Literature

Looks like you survived the Monday, join us for to wind down, discuss the struggles and prepare for the rest of the week. Today’s minor topic is: The Loop, and about being Stuck on Repeat.

EN (FR en bas): We're still accepting people in our classes. Join us!​ -step 1: Book here! -> [https://www.danceproject.be/reservations.html](https://www.danceproject.be/reservations.html) -step 2: Show up! Schedule: [Monday to Thursday](https://www.danceproject.be/classes.html#schedule) Fees : [All info on trials, packs, subscriptions here](https://www.danceproject.be/classes.html#fees) Locations: -Rue Brialmont 7, Brussels Metro/Tram: Botanique Salsa, Bachata, Lindy Hop, Forró Intro - 1: From base to the dancefloor! When you come for the first time we go over the base & rhythm with you. Then you are included in the group and everybody learns the same new steps for which you just need the base. Practice makes perfect: just relax and enjoy Salsa, Bachata, Lindy Hop and/or Forró! Our group is very welcoming and looking forward to meet new dancers! Salsa, Bachata, Lindy Hop, Forró Roots I - 2: Ready to go deeper on Salsa, Bachata, Lindy Hop &/or Forró? Let's go! [https://www.danceproject.be/classes.html#improvers](https://www.danceproject.be/classes.html#improvers) Salsa, Forró Roots II - 3: Looking for #SalsaChallenge? Already familiar with Forró Root? We've got your back! [https://www.danceproject.be/classes.html#intermediates](https://www.danceproject.be/classes.html#intermediates) More info: -Web: [https://www.danceproject.be](https://www.danceproject.be) -Whatsapp: +32 493 16 41 10 -Mail: brussels.salsa.project@gmail.com -[Facebook](https://facebook.com/brussels.salsa.project) -[Instagram](https://instagram.com/brussels.salsa.project) \-\-\-\-\- FR: Nous acceptons encore de nouvelles personnes dans nos cours. Rejoins-nous ! -1ère pas : Fait ta réservation ! -> [https://www.danceproject.be/reservation.html](https://www.danceproject.be/reservation.html) -2ème pas : Vient danser ! Horaire : [lundi à jeudi](https://www.danceproject.be/cours.html#horaire) Les prix : [Toutes les infos sur les essais, packs, abonnements ici](https://www.danceproject.be/cours.html#prix) Endroits : -Rue Brialmont 7, Bruxelles Metro/Tram: Botanique Salsa, Bachata, Lindy Hop, Forró Intro - 1 : De la base à la piste de danse ! Lorsque tu nous rejoins on voit la base et le rythme avec toi. Ensuite, tu es inclus dans le groupe et tout le monde apprend les mêmes pas pour lesquelles tu as juste besoin de la base. C'est en forgeant qu'on devient forgeron : détend-toi et profite la Salsa, de la Bachata, du Lindy Hop et/ou du Forró ! Notre groupe est très accueillant et a hâte de rencontrer de nouveaux danseurs ! Salsa, Bachata, Lindy Hop, Forró Roots I - 2 : Prêt à approfondir la Salsa, la Bachata, le Lindy Hop &/ou le Forró ? Allons-y! [https://www.danceproject.be/cours.html#inities](https://www.danceproject.be/cours.html#inities) Salsa, Forró Roots II - 3 : Tu cherches #DefiSalsa ? Tu connais déjà Forró Roots ? Nous sommes là pour toi ! [https://www.danceproject.be/cours.html#intermediaires](https://www.danceproject.be/cours.html#intermediaires) Plus d’info: -Web: [https://www.danceproject.be/fr.html](https://www.danceproject.be/fr.html) -Whatsapp: +32 493 16 41 10 -Mail: brussels.salsa.project@gmail.com -[Facebook](https://facebook.com/brussels.salsa.project) -[Instagram](https://instagram.com/brussels.salsa.project)

