Book Group listing
Book Group meetings in 2021
Each month we have an open meeting in the bookshop read more about it here. We usually focus on modern fiction and the discussion regularly attracts around 20 people, men and women, of all ages.
This was a huge hit. Everyone seemed to love the writing style, the sense of place, the multi-faceted characters, the humour and the poignancy. There was much to discuss about grief, family, community, education, and many expressed a desire to read the other novels by this author.
Astonishingly concise but beautiful and powerful writing, with a story which was engaging, poignant and intriguing. The story of the wartime child evacuee particularly struck a chord. Lots to discuss in such a slim novel.
An 'easy' read which nevertheless told a powerful, troubling, thought-provoking story of race and racism in London in the 1950s. Some felt that elements of the plot were too lightly handled but most loved it.
The style of writing was the dominant talking point: the fragmentary style was powerful, effective and accessible for some, others found it disjointed and hard to follow. The subjects covered were very much of our times and some responded to the reflection of anxiety in personal and political issues, others found it too dark.
Everyone loved this book which was a compelling and 'easy' read yet presented so much rich material to discuss regarding the author's use of language, tremendous characterisation and a challenging insight into Nigerian society and culture. A huge hit with us!
Funny and poignant, nostalgic and gentle, beautifully written with great character studies. Some found this too dense in its descriptions, others were able to wallow in the detail. An astonishing book giving a wonderful glimpse into rural Ireland.