bookshops, of course… and liberty

Where would you go on a shopping spree? My dream shopping spree? Definitely in a book shop. Or better still in several bookshops (it is a fantasy shopping spree after all). One would have to specialise in politics and history, another would have shelves packed with fiction in translation. Perhaps there'd be an author in … Continue reading bookshops, of course… and liberty

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the curious appeal of election posters

Election posters. There’s something fascinating about them. Unlike social media campaigns, they don’t depend on algorithms and echo chambers — they’re for absolutely anyone who happens to pass by. And ahead of any election in Germany, posters adorn every railing and ascend every lamppost (often stacked four or five high). For a few weeks, they … Continue reading the curious appeal of election posters

a tale of loss and forgetting: ‘the memory police’ by yoko ogawa

This blog is something of a detour. It shares my thoughts on a book I first read late 2019 but continue to mull over today. The Memory Police by Yoko Ogawa (translated by Stephen Snyder) is a dystopian and allegory-laden story of loss — of expression, freedom and, ultimately, life. It’s also a powerful reminder … Continue reading a tale of loss and forgetting: ‘the memory police’ by yoko ogawa

why I’ve changed my mind about tactical voting (for now)

Let’s get one thing straight. I’m not a fan of tactical voting or electoral pacts. ‘Vote for what you believe in’ is my motto. And stepping aside to endorse another party’s candidate limits voter choice and involves significant risk. What’s more, it makes some big assumptions about how your own voters will respond. An earlier … Continue reading why I’ve changed my mind about tactical voting (for now)