LETSBuzz Book Club 25th October 1998
Doreen re-read this book, which was reviewed by Gill at the previous meeting. She found that she didn't like it at all, though it was very well written. On reflection, she felt that the reason for disliking it was the way it treated women - which was rather offensive.
Doreen
This book is set firstly in France and later in Algeria. It tells the tale of the wife of a famous magician who is sent to Algeria to frighten the natives so that the won't rise against the French. It is simply written but has complicated ideas. Doreen thought it told a good tale and thought it very good; recommended.
Doreen
This book has also been read by Doreen and Andrew who both enjoyed it. Gavin would also fully recommend it. The first chapter is especially exciting and aesthetically pleasing.
Gavin
Gavin found this a good story, but not that well written. (Gill reviewed at previous meeting and enjoyed it).
Gavin
A history of the illegitimate son of Pope Alexander VI. Lots of plotting and small time gangsters. Read for mild curiosity rather than strongly recommended.
Gavin
A biography of Wordsworth's sister, which shows how hard life was at that time, yet how much people managed to achieve. Dorothy suffered from being taken out of school early due to a problem with a lawsuit in the family which caused hardship. Also features a lot of walking!
Caroline
Seán loved this book, and thoroughly reccomends it. It deals beautifully with religious differences and growing up in India, and achieves what a number of English-writing Indian authors manage - an enjoyable read which makes the reader feel immersed in both the story and India.
Seán
The author is a journalist covering Eastern Europe for the LA Times. The book is set in Poland, in a small town after the end of communism. Starting off with a murder, the book chronicles many "odd goings on" in the village, which once had Jews, but now has them no longer. Seán enjoyed the book and would recommend it.
Seán
A book about travelling around Europe by public transport around 1990. Andrew has also read this. The book has started to date already, especially the bits about Yugoslavia. A good book with funny bits.
Gill
Gill abandoned Larry's Party two thirds of the way through, due to a bit about illness that she didn't like, but up till then had found it an easy read. Not a particularly remarkable book.
Gill
Nothing to say about it.
Andrew
This is a book of short stories. He thoroughly enjoyed this and would recommend it.
Andrew
This book, by the author of 'Cal', is about a woman dealing with two traumatic events - the death of her father, and her relocation after the break-up of a relationship. Andrew thought this was a beautiful book. The music in it seemed almost tangible. An excellent read.
Andrew
About a film critic who sets out to see if a film can be made for $7K, as had been claimed. An enjoyable read.
Andrew
Jean is a Doris Lessing fan and had been reading this autobiography, which deals with her life in the African bush up till the age of about 30. It is the first of two volumes. Doris Lessing was married twice by the time she was 30 and abandoned her two children. She writes about naiveté and has a vivid style.
Jean
The frames have gone all funny - click to make it good.