**What you’ll learn** This session explores the learning curve of a Mendix Developer, from the very first steps in the platform to building real, functional applications. We’ll walk through the key milestones, common challenges, essential skills, and best practices that shape the journey toward becoming productive in Mendix. But this won’t be a one‑way presentation. Throughout the talk—and especially during the Q&A—we want to create real interaction with the audience. We encourage questions, reflections, and even short hands‑on moments or mini‑workshop interactions where relevant. The goal is to learn from each other, compare experiences, and share practical do’s and don’ts from the field. We hope you’ll bring your own insights, challenges, and best practices so we can turn this into a collaborative and lively session. Bring them with you! *** **Audience** Anyone building Mendix solutions—from curious juniors to experienced seniors and tech leads. 👥 *** **Agenda** • 17:00 – 17:30 🍽️ Dinner (for in-person attendees only—don’t forget to RSVP with your dietary requirements!) • 17:30 – 18:15 🎙️ Presentations by the speakers, followed by Q&A • 18:15 – 19:30 🍻 Drinks & Networking *** **Speakers** 🎤 Stefan De Moor – Axians Belgium Junior Software Engineer with a education in IT. During his studies, he worked at multiple companies as a full‑stack developer, and after completing his internship at Axians, he started his professional career. Switching between Business Central and SAP Business One projects, he began learning the Mendix platform. These are his first steps in low‑code development. *** **About this event** This is an in-person event hosted at the Axians office in Zaventem. 🏢 Mendix Meetups are all about community, learning, and real-world experience—no sales pitches, no recruiting, just valuable insights and knowledge sharing. 🤝 *** **Any questions about this meetup?** Contact community@mendix.com, Jeremie.Degrave@Axians.com for more details.

Drinking & Networking in Brussels. For newcomers, temporary in town - couch surfers and regulars to meet & socialize. What a better day to start the week than drinking & socializing starting on Monday evening?

**In Italy, language is learned at the table.** We speak while we cook. We correct while we taste. We share while we eat. **The Language Cooking Lab is an immersive evening where complete beginners learn the fundamentals of Italian while preparing an authentic Italian dish; tonight will be Pasta alla Carbonara — guided by an Italian professional chef with a background in language teaching.** This is not a lecture. This is not a demonstration. It is hands-on, voice-on, pan-on. *** ## **La Carbonara — The Roman Way** We prepare Carbonara as it is done in Rome: * Guanciale * Eggs * Pecorino Romano * Freshly cracked black pepper * Pasta **No cream. No shortcuts.** You will learn: * Proper timing and temperature control * How to create the creamy texture without scrambling * The cultural story behind the dish **Carbonara is simple.** **Simplicity requires precision.** *** ## **What You Will Learn** Designed for complete beginners. You will practice: * **Italian pronunciation basics** * **Essential greetings and introductions** * **Core kitchen vocabulary** * **Action verbs in real time** * **Simple useful sentences** You will not memorize long lists. You will speak while stirring. Movement builds memory. *** ## **Structure of the Evening** **1\. Foundations \(15 minutes\)** Pronunciation and key phrases. **2\. Cook & Speak \(60 minutes\)** Step-by-step cooking with integrated vocabulary and guided repetition. **3\. Tavola Italiana \(30 minutes\)** Structured conversation at the table, with guided Italian-only moments. Because Italian is rhythm, tone, and presence. *** ## **The Host** An Italian professional chef with formal culinary training and experience teaching languages. You receive: * Authentic technique * Clear pedagogical structure * Proper pronunciation * Real cultural insight You are learning from someone who understands both craft and communication. *** ## **Location** **The session takes place in a private house.** The exact address is shared after confirmation inside our WhatsApp group. Please introduce yourself, request to join here and rsvp here= **https://chat.whatsapp.com/F2hTxZ4TT3hHICiihX1Efy** A home setting ensures: * A real kitchen environment * Limited group size * Intimacy and comfort This is a curated cultural gathering, not a rented event space. *** ## **Participant Selection** Participants are screened before confirmation. We prioritize: * Respectful individuals * Genuine learners * People comfortable in a private-home setting Disruptive or inappropriate behavior is not tolerated. **Hospitality is sacred.** **Respect is expected.** *** ## **Contribution** A €10 contribution per person will be collected at the event to expenses Accepted payment methods: * Payconiq * Revolut * Wise Cash if absolutely necessary. *** ## **Important Notes** This dish contains: * Pork * Eggs * Dairy Food allergies must be declared in advance. Cooking involves hot pans and sharp utensils. Participants are responsible for their own actions. You leave with: * Foundations in Italian * A properly executed Carbonara * A shared table experience * **Learn Italian.** **Cook Italian.** **Enjoy Together.**

