Book club...?

[clairesparkle]

Does anyone belong to/know of/want to start a book club in Bristol? I've had a bit of a google and most I've found are closed to new members. I'm in Long Ashton but as long as it's an evening thing, can travel (a bit!)

Thanks!

Oh and I suddenly thought last night, I know it's not a book, but there was that film Parenthood, which is surely about the happy ever after?

I will think of a book, honestly.

Have just finished the DVD if anyone else is waiting - the public snog was more restrained than I recall and fortunately I was saved from being a sobbing wreck by Captain Wentworths quite ridiculous hat.

I just called Robin Hood's Retreat to check that Monday evenings are quiet, and they said there should be nothing going on in the way of sport, quiz nights etc, so it sounds fine. 8pm on Monday 23rd OK for everyone?

I know it's a bit early to be firming things up, but I'm going to be away on holiday until the day before. And I know what I'm going to be reading on holiday...

23rd is great for me and I can walk to the Robin's Hood so am looking forward to a large glass of something. See you there.

S'good for me! Thanks for calling them.

Hi I'm not going to be able to make it on Monday 23rd. Hope you all have a good evening

Sorry to miss you again, Boop I may not make it either, but I'm going to try my damnest!

Sorry to say I won't be there - my sister flew over from Aus as a birthday surprise and we are off to Cornwall for a few days tomorrow :) I'm very much looking forward to it, but am sad not to make the meeting. Hope the discussion goes well. I've been enjoying the book and look forward to hearing what others thought, as well as what the next read will be. Enjoy Robin Hood's Retreat!

So who is going to be there this evening? I can still make it, and it sounds like Bookwormwhoturned should be there. And possibly MrsWembley (go on, you know you want to have a glass of wine an intellectual discussion about books). Anyone else? Spero? Xkcd?

Hope you have a good time in Cornwall, Lamazeroo.

I should be there unless it goes horribly wrong in Swindon...

I'm on my way.

Shall I do the update again for those who couldn't make it?

There were only four of us last night, but we had a good discussion (and a drink or two). Opinions mixed on the book, but the two who hadn't managed to finish it yet said that the discussion had made them want to read to the end (I may be checking next time...).

We have provisionally fixed on September 3rd for the next time, as the last Monday in August is the bank holiday, and the previous Monday (Aug 20th) might be too soon & too many people away as it's peak holiday season. Is everyone OK with Sept 3rd?

We also failed to come up with a book for next time - MrsWembley had an interesting sounding one about Africa by Paul Theroux, but it's only just out so still only hardback, and therefore a bit bulky and expensive - maybe one for a few months' time?

Those of us still there at the end were all quite keen on the idea of finding some kind of neglected 20th century classic - the kind of thing that Virago used to do a lot of - but didn't manage to come up with any firm suggestions. Maybe something along the lines of Cold Comfort Farm or Miss Pettigrew Lives For a Day, but one that most/all of us won't have read already. Anyone have any ideas?

I quite fancy Cold Comfort Farm because I haven't read it for 20 years, so I remember it was good but can't remember anything else about it...

We did look at the possibility of something else by Stella Gibbons, but nothing was really settled.

I'm so bummed I couldn't make it - although Cornwall was amazing! - but do have some suggestions of books to consider. Hopefully the are along the lines of what you discussed as being suitable/desirable.
My first thought was I Capture the Castle.
Then, being all Cornwalled-up at the moment, I thought about Daphne Du Maurier. maybe something like The Scapegoat?
Or Carson McCullers?
You mention Viarago, so I assume we're looking for female authors. If not, how about George Orwell?
Just some ideas floating about, feel free to ignore.

Or, how about Elizabeth Taylor? I enjoyed hearing about her when Radio 4 did a bit of a special, and must admit to never having read her.

I have read both Cold Comfort Farm and I Capture the Castle multiple times, so if we could possibly agree on something slightly more off the beaten track I would be much keener... But on the other hand I haven't read any Daphne du Maurier or Carson McCullers for years, and I'm not sure I've ever read any Elizabeth Taylor, so would be quite happy with any of those.

I also thought I might as well take advantage of the all-knowing Amazon, so checked out 'people who bought xxx also bought xxx' for Cold Comfort and Miss Pettigrew, and followed a few chains of things, which threw up a few interesting possibilities.

Little Boy Lost by Marghanita Laski is something I've heard of but never read, and judging by the reviews, is worth reading.

Likewise, The Enchanted April by Elizabeth von Arnim - highly rated, possibly a slightly lighter read.

Frost in May by Antonia White (story of a girl at a convent school) is also a bit of a modern classic that I've never read.

Any of those appeal to anyone? Or is there a particular du Maurier/McCullers/Gibbons/Taylor that everyone likes the sound of?

I like the idea of Frost in May

Okay, I did lots of thinking overnight during my many, many nightfeeds. In the interests of investing a little Australian flavour, here are my suggestions:

Ruth Park - A Harp in the South. Would give lots to discuss: colonialism, racism, ethnocentricity, sexism, slum clearance (fairly topical given what's happened in East London for the Olympics). Very readable.
not much on Amazon but plenty of reader reviews here

Better known is Christina Stead - The Man Who Loved Children. Lots written about it, again lots to discuss.
Guardian essay by jane Smiley here

Moving to another part of the colonies, I'm a big fan of Rumer Godden, and would happily read any of her books for discussion. Thinking of which would give the most material, I'd probably go for In This House of Brede.
Amazon reviews here

The man who loved children sounds like the perfect antidote to my Grazia addiction...

I've read The Man Who Loved Children, but only once and about 15 years ago, so wouldn't mind reading it again. Rumer Godden also sounds good - I think I've only read some of her children's books (Miss Happiness and Miss Flower, anyone?)

The Harp in the South sounds interesting, but a quick check on Amazon shows it's out of print here, and only a handful of second-hand copies available, some at ridiculous prices.

There are lots of good suggestions coming up, so they might keep us busy for a few months. Discussing and reaching consensus on the thread might take ages, so do you think we should draw up a short/longlist and get someone to stick a pin in the list for this month's book, or maybe we should take it in turns to choose?

I agree we could debate this for ages, let's just go for it! I say the man who loved children as it sounds EPIC. So that is me and lazemaroo in favour, exexpat not objecting... Mrs Wembley are you spitting your tea out in horror?

Fine by me (it helps that I've got the book sitting on my shelf already).

I will happily follow the herd when there is no reason to argue, but please, please, please could we have a happy ending with the next book.

Hmm, we may have a slight issue. I just had a quick look on Amazon and the book may not be terribly available. I know it's usually on the shelf in any well-stocked charity bookshop, but if anyone is going to have issues acquiring a copy maybe we should think again.