“Pure” by Andrew Miller (U.K.) Review Although they thought the historical setting of pre-French revolution was bleak and desolate, readers found this book highly enjoyable and looked forward to delving into it. They liked the language and style, finding it well written with interesting characters, evocative descriptions and a good plot. They quickly warmed to the protagonist and found the interplay between him and the other characters captivating. … Continue reading Pure
“The Metamorphosis” by Franz Kafka (Czech Republic) Review Readers really enjoyed both the story, which they felt had been honed and polished, and the style of writing, which they described as clear and precise despite some formal language used at times. They all found Gregor Samsa a highly likeable character and felt compassion for his plight. Everyone agreed that the characters’ emotions were powerfully described, … Continue reading The Metamorphosis
“The Brothers’ Lot” by Kevin Holohan (Ireland) Book Club Favourite of Season 14 Review Readers’ enjoyment of this story was strongly influenced by how close they felt to the subject matter. Some found it a difficult book to read, especially since many of the abuses within church-run institutions in Ireland are still coming to light today. Readers who had the benefit of distance from the … Continue reading The Brothers’ Lot
“Zorba the Greek” by Nikos Kazantzakis (Greece) Synopsis This moving fable sees a young Greek writer set out to Crete to claim a small inheritance. But when he arrives, he meets Alexis Zorba, a middle-aged Greek man with a zest for life. Zorba has had a family and many lovers, has fought in the Balkan wars, has lived and loved – he is a simple … Continue reading Zorba the Greek
“A Heart so White” by Javier Marias (Spain) Favourite Quotes The world is full of surprises and secrets. We think we know the people close to us, but time brings with it more things that we don’t know than things we do, comparatively speaking we know less all the time, there’s always a greater area of shadow. Even if the illuminated area grows larger too, … Continue reading A Heart so White
“Seeing” by José Saramago (Portugal) Book Club Favourite of Season 13 Review Readers really enjoyed this book once they got used to Saramago’s characteristic writing style of long, rambling sentences strewn with commas and little paragraphing. They liked the political theme of a democracy veering towards a totalitarian state and they thought the author had captured the characteristics of the various ministers all too well. … Continue reading Seeing
“Women as Lovers” by Elfriede Jelinek (Austria) Synopsis The setting is an idyllic Alpine village where a woman’s underwear factory nestles in the woods. Two factory workers, Brigitte and Paula, dream and talk about finding happiness, a comfortable home and a good man. They realize that their quest will be as hard as work at the factory. Brigitte subordinates her feelings and goes for Heinz, … Continue reading Women as Lovers
“The Wall Jumper” by Peter Schneider (Germany) Favourite Quote Every story lacks something that the next one has; but then the next story is missing something from the one before. Maybe the story I’m looking for doesn’t exist. Synopsis Berlin before the fall of the Wall is a city divided, yet its ordinary residents find ways to live and survive on both sides. There is … Continue reading The Wall Jumper
Nicola's Book Club 