LETSBuzz Book Club 15th March 1998
Gill read this after the last meeting's recommendations, but didn't really get along with it. She didn't recognize the other readers' description of a book in two parts, the first reasonably comprehensible and the second not. Also in contrast, Gill alone thought the central mystery was solved by the end of the book, "but it's not that obvious." Her difficulties were with the unfamiliar place names and lengthy technical descriptions of ice; she had no empathy with the heroine, and couldn't understand her motivation. The book was "worth reading but a bit difficult."
Gill
Caroline read the book after hearing it on radio 3. It is the story of 2 people travelling across Europe to a wedding, the man on a motorcycle and the woman by coach. The book takes the reader on a fascinating journey across Europe, exploring issues of nationality and culture (the protagonists, for example, seem to be a pan-European mix of nationalities, and a spouse-to-be has AIDS). John Berger had been widely heard of by the group, but not much read. The brief synopsis and clear enthusiasm of Caroline for the book generated a lot of interest in the book and John Berger.
Caroline
Gavin started by recommending the book as an introduction to the author's other works. It begins realistically with a professor campaigning against the drugs trade, writing letters to the press and so forth, in a country that might be Colombia. As the story progresses a parallel magic reality takes shape and gradually and eventually the strands combine as Señor Vivo becomes a magical shaman, finally ending up in an impossible, magical city. There is a constant shifting of style of reality and style of writing, revolting events depicted with stomach-turning realism giving way to charming scenes and vice-versa - "an amazing combination of brutality and charm" which "doesn't seek to shock." Gavin felt that reading this book, by a British author, helped him understand the writing of South American authors, with de Bernieres using similar techniques in English but without a translator in the way. An unqualified recommendation for this book, then, with the caveat that there is some pretty revolting violence graphically depicted.
Gavin
"The Information proves that the emperor has no clothes" - Gavin's opening to his description of the book's shortcomings. This story about the dispute between two writers (jealousy, mid-life crises etc) parodies Amis' own acquaintances using sarcasm, and would be more engaging if he wrote from his experiences. "Well worth missing if you don't like Martin Amis." "Well worth missing if you do like Martin Amis." "A dreadful book."
Gavin
This first novel is on Amis territory - urban problems, drugs, poor education. It's graphic, and there is some empathy with the principal character, but it lacks charm to balance the darkness. Gavin felt that the book was monotone, lacking plot twists and employing mindless violence in to shock and to make a boring environment seem exotic (unnecessarily, the world of its psychopathic character is already quite exotic enough). "A good read." Andrew had also read the book, and perhaps made allowances for its being a first novel. He thought it showed natural flair and style (Gavin disagreed - "a great deal of hard work") and was looking forward to Bedford's second novel.
Gavin
A first novel about a man in NY learning to drive in his 30s, so that he can visit his parents' grave. The scenes where he is taught by a woman from work are quite amusing. The day of his driving test turns into a horrible nightmare, things become quite absurd and out of control, and the chap is able to sort things out in his head. The principal character is likeable and makes the book worth reading in spite of the absurdities.
Doreen
And yet another first, by a Chinese American from LA. The title is a reference to the work of the main character and her father, both of whom photograph faces, and to the Chinese cultural need to "save face." Doreen didn't much like this book, or its Chinese American woman looking back on her upbringing in LA's Chinatown, trying to sort out her many problems. Why does she have such dreadful nightmares? Why does she sleep with lots of men, who are all the same type? Why has her photo-journalist father destroyed all his work? Doreen found the answer to be "completely over the top, far too dreadful." The book was nicely written, interesting on Chinese culture and details and feelings of not belonging. But "I won't be in the queue for her second novel."
Doreen
21:30 A. Started pretty well. Builds character. Describes herself, obsessions with weight, drinking, smoking.
21:32 A. Goes out of control half way through. To make more dramatic, introduces plot line about mother becoming TV personality.
21:35 G. Reminds of Adrian Mole. Older, female version. Same obsessions, lives in same place. Perhaps could be done in same way about anybody at any age?
21:37 D. Understood her feelings about weight. Made sense.
21:38 G. Quite a funny book, especially inability to cook.
21:40 D. "It will make you laugh."
Andrew
A biography written in reaction to Crick's fact-laden work, read by Andrew because Animal Farm and 1984 had started him reading again after bad experiences at school. Orwell was unsettled for most of his life, and doubtful of his own abilities. His first wife died tragically and he threw himself into his work, producing Animal Farm - his first (huge) success - then 1984. The biography shows up the huge influence of publishers at the time, with Gollancz refusing to publish Animal Farm. Andrew "thoroughly enjoyed" this "good" book which "filled in lots of gaps."
Andrew
Seán read this book after reading Doyle's earlier works. He found that the book succeeded completely in putting him inside a violently abused woman's mind - understanding why she stayed with her appalling husband, the loss she felt when he died, her inability to escape from him and even the status she felt was hers because of being married to him. The book convincingly explores how and why this woman put up with what ought to be a completely intolerable situation.
Seán
The frames have gone all funny - click to make it good.