#44 - The Little Stranger - Sarah Waters (Choice: Jen's)(Venue: Jen's Country Pile)

• Alex:
• Present: Jen, Alex, Mark, Eamonn (and Jen's more-than-welcome family)
  A thin on the ground, but beautifully catered book group...
  
  I tried to read as little about The Little Stranger as possible before starting it. I had heard it was a ghost story, which already freaked me out - being equally compelled and appalled by these things. I don't think we ever grow out of our childhood fears, and the possibilty of ghouls and spectres, and unexplained happenings, chills me as much now as it did then. And infact the book succeeded in keeping me awake a good couple of nights - watching the bedroom door, listening for unexplained creaks and knocks, as I flew through Waters's rollicking story of the doomed Ayres family desperately trying to maintain their disintigrating family home, their reputation and sanity.
  
  I do not believe in spirits, though, much like the 1st person narrator - the village doctor, Faraday (who we follow from boy to man, and who becomes indelibly intertwined in the family's misfortunes), erring more to the subconscional explanations of his colleague, Professor Selby, that we make our own ghosts, and indeed, to my mind, the mishaps that befall the various members of the Ayres family do seem to be manifestations of their own fears.
  
  The book conveys a changing post-war Britian effortlessly, making the history as much a character as any of the named protagonists. The book details the anxiety for change felt by the populace and the social-leveling that the war brought about. It weaves in the expectations of a new labour government, of social housing and the onset of the National Helath service. These things are vital to the story-telling, and makes the Ayres's plight as they cling on to their crumbling home and decaying class poignant and quite moving.
  
  The book never forgets about the reader, and up to the the final paragraph remains thought provoking and chilling.
Nic:

I found this beautifully and well written. The changes in British society and politics that Alex refers to above are subtly drawn and deftly woven into, indeed are a vital part of, the plot: they propel the action and decline of the house and family. In this respect, Waters has a delicacy of touch that is in stark contrast to Byatt's clumsy history lecturing. I'd definitely try more of Waters work. I was disappointed not to be able to attend this book group but we've discussed this book a sessions subsequently and everyone seems to have been in agreement with Alex about the haunting tone of the work - especially with regard to the intriguing, undefined role played by the doctor in the fall of the family through his deep, personal connection with the house.

#43 - The Children's Book - AS Byatt (Choice: Mark's)(Venue: Katzenjammers, London bridge)

Tuesday 25th May 2010
Present: Mark, Jen, Nic, Shubha, Gill, Alex

Literary Marmite. The only thing we all agreed on was the beer (even that's poetic licence, actually as Shubha had wine).

Mark and Jane loved, loved, loved this book. Jen, Shubha, and Alex hated it. Gill pulled extraordinary faces of disapproval during Mark's protestations of love (for the book, not Gill - it goes without saying that we all love Gill).

The male characters were odious and the female characters, on the most part, were lame. There were some notable exceptions (esp Karl/Charles, Phillip and Elsie), which probably sums up the era rather well. The book was dense with historical facts and, whether you loved this or hated it, this was just one of the factors dividing our opinions.

For my part, I wondered where the editor was. It seems Byatt did laudable amounts of research for this book but, instead of using that information to drop in subtle hints as to the nature of the time, she formed the facts into a sledge hammer which she used to ram home her superior knowledge driving, at the same time, a sledgehammer through my enjoyment of the compelling 300-page tale that, instead, covered 615 pages.

I did, however, find that the strength of the story telling and the power of the ultimate story, eventually, permeated the dense text. For me, the Bird-Song-style ending redeemed everything that went before and gave it new perspective: to see that so many of these children, of whose lives we knew such intimate detail, whose trials and tribulations had seemed so important, could be wiped out by WW1 and to know that that happened not just to these few but to so many, to a generation, was heart breaking. Despite my early difficulties with the novel, I ended in tears not of frustration but of wonder, some for the characters and some for the end of a marvellous book.

Carl's Review:

#42 - One Day - David Nicholls (Choice: Nathalie's)(Venue: LE Pain Quotidien, South Bank)

Present: Shubha, Nic, Mark, Gill, Jenny, Alex, Nathalie

Ok, so I should have typed this one up earlier as I am struggling to remember the discussion although, for some reason, I recall that Mark, Shubha and I ended up at the new hotel at the south end of Westminster Bridge! Connected? Surely not!

