Author: BembridgeWI

BEMBRIDGE WINDMILL WI

FEBRUARY / MARCH 20243 BOOK CHOICE

Trespasses by Louise Kennedy

Members were warmly welcomed to the Book Club Meeting, in Brenda’s absence, by Pam who had also received several apologies from those who were unable to attend together with their views and thoughts of the book to be added to the evening’s “discussion pot”.

It became very apparent from the beginning that this was a book which was a rather sad and depressing one which definitely resonated with Members especially as it was set around very publicised real life events which everyone could remember vividly as “the troubles” in Ireland. Several said it was a “grim reminder” made even harder with its portrayal of life in Belfast during that time and at different levels told from the Irish one-sided point of view but as was pointed out with no real mention of Ian Paisley.

It was agreed by all that it had been a hard read with one Member saying “she would describe it as raw and harsh”. Another “that it was brutal and absolutely chilling on occasions whilst depicting the tragedy of the of the religious divide and the bigotry”. Several members stating they were unable to actually finish the book because it affected them so, on an emotional level. Many groups did not come out of it at well, including the Churches, Schools and socially in Pubs etc and the British Army’s unfavourable portrayal in such a dangerous situation, was felt, as the discussion progressed, to have been hard to come to terms with and even the dark depth of it proved quite unbelievable to some.

It was felt, generally, that the book concentrated on the “troubles” rather than the love affair it had actually advertised as one Member pointed out “making the balance of the storyline unbalanced!” Several agreed overall it was well written with most agreeing the characters were well drawn and had depth, each had a part to play and described as a true reflection of what was going on at the time when there was not much chance to meet anyone and difficult to form relationships. Most agreed the only humour in the book was with Cushla’s mother, the alcoholic character, marvellous even when she was so drunk! All agreed although it was sad, when Michael, was murdered – “a mistake” – he was a chap Members thought was definitely power crazy, and a “ladies man”, ( as a Protestant why did he like to go to a Catholic Pub?), the emotional pace stepped up and the story became a little more absorbing. Cushla, a Catholic, it was thought was a bit of a silly girl, dating a Protestant in her private life, who became her escape to happiness and getting involved with just one pupil, Davy, in her care at School and his family when there must have been many at the School in a similar situation. So many questions! Absolutely everyone totally disliked Father Slattery – being well described as terrifying and definitely creepy!! Spot on!!

It has been hard to sum this book up ……………..

– More of a documentary of the hositility between Catholics and Protestants as one Member put it “Seems insurmountable and so cruel and senseless on a human level – so much one could discuss from this book to do with life and culture in Ireland. Still today there are after effects of these “troubles” which will never dissipate” Interesting comment made “ in the UK we never gave a thought to whether someone was Catholic or Protestant, but in Ireland very much emphasis was and still is put on who is Catholic and Protestant “!!

A mixed bag of reactions for this book – although appreciated it was well written but was not the story it was expected to be as a quote on the cover “A compulsively readable love story. Every word rings true” but, maybe more one – “heart wrenching – Trespasses is historical fiction” perhaps?

This majority agreed it was a sad, depressing, grim reminder of events that took place ““in our time – being too recent history” not primarily a love story, more of a non-fiction book that documents events.

Definitely one that would not be recommended to a friend in this instance.

The Book Club Meeting welcomed 13 Members, with apologies received from those unable to attend the evening. Brenda asked for comments on this book which had not really generally been felt well received. It soon became apparent that this was the feeling unanimously with many commenting they had no idea what the point of the book was. The feeling from several Members was that “age” had probably made more of a problem with relating to the storyline having a great deal to do with this. Questions were raised and discussed whether this storyline and its situation really went on, with most agreeing, it did not go anywhere. Several Members “ploughed” halfway through and gave up hoping that those who struggled until the end would have more of a grip with it to help further the discussion. The storyline taking place in Hong Kong with “confused” bi-sexual girl Ava, from Ireland, teaching rich children grammar in a new Country in a boring job and who had nothing in common, apart from constant sex with the male character, Julian, a banker, who had money and a flat was an improbable one in the way it was told. It was thought that the “conversations” in the book were banal. Even when Ava met up with Edith, a Hong Kong local who worked in a Law firm and paid Ava lots of attention and took an interest in her which she found flattering, especially with having no friends at work or previously with her flat mates, and Julian being the complete opposite. It was agreed that there was no plot, not well drawn with no visualisation or descriptions apart from the explicit sex between Edith and Ava!! She, it was agreed, lived in a total fantasy World with Julian, as with her even agreeing to the move to Frankfurt.