**Tango Classes Every Monday at Tangobar El Lunes!** Embark on a tango journey with our weekly classes guided by passionate and experienced instructors, Sandrina Dh and Daniele Galiazzo. * **Beginners Class (18:00-19:10):** Perfect for those intrigued by tango and eager to take their first steps into this beautiful dance form. * **Intermediate & Advanced Class (19:20-20:30):** Ideal for dancers seeking to perfect their movements, embellishments, and learn new sequences to enhance their dance. *Important:* Always arrive 10 minutes in advance for registration. *Pricing:* * Single lesson: €15 * 10 lessons (membership card\*): €125 (valid for 3 months), with a €10 discount on your next pass purchase (must be prior to the expiration of your current pass). Feel free to share this invitation with anyone interested in the authentic tango experience, Tango Rioplatense! See you in class on Monday night! *\*\*\*Join us at Tango Bar El Lunes, located at Dublin 13, 1050 Bruxelles.For more information, please contact us at info@detangosetrata.com or* *WhatsApp Sandrina +32 473 503405* *We look forward to seeing you at our Monday night milonga and tango classes!*

WHAT we play. As you know, we have two events, one more for social games on Thursday and another for **strategic games** on **Monday**. Depending on what people bring, we may play brainy games, not limited to chess and classic games. So, feel free to bring other ones. And this is only indicative. Some games like Decrypto fit both events, **and if people feel like playing a social game on Monday or a more strategic one on Thursday, they are free to do so.** WHERE. Because we have many strategic players on Monday and these games take longer, we moved to a café closing much later than the previous one. CHATBOX USE. In the event chatbox, you are invited to discuss the games you bring and want to play for this session. The idea is to gather people around game tables beforehand. Of course, it's also possible to show up and arrange this after the introduction round, which starts at 7h15. HOST. If you want to become a host and have your board game event for a specific game with a small group of people or in another place, Great! Let me know, and I'll help you set up your event with this group. Hosts don't pay fees. TIMING: Because strategy games are often longer, we start at 7 pm (instead of 8 pm on Thursdays). So, those who play long games can have 3 hours and 30 minutes for their game. You can come later, but you may have to wait before joining a game. WHERE. We play upstairs. Ask which room at the bar downstairs. DRINK. You have to order a drink at the bar, pay for it, and come up with it. **PLEASE TAKE NOTE THAT, UNFORTUNATELY, THE AUTOBUS ACCEPTS CASH ONLY.** EVENT REGISTRATION. Please register to allow us adequate venue planning. IN CASE OF A WAITLIST. Please, out of respect for people on the waiting list, don't cancel later than 7 PM the day before so they can plan their evening correctly. If you are on the waiting list, please cancel your attendance if you change your mind and can no longer come. Don't hesitate to send me a message to comment or make suggestions! Take care and see you soon! Baudouin

n onze volgende uitwisseling van 3 april, bespreken we het boek *De diepst verborgen herinnering van de mens* door **Mohamed Mbougar Sarr** en beslissen we welk boek we voor de volgende keer (8 mei) zullen lezen. **Waar?** Oudergemlaan 191, 1040 Etterbeek Op de eerste verdieping **Voor wie?** Iedereen welkom vanaf 16 jaar. **Waar?** We zien elkaar op de 2e verdieping van de Nederlandse bib in Etterbeek, Oudergemselaan 191. Dit is een initiatief van de leerkrachten Nederlands van de [Zonnedauw](https://zonnedauw.org/), middelbare Steinerschool Brussel. **Wanneer?** De volgende data voor de leesclub zijn: 3 april 2026 8 mei 2026 5 juni 2026

