📚The Mumsnet 'Rather Dated' Book Group - All welcome to join📚

[Antarcticant]

Welcome to the Mumsnet 'Rather Dated' Book Group, where we will be reading and discussing fiction from the 1930s to the 1990s that would have been described as 'contemporary' in its day.

The best introduction to the 'rather dated' concept would be to read the wonderful thread which inspired this group:

www.mumsnet.com/talk/what_were_reading/4596284-rather-dated?reply=119670989

To summarise, a number of posters expressed disappointment that literature of the 20th Century is often dismissed as 'rather dated' because society has moved on from many of the values and lifestyles described.

We decided to create a reading group where the literary merits of such fiction can be appreciated, with any 'rather dated' elements being a point of interest rather than a reason to dismiss a novel.

We will be reading one book a month. Our first book, for September, will be the book that inspired the original thread:

The Road to Lichfield by Penelope Lively

Please do join the thread whether you want to take part in the discussion or just place mark to follow it.

Fellow Rather Dated people, please add anything important I might have missed!

(With huge thanks to ImJustMadAboutSaffron for the original thread and idea )

I have requested both from my library

Thanks

How is everyone finding Black Narcissus?

I'm struggling with the style a bit. It seems sort of fractured, and the dialogue makes me feel like I'm listening to politicians doing their answering without actually answering thing. I keep having to re-read conversations.

I am tired though, so it's possibly just that.

I'm going to start reading it today!
Looking forward to it.

I felt that way about the dialogue too @PhloxOfSheep, but I did get into it more towards the end.

Oh! Timely reminder @PhloxOfSheep - I'm in the middle of a pile of fluff another book right now, but will get onto that when I've finished.

I know what you mean about the fractured style @PhloxOfSheep , and I too had to check who was speaking at times. It took me longer to get into than The Road to Lichfield, which was more accessible I think. I did enjoy it though! And looking forward to discussions from the 25th.

I'm about halfway through Black Narcissus, and like others have found it more difficult to connect with, but do feel it's getting more engaging as it progresses.

Joining mainly for ideas, as I don't think I can commit to a read-along, if that's OK?
I've just discovered Anita Brookner, and I like Penelope Lively's The Bookshop.

Just finished reading The Feast by Margaret Kennedy. Really fascinating. Would maybe make a good one for this thread at later date.

I'm a very slow reader and was worried about read along but it was pointed out to me that the beauty of this is you can do it at your own pace. Just need to keep the threads on "I'm on" I'd imagine!

Yes, very true!

I read Anita Brookner's Look at Me which stuck with me @DameHelena

Slow reader here. About half way through Road to Lichfield and really enjoying it.

I loved The Feast @tobee , I’m interested to read more of Margaret Kennedy’s work now.

Ooh could we do an Anita Brookner next?

I'd second this. I've read a few Anita Brookner novels, but many to go still.

Anita Brookner sounds good to me - any suggestions for which?

How about A Start in Life? It was her first novel to be published. The cover I found online looks suitably dated.

Very happy with an Anita Brookner. I was looking at the literature map someone posted on another thread and she was one of the closest to Penelope Lively. Her books look great.

i'm trying to be economical so i've just randomly picked an Anita Brookner that's available onLibby. I really struggle to read printed books so prefer them electronically sadly.
this one is called Strangers. I read hotel du lac hundreds of years ago and really enjoyed it.
I'm not going to tackle Black Narcissus
so will enjoy all your comments but will wait fir the next recommendation.
I loved the Penelope Lively it was so evocative of an era.

I would like to try an Anita Brookner. Having really enjoyed The Road to Lichfield, I’m now reading Moon Tiger.

I don't mind which Brookner. We could choose one of her "five best": www.theguardian.com/books/2016/mar/19/the-five-best-anita-brookner-novels

That sounds great. Any of her books would do for me.

Could I repeat a request for people to upload their book cover? Of Black Narcissus please? Thank you

Mine’s very dull, I’m afraid, Tobee! It’s my old Penguin that I’ve had for donkey’s years.