Books from Jan.2023
November 2023 Ali Smith Companion piece.
“Ths book makes you lookout the world afresh. For me it turned a cold and depressing day into a bright one.” New Statesman. “An entertaining and expert portrayal of the world we live in….” Daily Telegraph.
October 2023 Patrick Gale Mother’s Boy.
Patrick Gale is from Cornwell and has thoroughly researched the life of poet Charles Causley and this book is based on the main parts of the poet’s life. It is however a fiction. The portrayal of the relationship between mother and son was very interesting. Everyone enjoyed this book and thought it was well written. Score 8.5
September 2023 Jodie Picoult Wish you were here.
A Covid setting. A well researched story with some beautiful descriptions. Easy to read but an interesting twist. Plenty of discussion Score 6.
August2023 Ruth Ozeki The Book of form and emptiness.
“This book blends unforgettable characters riverting plot and vibrant engagement with everything from jazz to Climate change to our attachment to material possessions”
As a group we found the subject of mental disorders quite difficult. Score 5.
July 2023 Rose Tremain Lily
A sad read in places. There has been love and kindness in Lily’s life as a small child but being returned to living in the workhouse run by nuns and the treatment of children brings out the brutality of those times. Score 6.
June 2023 Anne Tyler Redhead by the end of the road.
As a group we enjoyed this book and found it very very easy to get involved. Micah the protagonist was very set in his way own ways, e.g. Monday is kitchen day, but in spite of this monotonous routine Anne Tyler shows skill in description. There is a certain empathy for Micah and his bizarre life. He drives to the letter of the code of the road and amusingly thanks the "traffic God" when it i an easy journey. Micah's comes from a large noisy chaotic family and struggles to understand how it can be right in comparison with his own very structured life.
Disruption comes with Brink a runaway university boy who is seeking out people who could be his unknown father and the ending of his relationship with his woman friend.
A n enjoyable well written book Score 7.5
May 2003 Ian McEwan The Children Act
Based on a true story. Fiona an ageing Judge has to make a life or death decision on a nearly 18 year old teenager. Although in many ways mature for his age he is considered a child and unable to take this for himself. At the same time there are disruptions in her marriage.
A thoughtful readable book, well observed and of ahigh standard as expected from Ian McEwan. Score7.5