredible writers and learn from them. That is the benefit of joining the Faber Academy. You find a support network. An army of readers. An audience. 

Writing a Novel is a map to your manuscript. But the only person who can write it - is you. 

In Richard Skinner’s words:

‘You have loosed your arrow and now have to wait and see where it falls. Support your book when it is down, revel in its success when it is up, but remember: success and failure are both imposters. The work is all; it is we who walk away.’

[journeywriting]

Killing Eve is Killing It

It is refreshing watching complex female characters play a game of cat and mouse. Especially, if the actresses are utterly sublime. Sandra Oh and Jodie Comer come together in this hilarious psychological thriller penned by the phenomenal, Phoebe Waller-Bridge. The writer and creator of Fleabag. 

We start with Eve who is investigating the assassin, Villanelle. 

She is fascinated by this young, twisted, beautiful murderer. But Villanelle is not your typical psychopath. She is, in fact, a comical mastermind. Not to mention a style icon with great taste. 

Villanelle is also bloody terrifying. 

She does not shy away from blood and gore. Her way of life is violence. She is paid a lot of money to poison, maim and butcher. Whatever gets the job done. Villanelle does not stop to think about the consequences. Once she gets out of control, that is when the story becomes interesting. 

Eve forms an attachment to this sexy serial killer. She admires her work. Literally. She is haunted by Villanelle. 

Killing Eve is completely original. No wonder it has caught the attention of the world. Season two has already been confirmed. If you haven’t had a chance to watch the show, I am jealous. You are in for a treat. 

[journeywriting]

Wake Up to The Handmaid’s Tale

When I was eighteen-years-old, I was given an assignment. I wrote an essay on the dystopian setting of Gilead. Now I watch the highly acclaimed television adaptation of Magaret Atwood’s novel and I cannot help but compare fiction to reality. 

An entire decade has passed since I first read The Handmaid’s Tale and our world has changed drastically. Sexism has become a hot topic. Equal pay is now being demanded in the workplace. Every single day, rape victims are coming forward to tell their stories. It is almost overwhelming to see how many men and women share the same story. Yet, these acts of bravery are not alien in The Handmaid’s Tale. Women are ranked according to their fertility. They are given over to men of power to be raped on a regular basis, with their wives holding them down to the bed. It is truly harrowing to read as well as watch. Now the story seems more important than ever before as the Me Too movement spreads throughout the globe. The time is up for ignorance. 

Offred is a modern-day heroine. She has inspired a new resistance. Protestors march up to Hollywood in Handmaid’s uniforms. Their white caps obscure their faces. They are one and the same. The characters from a book written in 1984 have come to life in 2018. 

The dystopian setting of Gilead once seemed so far away. A nightmare too horrific to even contemplate. Now I have woken up to the reality of our western civilisation. It cannot be denied that women are working on an unequal playing field. Men of power have been taking young girls up to their hotel rooms to be sexually assaulted for years. Only now are they being punished for their crimes. Only now are women being heard. Only now can The Handmaid’s Tale be told on the screen and receive the acclaim it deserves. Civilisation must see what our reality could be if we remain ignorant. If we ignore climate change. If we allow rape victims to have their mouths sealed shut. If we carry on living with our phones permanently attached to our hands. We have to look up and see the devastation in each other’s eyes. Recognise the Handmaid standing directly in front of us... because they could be sitting across from you on the train or sleeping next to you in your bed. Wake up. This is happening in real life. 

[journeywriting]

The Spellbinding Children of Blood and Bone

Few fantasy novels leap off the shelves. But my mother honestly stole this book out of my hands. Children of Blood and Bone is gripping, haunting and completely bewitching. It is a feast for the senses. Full of intrigue. Not only a novel for young adults, but for all ages. Yet, what is most important is that Tomi Adeyemi is an author who celebrates femininity, culture and power. 

Zélie is a daughter of a maggot, well, that is what everyone calls the women with the dark skin, white hair and pale eyes. They are persecuted because of their powers. The soil of Orïsha was stained with blood the night magic was banished by the king. But Zélie and her comrade, Amari must unite if they are going to strike against the monarchy. 

Children of Blood and Bone is the first of its kind. It is not only original, it is a breath of fresh air. 

I struggle to compare Tomi Adeyemi to any other writer. She is following in the footsteps of Angie Thomas who wrote The Hate You Give and M. R. Carey, the author of The Girl With All The Gifts. The rise of diversity in children's fiction is truly inspiring as well as encouraging. Finally, there are books on the shelves with an array of protagonists from all walks of life. 