Members had no empathy with any of the characters, disliking the fact they did not represent people!! There was no plot, they struggled with the non-descriptive storyline, the unanswered questions and wonderment how even this “less true” inconclusive book was published!!!

The phrase was mooted “I DID NOT CARE” and a lesser understanding of the seven (yes!!) pages of reviews and, more importantly, were we EVEN reading the same book came to mind!!!??

A resounding “no recommendation” of this book from us!!

Eleven members were able to attend the meeting and were warmly welcomed by Brenda together with apologies and comments on the book from those unable to attend.

Most agreed that this book had a very unusual concept with 4 short stories with the same cast members.  Four different people, with three going back to the past and one moving to the future. Several members said they liked the idea behind it but struggled with the names, which all actually began with the letter K – causing more confusion. After discussion, it was thought this might have been eased in the translation with a change to more relatable names to the reader from the confusing and very similar sounding Japanese ones.  One or two said that they had not worried about the names as they felt that dismissing them was not as important to the characters and they could “shape” them to build a picture but you did need to read the story.  Most found that they enjoy books less and often give up if they have to keep going back and forth to remember who was who in relation to the storyline, spoiling it for them.

Discussion then took place on how each story impacted us as readers.  The first -The Lovers, who parted but found by going back that they would reunite 3 years later.  Members did enjoy the plot which it was felt did not change anything – no real purpose but although not as good at the start, the plot did get better.  It was found to have lots of repetition and being quite tedious at times but then it was thought that could have been due to the translation. Most enjoyed the idea of going backwards and forwards in time and the thought of time-travelling quite interesting.  In the second story –The  Husband and Wife – the husband realises he is getting dementia so writes what he is unable to say verbally to his wife and goes back to give the letter to her.  Everyone found that very emotional and thought provoking and it was agreed that each story, although tragic, had a moral to it – a philosophical message entwined.

The third story – The Sisters – about two estranged sisters, was a very emotional one with the two sisters needing to sort out the reason for their situation and with one of them going back in time to just before the other sister dies to make things right between them. This again evoked members to raise the thought that being able to have a second chance was positive for each one of them and a good thing.  Story number four – Mother and Child – was noted by a few as very strange.  In this case, the mother went forward in time to find out how her child forges her life, knowing that giving birth would kill her.  Members found strange yet a very enjoyable read, prompting much conversation on the possibility and effects of time-travelling as very interesting. The “ghost lady” in the chair drinking copious amounts of coffee sent ripples of amusement amongst Members especially leading to the need for her to go the “loo” frequently!!

One member said she felt there were many fascinating insights in the book about the Japanese culture within the text – rather than someone just trying to explain the culture. So true to life. She felt that the book did not for her begin with an idea for a story but maybe the question “what if you could time travel?” which evoked a lovely discussion amongst members. Quite a few members thought the story did come through towards the end as written as a play, with the book following. The book which was felt spiritually quite significant. There were mixed views on where the cafe in question may be situated and on when in time the story was actually set – perhaps a murky back street with a cellar with comparisons made to The Cavern in Liverpool !!!

One member said it was a “Sweet ‘n Sad” book as it gives people the chance to say sorry or goodbye. Members did not dislike the book and most quite liked it, with several saying they did not actually enjoy it so to speak, but all agreed would not recommend it to a friend.

A quote about the book that possibly sums it up nicely…“Explores themes of regret, missed opportunities, and the importance of living in the present.  This book highlights the idea that time-travel may seem like the solution to fix past mistakes or change the future but really shows that the present moment is the only one that truly matters!”