Jen, I know, hadn't finished the book but was enjoying it so she left the table while we discussed the dramatic turn of events just before the conclusion. Mark didn't like it. The rest of us, so far as my hazy memory permits generally enjoyed the read. It fulfilled Nathalie's reasons for choosing it, being a straightforward, easy to read tale with a little more humour than the previous novel - something a little lighter. The main characters, Em and Dex, felt real, which is to say they were defined, suitably flawed and not always likeable. Post university days, menial jobs, career angst and family frustrations were all well sketched and jogged memories amongst our table of readers. One does wonder why Em put up with Dexter for so long, although it is clear that he loved her and made efforts to change in order that the relationship would work. Many of us felt that [spoiler alert] their relationship would not have survived and Dexter would have returned to his previous ways, probably having an affair with Maddy, had Emma not died so abruptly. We all felt that the simple way her death was written was shocking and moving and Dexter's reaction painful. But, sadly, I recall we mostly felt that a leopard doesn't change its spots. The ending, returning to the beginning was controversial; not universally liked. And we even discussed the title - One Day. The events of years are told through snap shots of a single day from each - the 15th July but I read the title as a romantic hope, harboured long and secretly ... one day, may be One Day.

#41 - If Nobody Speaks of Remarkable Things - Jon McGregor (Choice: Nic's)(Venue: Waterloo Bar and Grill)

Jen:
Present Nic, Jen, Mark, Alex, Natalie. Please forgive me if you were there and I haven't mentioned you; I'm not as good as Nic at this!
An interesting choice, and one that most people liked. However, Jane did say that it was like watching paint dry and I wasn't so sure. My problem was that I read it sproradically, on the train home. If I had been able to read it all in one, or maybe two sittings, perhaps I would have enjoyed it more. But as it was, I loved it whilst I was reading it, but it was a struggle to pick up because I found it very difficult to know who was who and what was going on.

It was beautifully written and poetic and I did finish it following the comments from the group. So all in all, a well received choice.

Carl (from Afghanistan):

#40 - The Great Gatsby - F Scott Fitzgerald (Choice: Gill's)(Venue: Christopher's, Covent Garden)

Present: Gill, Carl "Gin Martini" Barnes, Shubha, Jennie, Nic and, a little later than billed, Eamonn.

With a wonderfully grand and aged staircase up to the main restaurant, this was a great venue to discuss a book which vibrantly brought to life the decadence and opulence of America in the 1920s. Carl brought a little more of that to life as he arrived for brunch hung-over and called immediately for a gin martini with Tanqueray and a twist. Style.

Superficially, this was the story of a man's obsession with a failed love affair and his prolonged and impassioned attempt to recapture a lost moment but, in an unusually high-brow discussion, we discussed this as a metaphor for the corruption of the American dream: the narrator and Gatsby illustrating the ability for anyone of any background to 'make it big' in postwar America whilst Daisy and Tom represent the established, monied but morally bankrupt classes judging the new comers and finding them wanting.

We felt that, in keeping with the superficiality of the lifestyles portrayed, we didn't really get to know the characters. However, from what we knew, we found Daisy spoiled and selfish, ready to betray the man she loved (or had, perhaps, loved) to save her own position in society, whilst Gatsby, the nouveau riche criminal, had real heart and paid the ultimate price for loving and protecting her.

The book was well-received by those present (though Shubha had some way to go still). I, having a very strong recollection of loving Tender is the Night and, without recalling that novel in real detail, felt this did not live up to the huge expectations I placed upon it. Meanwhile, conversely, Jennie, who loved this book, recalled hating Tender is the Night.

Further comments, particularly from those who were absent, welcomed.

Jen:
Not much to add to that I think!

#39 - She's Come Undone - Wally Lamb (Choice: Alex's)(Venue: Pizza Express, Thayer Street)

Present: Alex, Nic, Shubha, Jane, Gill

Alex can explain most eloquently why he enjoyed this book so much and why he chose it for book group and, of those present, most found it easy to read, a pacey, reasonably enjoyable page turner. Only Shubha hadn't finished it and was struggling a little but, as she was getting to the bit with the beach and the whales, it was about to pick up, so it will be interesting to see how she ended up feeling.

