APRIL: American Authors

 

Although Toni Morrison and James Baldwin were suggested authors for this month, several Book Club members chose other well-known American writers.

 

LESLEY: The Colour Purple by Alice Walker

Published in 1983, the book is written as a series of letters, firstly from Celie  to God and later between Celie and her sister Nettie. Through the letters she describes the pain and the struggles of her life, the segregation she and other coloured folk have to endure and the abuse of power, among many themes.

While it was disturbing to read, Leslie found it very worthwhile.

 

JULIA: The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison

This is the author’s first novel, set in 1941 in their home town in Ohio.

The story is of a 12 year old African-American girl who regards herself as ugly because of her dark skin. She prays every night for blue eyes like her white school fellows. Her very unstable, sad and violent home life tells a very disturbing story.

 

JOAN: Beloved by Toni Morrison

Beloved, the first book in a trilogy, won The Pulitzer Prize in 1988 and is a mixture of magical realism and historical fiction. Set after the American Civil War, it tells the story of a former slave whose home is haunted by a spiteful spirit. It is based on the true story of an escaped slave who fled from Kentucky only to be recaptured. She then killed her own children so that they would not be returned to slavery, but be always free.

Joan found it difficult to read, but it did have a happy ending.

 

PAT: God Help the Child by Toni Morrison

Pat was relieved that it was a short book, as the subject matter was very harrowing. A light-skinned black woman gives birth to a blue black child. The child is unloved and all but ignored. The trauma of her upbringing shapes her life as an adult.

 

ROSEMARY: Home by Toni Morrison

An African-American veteran from the Korean War, suffering from PTSD, returns home to find his sister needs his help. He has to look past his problems and take his medically abused sister back to their home town, a place he had hated all his life.

The situations were so extreme that Rosemary found the  story ended very abruptly, and many aspects could have been further explored.

 

PAMELA: The Unvanquished by William Faulkner

Published in 1938, the book is set towards the end of the Civil War and the story is told through linked and amusing short stories.

KRIS: Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison

The story is set in 1930 America, beginning with the suicide of an Insurance Agent. Jumping off a building, while attempting to fly, he lands in front of a pregnant young negro woman called Ruth. She is immediately taken to a nearby hospital to give birth, the first negro baby to be born there.

The young boy is brought up by his father to revere the white world. As he  gets older he tries to escape his domineering father.

Kris was unable to finish the book, because she disliked the characters so much and found the book difficult and depressing to read.

 

Judy A: Sula by Toni Morrison

Off all the books by this author that Judy has read, she describes this one as the easiest, the most enjoyable and there’s not a word wasted. It tells of the friendship between two black women who live in a mostly black neighbourhood in the hills above a mainly white, wealthier community. It charts their friendship from childhood and the intense bond they have even though they have very different personalities and come from radically different households.

 

VAL: Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut

Val described the book as being very strange, she was intrigued by it, but didn’t really enjoy it.

The author had been captured during the war and spent time in Dresden. The title comes the building where prisoners were kept and were safe from the bombing. So the story is partly autobiographical, and certainly anti-war and also anti-Christ. It is crude, gruesome, sexually explicit but also has humour that is very black but funny. The author has a very clear style of writing, although the story line is very complicated.

 

CONNIE: If Beale Street Could Talk by James Baldwin

The story has a happy beginning with a young black couple living in Harlem in New York. When he is falsely accused of rape by a hate-mongering white policeman, their families try to find out the truth. Their situation was hopeless as they battled against racial prejudice and systemic injustice.

The story was  hard to read because it was so sad, and so powerful that it stayed with you long after finishing.

 

ED:

She also read the book and mentioned that it had been made into a film in 2018.

 

Jo: W is for Wasted by Sue Grafton

The author was born in the USA in 1940 and is best known for her ‘alphabet series’ of books featuring a private investigator Kinsey Millhone. Jo reckons they are all great stories, but unfortunately the author died in 2017 before she could begin writing her final book, Z is for Zero.

 

JUDY De La T: The Education of an Idealist by Samantha Power

The book is a memoir of this remarkable woman’s life so far. She was born in Ireland but emigrated to USA as a young child. Her motto was “what can one person do”. She has been very involved in human rights issues  and genocide, particularly in Bosnia. During the Obama Presidency she was US Ambassador to the United Nations among her many achievements.

Judy described her as a very forthright and domineering person, the book was well written and very interesting.

 

TAM: The House Next Door by James Patterson

The book has 3 short stories, each one written by Patterson and a different co-author and involving a different crime. Not having read anything by this author before, Tam really enjoyed the book.

 

JUDY J: The Adventures of Tom Sawyer

Written in 1876, this well-known book tells of the adventures of Tom and his friends during one hot summer. He witnesses a murder, runs away to be a pirate, attends his own funeral, rescues an innocent man from the gallows, searches for treasure in a haunted house and discovers a box of gold. The author Mark Twain also has many of these adventures as a young boy before becoming a journalist and later a writer.

An enjoyable read and certainly a book of its time.