Twelve members attended and were welcomed to the Book Club Meeting. Apologies, with their reviews, were received from those who were unable to get to the Meeting. No-one readily came forward to start us off, so Brenda started the discussion by saying she personally thought it was an insignificant book for a huge issue and she had not rated it that highly. All agreed it was indeed a very short story set in Ireland – most being able to read it in around 2 or so hours. Several Members described it as half a book which suddenly stopped. One Member did read it twice, on the second read through she found the language flowed and made her think about things that she had not on the first read through. Another member like most that Bill Furlong, the main character was a decent chap and liked him but the book was too slow for them to explain how his character evolved. Most Members agreed that Mrs. Wilson was a good person throughout her whole life but no real explanation in the book actually confirmed this in any way.

A lengthy discussion followed on the life in the Convent and the unmarried girls and how they were treated especially as most were surprised that the book was set later than they thought. Comparisons were made with the Magdalen Laundries situation that some members remembered in past news stories and even in previous books read by the Book Club. It was felt that Bill Furlong was a compassionate man who, when coming across the young Sarah, must have thought about his own mother’s situation and wondered what would / could have happened if the circumstances for her had been different and this underpinned his need to help Sarah “escape” the life she had in the Convent like many others. He questioned the nuns at the convent about her situation and Members thought the nuns had covered up, leading him to believe at the time it had possibly been accidental when Sarah was found locked in the barn. It was also mentioned that Ned had maybe possibly been Bill’s father, based on the care and attention he had given him throughout his childhood. Members felt sad that the author did not tie any of that possible information up. Everyone felt that the book needed a sequel after its sudden ending and wanted to know what the reaction of Bill’s wife, Eileen, may have been as she had said not to get involved and to leave things be as he arrived back home with barefoot Sarah in tow.

Most agreed that they did not actually dislike the book but that it just left too many unfinished endings especially when it was a very short book. But quite a few did not like the book as a whole because it needed more!!

On that note ……The author, Claire Keegan was quoted as saying “the nature of a short story is unanswered questions!! “

So there you have it – brilliantly evoking discussion around a mixed bag of reactions and emotions about this short story. The true purpose of a Book Club – not always reading books in your comfort zone!

Eleven Members were welcomed to the Book Club Meeting with apologies received from those unable to attend the evening. Brenda opened the meeting with a comment “that Germaine Greer would be proud of this book” and everyone agreed. It was very apparent right from the start that Members had liked or even loved this book – apart from just one Member who although liking many parts of the book, could not agree and found to be a book of issues and had problems with some of the reality of the portrayal of American housewives.

Going around the room, it was clear that Members thoroughly enjoyed this book and found it well written and a joy to read, with the right amount of humour, sadness and thought-provoking content. Several felt a little bereft and did not want to finish. Several commented it was a book for them right from the first page and wondered if the reality actually mattered. The book was set in the 1960s and most of the Members had the same stereotypical vision of an American housewife at that time anyway. Many commented on how they had felt quite horrified in respect of the chapters depicting unmarried mothers and their sad treatment leading to Members discussing the many similarities taking place in other countries, it was sadly “just that way” then. On a lighter note, everyone loved Six-Thirty, the dog, not only his name but also his paths of wisdom and him being included as quite an active and involved character too. One Member said she had a mental picture of him with a speech bubble each time!

The characters, who felt like real people, were well described and flowed comfortably with the language. Everyone found it easy to read, without having to refer back and forth. A few pointed out that they also liked how the author cleverly streamed vowels and consonants, slipping in her quirky phrases. Absolutely everyone loved Elizabeth’s name of Zott and Harriet her neighbour (with her own sad story) was a definite favourite and also a bit of a heroine. Members were pleased she also had a happy ending. A couple of Members found the timing of Wakely’s entrance a “little neat” perhaps. Members commented on how this book did 1960s American men no favours and most of those particular characters in the book got a somewhat sticky end (The Number 2 pencil comes to mind with its co-starring role!!). Many of the characters were also very likeable, including of course, although short-lived, Calvin Evans; the very intelligent daughter Mad (Madeline) Zott  Walter Pine, the KCTV Producer and Dr.Mason (Obstetrician/ Rower) to name but a few.