[journeywriting]

The Love and Loss of Johnny Ruin

A road trip through the mind of man can be a tumultuous thing. There are many roadblocks, mental obstacles and hitchhikers along the way. Johnny Ruin is both hilarious and heartbreaking. It is a brave, transcending and bold novel that does not sugarcoat the car crash that is the narrator's life. 

Johnny is not afraid to tell it how it is. 

‘If you really want to fuck someone up, love them as hard as you can.’

And that is exactly what Johnny does. 

Throughout the novel, Johnny dabbles with drugs and women. He tells his story to his idol, Jon Bon Jovi. He remembers his childhood, his first hand job and various sexual escapades. He does not shy away from the gory details, in fact, he revels in them. By exploring those little pathways, he leads the reader into the darkest recesses of his mind. 

Dan Dalton is not afraid of using his own life experience to inform his writing. Johnny Ruin analyses masculinity, depression, love and life after that love is gone. It is a modern-day Odyssey. An exploration of music with one of the greatest singer-songwriters to ever live. This is not a tragic story, far from it. Johnny Ruin is a tale of how a writer rediscovers himself, while on the road. 

Reading Johnny Ruin is equally challenging as well as enjoyable. It made me, the reader, look at myself in a different light. It made me question my morality and my own heart. I know this is a story that you cannot forget and that is what great literature is all about. 

[journeywriting]

The Play That Goes Wrong

Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society took their last bow tonight and the entire audience was on their feet, applauding and laughing. It was pretty spectacular, especially as it was World Theatre Day 2018. 

To be completely honest, I was full of trepidation. It had been a hard week and I was looking forward to a night at the theatre. Watching the murder mystery fall completely apart, was a complete surprise. The staging played a massive role in the comedy. The actors clearly had their acts together, even though it looked like they had no clue what they were doing. 

Essentially, I was watching a play within a play within a play. 

There were layers upon layers of comical devices, clichés, pathetic props, bad wigs, disagreeable directors, angry stage managers and audience participation. My only criticism was the woman behind me, who cackled like a witch on steroids. Also, my sister, who had purchased the tickets could not come along because she was in the hospital. Everything that could go wrong, in real life and on the stage, seemed to happen. But as they say, ‘the show must go on.’

I have to admit when Lindsey Scott, who played Annie, started to cry as she waved goodbye to the audience, I was touched. It was clear that these actors were an army of talented comedians. Katy Draghorn was a minx. George Haynes was a joker. Daniel Poyser was an undercover master of wit. Fred Grey was getting up to tons of mischief. Basically, there was not one weak link in this cast and that is rare. It was almost a bit sad that after two years the Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society had to break the stage one last time (in the best way possible.) Then again, I am not surprised that The Play That Goes Wrong is the West End’s longest-running comedy show. 

[journeywriting]

Art is Therapy

The question: “Must you write?” often occurs to me. 

The answer is simple. I write because it keeps me sane.  

Art is an imitation of life, that much is certain. When I sit down with a pen and a piece of paper, I find freedom. That may seem clichéd or even cheesy. Only thing is, I cannot bring myself to talk to a professional. Discuss bereavement and loss. I just haven’t got the... patience. Maybe I will one day. Yet, I still find more comfort on this page than in anyone else. 

Not talking, is sometimes the only coping mechanism some people know. 

And that is okay. 

Whatever works, right?

My point being, I have been to the theatre three times in a row. In between all of that, I was helping my brother get to and from the hospital. Being told repeatedly by doctors that there is nothing they can do to ease his pain, becomes unbearable. It makes you feel powerless. 

When my friends decided to take me to see Summer and Smoke, Returning To Haifa, Girls And Boys - I found comfort. It was my way of escaping. Finding some peace in all the mayhem. That is why I love the stage. The scripts. The stories of love, loss and redemption. In amongst all the sadness, there is so much joy. That is why I write. So one day, my writing may help someone escape, even if it helps just one person that is all that matters. 

[journeywriting]

The Love Between Girls & Boys

It is no wonder Girls & Boys is completely SOLD OUT. Carey Mulligan is a sensation. A true storyteller. 

She steps onto that stage and hypnotises her audience. It is a joy to watch. Girls & Boys follows a woman and her journey through life. Love. Career. Family. 

Mulligan breaks down the fourth wall and speaks directly to the audience, bringing us into her home, which is devoid of colour. Only toys litter the stage. Remnants of her past. Flickers of her life. 

Behind the woman is a secret. 

Literally, you can feel the tension rising. It is building. The momentum is almost palpable. You can see the devastation. Then Mulligan reveals the tragedy that ruins her entire life. That destroys her family. 

Girls & Boys is an important piece of storytelling. It is a tale of loss, which so many mothers can relate to. So many people can identify with Mulligan and her character. They can see themselves reflected in the horror of those deaths.