 

 

 

Indigenous Authors

Our focus for this month was Indigenous Authors. The group were quite enamoured with this topic and plenty of discussion took place.

SHIELA - BABY BUSINESS by Jasmine SEYMOUR. Shiela presented 2 childrens pictures books, both award winning, written to help young children learn the language and words of the Dharug people. Charming, beautifully presented and naive. COOEE MITTIGAR, Jasmine SEYMOUR also - stories and song lines for children.  Again gorgeous drawings and wonderful presentation. Great as gifts.     

LYN - TALKING TO MY COUNTRY by Stan GRANT. Stan grew up poor and in difficult circumstances. Through hard work and journalism, he rose to become a successful and well regarded commentator, journalist and a voice         for many indigenous. His book is quite disturbing in parts - he talks about the way Adam Goodes was treated by many (during his AFL days), and other incidents concerning race. Lots to ponder.

VAL - TALKING TO MY COUNTRY by Stan GRANT 2016. Stan comes from Wiradjuri land, Cowra/Bathurst. With his humble beginnings he managed with encouragement, whilst working as a mail boy, to attend university, pave a career in journalism and include time working for CNN. There are angry undertones in his book. It seems he feels diminished by his background and a victim. Stan sees Adam Goodes as a good role model. Not an enjoyable read but thought provoking.

JUDY J - REMEMBERING THE MYALL CREEK MASSACRE by Mark TEDESCI.  Whilst many know of the Massacre when an entire village, of mainly women and children, were viciously murdered by white men, this book provides the history from 1830's (expansion of white settlement moving local tribes off their lands) and builds till the slaughter in 1838. The ring leader, a young man called John Henry Fleming, was originally from the Hawkesbury. He wasn't arrested after the massacre - but 11  others... convicts and stockmen were. 7 were ultimately hung. Fleming disappeared and later moved to Sydney and back into society. He married, had a family, became a church warden and a JP. Flemings parents ran the Macquarie Arms hotel for a while. Tedesci writes that this and other incidents of racial atrocities are the same as modern day war crimes - the systemic extermination of the indigenous, ethnic cleansing, sexual violence and targeted violence and punishment.   

JO - COMMON PEOPLE by Tony BIRCH. A collection of stories about 'common people' - many troubled, in difficult circumstances, struggling for some reason. Single mums, homeless men, old/young - good people and good stories.

CLAURENE - RONNIE; THE TASMANIAN SONGMAN. RONNIE SUMMERS. Ronnie was born on Cape Barren Island, Tasmania, a very mixed race island, many European sealers lived there, intermixed with local women, the Aboriginal men had been wiped out. Estimated by 1850's there were about 50 sealers with 100 indigenous women and children, regarded as Islanders not indigenous tribes. Great life for Ronnie whilst young but when moved to Flinders Island trouble began. Had disliked school, couldn't read, into trouble. Associated with white women, fighting, jail, alcohol, downward spiral.  Managed to pull himself up, sing and tell stories of the Indigenous, raise their identity, spread positivity.

JOAN - DON'T TAKE YOUR LOVE TO TOWN by Ruby LANGFORD.

Autobiography. Ruby was raised, among other places, in missions. She recalls memories of her mum - both good and bad. When Ruby was 6 her mother left, taking the baby, and never was seen again. This was the time when the Aboriginal Protection Board could take children into their care. The remaining family lived in a tent. A tough life. As an adult she raised 9 children, moved to Sydney, began writing and became an activist. Ruby was truthful in her writing style, very caring and a much loved matriarch of her family dying in 2011. Engrossing.

PAT - SWALLOW THE AIR by Tara June WINCH. Growing up in Wollongong little May and brother Billie only know their father was gone cane cutting, but never saw him. Their mother died so they went to live with Auntie. She was an alcoholic with a series of male, often abusive, companions. Whilst providing basic needs to the children their quality of life was poor. Billie left, moved to Redfern into squats and got into drugs. May followed to Redfern to be with her brother. Jump to the end of the story and eventually May returned home. A very depressing story.

JULIA - AFTER THE CARNAGE by Tara June WINCH. 13 short stories. Much swearing, dark themes, drugs, focussing on dark deeds. Awful.

TAM - AFTER THE CARNAGE by Tara June WINCH. Tam thought the characters were shadowy, the drifters of society. Poorly written.

DIANN - NOWHERE PEOPLE by Henry REYNOLDS. Diann grew up in Redfern and so could relate to the situations of the characters. She had witnessed some of the  experiences of the Indigenous and found it a very sad book. Personally moving. '1/2 castes' were assumed to be unstable, ineffective.

JUDY De La - QUESTION OF COLOUR by Pattie LEES. Pattie and her 4 siblings were removed from their mothers care, becoming state wards, 2 sent to Palm Island ( rife with sexual and physical abuse), awful early life. Pattie recounts her journey and survival through the years. Presented in a forthright and clear manner her story is told without bitterness.