So to summarise …………The unforgettable character, the iconic heroine Elizabeth Zott: “an extraordinary woman, a feminist who refuses to be quashed, determined to live on her own terms who unpacks the thorny questions around women’s empowerment, the need to be true to oneself and why we should refuse to accept the limitations others try to impose, ahead of her time.”

Says it all really!! Unbelievably a debut novel, a thought-provoking revenge story and to quote:
“A charming and thoroughly entertaining look at gender in the 1960s deliciously readable.”

A definite thumbs up – a brilliant book destined to be re-read and passed on to many others.

Book Club Members were warmly welcomed to the June meeting by Brenda with apologies received from several Members unable to attend the evening’s discussion. The meeting began with many comments that the book was indeed aptly named! While some Members made a few attempts at reading it to the end, and not managing to do so, there were a few who gallantly finished the book and were able to enlighten everyone on the more intrinsic relevant details of the various characters. These characters, apart from having very peculiar names and being many in number – too many most Members said, formed the “Slow Horses” spies – a Group who made a bit of a mess of their careers and end up  based at Slough House.  One Member said, with others agreeing, that the first part was interesting, but it then gathered pace quickly and they found it hard to keep track all the time as the book changed theme – not only in chapters but within paragraphs. This made it difficult and complicated in places, too interwoven to follow easily. And then, when we got to the end, we found it never really had an end!!  We felt it needed another book to explain it all and one Member said we’d need another series!!

One Member felt initially a bit concerned and pushed into the story until she “got” how it was written and felt she then was able to enjoy the conclusion and did not need to remember names of characters and being reminded who they were and what each crime was. Although Members were irritated to begin with, it was felt that you became kind of absorbed in it and it was agreed by most that eventually you enjoyed it once the plot started and galloped along to its satisfactory end even if you had to go back through for some of the lost names on the way. It probably would not be as much of a problem to you if you usually read this genre of novels.

A discussion took place on how each character performed and evolved which helped other Members relate more to the story’s plot and getting their heads around the unusual names. With the description of “white and blue T-shirt/Shirt” evoking a conversation over Spider’s lies and putting the names of some of the characters,  River Cartwright; Jed Moody ; Spider Webb; Syd Baker and of course Jackson Lamb, and their roles in influencing the plot, helped several of us have a little more of an understanding of how the story developed and finished. Everyone wanted to know if the girl Syd did die and was wiped off the system as if she never existed. Further discussion took place as to whether it was thought that was how spies worked and if it was thought believable. Each character was so individual as they did not get together unless they had to and River and Jackson only “gelled” together because it couldn’t be done without a computer!!

To summarise …………. Mixed bag of feelings about this book – you had to finish it to maybe enjoy it; on the whole generally several liked (ish) it ; one hated  it ; started far too slowly with too many characters (with strange names!) ; and a few did not finish it.  So NOT A BOOK WE THOUGHT WAS RECOMMENDABLE.

Twelve Members of the Book Club attended the May Meeting with apologies received from several others unable to be there for the evening. Brenda warmly welcomed everyone and “kicked off” the discussion with the question “What was it about?” amidst much laughter and total agreement everyone was saying the same thing!! Yes everyone!!

The discussion then began on the portrayal of the book which tells the story of Marianne and Connell who formed a close friendship which grew as they moved through University and careers, with both of them struggling to make sense of their relationship and feelings towards each other.

Everyone agreed there was absolutely no plot and the book was full of miscommunication, emotional abuse within the family, identity and class differences, all going on in the background of the social and political climate in Ireland at that time. Most members found the book tedious, boring and frustrating, with a couple of members finding the lack of “speech marks” a little confusing at times with having to re-read sections on occasion. It was also mentioned that their inability to communicate with each other was very unbearable and frustrating. “Watching these damaged characters work through their challenges and evolve into more mature individuals although was comforting, was simultaneously intensely frustrating.” During a lengthy discussion several members pointed out that the book, through dealing with the emotional abuse, manipulation and the family relationships including suicide, brought both their mental health issues to the fore. But members did find it strange that they never communicated with each other after the first year of University – they misunderstood each other all the time. They were both highly intelligent and it was thought would not be happy with anyone else. Although one member said she did find it quite interesting to take in generally details of what these teenagers were going through.

