Monthly Book Group
Each month I host an open meeting in Woodbridge in Suffolk. We used to meet in the town's bookshop but now gather together in a nearby hall. We usually focus on modern fiction and the discussion regularly attracts around 20 people, men and women, of all ages. Everyone is welcome to join in but please let me know you are planning on coming along. Sign up to the e-newsletter here to receive details. Scroll down to take a look at the titles we've read over the year, and view the archive for past discussions.
NEW - Book Group in Framlingham at Ottie and the Bea - details here
Book Group List for 2020
A wonderful, gentle, comforting read, said some. Others thought it needed more pace and plot! All found the glimpse into the world of pianos and piano tuning fascinating. A pleasant and enjoyable discussion resulted!
Slavery and freedom, race and class, love affair and murder. This was breathtaking and compelling for some, too ambitious with unlikeable, unengaging characters for others. A lively discussion explored themes raised and puzzled over writing style and plot developments.
Beautifully written, moving and a challenging introduction to a little known and overlooked disturbing episode in history. Others thought the narrative disjointed with horrifying and brutal language.
A wonderful, gentle, 'soothing' summer read, everyone agreed, and the characters and setting were appealing. The vivid descriptions of food and landscape were a little overdone in parts, some felt, but overall this was a huge hit!
Mixed feelings. Some couldn't speak highly enough about the vivid descriptions and the powerful sense of atmosphere. A Dickensian London and a fascinating exploration of spying, secrets, danger, family, parenting. Others felt there were too many questions unanswered and the book was in two parts.
An intriguing book with something for everybody. The author explores the writing process, particularly writing classes and literary circles, friendship, animal bonds, grief, loss and healing. Rather self-indulgent, some felt, in the author's many references and quotes. Is this a novel as memoir, or a memoir as novel?
For our first online video book group, we had a lively discussion. This rich, multi-layered, clever, thought-provoking read brought many different responses - some hated it, some loved it, but most found there were elements they enjoyed.
Most felt this was a beautifully written book with many interesting themes with the love story between Jan and Eliza appealing and the historical setting fascinating, but the group was divided in who they felt was the most convincing narrator.
A few thought this wasn't as good as the author's previous titles, but most thoroughly enjoyed this entertaining and helpful overview of the recent Brexit years. A lively discussion!
There was a unanimous approval of this quirky, unusual, often amusing and subversive tale. Though some thought the ending disappointing.
Polarities in views for this book - beautiful, compelling writing exploring many themes, complex and gripping said some. Others felt it was too sinister, unsettling and confusing. A great discussion!