Book Group listing

Book Group meetings 

Each month we have an open meeting in a hall close to 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.

November 2014
The People of Forever are not afraid
by Shani Bolanjiu

There was almost unanimous disappointment with this book. Powerful monthly magazine short stories did not transfer to a satisfying or coherent novel.

October 2014
The Undertaking
by Audrey Magee


Beautiful, sparse writing presenting complex and sobering issues. A thought-provoking read which prompted a lively discussion.
 

September 2014
We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves
by Karen Joy Fowler

An astonishing book which puzzled, troubled, amused and moved the group. So many themes to explore - relationships, family, science, animal rights, guilt, grief...

September 2014
Cloudstreet
by Tim Winton

There was too much here for one discussion! Powerful, poetic language, humour, vivid characterisation, a huge variety of themes and issues to ponder.

July 2014
Chronicle of a Death Foretold
by Gabriel Garcia Marquez

Most were puzzled by the book. Some enjoyed the humour, others liked exploring the deeper meaning, a few were disappointed.

June 2014
The Woman Upstairs
by Claire Messud
A polarity of views: some responded to the humour and insightful writing, fascinated by themes of betrayal and disillusionment, others couldn't relate to the characters.
June 2014
The Ocean at the End of the Lane
by Neil Gaiman
A divided response - some were frustrated by the fantasy element. For others, the book spoke to them profoundly about their own childhood.
April 2014
Stoner
by John Williams

A bleak account of an unfulfilled life, but most of the group appreciated the truth, realism and beautiful writing.

March 2014
A Tale for the Time Being
by Ruth Ozeki
With so many themes, such a puzzling concept and two gripping narratives, everyone declared this the perfect book group book!
February 2014
Light Shining in the Forest
by Paul Torday
An animated and empassioned discussion with everyone agreeing they couldn't put the book down, even if they felt they wanted to!
January 2014
The Art of Hearing Heartbeats
by Jan-Philipp Sendker
Elements of this story of love and loss did not ring true, but most felt that it didn't detract from a beautiful, engrossing, magical tale.