At the February meeting of the 2nd Tuesday Evening Book Group, Elizabeth Gaskell’s book North and South was discussed.
One group member did not get past the initial opening pages of the book, but all other members enjoyed reading the book.
The theme of the book covers the change of circumstances of the Hale family and their exposure to the northern harshness of industrial life. Continue reading
This month the First Wednesday book club met to discuss Graham Greene’s novel Brighton Rock. This novel has strong characters and covers themes such as Catholicism and self-loathing of the body. Continue reading
The Second Tuesday Book Club met recently in the library to discuss Anne Bronte’s novel Agnes Grey. They found it to be a good read – not enjoyed as much as other Bronte novels, but gave an insight into women and the lot of those who were educated with little means of support. Agnes gives us an understanding of the position of governess in wealthy and / or upper class homes.
The First Wednesday Reading Group has discussed the book ‘To kill a mockingbird’ by Harper Lee. They noticed that it was a classic work which is still relevant today. Sometime some of the member felt difficult to read about the injustice of racisim in the South. Members agreed it was very well written and intriguing insights into the perspective of a 7 years old child. The respect of the children for their father is well portrayed and very touching. The storyline is fascinating and keeps the reader interested right to the end. It is a great marality tale that covers the great themes of race and class inequlity, and the fight for justice.
The group also discussed the book ‘The Gallipoli letter’ by Keith Murdoch. Most of who read it found the book was interesting. The letter itself is created with being highly influential in ending the Gallipoli campaing and this is very believable. Some felt it was disappointing that the extansive commentary written on the letter was at the front of the book and took away the element of ‘surprise’ from the letter itself.
The letter gives a great insight into the conditions at Gallipoli and the views of the soldiers and medics. It is well worth reading. However the group would recommend reading the actual letter first, with the photos, before reading the commentary. The commentary is also very interesting and gives the readers a great sense of context.
The book read for March 2011 for the First Wednesday Book Club was the classic Bleak House by Charles Dickens. Here are the comments on the book made by the group: Continue reading