We get together - usually monthly unless the book is long or the text small.... and discuss our thoughts on the author, etc. We decide what to read by suggesting books we haven't read, which sound interesting, and we then take a vote on the suggestions. All books chosen so far have been fiction, although some are based on a true story.
The group started during the first lockdown and we were on zoom for around 18 months. We are now meeting in person, in each other's homes.
Some of the authors we have read in the past: Michael Faber, Margaret Atwood, Lionel Shriver, Hilary Mantel, Sally Magnusson, Maggie O'Farrell, Bobby Gillespie and Parini Shroff. Not all women authors, but strangely a good number are.....
Our maximum number was eight - and we are currently six. We have agreed that we could accept one or even two additional members as it is rare that we get everyone all together.
Get in touch if you are interested in joining us by clicking on the group contact link above.
2026
Book
Consensus
January
A Place of Tides, by James Rebanks
What an interesting description about the world of the Eider Duck and the collecting of eiderdown from the nests after the ducks have taken off. It was a lyrical description of the work -the organisation and planning to make sure the ducks are protected. We all enjoyed the book, I think. A good read!
February
Midnight Blue by Simone Van Der Vlugt
Amsterdam 1654 - a young widow travels around and meets other people. She has a secret.... A light read and a little obvious.
March
James by Percival Everett
A very interesting interpretation of Jim, a black slave in Tom Sawyer. We all thought it was an excellent read and very perceptive of the life of a slave in America at that time.
April
The Other Bennet Sister by Janice Hadlow
Is the book better than the TV series? We read the book whilst the series was ongoing. Some thought the TV series better - but others the opposite. We all appreciated the expansion of one of Jane Austin's characters. Well written but some of us thought it was repetitive and too lengthy.
May
Three Days in June by Anne Tyler
A mix of views on this one - a good read as always but some were irritated by the main character and others respected her decisions. Try it and see which side of the fence you are on.
June
----------
Too many things happening in our lives. We missed this month.
July
No Great Mischief by Alistair MacLeod
We all loved this book - its rawness and the trials the family had to go through. A useful, timeless quote "all of us are better when we are loved"
August
All the Beauty in the World by Patrick Bringley
Again a mix of views on this book. Some thought the story boring or repetitive, others really enjoyed the insight and analysis of the artworks that this museum guard sees - and the insight into the guard's life and background.
September
Witch Light/Corrag by Susan Fletcher
Beautifully written, poetic read of the story of the massacre at Glen Coe. The heroine is a witch who has seen her mother burned at the stake, whose grandmother was drowned - so she was very wary of getting involved with people. An interesting read.
