Sticking to the subject of Susan Hill and her creation of Cat the Perfect Woman, I think there is a tendency on the part of certain writers to present us with these figures who are overloaded with amazing qualities. Simon Serraillier is the nominal hero of the series and he solves all the cases but Hill depicts him as wonderful at his job but deeply flawed as a man. He has huge difficulties with relationships whereas his sister Cat has of course none. Would Hill have exchanged their personalities and given us Simon the perfect man and Cat the imperfect woman? I think not. This is not to say that I think this is how Hill sees herself. but rather her view that women are more far-reaching in their capabilities.

OK, shoot me down Buffy!

 

I agree I love to read good books which take me away from the tourist side of travel/guide books. On the lighter side of travel writing but is Annie Hawes books but they really introduced me to wanting to learn more about the countries she has lived in with their cultures. I know recently two programs on prompted me to want to learn more about two countries therefore media worked in my case although nothing would replace a book especially one which is full of detail. Travel shows (not holiday ones) are relevant if they prompt someone to look for more books and actually read them. I know someone who will be very interested in your blog link (including me as I have already spotted a few items of interest) thanks