Dennis Kelly combines humour and horror with an expert hand. He writes beautifully. Lyndsey Turner's production is simply sensational. The overall impact of Girls & Boys travels home with you from the Royal Court, where it stays. It is a cautionary tale that teaches us the true value of love between girls and boys. 

[journeywriting]

Summer and Smoke

It is a rare thing to see a play capture the essence of a text. The crux of the story. The beating heart of the writer. 

Summer and Smoke by Tennessee Williams is a love story. The preacher's daughter is literally a nervous wreck, a fragile songbird, who flies to the doctor whenever she has heart palpitations (which is often.) Luckily, the doctor lives across the yard. He has a handsome son and that is where the trouble begins. 

The Almeida Theatre produces a stunning rendition of Summer and Smoke. Pianos line the stage. The music travels through the theatre and it is almost like a religious experience. Smoke rises through the auditorium. In the centre of it all is a stage covered in sand, which is almost like a fighting ring, where John and Alma fight their own emotions. They push each other away. They constantly question one another. 

The audience was hypnotised. The cliché, ‘You could hear a pin drop’ - took on another meaning. No one dared breathe. It was as if I was sitting alone, watching Patsy Ferran and Matthew Needham perform. The entire cast was superb. It was a spellbinding and enchanting experience, where I was transported to Mississippi. I forgot the snow in London. I was warmed by the hilarious and heartbreaking portrayal of two young people falling in and out of love and falling apart.

I hope female directors like, Rebecca Frecknall continue to retell classic stories. I have a newfound respect for Tennessee Williams and his craft. He creates characters who are tragically flawed. Typically, the men suffer from addiction. But it is the women who intrigue me. Alma is a complex character. Patsy Ferran is a master of dialogue. Matthew Needham compliments her completely and he is a force of nature. Honestly, their chemistry made the audience laugh and cry. It is a rare thing to see that kind of art on a London stage. 

[journeywriting]

Thank Fuck for Tiny Beautiful Things

I love Cheryl Strayed. Literally, I have never met this woman and she has reached out and held my hand through some of the darkest times of my life. Literature has the power to do that, especially, when you do not have the strength to talk about what is happening in your own life. Sometimes I feel like the words I cannot say are suffocating me, squeezing my windpipe until I can scarcely breathe. 

But Cheryl Strayed has this ability to write with such honesty and bravery that it literally leaves me speechless. 

Her “Dear Sugar” columns are simply astounding. She writes letters that remind us of what it is to be human. We are a lonely society in a world where social media gives us the illusion of intimacy. Empathy. Courage. Convictions. These are some of the remedies Strayed offers to her readers. Tiny Beautiful Things is a tonic for the soul. It literally reminds you of something so simple, and yet we often forget, that we are not alone. 

It takes a great deal of courage to reveal your truth and Cheryl Strayed does not hold back. She openly discusses her addiction issues, her failed marriage, her experience with sexual assault and yet, she also refers back to her children and her husband. She finds joy in amongst all the heartache. 

I cannot lie, I was crying at three in the morning, reading this collection of advice columns. That is the only flaw (or is it cathartic?) Maybe avoid reading Tiny Beautiful Things on public transport if you do not want to openly sob in front of strangers. Otherwise, I could not stop reading this hilarious, and heartbreaking body of work by Cheryl Strayed. If you love her famous autobiography, Wild, I would highly recommend Tiny Beautiful Things. Also, I could not pick my favourite quote from the book, so below is a diagram of epic things Sugar says:

[journeywriting]

There Should Be A Warning Sign For My Absolute Darling

Rarely have I been kept awake at night by a book. Seriously, there should be a warning sign on the cover of My Absolute Darling because it is absolutely terrifying. Gabriel Tallent delves into a dark and eerily creepy world, filled with cruelty and neglect. Testing the boundaries between love and fear, Tallent takes his readers to the outskirts of society, where a fourteen-year-old girl is given lessons in the art of survival by her father. This debut novel is a haunting portrayal of America and gun violence. 

It is gut-wrenching. The depiction of brutality is so vividly described that it is truly sickening. At some points, I could not carry on reading. I had to take breaks from the sadistic sex games Martin played with his teenage daughter, Turtle.

My Absolute Darling has rave reviews and it is no wonder. Gabriel Tallent has followed in the footsteps of Vladimir Nabokov and his, Lolita. 

Since I finished the novel, I have not stopped thinking of Turtle. She is a truly remarkable character, who survives trauma and abuse. She fights to stay alive, to keep the people she loves safe. However, this is one twisted love story. The ending is bleak. There are no happy conclusions for any of the characters, who are left with nothing but scars. 

This is not a book for the faint-hearted.