El libro de abril es Te di ojos y miraste las tinieblas, de Irene Solà. Escondida entre riscos lejanos, en algún remoto lugar de las Guillerías transitado por cazadores de lobos, bandoleros, emboscados, carlistas, hechiceras, maquis, pilotos de rally, fantasmas, bestias y demonios, la masía Clavell se agarra al suelo como una garrapata. Es una casa, sobre todo, habitada por mujeres, y donde un solo día contiene siglos de recuerdos. Los de Joana, que para encontrar marido hizo un pacto que inauguró una progenie aparentemente maldita. Los de Bernadeta, a quien le faltan las pestañas y, de tanta agua de tomillo que le vertieron en los ojos cuando era una niña, acabó por ver lo que no debía. Los de Margarida, que en vez de un corazón entero tiene uno de tres cuartos, rabioso. O los de Blanca, que nació sin lengua, con la boca como un nido vacío, y no habla, solo observa. Estas mujeres, y más, hoy preparan una fiesta. As usual for the first Saturday group, you may use both English and Spanish during the book discussion; you just need an acceptable level of oral comprehension of both languages to fully enjoy it. Participar cuesta 1€ (para cubrir el coste de la suscripción a MeetUp). Durante la conversación elegiremos el libro para el mes siguiente, podéis proponer cualquier libro que os apetezca leer o discutir. El número de participantes está limitado. Si no podéis participar, por favor, indicadlo actualizando el RSPV en MeetUp.

Hi all! We’ll be discussing *Dom Casmurro* by Joaquim Maria Machado de Assis. New members are welcome to join as well. We’ll be meeting at Wereldcafé.coop, a quiet place run by volunteers with organic food & drinks. Participation fee is €1. See you there, and happy reading! Here's a list of what we've read so far: * *Wuthering Heights* by Emily Brontë (1847) * *Giovanni’s Room* by James Baldwin (1956) * *Klara and the Sun* by Kazuo Ishiguro (2021) * *Sátántangó* by László Krasznahorkai (1985) * *The Great Gatsby* by F. Scott Fitzgerald (1925) * *The Master and Margarita* by Mikhail Bulgakov (1940) * *The Odyssey* by Homer (c. 800 BCE) * *Maurice* by E.M. Forster (1914) * *Disgrace* by J.M. Coetzee (1999) * *The Trial* by Franz Kafka (1925) * *Nausea* by Jean-Paul Sartre (1938) * *Thérèse Raquin* by Émile Zola (1867) * *All Quiet on the Western Front* by Erich Maria Remarque (1929) * *Middlemarch* by George Eliot (1872) * *The Sense of an Ending* by Julian Barnes (2011) * *Elective Affinities* by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1809) * *Lolita* by Vladimir Nabokov (1955) * *Gilgamesh* (c. 2100 BCE) * *Mrs. Dalloway* by Virginia Woolf (1925) * *The Magic Mountain* by Thomas Mann (1924) * *Chess* by Stefan Zweig (1942) * *Snow Country* by Yasunari Kawabata (1935) * *The Grapes of Wrath* by John Steinbeck (1939) * *The Blind Owl* by Sadegh Hedayat (1937) * *The Mayor of Casterbridge* by Thomas Hardy (1886) * *Stoner* by John Williams (1965) * *The Remains of the Day* by Kazuo Ishiguro (1989) * *Oeroeg* by Hella S. Haasse (1948) * *Franny and Zooey* by J.D. Salinger (1961) * *The Bell Jar* by Sylvia Plath (1963) * *The Unbearable Lightness of Being* by Milan Kundera (1984) * *Heart of Darkness* by Joseph Conrad (1899)

Let's meet to write! Schedule : 18:00 - 18:30: Arrival & introduction tour. Share briefly with the group your project and the "goal of the day". 18:30 - 20:00 : Let's write! 20:00 : Closing tour. Did you achieve the "goal of the day" ? See you soon !

