Tag: classics

Guatemala, South America

“Mr. President” by Miguel Angel Asturias (Guatemala)

Review “Mr. President” is a haunting journey through a surreal landscape that mirrors the absurdity of real-world politics. As our book club delved into its pages, we found ourselves immersed in a world where power corrupts absolutely and where the line between reality and fantasy blurs in unsettling ways. One aspect that struck us all was Asturias’s masterful prose. The book is undeniably well-written, with … Continue reading “Mr. President” by Miguel Angel Asturias (Guatemala)

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Caribbean, Guadeloupe

“Segu” by Maryse Condé (Guadeloupe)

Book Club Favourite of Season 24 Review Maryse Conde’s “Segu” immerses readers in a vivid tapestry of 18th/19th century West African kingdoms, filled with the richness and complexity of history. In our book club discussion, diverse perspectives surfaced, reflecting the varied experiences of readers within its pages. For some readers, the book’s allure was immediate. They were captivated from the very beginning, loving the vivid … Continue reading “Segu” by Maryse Condé (Guadeloupe)

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Europe, Spain

The Island

“The Island” by Ana María Matute (Spain) Review Once they had gotten used to the style of writing and dated language, most readers liked this coming-of-age story. They felt that the long passages and the frequent use of parenthesis as commentary demanded that they pay attention. They loved the descriptions of the people and places, and thought the imagery used was highly evocative of both … Continue reading The Island

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North America, United States

Ceremony

“Ceremony” by Leslie Marmon Silko (USA) One of Nicola’s 100 Best Books for Inspiration in the 21st century! Book Club Favourite of Season 23 Review Although readers struggled with the non-linear narrative to begin with, they quickly got into the story and were immersed in it. They warmed to the protagonist and liked the diversity of other characters: from his family members to the medicine … Continue reading Ceremony

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Europe, Hungary

Embers

“Embers” by Sandor Marai (Hungary) Review Readers enjoyed this book a lot, finding it a really easy read. They thought the writing was beautiful and evocative, and liked how it flowed. They loved the descriptions of the different places: from the Hungarian castle and grounds, to the Viennese apartment and the Tropics. Readers found the General a fascinating character and liked how he slowly brings … Continue reading Embers

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North America, United States

Beloved

“Beloved” by Toni Morrison (U.S.) Review Filled with mixed emotions, readers described the book as outstanding, depressing, horrific, and surrealistic. Most got into the story quite quickly, whereas others struggled with making sense of the language or with believing in the supernatural element. When the initial hurdles had been overcome, all readers enjoyed the book immensely. They empathised with Sethe and felt her actions justified … Continue reading Beloved

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Brazil, South America

Hour of the Star

“Hour of the Star” by Clarice Lispector (Brazil) Review Challenging, frustrating, meditative and surrealistic were some of the adjectives that readers used to describe this modern classic. They found it difficult to get into and agreed that it needed more than one reading. They called it a thinking book and would not recommend it for escapism. The multi-layered narration was challenging for some readers, who … Continue reading Hour of the Star

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Asia, India

A Fine Balance

“A Fine Balance” by Rohinton Mistry (India) One of Nicola’s 100 Best Books for Inspiration in the 21st century! Synopsis Set in mid-1970s India, “A Fine Balance” tells the story of four unlikely people whose lives come together during a time of political turmoil soon after the government declares a ‘State of Internal Emergency.’ Through days of bleakness and hope, their circumstances – and their … Continue reading A Fine Balance

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