October meeting - January book.

Wonderful get together at Maggie's place with a spirited discussion, because we were divided in our response to the book, The Woman Upstairs. Margaret L  told us that even the author, Clare Messud, didn't like the protagonist. Margaret heard her speak at the Writers Festival where she said she had written a most unlikeable lead character. However, some of us rather liked her and saw in her quite a bit of ourselves and our good friends. And even those who had reservations about the character found the book to be quite well written, within the narrow point of view. Lively meeting. Great cake. Clare managed to get to book group, although jet lagged after a 3 week trip to London and thereabouts. Good rollup.

A reminder that the November book is American Rust - that's the one by Philippe Meyer. It is at Moy's and because its our Christmas meeting, it will commence earlier than usual, and Moy will provide lunch. that will be 24th November from 11.30am. Thanks Moy. We will car pool to get to the Central Coast. Hope everyone can come.

The January book will be The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri. Jhumpa won the Pulitzer prize for an earlier collection of stories, and was shortlisted for her most recent book for the Booker prize. For ease of availability, we have chosen her earlier work, also well received.

September's Summary

Hello Ladies
I have now had a refresher from Pat for achieving a blog entry. So better late than never to summarize September’s book group discussion on The Orphan Master’s Son by Adam Johnson. However just before I go on I would like to mention that we did appreciate Stella’s round up of the Organ Master’s Son, the book she read instead of the former. It sounded like a less controversial read Stella.
First comments on the prescribed read were, it was confusing, tedious, lacked consistency and a bit jumpy. The booked worked in some ways in that it brought up the issue of human rights and the atrocities purported to be carried out in North Korea. A question raised was on what authority did the author speak? It’s difficult to know. A consensus reached was that the book was sinister and brought back memories of books read in the 80’s even if half of what the author wrote is true it was indeed traumatic. The agreed genre was political dystopia, comedic and satirical. Sue W and Clare thought the book warranted the Pulitzer, no one else did.
As Pat S has said, November’s book is American Rust by Philipp Meyer, October’s meeting is at my home.
Cheers,
Maggie

September meeting - November book

News from Ros re the September meeting which I was unable to attend, being in Japan - and too much to do to connect in by Skype - or even read the book, I have to admit.

However, I gather there was a lively mixed reaction - always good - and that the November book is to be American Rust by Phillip Meyer. October meet is at Maggie's place you will recall, for the Clare Messud, which I had better read quick start or be drummed out of the group.

Look forward to a good roll-up and the usual great discussion.
Patricia