Yes! I came here to mention this film too, Lizzie. "The Neighbors' Window" won the Oscar for Best Live Action Short Film in 2020 and is well worth watching. Thank you for another lovely Sunday Letter, Caroline.
Oh! That film. I remember hearing everyone talk about it but hadn't watched it until this morning. So beautiful. And such a moving reminder that reality is often different than it appears.
I enjoy taking walks after sunset in my neighborhood, for the same feeling you describe about the nighttime drives. It's so intriguing to see the silhouettes of people in their kitchen preparing dinner, watching television from their couch, or pacing back and forth while anxiously looking at their phone. There are so many stories behind each gesture.
Yes! Isn't sunset the best time for walking and window watching? People are home, kids still awake, windows aglow and buzzing with activity. Such a nice way to be alone, and not, at the same time.
Hi Caroline, just to tell you that I adore your writing, it is always like lying down under a tree: seeing the world through a new perspective, bringing new questions and new reflections. Thank you so much for that.
Thank you, Valérie. Your words made my day. That is the nicest compliment, especially your lovely framing with the tree. It's a beautiful metaphor and I appreciate it very much.
Have you read 'There is no such thing as an easy job' novel by Kikuko Tsumura? I think you might really enjoy it, especially the first story. I was on the fence but decided to go for it and I am so glad I did. No blurb or review (I found so far) does it really justice.
As a New Zealand reader, this story touched me, and I can relate to what you describe. It reminds me of people watching when you are solo at a coffee bar or cafe, perched on a stool in the window with a good view, whiling away the time gazing at the world going by, imagining what people's stories are.
Our home is very private, in a semi rural setting with no curtains and only one picture window that a handful of neighbours could see into at night (when we were the ones all lit up at night, with lives on display) we recently installed a curtain for privacy, no longer can they see what we're watching on the big screen tv.... ha ha
People watching at bars and coffee shops is the best! Easily one of things I missed most during various stages of the pandemic. I'd go with the intention to write from there and wind up observing everyone else instead... 😬
Hearing about the your neighbor reminded me of this poignant, short movie:
https://cupofjo.com/2020/02/neighbors-window-short-film/
Yes! I came here to mention this film too, Lizzie. "The Neighbors' Window" won the Oscar for Best Live Action Short Film in 2020 and is well worth watching. Thank you for another lovely Sunday Letter, Caroline.
Oh! That film. I remember hearing everyone talk about it but hadn't watched it until this morning. So beautiful. And such a moving reminder that reality is often different than it appears.
I enjoy taking walks after sunset in my neighborhood, for the same feeling you describe about the nighttime drives. It's so intriguing to see the silhouettes of people in their kitchen preparing dinner, watching television from their couch, or pacing back and forth while anxiously looking at their phone. There are so many stories behind each gesture.
Yes! Isn't sunset the best time for walking and window watching? People are home, kids still awake, windows aglow and buzzing with activity. Such a nice way to be alone, and not, at the same time.
Hi Caroline, just to tell you that I adore your writing, it is always like lying down under a tree: seeing the world through a new perspective, bringing new questions and new reflections. Thank you so much for that.
Thank you, Valérie. Your words made my day. That is the nicest compliment, especially your lovely framing with the tree. It's a beautiful metaphor and I appreciate it very much.
Have you read 'There is no such thing as an easy job' novel by Kikuko Tsumura? I think you might really enjoy it, especially the first story. I was on the fence but decided to go for it and I am so glad I did. No blurb or review (I found so far) does it really justice.
I haven't, but I just read a bit about it and it sounds amazing! Will definitely check it out. Thanks, Ksenija ❤️
As a New Zealand reader, this story touched me, and I can relate to what you describe. It reminds me of people watching when you are solo at a coffee bar or cafe, perched on a stool in the window with a good view, whiling away the time gazing at the world going by, imagining what people's stories are.
Our home is very private, in a semi rural setting with no curtains and only one picture window that a handful of neighbours could see into at night (when we were the ones all lit up at night, with lives on display) we recently installed a curtain for privacy, no longer can they see what we're watching on the big screen tv.... ha ha
People watching at bars and coffee shops is the best! Easily one of things I missed most during various stages of the pandemic. I'd go with the intention to write from there and wind up observing everyone else instead... 😬
Your home sounds lovely! Thank you, Deb.
Such a fun and insightful piece. I would need "closure" on the Bro's stories...what happened to the woman? What did they argue about? 🤔 😄
Thank you! And I share your desire for closure... I wish I knew!