Let's meet to write ! Schedule : 11:00 - 11:30 am : Presentation tour. Share briefly with the group about your project and your "goal of the day". 11:30 - 13:30 : Let's write ! 13:30 : Conclusion tour. Did you achieve your goal of the day ? See you soon !

Hallo Freunde der deutschen Sprache, wir laden alle, die gern ihr Deutsch üben wollen und in Brüssel geblieben sind, zum nächsten Treffen ein! Bei schönen Wetter sitzen wir im Garten des James Joyce. Falls Ihr angemeldet seid, aber nicht kommen könnt, wären wir dankbar für Eure Abmeldung (WhatsApp - Mike: +32 475 60 88 68). Wir freuen uns auf den Austausch mit Euch!

**Cinematek : L’udienza** 04/04 @ 20h00 **L’udienza: il ciclo di ambiguità del potere - Marco Ferreri** [...] Attraverso una narrazione densamente ripetitiva, giocata su toni e colori caldi e ambigui, distesa in sequenze quasi circolari, Ferreri pone il problema della Chiesa come istituzione cristallizzata, incapace di rivitalizzarsi e di uscire dal suo carattere di ente burocratico e clientelare. E muove una critica pungente ad essa come sistema repressivo, analizzandone il suo potere in disfacimento, ma tuttavia ancora pericoloso. Al di là degli espliciti riferimenti tematici e delle metafore più vistose ed evidenti sul potere ecclesiastico e su quello economico-politico tra cui il film oscilla, è però importante poter rintracciare le tematiche farreriane fondamentali, che costituiscono la linea di continuità con le sue opere precedenti e rafforzano le basi per le successive. Innanzitutto il tema dell'isolamento, che il protagonista vive nei confronti del potere, che non gli permette di esaudire i propri desideri. Poi quelli, fortissimi, del vagabondaggio, dell'esclusione e della morte: la storia di Amedeo non è altro che un lungo viaggio attraverso le strutture del Potere che esclude e uccide, senza pietà. E non ultimo uno dei temi ferreriani per eccellenza, il problematico rapporto uomo-donna, incarnato qui dalla relazione tra il protagonista e la prostituta Aiche, l'unica che si sottragga a questo circolo del potere, l'unico personaggio di tutto il film dotato di una dimensione psicologica a tutto tondo. E' infatti la sola che prova per Amedeo un sentimento "umano", vero, ed è la sola che crede veramente al suo problema spirituale; è un personaggio importante, soprattutto perché rappresenta una visione estremamente moderna della donna e del sesso nei confronti delle aberranti posizioni del potere cattolico e della società italiana del tempo. Tuttavia il mostruoso condizionamento ideologico della fede spinge il protagonista ad allontanarla da lui, nonostante lei abbia nel ventre suo figlio. Ed ecco che, parallelamente alla denuncia degli orrori messi in atto dalle istituzioni sugli individui, Ferreri vuole mettere in guardia quegli stessi individui dai pericoli dell'eccessiva sottomissione dell'uomo all'ideologia. Il carattere di ambiguità della filmografia ferreriana è particolarmente evidente: ogni elemento tematico e passaggio narrativo, ogni componente stilistica è suscettibile di un'interpretazione polivalente. La vicenda narrata dal film funziona, a livello referenziale, come racconto delle disgrazie di un uomo che muore nel tentativo di ottenere un'udienza dal papa, ma è immediatamente leggibile come una situazione di isolamento e di sconfitta nei confronti del Potere. La morte stessa, dunque, assume valore di suicidio e di autodistruzione (come sempre in Ferreri), ma è tuttavia interpretabile anche come omicidio perpetrato tramite le strutture repressive del potere (ecclesiastico e non), che tengono l'uomo lontano dal "Castello" (il Vaticano), protetto da guardie che ne difendono le entrate. Ed è in questo modo che il discorso sul potere ecclesiastico, onnipotente, estraniato dalla realtà, eppure dominante – attraverso mille canali - la realtà politica e sociale dell'Italia, si allarga immediatamente ad un discorso più globale sul Potere, che rende gli individui schiavi, alienati, fino a condurli alla morte. Per finire, possiamo notare come questo lungometraggio rappresenti una sorta di legame tra i precedenti Dillinger è morto (1969) e Il seme dell'uomo (1969), da una parte, e i successivi La cagna (1972) e La grande abbuffata (1973), dall'altra: con L'Udienza Ferreri si libera dall'esigenza di stabilire un rapporto immediato e diretto con il potere e la politicità del suo lavoro. Dopo questo film il cineasta si rinchiuderà in un nichilismo pressoché totale, portando alle estreme conseguenze le tematiche dell'isolamento, dell'autodistruzione e dell'impotenza, elementi che verranno assunti come componenti totalizzanti di una visione del mondo non più libertaria e utopica, aggressiva e scopertamente corrosiva, ma piuttosto come ripiegamento e chiusura del discorso in un cerchio immobile. [Cinematek](https://cinematek.be/2026-04-04-20-00/ludienza) [Effetto Notte, Rivista Di Critica Cinematografica](https://www.effettonotteonline.com/news/indexb900.html?option=com_content&task=view&id=995&Itemid=25) **For Dreamers, Coffee shots, Orezza, eau de Saint-Georges !**