PRUE - BENANG:FROM THE HEART by Kim SCOTT. The author is a well educated and important figure in Australia today. Originally from the Kimberley's, as an adult Kim lived with his family in different areas so his children could really learn the language and the culture. He believes learning the language helps redevelop "belonging to the family and settlement". In the book Harley, main character, relates a series of stories, facts, atrocities - some good, some bad - and is non linear. It is difficult to read as it jumps characters, some stories are told in song. The stories are blunt, emotional and with a lot of depth.

BEV - THE PROMISE - TONY BIRCH.  A common theme - death. Narrated by different people, some shady characters, some poor, unemployed, with alcohol and other issues.

JUDY A - BLACK CHICKS TALKING by LEAH PURCELL. 9 Indigenous women, from a range of backgrounds, recount stories of their lives and influences. (Actor, activist, community police officer, business, dancer, a mum, lawyer etc). Some were well informed of their indigenous heritage, others had family who wanted it hidden or denied. Poor spelling and grammar made it frustrating to read. 

KRIS - DARK EMU by BRUCE PASCOE. A nonfiction book about what Australia looked like before white settlement and expansion. Our modern day views and interpretations of what the structure of life was like pre colonisation. Subjects include housing, fire, food growing, laws. Well researched. Makes you reflect on the past and consider that the idea of a hunter/gatherer society back then may not be correct.

LESLEY - THE YIELD by TARA JUNE WINCH.  3 Parallel stories -         a - August, living in London, absorbing European culture, seems aimless, returns suddenly to home country town as Poppy dying. Massacre Plains, dreadful atrocities here during early white settlement. b - before dying Poppy recorded and wrote a dictionary of Wiradjuri words, linked them to English, gave egs of what terms/phrases meant. Wanted August to have it. c - Mission letters written by German Missionary who set up mission late 1800's, into 1900's. Gave details of events, attitudes of whites, treatment of indigenous,  way of life for them. Background story - a tin mine bought most of the land and about to dig up the earth. Mob cannot claim native title unless can prove link to land plus evidence of structures, long term use, ties. All comes together towards end. Was hard to follow at times, many themes touched upon. Difficult reading in parts.

FEBRUARY - STORIES ABOUT CATS

 JUDY DE:  RED LEAD by Roland Perry, The Naval Cat with 9 Lives

In 1942 the renowned cruiser HMAS Perth was sunk by Japanese.  There were 681 men aboard and the ship's cat.  328 men survived and one cat.  Judy said it was a really interesting story.  Judy also read a Lilian Jackson Braun novel.  She did not like it.

PRUE:  THE GUEST CAT by Takashi Hiraide

The author is a poet.  He has written many books of poetry and he lives with a cat.  The story is about a mid 30's couple who are both writers.  They live in a guest house. The descriptions of the guest house are beautiful.  A cat wanders in and out, sharing life with them and their neighbours.  Life suddenly has more promise as they play with the cat.  It's a beautiful gentle story with subtle humour.  It is well written.

CHARIS:

Although Charis did not read a novel about cats she had read some interesting facts about cats.  She told us Turkish people love cats with two different colour eyes.  She also spoke about cats being heraldry symbols in the U.K. The lion is on the British Coat of Arms.

JOAN:  A STREET CAT NAMED BOB by James Bowen

This is the story of the author, London street musician and recovering drug addict.  In 2007 he takes in an injured ginger street cat.  They become inseparable healing each other's pasts.  Joan found it interesting to learn about the life of a busker and the selling of the magazine called the Big Issue

BEV:  THRICE THE BRINDED CAT HATH MEW'D by Alan Bradley

This book is a Flavia De Luce mystery.  The 12 year old Flavia de Luce, after a strange sojourn in Canada, is back in England.  Her father is ill.  Flavia makes a macabre discovery of a corpse of a reclusive woodcarver.  There is also a tortoiseshell cat at the scene.  The local constabulary are perplexed.   Bev enjoyed the book.

JULIA:  GARFIELD by Jim Davis

Julia loves the Garfield comic strip and books.  She told us a some facts about the author, Jim Davis. He is an American cartoonist. When he started, his boss decided comic strips were over saturated with dogs and Jim should do something different.  He decided to do cats and in 1978 Garfield was born.  Jim has won lots of awards for his Garfield cartoons.

CLAURENE:  THE CAT'S TABLE by Michael Ondaatje

 The story is narrated by an 11 year old boy who travels by liner from Colombo to England.  His mother has been in England for four years and he is going over there to finish his education.  He is put on the lowly Cat's Table with two other boys going to school in England, as well as an odd group of other people. The table is the furthest away from the Captain's Table. The three boys get together and act like absolute monsters.  The narrator talks about their lives when they grow up.  Claurene said Ondaatje is a wonderful writer and she would like to read more of his books.

ROSEMARIE:  DALAI LAMA'S CAT by David Michie

 The author was born in Zimbabwe but now lives in Australia.  The story is about the kitten rescued from the slums of Delhi.  The kitten goes to new surroundings in beautiful Himalaya. It is a warm hearted story, reverent and wise.  It has insights to find happiness and meaning and will put a smile on your face.  It is gentle and humorous and has subtle influences.

