Devon Book Club discussion

Just about to make a start on Our Mutual Friend by Charles Dickens. It is the next 'read' for Kingsbridge Library Reading Group, and I for one am delighted! I do love Dickens' work, and I think this is my all time favourite novel of his. However, it is several years since I've gone back to read any of his works - so I'm intrigued to see if my thoughts, feelings and opinions will have changed.

I'm reading "The Harbour Master's Daughter" by Tania Crosse and am really enjoying it. The book is set in Morwellham Quay, somewhere I have visited, so of obvious interest. This is the first book I have read by this author but I have a feeling it will not be the last.

Ley wrote: "Several Christmas presents to read, particularly, The Galaxy and the Ground Within by Becky Chambers and at least 5 more."

Don't know those - let us know what you think

DrMama wrote: "Ley wrote: "just read Autumn by Ali Smith, found it fragmentary and in places trying to be too clever. Not inspired to read the others in the series."
I really enjoyed 'Summer' and keep meaning to ..."

I've not read any of her work - keep meaning to but others get there first

DrMama wrote: "Just about to make a start on Our Mutual Friend by Charles Dickens. It is the next 'read' for Kingsbridge Library Reading Group, and I for one am delighted! I do love Dickens' work, an..."

Oh, I love Dickens too - though I think my favourite may be Bleak HouseBleak House

Marcia wrote: "I'm reading "The Harbour Master's Daughter" by Tania Crosse and am really enjoying it. The book is set in Morwellham Quay, somewhere I have visited, so of obvious interest. This is the first book I..."

We've featured quiet a few of Tania's books over the years - she has quite a lot so you'll be kept busy for some time :)

I've just started reading The The Vanishing Halfby Brit Bennet. It has promise

Ian wrote: "I've just started reading The The Vanishing Halfby Brit Bennet. It has promise"

Oh yes. I enjoyed that one.

I've just given up on The Fortune Men. I'm annoyed with myself for giving up on it, because it's such an interesting story. It's based on a true story about the last man hanged in Wales, and probably the UK. He was wrongfully convicted and hanged. And was black. And unconventional. So all sorts going on there.

I was reading this on Borrowbox which never goes well for me, I really need physical books, but find Borrowbox is great for reading at night. Anyway, this could be why I didn't get on with it, but I'm disinclined to try the book.

I have read something else by this author and enjoyed it, but I found this hard to read. It's populated with words in Somali and I found it hard to guess at the meaning. Usually when this happens you can gain a sense of the meaning of the word and it still flows, but I found it stopped the flow here. I just found it a slog. My mind wandered and in the end instead of reading for the sake of reading, I gave up. I've read about the man online. It's an intriguing story that really does need to be told. Has anybody else read it?

Karen wrote: "Ian wrote: "I've just started reading The The Vanishing Halfby Brit Bennet. It has promise"

Oh yes. I enjoyed that one.

I've just given up on The Fortune Men. I'..."

I'll ask the question on our other platforms and let you know. I shouldn't feel bad about giving up. Sometimes it just happens. Happy reading whatever comes next

Karen wrote: "Ian wrote: "I've just started reading The The Vanishing Halfby Brit Bennet. It has promise"

Oh yes. I enjoyed that one.

I've just given up on The Fortune Men. I'..."

Hi again. Elizabeth Ducie has read it. She says "Yes, it was on last year's Booker Shortlist. I enjoyed it, but knowing it was based on a true story rather spoiled the ending for me. Good commentary on 1950s UK and multiculturalism."

Ian wrote: "Karen wrote: "Ian wrote: "I've just started reading The The Vanishing Halfby Brit Bennet. It has promise"

Oh yes. I enjoyed that one.

I've just given up on [book:The Fortune Men..."

It does shine a light on the 1950s well and it is interesting in so many ways. Thank goodness his wife was still alive for his pardon very many years later when it was proved he was innocent.

Karen wrote: "Ian wrote: "Karen wrote: "Ian wrote: "I've just started reading The The Vanishing Halfby Brit Bennet. It has promise"

Oh yes. I enjoyed that one.

I've just given up on [book:The..."

Sounds like an important book, even if not to your taste

Reading Leonard and Hungry Paul by Rónán Hession. Very much enjoying it.

Ley wrote: "Reading Leonard and Hungry Paul by Rónán Hession. Very much enjoying it."

I've heard of that but not read it. Be great to hear what you think when you have finished

enjoying it thoroughly.

Ley wrote: "enjoying it thoroughly."

I've been wanting to read that too. It's not in the library yet though.

