Category Archives: Classic Literature

2nd Tuesday Evening Book Group

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This month the group discussed Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

Book Summary

Jane Eyre ranks as one of the greatest and most perennially popular works of English fiction. Although the poor but plucky heroine is outwardly of plain appearance, she possesses an indomitable spirit, a sharp wit and great courage. She is forced to battle against the exigencies of a cruel guardian, a harsh employer and a rigid social order. All of which circumscribe her life and position when she becomes governess to the daughter of the mysterious, sardonic and attractive Mr Rochester. However, there is great kindness and warmth in this epic love story, which is set against the magnificent backdrop of the Yorkshire moors.

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2nd Tuesday Evening Book Group

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The group discussed the FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION.

Group Comments

One member re-read ‘All Quiet on the Western Front’ which was writeen by a German soldier after the first world war.

It is a novel based on the author’s experiences even though it is not biographical.

It is a poignant account of the horror and futility of war and remains a classic anit-war novel.

As such, it was banned by the Nazis, and the author was stripped of his German citizenship.

Our small group discussed how human history has always had groups of people who operate in an oppressive manner and want to use the media and publications as a vehicle of control.

Freedom of the press and literature is vital to an open and tolerant society.

 

Get Reading! 2013 is here

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Australia’s largest celebration of books and reading, Get Reading! is back in 2013 with the ultimate guides to the best Australian reads. Along with the traditional Top 50 Books You Can’t Put Down, in 2013 Get Reading! has collated a list of Australia’s Top 100 Favourite Homegrown Reads, exclusively voted for by subscribers, fans and friends of Get Reading!
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1st Wednesday Book Group

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 Revolutionary Road by Richard Yates

Everyone read the book and finished it. The husband Frank was throughly manipulative. The wife April was rather “flakey” and some readers found her very irritating.

The novel, written in 1961, and set in the mid 50’s, really typified the suburban lifestyle of the time – very regimented and very stifling. Continue reading →