JUDY A:  THE LEOPARD by Jo Nesbo

Nesbo is a Norwegian writer who has a character named Harry Hole who is a brilliant but troubled detective fighting personal issues of alcohol and depression.  According to the author, Harry is inspired by and a tribute to Michael Connelly's character, Harry Bosch.  This is the 8th book in the series.  He's on the trail of a serial killer.  It was ok but far too long.  Judy had also read another book called The Leopard by Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa.  It is reputed to be one of the finest works of 20th century fiction but it wasn't for Judy.  She said it was tedious and gave up at page 50.

PAT:  BONO by Helen Brown

The author was born in New Zealand but now lives in Melbourne.  This is a memoir of a part of her life.  She had three children who are now grown up.  She had written a book called Cleo and it gave her the opportunity to go the New York.  It was exciting and although she wasn't close to her daughter she came with her mother to New York. While she was there, Helen adopted a cat.  It helped repair the mother/daughter relationship.  The daughter really loved the cat.  Anybody who loves cats will really enjoy this read.

DIANN:  MATTHEW FLINDER'S CAT by Bryce Courtenay

This is the story of a solicitor mentoring a young man.  Diann said it was a very good story.

ED: THE LAST LIONS OF AFRICA by Anthony Ham

The author travels to different areas in Africa as he is very concerned lions are becoming extinct.  He is haunted by the fact that lions might disappear from the planet so he tries to do something to save them.  Ed said the plight of the lions is very sad. There is outrage by the public when an American dentist and hunter murders a much loved lion called Cecil.

CONNIE:  CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE CAT LOVER'S SOUL by Various Authors.

There are different stories about cats.  One that touched Connie was about a ten year old girl who had a cat from a kitten.  It came in for dinner, she played with him and the cat slept on a cushion in the bedroom.  One day he went missing.  She was very sad and put a notice in the local post office with a photograph.  Another girl was putting up a photo of her cat when they realised  it was the same cat and he was leading a double life.  The girls became good friends.  Connie enjoyed it.

JO: THE CAT WHO COULD READ BACKWARDS by Lilian Jackson Braun

It's the story of an investigate journalist who adopts a Siamese cat called Koko who jumps on top of his bookcase.  Jo loves these books.

VAL:  TRIM, THE CARTOGRAPHER'S CAT  -  Matthew Flinders, Philippa Sandall and Gillian Dooley

This book is in two parts.  The first part is a tribute to Trim, the cat.  The second part is a fictional version of various incidents written from the cat's point of view. He swam, he climbed up the rigging and he went overboard.  He was a beautiful cat and quite a character.  He accompanied Matthew Flinders when he circumnavigated Tasmania.  Flinders was meticulous in his map making and charts. When the ship needed repair he pulled in to Mauritius not realising the French were at war with England.  Val said she found out a lot about travelling in that era.

JUDY J:  STREET CAT NAMED BOB by James Bowen

Judy said it was a delightful and incredible story.  The only money James received was from busking.  He was born in London to well-to-do parents.  He moved to Australia with his mother after his parent's divorce.  He had ADHD and he was bullied at school. He went back to England to live with his father.    The stray cat James adopted gained celebrity status.  The Spanish loved the cat.  James is now worth over 2 million pounds.

LESLEY:  WE HAVE ALWAYS LIVED IN THE CASTLE by Shirley Jackson (1962)

The story has an idyllic, rural setting in a large, well kept country home near the local village.  It is narrated by Kathleen Blackwood (also called Mericat), an 18 year old who lives in the home with her older sister Constance and a wheelchair bound uncle plus her cat, Jonas. 6 years previously, Mericat's mother, father, aunt and uncle were all poisoned by arsenic in the sugar bowl. Only the uncle survived and is now wheelchair bound. Constance was arrested, tried but found not guilty.  The girls become reclusive as the villagers, believing they poisoned the family, relentlessly persecute them.  Jonas, the cat gives them comfort.  Their cousin Charles comes to stay and tension builds as the dynamics of the family change.  Lesley said the story was well written, short and moves in a timely fashion.  A creeping sense of foreboding develops.  Sinister and disturbing, you aren't quite sure what will happen next, but you know something will.  A good read.

LYN:  JAMES HERRIOT'S TREASURY FOR CHILDREN

One of the stories was about Moses, the kitten. It is snowing and it's freezing when the vet is called out to the farm because of a calving problem.   A tiny black kitten is  found freezing.  The farmer's wife puts it in the oven with the door open.  The farmer and his wife want to keep it.  When the vet calls to the farm again the black kitten is enjoying life in the pigsty with the piglets.  Lyn enjoyed it and said "I guess we never really grow up".

SHEILA:  CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE SOUL by Various Authors

She did not really enjoy it.  She said it would be great if you loved cats.