Marianne was a popular girl who put up a front, did not like rules or uniform so wrapped herself in a psychological shell whereas Connell was always worried about his peers’ opinions so sadly did not acknowledge his true feelings or relationship with Marianne. However, in their age of experimentation, they actually helped each other in an unorthodox way.

To sum up ………??? It was felt that the book was very character-driven, stripped down to dialogue with very few real descriptions or indeed a plot. Members nearly all agreed they were undecided whether they liked the book, with a few saying it was “OK”, several saying they did not really enjoy it at all, and one actually hating it! A few members had seen the television series which most found tedious but one member felt the portrayal sensitive and more enjoyable than the actual book.

SO DEFINITELY A THUMBS DOWN AND NO RECOMMENDATIONS!

Seven members braved a dark, cold and wet night to discuss our latest read – Love after Love.

Apologies were received from Pam, Rosemary, Chris P, Judith and Sandra.

So, this turned out to be a real “Marmite” book with very divided opinions – from “I loved it” to “I hated it” and I put it down”!!!  It was presented as a series of cameos about each character which carried to storyline along as the book progressed.

It bought out and reflected many emotions and situations, appreciated or not by the members.

Set in Trinidad and New York the settings were well drawn and reflected many of the historical and cultural traditions of those places.  There were many descriptions of food and day to day living and many incidences of local dialect and turn of phrase.  This in turn both amused and entertained some readers whilst totally annoyed and required so much concentration that the book could not be read with any enjoyment.

Some positive comments were “every sentence had humour in it.  The narrative and dialogue carried the story along.  I was rooted to the storyline.  The language was amusing.  It was well written and observed. Well drawn characters.  Good turns of phrase”

Conversely, “There was nothing happy in it. It was an effort to pick the book up. Not my kind of book. The language was annoying and I gave up on it” were some of the negative opinions!

The relationships, which were many and varied were discussed and it was decided that the book was well written and had some interesting elements and emotion in it including regret that the bond between the mother and son had broken down.  It was agreed that characters were well drawn and reflected the culture of the settings.

The book covered some sensitive sexual issues including concealed homosexuality with graphic descriptions which were considered too detailed by some readers.

The final opinions were split so decisions as to recommending the book or not were undecided, but there were no doubts that the discussion was wholeheartedly enjoyed!! !!!!

Ten Members attended the Book Club meeting held on Monday 3^rd April to discuss a book which several Members had been unable to complete (including  me – Sorry!) So it is with many thanks to the lovely Chris B that we are able to have a completely accurate account of who was who and what went on and those stalwart few that did finish it. So a huge thank you to you all.

So here goes ……  Several Members found that the book got better as it went on having found that the first two thirds were almost unnecessary.  Most found it confusing being unable to identify the characters, with it also being quite slow going at first and finding the culture very “brutal”.  They also found dates were irrelevant and those Members reading on Kindles found it a little frustrating not being able to flick back for reference and a bit tedious.  They found the letters interesting as with the twist in the daughter’s life. They also liked the Guru chap but not because he was sent.  They thought the prison officer was nasty and totally unlikeable. All agreed that the younger brother turned out to be the only successful one. It was generally felt that the “plot” was extremely longwinded and took far too long. Another Member stating that the book was 100% unpleasant and the characters had no depth.  A few Members said that they  did enjoy the parts of the book depicting  Jamila with her love of midwifery and also learning about the cultural life with its rules but not the actual story with several others saying they did  like it in the end.

