October 2011
Next terms' books are:
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17 January: A good read
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21 February: Pies and Prejudice by Stuart Maconie
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20 March: The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga
I know how easy it is to get in a rut with reading. In January we hope to counter this tendency when we each talk for a few minutes about a book we have enjoyed. A chance to introduce each other to new topics and authors.
Are things really different "up north"? Maconie's amusing account of his travels across northern England may help to dispel preconceptions we may have about northerners. As many of us are Kendalians by choice not birth it will be interesting to see if we agree with him.
Successful entrepreneur Balram Halwai is the white tiger of Adiga's Man Booker prize winning novel. When the visiting Chinese premier wants to learn "the truth" about Bangalore Halwai decides to expose the sordid reality of life in the economic powerhouse that is modern India.
Nancy Field
July 2011
Our next set of books is:
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20th September: A short introduction to the poetry of Ted Hughes
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18th October: "Wives and Daughters", by Elizabeth Gaskell
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15th November: "Bel Canto", by Ann Patchett.
In September we will be reading and considering a short selection from the nature poems of the former Poet Laureate, Ted Hughes and also a few from his anthology, Birthday Letters, describing his life with his former wife, Sylvia Plath. A handout is available.
Many consider "Wives and Daughters" to be Mrs. Gaskell's finest work. Modestly sub-titled "A Study of Provincial Life", the power of this novel of family relationships and secrets should not be under-estimated.
In "Bel Canto" terrorists take guests hostage at a party where soprano Roxanne is to perform. Hostages and terrorists discover their loyalties changing as they find themselves united in their appreciation of her singing.
So, quite a variety of reading for us to enjoy.
If you would like to join us please give me a ring.
Nancy Field
