Today I am so pleased to have Monique Lewis as a guest blogger. Monique is an associate producer for a historical fiction T.V. series called, Courage New Hampshire, a historical t.v. series set in colonial times. Myself, I have only watched part of the first episode, but I very much liked what I saw. So, here's Monique:
On a recent trip up to the California Central
Coast, my husband and I decided to visit Hearst Castle. As most
you may know, Hearst Castle is not a castle at all. In fact, it is an extravagant
mansion, a “palace" of sorts. It took over 28 years to build most of this
house, and if you plan to visit there any time soon, you will see that it still
remains unfinished.
With 38 bedrooms, William Randolph Hearst
hosted the elite of Hollywood, politics, and sports,
during the 1930's.
During my tour, I could not help myself from
imagining all of the people, who walked the
extravagant grounds, the conversations that were held in the Roman pool, hear
the laughter and music that echoed
throughout the Assembly Hall. I could imagine walking with my “honey” in the gardens dressed in the finest of 1930's
attire for one of the many parties that
Hearst hosted on the grounds.
On our way back home, I was left hungering for more of the 1920’s- 1930's
adventure and experiences.
adventure and experiences.
I decided that I would not mourn the memories
of visiting Hearst Castle, but I would seek to find that
adventure in a book. I would trust my feelings of nostalgia to one of the greats in American literature.
With one book in mind, and I decided to dive
in, head first.
I chose to re-read, F. Scott Fitzgerald's,
"The Great Gatsby.”
“The Great Gatsby" is one of my favorite
books, because it reflects a certain time period and a
certain mindset: The Roaring 20’s where possibility and prosperity seemed
endless. I read this book in high school. I loved it
then, and I love it now. The romance between Gatsby and Daisy is
timeless, and it brings up feelings of nostalgia. (I want to live in that time
period!)
Nostalgia is, simply, the desire to replicate
and remember the past. We like to look back. We enjoy speculating: “what
could have been?” We constantly, force our way back into the past,
our past.
And so, dear reader, you might be able to infer
that my desire for nostalgia has made me an avid reader and an American history
buff.
Currently, I am an associate producer for a
television show called “Courage, New Hampshire.” This show reminds me of a good
book. I was hooked by the story. "Courage,
New Hampshire" is the story of tavern justice dealt out in an 18th
century New England shire town on the verge of the American Revolution. Tavern keeper and justice of the peace Silas
Rhodes (James Riley), alongside British deserter Bob Wheedle (Nathan Kershaw)
lead a band of rebel underground soldiers known as “The Sons of Liberty," in acts of midnight justice against royal officials attempting to enforce unpopular law, in the pre-revolutionary New England
township of Courage, New Hampshire.
And even though this show is not a book, it reflects
a certain mindset that most Americans desire to believe again: Good men can
pursue justice and liberty for all. The goal of the show is to not only bring about
feelings of nostalgia, but an understanding of the past.
Each episode tells a story depicting daily life
in this 18th century early American township mixed with the turmoil of
pre-revolutionary war in accurate historical detail; provide a storyline filled
with intrigue, politics, family-life, and romance in this colonial period drama
series. Though fictional, many of the story lines will be based on actual
events.
I encourage you all to check out “Courage, New
Hampshire,” and be sure to let me know what you think! I am always looking for
honest critics!
Until then, happy reading!
Monique and her husband in front of Neptune Pool at Hearst Castle |
~Monique
Thanks so much, Monique! I don't think there are nearly enough historical series on T.V. these days, so I'm all for more. Anyone wanting more info on this series, visit colonybay.net. Thanks again, Monique! :D
I've always wanted to visit that house. It sounds like it's fascinating.
ReplyDeleteIt does, doesn't it?
DeleteFunny how things that pique our interest usually lead us to a book or other research. The show sounds interesting. I'll see if I can find it.
ReplyDeleteThanks Renae! :D
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