April Books

Next Meeting Tuesday 7th May from 5.30pm at Costa Coffee, Longfield Centre

Our Books for April

 

Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese - We are continuing to read this book

 

Three Men in a Boat by Jerome K Jerome

The classic tale of three men and a boat…and a dog. Not much more to say other than it will make you laugh……a lot. What could be more relaxing than a refreshing holiday on the river with your two best friends and faithful canine companion, Montmorency? However, as J. discovers, there is more to life on the waves than meets the eye – including navigational challenges, culinary disasters, and heroic battles with swans, kettles and tins of pineapple.

Review of the Mayor of Casterbridge By Thomas Hardy

The group enjoyed the book, which is especially good news since at least one member did not have enjoyable memories of having to read Hardy at school. It was agreed that Hardy had created some engaging characters and scenes, with a story full of twists and emotional turmoil resulting from the actions and secrets they kept from one another. We don’t know if this is the case but we like the idea of the title of Mayor of Caster bridge being interchangeable between Henchard and Farfrae.

Henchard’s out of control bullying left little sympathy from the group when his fall from Mayor came about by conspiracy, as it considered to be his own fault. He didn’t learn from his mistakes to become a nicer person or more sympathetic.

We also explored the issues of the lack of status for women at this time and what was the cause of Elizabeth not asking questions of about her father, was conditioning of her upbringing, the lack of status or just innocence of the times?