PAMELA:  OLD POSSUM'S BOOK OF PRACTICAL CATS BY T.S.ELIOT, PUB.1939

This is a collection of whimsical light poems about 15 different cats.  Some of them are The Song of the Jellicoes, McCavity, the Mystery Cat and The Ad Dressing of Cats.

KRIS:  THE CAT WHO SMELLED THE RAT by Lilian Jackson Braun

This is a light hearted mystery thriller with a touch of humour.  It features a reporter named Jim Qwilleran and his 2 Siamese cats, KoKo and Yum Yum.  KoKo senses trouble before it happens. It is set in Moose County.  The town is in the middle of a record breaking drought. There have been a number of fires at historic mine sites and Qwilleran thinks it's arson.  Then there is the murder of the local bookseller.  Qwilleran is looking for answers.  It was a light, easy read.

Kris

 

MARCH:              We will be reading Australian Indigenous authors   -   e.g. Tara June Winch,                                   Bruce Pascoe, Melissa Lucashenko, Kim Scott, Tony Birch  

                          

 

 

 

 

January 2021 ~ "Santa Sack" Holiday reading

 January 2021 saw our book club members discussing a variety of books they had read over the Christmas break; something from the "Santa Sack".

Pamela - "HOUSE KEEPING". by Marilynne Robinson. 1980.

A lengthy book that took a long time to read. Set in Montana, 2 young girls are left with their grandmother, expecting their mother to return. She never does. Not plot driven. Looks at relationships, personal growth, very much about character development. Narrated by Ruth, one of the orphaned girls it's a sad story. The children are concerned about issues of abandonment, instability and intransience. A dense story that requires deep thought.

Kris - "THE LADY IN THE LAKE". Raymond Chandler.

Philip Marlowe, an experienced PI from LA, is called to solve the disappearance of not 1 but 2 women.  Whilst published in 1943, it's very well written and a good read.

Judy A - "THE HAPPIEST MAN ON EARTH". Eddie Jaku.

Eddie, a Jewish and living in Germany in 1939, was arrested, imprisoned in a concentration camp and survived. He overcame incredible hardships and cruelties but tried to focus on positivity and hope. Eddie made a promise to smile every day. In this memoir Eddie, nearly 100, recalls how he dealt with life's struggles and lived to become the happiest man. Eddie still gives talks at the Sydney Jewish Museum.

Pat - "WHAT ALICE FORGOT". Lianne Moriarty.

Alice, on a treadmill in her gym, falls and hits her head. When she recovers consciousness Alice has lost 10 years of her memories. She thinks she's pregnant with her 1st child, happily married and living in a different time. Alice slowly discovers her 'current' life - with 3 children, a separation from her husband and a very different lifestyle. Changing and evolving relationships, societal changes over 10 years and failed hopes and expectations are now Alice's life.

Pru - "THE WIFE AND THE WIDOW". Christian White.

A good title that intrigued Pru immediately. Written in alternate chapters, there are 2 separate stories and one wonders how they are linked. A big surprise is in store. An easy read and very imaginative by an Australian author.

Julia - "FAIR WARNING". Michael Connolly.

Crime, fiction. The main character is Jack McEvoy who becomes a suspect himself in a missing person case. A real life new site that reports on very tough  issues is part of the story. Jack uses current detective practices to solve the case.

Bev - "THE SURVIVORS". Jane Harper.

 Set in a small, seaside town in Tasmania, a young backpacker is found dead on the beach. At the same time, a previous resident returns after many years to help his mother pack up the family home. Her husband, with increasing bouts of dementia, needs increased care so they must leave. Old wounds and secrets come to the surface. The case of a girl, missing 20 years, is recalled. Suspicions and theories abound.

Wendy - "SOURDOUGH'. Robin Sloan. 2017.

Satire, sci fi, fantasy..... Lois is a computer programmer, gamer, nerd. Living in San Francisco she lives for work, has long hours and a poor diet. She arranges for delivery of soup and sour dough, becomes involved in the process of cooking and joins a 'secret' market that brings technology to food production. A weird and funny story with themes of automation, progress, traditions, high ideals and food snobs.

Judy De La - "THE GIFTS OF READING".

An anthology of essays, including Robert MacFarlane, about books, poetry, reading, sharing, the importance of books.

Rosemary - "COMMONWEALTH". Ann Patchett. 2016.

Family saga, moves forward and backward. A kiss followed by an affair then divorce sees 2 marriages dissolve, then the families blend. Complicated relationships with humour and tragedy. Very entertaining and thoroughly enjoyable.

Claurene - "HOW TO MAKE GRAVY". - Bio of Paul Kelly.

Well known Australian song writer and performer. For one Christmas he was asked to write a book. He chose 100 of his songs and placed them in alphabetical order. Each song has the words on one page and then Paul's thoughts, comments and inspirations written on the facing page.

Connie - THE GIVER OF STARS. Jo Jo Moyes.

