Great Book...Not So Great Movie... "The Weight of Water"

We're not sure if it made it to theatres near you. But at least rent the video. Our biggest complaint about the movie? It was disjointed. We knew it would be. Anita Shreve worked hard to integrate the present with the past in her novel. Maneuvering between the 19th c. & the present had its problems on screen. Having read the book definitely makes it easier to follow.

The historical casting was brilliant, however. The unknown Scandinavian actors played convincing roles. Sean Penn & Elizabeth Hurley, the movie's calling cards, did not.

The New Foundland setting was a dead-ringer for what appeared to be Smuttynose Island. Historically, you get an accurate sense of secular island life in 19th c. New England. Hard living, to say the least.

We knew Shreve's novel wouldn't "take" easily to the screen. At best, "The Weight of Water" is an interesting murder mystery. At worst, "The Weight of Water" panders to a Hollywood fixated audience. With top-name actors playing poorly realized characters. In a disjointed attempt to recreate a great book.

While Wandering... in Nassau we heard Bill Clinton was in town giving a speech on AIDS.Some of his entourage stayed over Saturday night at Compass Point , where we were staying. By noon Sunday, newspapers were still on front steps. And shutters still tightly closed on their beach huts. Must have been a long night with their pal Bill...

Attention all you Style Book fanatics... India Hicks' Island Style book, "Island Life" will be out in November. It includes her spectacular home. And the renovation of the Landing Hotel & Restaurant. Both on Harbour Island, known as the Nantucket of the Bahamas.

The Chicago Tribune... has reported the sale of Rogers Island of the Thimble Islands in Connecticut. An event, since rarely any of these islands pass hands.

Meow... is all we have to say about the latest rage in summer shoes. New York designers Sigerson/Morrison, have upgraded traditional flip-flops by adding kitten-heels. Made in Italy, they come in hot colors or summer neutrals. Great islandstyle for your feet. Available at www.vivre.com

It's too late... to buy the property on Hampton Island that Ben Affleck & Jennifer Lopez snapped up. A barrier island 35 miles south of Savannah, Georgia, their land includes two 10,000 square foot homes on the water.