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!! !!!!