A book given to Connie by her granddaughter. 1932 - A well to do English city girl meets American man, falls in love, marries and moves to his farm in Kentucky. Appalachian Mountains the back drop. A huge culture shock, ignored by busy men in the family, staff look after the home - she's bored and unhappy. She meets a group of women from the farming district, very different to her usual friends. They form a book club (access to books so rare and difficult to obtain so treasured). Travel by horse, over hills, through snow to meet. Many in the community very poor so cannot afford to buy books. Women bond deeply, value each other, good friendships form. Very enjoyable.

Charis - "HISTORY TODAY". A magazine.

Such a variety of topics - slavery, politics, economics, Trump and the election etc.  Charis is enjoying the variety of subjects presented and finds enthusiasm in many of the articles.

Jo - "THE TENDERNESS OF WOLVES". Stef Penney.

Fiction crime. A 17 year old boy disappears in a forest. Upon investigation there have been a number of children who have d isappeared over time. Someone from Hudson Bay Co. investigates. Book looks at aspects of Indian culture as its revealed a tribe had found a child in the wilderness and helped raise it.

Joan - "BREAKER MORANT". Peter Fitzsimmons.

Historical recount of Boer War and the story of Harry 'Breaker' Morant. Harry was used to life in the bush, hardy and capable. Somewhat of a larrikin. Boer War 1899 - 1902. Harry in Carbineers - tough, rough soldiers. After a revenge patrol he is arrested, tried and along with Hancock executed. The man behind the myth. Last words - "Shoot straight you b....." Accessible history, an honest recount. 

Lesley - "BOY SWALLOWS UNIVERSE". Trent Dalton. 2018.

Eli Bell, 12 years old, lives in chaotic circumstances. His mother, whom he loves very much, had a drug addiction, his father is an alcoholic, his brother Gus is an elective mute caused from a near catastrophe in earlier life and Eli's best friend is an ex con. They all live in the western suburbs of Brisbane, very working class, full of struggles and endemic challenges.But Eli is bright, sensitive and wants a better life. He looks to men and asks' "are you a good man?" A series of bizarre situations follow including selling drugs, violence, crime etc. The many themes include first love, poverty, class struggles and the  drug underworld. Eli has hope, his coming of age sees him rise but still retain his love for his family. Difficult sections so not an easy read.

Judy J - "H IS FOR HAWK". Helen Macdonald.

The world of Falconry with all its terms, the processes and rituals of owning and training a hawk is the basis for this book. A women, Helen, bereft with inconsolable grief after the death of her father, immerses herself in the world of falconry. Determined to train a goshawk, Helen slowly sees, and gains strength, from the power and determination of the hawk. Depression, grief - not an easy read about a woman's journey. 

Lyn - "ANXIOUS PEOPLE". Fredrik Backman.

Full of sliding door moments. A robber fails to finish his crime. Strangers enter the narrative and their brief encounters changes the course. Really about character development rather than plot driven.

Sheila - "THE MUSEUM OF FORGOTTEN MEMORIES". Anstey Harris.

Around 120 years ago, in Victorian England, there was a museum. Now it's dusty and dilapidated. A woman and her son, (her late husband being a descendant of the original owner) move into the museum. They are not really welcomed into the home but the dusty exhibits, beautiful gardens, views etc enchant the women. She wants to restore it and, as this happens secrets are revealed. The house is filled with clever people and hidden secrets. Sheila knew it was going to be a good read from the first page.

DECEMBER: Favourite book read this year

 

Bev: Down and Out in Paris and London by George Orwell

This unusual memoir is told in 2 parts. The first tells of the author living in poverty in Paris in the 1920s, working at the bottom of the restaurant industry as a dishwasher. The second part describes his life on the road in and around  London as he aspires to be a journalist.

Bev was surprised that she enjoyed it so much.

 

JUDY DE la T: Khaki Town by Judy Nunn

In 1942, Townsville in Queensland suddenly had 70,000 American and Australian troops stationed there ready for combat in the Pacific. Tensions between the Aussies and the confident Yanks soon broke out, as well as between the black GIs, enjoying the lack of segregation, and white GIs.

Judy had heard the author talk about her latest book and was keen to read it.

 

KRIS: A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles

The book is set in 1922 during the birth of Communism in Russia. The main character, Count Alexander Rostov, is convicted of being an unrepentant aristocrat and is stripped of his wealth by the new Bolshevik regime. He is sentenced to live in an attic of the Metropol Hotel, never being allowed to leave.

Rostov is such an interesting character, and the story has humour, history and philosophy. It was a joy to read, said Kris.

 

PAMELA: Waterland by Graham Swift

Pamela reread this favourite book, originally published in 1983. It is set in the fens in England, and is a very complex, totally brilliantly written book that needs to be read slowly and carefully.

It has many and varied themes, but is most importantly about the importance of history, and the concept that history is circular, and no one learns anything from history.

 

SHEILA: Displaced by Stephan Abarbanell

Set in Palestine in 1946, elderly Elias Lind will not accept that his scientist brother has died in a concentration camp. Elias arranges for someone to search for him.  There are clues indicating he may still be alive.

Sheila described it as beautifully written and very readable, an interesting story on several levels, that is also partly factual.