Greetings writers! Come down and join your fellow wordsmiths for one hour of uninterrupted writing time in the upper level of the Market District Supermarket in Upper Arlington. The main entrance of the shopping center opens onto stairs/elevator leading up to the 2nd floor cafe section where we will have a table displaying a sign with the Shut Up & Write logo. Writing is largely a solitary craft. Practicing with others in a community setting may be the thing you need to fire your own routine. We’ll meet on Wednesday evenings, starting the clock at 6:30, following a brief period of introductions. This is solid writing time and all inclusive. Any project is acceptable, be it fiction, non -fiction, work or homework assignment. All is welcome and will remain private to you. The market boasts a Starbucks, a full service bar and various affordable food options. Parking is plentiful, free Wifi is provided as well as outlets for charging your devices, though they are somewhat limited, so plan accordingly. Show up as early as you like, or stay late. This group tends to socialize some, both before and after the alloted time, but this is not mandatory to you. Feel free to come and go as you please and late arrivals are welcome. The cafe may be noisy on occasion so headphones/ earbuds are reccommended as you see fit. Please try to RSVP if possible so that we may grab enough seats for all—the venue can be busy at times. Feel free to message me privately wth any questions and/ or concerns you may have. Happy writing!

Join us as we get together for an Arthouse Movie Friday event to see the A24 dark comedy /romance / psychological-thriller, THE DRAMA! The film stars Zendaya and Robert Pattinson as a happily engaged couple whose relationship is challenged when one discovers unsettling truths about the other. Here are details, a trailer and our plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: The film follows a happily engaged couple whose relationship is put to the test when an unexpected turn sends their wedding week off the rails. The film comes from A24, is written/directed by Kristoffer Borgli stars Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Mamoudou Athie, Alana Haim, Hailey Gates and Zoë Winters. QUICK WORD OF WARNING: The film hasn’t screened for critics yet and most of the details are being kept tightly under wraps. But, early buzz (possibly promotional) says the film is a brilliant psychological thriller/romance but also provocative, twisty and some contains occasional uncomfortable viewing! I love the cast and trailer, so look forward to seeing for ourselves! ZENDAYA-PATTINSON TRIFECTA CHALLENGE: Robert Pattinson and Zendaya will star in THREE movies together this year, including THE DRAMA, Christopher Nolan’s THE ODYSSEY this Summer and Denis Villeneuve’s DUNE: PART THREE at Christmas! TRAILER: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zmKcUa4Xxk](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zmKcUa4Xxk) PLAN: We’ll plan for 7pm-ish showing and will meet in the lobby area about 30 minutes before showtime! Advance ticket purchase not required for this theater but early arrival is advised. Possibly post-movie get-together at the nearby Rusty Bucket! Complete details will be confirmed/announced as the date gets closer. Take care and look forward to seeing you there, Dan

