Members of the Summer Reading Group 2009 reacted both positively and negatively to the selection of books this year, loving some of them and disliking others. They did notice some commonalities between the stories: writers or would-be writers, books and literature, and funnily enough… alcohol! They voted “Broken Glass” by Alain Mabanckou the Best Summer Read 2009. This is the second novel to appear in … Continue reading Best Summer Read 2009 – Broken Glass
“The Siege of Krishnapur” by J.G. Farrell (U.K.) Review Although it took some readers a little while to get into the story as they felt it necessary to adapt to a literary style that required their full attention, overall everyone loved the book. They loved the detailed descriptions of various scenes, such as the social gatherings, the philosophical/religious discussions and the battles, though some readers … Continue reading The Siege of Krishnapur
“March” by Geraldine Brooks (Australia) Review Readers liked part one of the novel, told from Mr March’s point of view, much less than part two, most of which is narrated by Mrs March. They found the pace too slow and the narrative tedious at times. Most readers did not warm to the protagonist describing him as a naïve idealist who was more irritating than appealing. … Continue reading March
“Inés of My Soul” by Isabel Allende (Chile) Favourite Quote It bothers them that instead of taking on the role of abandoned lover, I have become a happy wife. They relish seeing strong women like you and me humiliated. They cannot forgive us that we triumphed where so many others fail… Courage is a virtue appreciated in a male but considered a defect in our … Continue reading Inés of My Soul
“A Sunday at the Pool in Kigali” by Gil Courtemanche (Canada) Review Mesmerizing, striking, incongruous, incredible, are some of the words used by readers to describe this book. Although they found the subject matter very difficult to read, they felt that the story was well written and also well translated. Many liked the author’s journalistic style, though some said that the dialogues felt a bit … Continue reading A Sunday at the Pool in Kigali
“The Time of the Hero” by Mario Vargas Llosa (Peru) Favourite Quote Love’s the worst thing there is. You start acting like an idiot, you don’t look out for yourself. Everything seems different and you do the craziest things just on the spur of the moment. I mean men do. Women, they’re different, they’re smarter, they only fall in love when it suits them. If … Continue reading The Time of the Hero
“The Attack” by Yasmina Khadra (Algeria) Book Club Favourite of Season 9 Review Readers found the book very powerful, describing it as compelling, fascinating and incredibly well written. The story is told solely through the eyes of Amin, though in his encounters with the different characters from both sides of the conflict, readers felt that they got a balanced view of the situation. They found … Continue reading The Attack
“Gabriela, Clove and Cinnamon” by Jorge Amado (Brazil) Favourite Quote Life was good, one had only to live it. To warm oneself in the sun, then take a cold bath; to eat guavas and mangoes, to chew peppercorn, to walk through the streets, to sing songs, to sleep with a young man. And to dream of another. Synopsis When Gabriela came to the Brazilian town … Continue reading Gabriela, Clove and Cinnamon
Nicola's Book Club 