 

CONNIE: I Heard the Owl Call My Name by Margaret Craven

This is the story of a young Anglican priest who is sent by his bishop to a little Indian village north of Vancouver. Unbeknown to him, he only has a few years to live, but in the meantime, he totally immerses himself in their traditional beliefs and ways of life.

Connie described it as a sad, but comforting story. You can learn much about the real tribal Indian village life and the difficulties of those who want to leave for a different life in Vancouver.

 

PRUE: Scrublands by Chris Hammer

A journalist suffering from PTSD is sent to a little country town to get ‘his mojo back’. Twelve months before, the priest had killed 5 men, so the journalist is to investigate how the town is coping. For Prue, the description of the dying country town in drought, is absolutely brilliant. The character development is very good, and while the last part is long, and not very exciting, it is necessary to understand what has happened.

 

DIANN: A Woman of Force by Mark Morri

Deborah Wallace joined the NSW Police and in 1983 was stationed at Blacktown.

The book is the story of her rise to Superintendent, focusing on the highlights and lowlights of her life. It was very difficult being a woman in those times, always having to prove herself. But she did open the door for the many women who followed her into the police force.

Diann described it as an honest and excellent read.

 

LESLEY: The Survivor by Jane Harper

Like her other novels, this one is also influenced by the environment in Tasmania  where the ocean and weather play a part. In a small coastal town, a visitor is found murdered on the beach. There are flashbacks to previous events and gradually lots of small town secrets are revealed.

Lesley thought it easy to read, but not as good as The Dry, the author’s first book.

 

JO: Wild Fire by Ann Cleaves

Book 8 in the Shetland series, has domestic violence as its main theme, and the sad fact that it can continue from one generation to the next, and the hurt goes on. Jo would love to visit the Shetland Islands.

 

CLAURENE: Mad World Evelyn Waugh and the Secrets of Brideshead

Claurene enjoyed this book which is partly a biography of Evelyn Waugh's life and partly a portrait of the Lygon family, used as a model for the characters in the novel. This is a fascinating portrait of the this time in England (1930s) as life began to change.

 

JOAN: The Good Germans – Resisting the Nazis 1933-1945 by Caterine Clay

Two thirds of the German people didn’t vote for or supported the Nazis, so to survive, they moved to the country and kept their head down. They were always in fear of losing their jobs, their homes, but many found the courage to resist. The book follows 6 different individuals in all aspects of German life. There are great connections between the 6 characters, their methods are daring but each is different.

Although the content is very stark, it is not a depressing book as you get caught up in the bravery of the individual.

 

JUDY J: The Soldiers Curse by Meg Keneally and Thomas Keneally

Although it had a rather slow buildup, the book tells the story of Hugh Monsarrat, a second offender, who is sent to the Port Macquarie penal settlement. His skill with words and writing gets him a privileged place as scribe to the commander. When the housekeeper is accused of murder, Monsarrat sets out to prove her innocence by finding the culprit. The descriptions of the penal settlement and the treatment of the convicts often lead to feelings of empathy for some villains. This is the first in a series, and Judy would certainly read more of them.

 

JUDY A: The Bone People by Keri Hulme

This slightly autobiographical book tells the story of a mixed European/Maori who lives in a tower on the New Zealand coast. One day she finds a mute boy Simon, in her tower. He has been raised by his Maori foster father Joe who rescued him from a shipwreck.

Judy described the book as beautiful, yet disturbing, an unforgettable story but could not really recommended for everyone to read.

 

ROSEMARY: Wearing Paper Dresses by Anne Brinsden

This family saga is set in the Malleee in northern Victoria in the 1950s. Elise and Bill with their 2 daughters were living in Melbourne when Bill’s mother died. Although his father tried to manage the farm alone, Bill and his family eventually are forced to return to help out. Elise finds life very difficult and as her love of art and music evaporate, the family worries about her depression.

Rosemary loved the author’s descriptive style of writing and found it very enjoyable to read.

 

Julia: When She was Good by Michael Robotham

This book follows on from “Good Girl, Bad Girl” where the character of Evie is first introduced. It’s a very complicated storyline. Evie, the girl with no past, was discovered hiding in a secret room in the aftermath of a terrible crime.

She has the unsettling ability to know when someone is lying. Julia loved it, but emphasized that you need to read Book 1 of the Cyrus Haven series first.

 

 

January 2021  We begin the year by sharing books we have been given, or just read over the Christmas holidays.

The Book Club will be followed by a lunch in the Stan Stevens Room to acknowledge  10 years of the Third Thursday Book Club!

                            Wear your pearls to celebrate!

 

NOVEMBER 2020: BOOKS BY JULIAN BARNES

Julian Barnes, born in 1946, is an English writer who won the Man Booker Prize for Sense of an Ending (2011).   Three of his earlier books had been shortlisted for the Booker Prize: Flaubert's Parrot, England,England and Arthur and George.  He also writes crime fiction under the pseudonym Dan Kavanagh.