For my part, I thought Wally Lamb's obvious writing talent, good use of language and pace, were wasted on this misery tome. He captured the feminine voice of the narrator and main protagonist subtly and convincingly. However, I am at a loss to know what he, as writer, or I, as reader, got out of him writing this book (well, I take that back, he, presumably, got a heap of cash). He crammed in a lot of events but I felt they were dealt with shallowly: I did not receive any great insights into mental health issues; childhood development; the after effects of rape, abandonment, or bereavement; analysis, whales, or any other topic he into which ventured. There are plenty of real life tales of woe (see Mark's photos of bookshelves in Smiths and Waterstones!) so I need something more from a fictional account than a relating of facts (um ... ficts?). I need an analysis and an understanding of cause and effect, something that moves our knowledge forward ... just something ...

So, for my money, a harmless yarn but one feels Wally Lamb is capable of more. I'm just not sure I'd risk trying it.

Alex:
Ach. Lawyer, empath thyself...

Jen:
I on the other hand thought this was amazing and loved it. I thought he dealt beautifully with a damaged girl growing up with what happened to her and the consequent impact of the events on her psyche and personality. Of course it wasn't spelt out; she didn't understand it, it was just something she was liviing through.

I thought it was fab and Dolores and the othyer characters breathed on the page. Great choice!

#38 - The Outsider - Albert Camus (Choice: Carl's)(Venue: My house)

Present: Nic, Jennie, Shubha, Carl, Mark, Alessandro, Alex

Ah, the best venue and food of the year ... (Joke!)

An interesting, existential read, perhaps nihilistic? The narrator is emotionally detached: doesn't cry at his mother's funeral; doesn't judge anyone (arguably not a flaw); randomly / nonsensically kills an man on the beach and shows no remorse. Life seems to be without reason or emotion. 

For me, the remarkable detachment of the narrator induced detachment in the reader. I little cared what happened to him or to anyone else as he had no real interest so was unable to enthuse me. 

The book was deceptively simple, the language perfunctory and simplistic, reading like a young child's post-holiday essay, a list of things done and undone - "and then I got up and I didn't have any food so I didn't have breakfast. I didn't have anything to do so I looked out the window and there were people there but then they went away." 

Alessandro and Jen read this in the original French and felt the language was carefully chosen, even beautiful. I didn't really get that sense from the translation, which was sparse but seemed unexceptional.

In short, for me, some slight academic interest but no emotion, no compulsion to read on, no great disappointment at reaching the end. On the whole, people found it interesting but I cannot remember whether anyone really enjoyed it ...?

#37 - The White Tiger - Aravind Adiga (Choice: Shubha's)(Venue: Mint Leaf)

A small, girlie, cocktail-appreciating crowd gathered at the Mint Leaf for this one. After admiring my new shoes and boots and Jane's fabulous new jacket (which made me feel much better about my expenditure!), we got down to serious business - the cocktails and the menu! Exhausted from taking decisions for others all week, Jane left Shubha to choose Jane's meal but, as all the dishes went into the centre for us all to nibble and enjoy, it was almost irrelevant who ordered what. Little went to waste and we had to order additional naans to mop up the end of the delicious sauces.

Shubha and I agreed (woohoo) on our interpretation and enjoyment of this book and, although we were both able to find fault as well, found it highly readable. Jane found it somewhat repetitive, constantly reinforcing the poverty, and found some of the language unlikely, although I found it reminiscent of the language of the Indian newspapers. I also enjoyed the "names" ascribed to some characters such as, most obviously, Vitiligo Lips, an element which, for me, echoed the Orangedrink-Lemondrink Man from the God of Small Things and therefore felt authentic.

We came over all philosophical after that, inspired by the book, by India, by our memories of our travels and by the wines that lifted the bill beyond the realms even of the Gaucho Grill where we discussed Black Swan Green. We reminisced, compared travel tales, discussed the value of time versus the value of money and the quality of life as well as the value of life (with some incredible insights from Shubha). Then, to be honest, it gets a little hazy. When we eventually left the Mint Leaf, Trafalgar Square was alive with happy Algerians celebrating a football win over Egypt and, resisting calls to join their party, we wended our ways home.