We'll meet at The Capital One Café, 167 Easton Town Center, Space A-103. This is in the main mall where the Microsoft store used to be, on your left if you're standing at the bottom of the AMC Theater escalator. Join us on Saturday for an hour of uninterrupted wordmaking! • What we'll do Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 10AM on Saturday mornings. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. SCHEDULE: 10:00 - SESSION 1: quick intros. 10:10 - timer starts: write for 1 hour. 11:10 - chat / take off / keep writing. OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 11A-11:30ish. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. BEING LATE IS OKAY: just show up and get settled, then check-in with me after the session. (I’ll be the person with the Shut Up & Write! sign.) If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you! • What to bring Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block noise or the occasional conversation by other patrons. Electrical outlets are limited, so charge your devices before whenever possible. See you at The Café on Saturday!

**Our April novel is: *The Hong Kong Widow* by Kristen Loesch** **This month’s novel blends gothic atmosphere with historical fiction and chilling horror, set against the haunting backdrop of China. The book is 368 pages in print and 10 hours and 42 minutes on audiobook.** In 1950s Hong Kong, Mei is a young refugee of the Chinese Communist revolution struggling to put her past in Shanghai behind her. When she receives a shocking invitation—to take part in a competition in one of the city's most notorious haunted houses, pitting six spirit mediums against one another in a series of six séances over six nights, until a single winner emerges—she has every reason to refuse. Except that the hostess, a former Shanghainese silent film star, is none other than the wife of the man who once destroyed Mei’s entire life. It is promised the winner will receive a fortune, but there is only one prize Mei wants: revenge. Decades later, the final night of that competition has become an infamous urban legend: The police were called to the scene of a brutal massacre but found no evidence, dismissing it as a collective hallucination. Mei knows what she saw, but now someone else is convinced they know what she did. She must uncover the truth about the last night she ever spent in that house—even if the ghosts of her past are waiting for her there. . . .

. 🎬 Movie Night You, Me & Tuscany Join us for a cinematic escape to the sun-drenched vineyards and romantic landscapes of Italy as we gather to watch You, Me & Tuscany, the new feel-good romantic comedy starring Halle Bailey and Regé‑Jean Page. Set against the breathtaking beauty of Tuscany, the film follows a spirited young woman whose impulsive decision to stay in a Tuscan villa leads to unexpected adventure, heartfelt moments, and a romance she never saw coming. Expect an evening filled with: 🍿 A beautiful cinematic escape to Italy 🍷 Relaxed social vibes and great conversation ✨ A feel-good romantic story perfect for movie lovers Whether you’re a fan of romantic comedies, stunning travel settings, or simply enjoy experiencing great films with great people, this will be a perfect night to unwind and connect. Come ready to relax, laugh, and be transported to Tuscany for the evening. Follow Black Love & Friends on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/share/17oXQtZz36/) and [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/blackloveandfriends?igsh=djVrYnhqeG5nMjBx) to stay connected and be the first to hear about upcoming dimnets, social gatherings, and other exciting member-only events.