ARTHUR AND GEORGE, a Novel

Claurene:

The story is based on true events approximately one hundred years ago. It follows the lives of  two young boys who have very different lives.  One is Arthur Conan Doyle, the author of the Sherlock Holmes novels and the other is George Edalji, a half Indian solicitor who is the son of a vicar.  Their lives come together and Arthur Conan Doyle helps George who has been wrongly accused of a crime and has ended up in prison. Conan Doyle fights for justice as he believes George is innocent.  There are elements of spirituality.  Claurene said it was a very enjoyable book.

Bev:

Bev didn't like it.  It started off with philosophy so she gave it a miss.

THE ONLY STORY

Connie:

Connie said it reads like an autobiography.  The writing is in 1st person as if it actually happened. Paul, 19 years old falls in love with a woman 29 years older.  She is married with two children.  He is allowed to go and sleep with her at her home. She enjoyed the first part but the second and third part are written in the second and third person making it very confusing.  She said it was very different but she did finish it as she enjoyed the first part.

 Diann:

She started to enjoy it. The story begins with Paul, a 19 year old man talking about himself  He meets an older woman and he is agonizing about the nature of love.  Diann was turned off and wouldn't recommend this book.

 Val:

She also read this book. The latter part of the book is Paul ruminating about love and getting old.  Val said it gave her a lot to think about.

THE NOISE OF TIME 

Joan:

It is a fictional story about the life of the Russian composer, Dimitri Shostakovich but written like an autobiography. It is written in 3 parts - Pre Stalin, Stalin's Purge and post Stalin.  Shostakovich is always in fear of being taken off for interrogation and he worries about his family.  It's the story of a former composer who had to survive in a tough controlling system.  Joan couldn't say she enjoyed it. She also read Sense of an Ending. This story is narrated by Tony Webster ruminating on his life and the imperfections of memory. Joan said the author has a wonderful writing skill.  She also read his short stories.  One story called Marriage Lines was a beautiful 8 page story of a widowed husband who returns to Shetland Islands trying to recapture what he had with his wife.

Pat:

Pat also read The Noise of Time but she could only read about ten or twenty pages at a time.  The protagonist was quite paranoid.  She couldn't get into it and wouldn't recommend it.  She felt that perhaps his short stories may have been better.

LEVELS OF LIFE

Prue:

Prue started to read this book  but there was no hook to get her in.  It was set in the 1830's, 40's and 50's.  It was about people who went ballooning and other adventures.  One of these was Sarah Bernhardt. She found it hard going.  The second part was in a different style.  He was grieving for his wife who had died and was ruminating about it. This part was much better and now Prue want to finish the book.  Prue said his writing is very good. 

Julia:

Julia couldn't get into it and found it boring.  She also read Sense of an Ending and found this book much better.

SENSE OF AN ENDING

Sheila:

She only read to page 40.  It was about male adolescent ruminations.  She stopped reading as she couldn't stand it a moment longer.  It's about three young blokes, 16-17yr olds.  A new boy joins the school.  The three other boys like him very much.  He seems better educated.  As the boys got older Sheila found she related to the feelings and understood what the author was trying to get across.  The main character gets married, has a child and gets divorced and at 60 he receives a letter from a solicitor which makes him think about his life.

Kris:

Tony Webster is the main character and narrator.  In the first part of the book the young Tony meets Veronica who becomes his girlfriend. He goes to stay at her parent's house for the weekend. The relationship is quite confusing to Tony and it eventually falls apart.  In the second part Tony is left some money from Veronica's mother and a legacy.  This forces him to re-evaluate his life.  It's a story of ageing and regret and questioning the accuracy of memories. It has an unusual ending.  It was beautifully written and a good read.

Judy D

Judy also said it was beautifully written.  It makes you realize that all actions have consequences.  She read it twice.

HISTORY OF THE WORLD IN 10 1/2 CHAPTERS

Pamela:

This is a collection of short stories all written in different styles.    It is a mix of fiction and non fiction.   She said it was a Tour de Force.  Some stories are better than others.  It starts off with the Stowaway, a different version of Noah's Ark.  The third one is Wars of Religion which involves a form of a court case. The story "The Survivor" is extremely ambiguous,. Another story is "The Shipwreck" about the sinking of the Medusa. Pamela said the author has been very clever and there is a lot of ambiguity in the stories.

THE MAN IN THE RED COAT

Judy A: 

This is an examination of La Belle Epoque period in Paris which lasted from1880 until World War 1. 

 It is told through the life of  pioneering surgeon Dr Samuel Pozzi, a French descendant of Italian parentage. Judy only got to page 105. The story is partly biographical.

 

 DECEMBER:  The best book we have read this year .

Our next Bookclub meeting will be on 17th December, the third Thursday of the month.

Please bring along your own morning tea as we will be having our Christmas lunch after Bookclub. The venue is at Cornerstone Cafe, all arranged by our hardworking convenor, Julia.  It will be fun to get together to share a meal and your chance to wear something festive.

Please bring a wrapped gift of a book you no longer want.

Kris