Jane:
you are amazing. what a lyrical, delightful description...

[blush]

#36 - Welcome to Life - Alice de Smith (Choice: Eamonn's)(Venue: Jane's Manor)

Alex:

Product Description from Amazon
"Welcome to Life" is a novel about family, friendship and becoming a grown-up. Adolescence is never easy. But for fourteen-year-old Freya - brought up by parents who act like teenagers, and surrounded by teenagers all too desperate be grown-ups - it's bewildering. All she wants is a bit of attention...But her parents are too wrapped up in their own dramas to register Freya's. Her mother, Millie, is inconsistent, irresponsible, and wants her daughter to be her best gal pal. Unfortunately she finds her utterly inscrutable, a disappointment and a chore, and her fondest communications reach Freya in the form of notes left on the fridge door: 'Feed rabbits'; 'Sandwich for lunch - cheese in fridge only one day out of date', and 'Be less scary'. Freya's dad, Hugh, is in the property game. 'When there's a recession on, you have to keep an eye on the figures,' he told her once. If only he'd listened to his own advice...In desperation, Freya goes looking for love in all the wrong places. And when her parents break dramatically with marital convention, they leave Freya in turmoil as she realizes that, for Millie and Hugh, three is not a crowd...

~

It was interesting for me to read this book, as I was living in Cambridge as a (slightly older) teen than heroine Freya at the time the book is set. It is a very interesting snapshot of eight or so weeks of burgeoning womanhood, a time when the summer holidays made all the difference (so we thought) to the person we would be on the return to school. I think Alice de Smith captures the agony of these teenage growing pains very well.. and Freya is never quite sure who she is and what's expected of her... Where is she in life? The story is incredibly slight and the surrounding characters are given very little flesh and for literary creations behave annoyingly inconsistently. People are described as one thing, and then behave in others - it is a fault in the writing not in the character make-up.

Also, I didn't recognise Cambridge... Her geography is all wrong. Occasionally landmarks are thrown in for good measure, and local celebs from my youth spring up but for no reason. De Smith would have been better served creating extraneous characters and places using her talent as a writer, rather than relying on exisitng places and people that brought nothing to the story...

On the whole I found the book fairly amusing, and whilst the subject, style and moral are nothing new, it reminded me a little of Victoria Wood's stand-up.. Snappy, zippy, some GREAT one liners, but ultimately you never learn anything from it...

Nic:

Wow. You got so much more out of this than I did! It's such a shame you weren't at the lunch to lend a different perspective (and enjoy a fabulous lunch!).

I wondered who Alice slept with in order to get this trite, underdeveloped, poorly-written, uninspiring (I hesitate to call it) book published.

After lunch walk:

#35 - The Count of Monte Cristo - Alexander Dumas (Choice: Jane's)(Venue: Spacca Napoli, Soho)

#34 - The Resurrectionist - James Bradley (Choice: Jen's)(Venue: the White Hart, Soho)

Present: Nic, Alex, Mark, Shubha

#33 - The Raw Shark Texts - Steven Hall (Choice: Mark's)(Venue: The Mulberry Bush, South Bank)

#32 - An Error of Judgment - Pamela Hansford Johnson (Choice: Nic's)(Venue: Chimes of Pimlico)

#31 - Sarah - JT Leroy (Choice: Nathalie's)(Venue:The Diner, Ganton Street)

#30 - The White Hotel - DM Thomas (Choice: Alex's)(Venue: Refuel, Soho)

#29 - Pastoralia - George Saunders (Choice: Carl's)(Venue: El Cantara, Frith Street)

#28 - Death and the Penguin - Andrey Kurkov (Choice: Jane's)(Venue: Daquise, Thurloe Street) )

#27 - An Instance of the Fingerpost - Iain Pears (Choice: Shubha)(Venue: Med Kitchen, Cambridge Circus)

#26 - Any Human Heart - William Boyd (Choice: Eamonn's)(Venue: Savoir Faire)

#25 - The End of Mr Y - Scarlett Thomas (Choice: Jen's)(Venue: The Old Express, Shepherd's Market)