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

[MotherofPearl]

Welcome to the Mumsnet 'Rather Dated' Book Group, where we read and discuss 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.

Previous posters 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 read one book a month. Our first book, that inspired the original thread, was The Road to Lichfield by Penelope Lively. We have been going for about 18 months now, and each new book gets its own discussion thread, started on the first of the month.

Our March 2024 book is Penelope Fitzgerald's The Bookshop. We will begin the discussion of this on 1 April.

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 hope Antarcticant, who started the last thread, won’t mind that I’ve started this new one.

Left my hardback of Country Girls at my parents' place, alas, so I probably won't manage to readalong with you this time. I'd really to, though. Hey ho. Happy reading.

I finished The Inn at the End of the World today. I actually recommended it for my local book group. I fear it's not plot-driven enough for them but I really enjoyed it. I noticed Ruth Rendell was quoted on the cover and it really reminded me of her writing style - a lot of fairly flawed people but definitely interesting characters.

Good to hear it! I'm looking forward to reading it now :)

Happy New Year Rather Dated People 🎉

Has everyone read The Inn by now?
Should I start a thread for this?

I’m rather tardy! Got held up for ages in December with Elizabeth Strout. I’m about halfway through, but do start and I’ll catch up.

I have it on the top of the pile so as soon as my present book is finished I'll be there.

Happy New Year fellow Rather Dated readers! I've read The Inn and am ready to discuss whenever everyone else is. If you don't mind starting the thread, Fuzzy, that would be great.

I'll start the thread tomorrow!
I need to look over it again first.

I'll start the thread on Monday.
I've restarted the book!

Thread is up for 'The Inn at the Edge of the World'!

Well done Fuzzy.
I’ve nearly finished!

Regarding our next read, there was a suggestion on the 50 Bookers thread that I thought might be an interesting option;
Miss Granby's Sister:or the Bastard of Pinsk by Eleanor Farjeon.

It's on Kindle for 49p (only 49p!)
Or if anyone wants to suggest something else that's fine too!

Oh yes, that’s an intriguing title and I’ve read very little of hers. And for another month, what do people think about Jill by Philip Larkin?

I’ve never heard of Eleanor Farjeon but this sounds good so happy to give it a go! I’ve also never read any Larkin so happy with this suggestion too.

I'm also happy to read 'Jill' by Philip Larkin.

Hi folks, I reviewed the Eleanor Farjeon on the 50B thread but it's mostly set in 19th C so maybe not? Also can see the novel-in-novel being fairly divisive!

Would love to read Jill, having only read Larkin's poetry.

For the next read in Feb, can I nominate Lady Living Alone by Norah Lofts (1945). Shortish, very pageturny and twisty. Best to go in unspoiled even avoiding the blurb but I guarantee it's full of early 20th C 'RD'ness, in material detail and social attitudes.
Also free on KU or £3.99 to buy.

Thank you @HenryTilneyBestBoy!
Shall we go with 'Jill' then next?
So, read it in January or February 🤔
I'm easy either way.

How about Jill in Jan, then LLL in Feb? Pending other suggestions

This sounds good to me.

That's fine by me too.

Oh I’ve bought the Farjeon now! That’s annoying. At least it was only 49p!

That Norah Lofts book is about the only one of that British Library Women Writers series that I haven’t bought recently!

Off to look for the Larkin* -I think I might have it. I've read A Girl in Winter but not Jill.*

I’ve finished Jill, and the library have just emailed to say the Norah Lofts has arrived. Can’t wait to start that one.

https://persephonebooks.co.uk/collections/persephone-day

Persephone Books have put together a splendid book day on Saturday 26th April in Bath.
Last year's festival was joyous and thought provoking if any one fancies some 20th C Domestic Feminism. A little bit steep but they put a huge amount of effort in.

I'm about 30% of the way through Jill, according to my Kindle. I'm really enjoying it.

I know we are reading the Norah Lofts next, but I'm intrigued to go back to the Farjeon suggestion at some point too. I recently finished Elizabeth Myers' A Well Full of Leaves, and the afterword is by Farjoen, who was a friend and mentor to Myers. It made me want to try her work.