A little more explanation  ? – The novel moves back more than half a century across Istanbul and London and is centred on the Turkish Kurd family – Toprak  mainly in the 1970s : Adem & Khalil were brothers and twins ; Pembe was the mother who was stabbed in the “Honour” killing  : the son who stabbed her was Iskender and their daughters, his sisters  were Esma & Yunus : Pembe’s  identical twin sister was Jamila  (who always loved Adem but he married her sister Pembe)  there were outlaws (yes!) and a mention of military service and much “to-ing and fro-ing “ and delivering of babies, radicalisation and affairs !! Hope this helps to make it a little clearer for those who like me did not finish this particular tome   Summing up in Esma’s words “We Topraks were only passers-by in this city – a half-Turkish, half Kurdish family in the wrong end of London,” and in your words “we would not recommend it to a friend” but most scored it out of 10 as follows as  5 or 6 ; although there was a  nought, a one and a four in the mix too and of course apologies from those of us who did not read it to the end ! So overall a good book for discussion with a definite need for helpful explanations !!       

Thirteen members were welcomed to this month’s meeting with apologies received from the other six members unable to attend. Brenda opened the discussion of this book by asking members what they thought of it.  Everyone agreed it was an easy read albeit slightly strange and a little odd, some finding it initially very confusing. It was felt that it was a bit of a dark read especially with regards to the very dramatic descriptive war scenes which came on quite suddenly and without notice or explanation at all, apart from stating that “rebels” were instigating the fighting and wars all over the world – but who were the rebels?  One member found it really strange how “everything just stopped” in the setting of this modern age, particularly with all communication gone, social structure integrated, making it more like the Middle Ages.  Another member said that she was able to understand this in a better way on reading it twice – everything became a lot clearer and in many ways it was a frightening scenario that a war, which had no build-up, could just start like that and last nine months. This proved quite thought-provoking for many. A discussion then took place on a comparison with the Second World War and how everyone co-existed and had a reasonable lifestyle just like in the modern day age of the book and then “wham” suddenly everything changed, but amazingly carried on as normal with everyone going about their business in their usual way as though it was really not happening at all.

A few members found it difficult to understand Aunt Penn’s behaviour with her leaving 5 teenage children to “fend for themselves” alone whilst she went to Oslo –  the need for this visit was unclear and was left for the reader to possibly work out but never really explained.  Although the visit was supposedly only for a few days initially, it still baffled some members, with one saying at the start of the book she felt it was a bit like reading a “Famous Five” adventure (perhaps the edition “Famous Five Go Parenting” story would fit the bill here!!). Although there was no Timmy the dog, their substitute could have been farm dog Jet of course.  It was mentioned that back in the time when World War 2 took place, children had more freedom so although this was possibly more familiar then, it still felt peculiar within the story but some members saying it was far fetched and quite unbelievable for them with another saying at first she thought it might have been a dream on Daisy’s plane journey over from America.

A few members said they didn’t really understand the need the use of CAPITAL letters frequently appearing in sentences in the text but one member did point out that as we imagined this book was written for and geared to teenagers, this would have been quite appropriate as teenagers do emphasise / dramatise statements, similar to perhaps the use of colloquial marks.  Members then discussed the main character Elizabeth “Daisy” who at the beginning of the book was portrayed as quite immature, but by the end had matured nicely – causing one or two members to say they felt because of this it was very skillfully written.  The characters and the family were generally well liked too.  It was agreed that this was a book of two levels – producing a different perspective from adults to that of teenagers reading it. For the younger reader it empahsised and tackled several  fairly ”gritty” issues such as the underage sex and why Daisy did not get pregnant of course possibly due to her anorexia, and sex between cousins.

So in conclusion……… A book which was thought to have been written for the teenage market. It was an easy read, quite dark, a little frightening, and to some members coming through as a little far-fetched.  A book which produced completely different views and understanding of the content depending on whether you read it from an adult or teenage perspective.  In essence, an enduring love story which continued meandering through “thick and thin” as “Love Conquers All”. Surprisingly perhaps a book not disliked by everyone at all and to a certain extent actually enjoyed by quite a few members in the end.

What would we do with this book ?   –  Recommend to a friend with a short explanation.