Right now I'm re-reading Our Mutual Friend by Charles Dickens, as it is the Kingsbridge Library Reading Group book for our February discussion. It's my favourite novel by Dickens, so it's a treat! I'm also finishing An Officer and a Spy by Robert Harris: it is a well-written, pacey and fascinating, novelisation of the 'Dreyfus Affair' in mid-to-late 1890s Paris. I was led to the work after enjoying the 'Paris Police, 1900' serial on TV. Otherwise, I'm trying to wade through my own 100s and 100s of 'unreads', as well as my ongoing 'Library' backlog. I managed to find Afterlives by Abdulrazak Gurhah, and as he is the latest Nobel laureate, I thought I should know more about him and his work; will let you know what I think, anon.

there are 3 copies available, all on loan currently, mine is a book group copy.

DrMama wrote: "Right now I'm re-reading Our Mutual Friend by Charles Dickens, as it is the Kingsbridge Library Reading Group book for our February discussion. It's my favourite novel ..."

Hi Carol. Great to hear from you. I've not read Dickens in years - Bleak House is my favourite I think but I haven't read Our Mutual Friend

Hi I'm quite new to Goodreads and the group. I read multiple books at one time (anywhere between 3&5 usually).
I'm currently reading the Eve of Redemption series by Joe Jackson I'm on book 2 of 6.
I'm also reading the Cursebreakers trilogy from Brigid Kemmerer
I'm reading Robinson Crusoe and Wind in The Willows with my kids and I'm reading a book that's work related.
Out of all of these I'm enjoying Cursebreakers most for the escapism.

Currently reading A Narrow Door by Joanne Harris, and Inversions by Iain M. Banks.

just started Klara and the Sun, by Kazuo Ishiguro. Good so far.

I wasn't very keen on Klara and the Sun. I think because seasoned SciFi writers have done much better in dealing with AI. This was a bit weak I thought.

I think this is more about finding out your place in the world. Only just started it so we'll see.

I'm slowly reading my way through A.L.Kennedy's book of short stories: We Are Attempting to Survive Our Time. She's vastly underrated, yet so wise, witty, aware... plus an all-round wonderful performer and person. There are several ace novels and story collections, so I currently intend to work my way through all the ones I have not yet read. NB: Her book 'On Writing' is also superb for would-be writers: plus, I'm hoping she may be on at 'Ways With Words' this year.

Shona wrote: "Hi I'm quite new to Goodreads and the group. I read multiple books at one time (anywhere between 3&5 usually).
I'm currently reading the Eve of Redemption series by Joe Jackson I'm on book 2 of 6...."

Hi Shona, I tend to be a multiple reader, too ... though one usually takes over from all the others. I envy you the joy of introducing favourite books to your kids: I can still get teary at the thought of Mole being upset when he refinds his old home!

How do we comment on or like specific posts?

Alan wrote: "How do we comment on or like specific posts?"

HI Alan - I somehow missed this thread - too much going on. To add to a post just click on the reply button in the bottom right hand corner of the post in question

I'm currently reading 'The Job' by Sinclair Lewis and have his 'Main Street' lined up, too.
NB: More often than not I forget to write on here about the books that I have read - or am reading. I keep meaning to list them ... sometime... but hardly ever get round to it. I guess the problem is that listing all takes up valuable reading time!

Currently reading Cocaine Nights by J G. Ballard.

DrMama wrote: "I'm currently reading 'The Job' by Sinclair Lewis and have his 'Main Street' lined up, too.
NB: More often than not I forget to write on here about the books that I have read - or am..."

That sounds interesting. I've just realised I've got two of his novels on my 'to read' list. One of them is Main Street. I'll get onto the library catalogue system, thanks.

I'm currently reading A Tale for the Time Being Not only is it a good story, but it's really interesting, and makes you think about issues you might not have thought about for a while, or have never given much time to. I've been totally engrossed. I even preferred it to her prize-winning and most enjoyable The Book of Form and Emptiness. Ruth Ozeki is an author and Zen Bhuddist nun which influences her work. I want to read all her novels.

Karen wrote: "I'm currently reading A Tale for the Time Being Not only is it a good story, but it's really interesting, and makes you think about issues you might not have thought about for a whi..."

Just read this after my last message on the other thread. I am doing the Ozeki in reverse to you :)

Karen wrote: "I'm currently reading A Tale for the Time Being Not only is it a good story, but it's really interesting, and makes you think about issues you might not have thought about for a whi..." I have not read anything by her... yet! I keep meaning to, but then succumb to something else from my 'Library Wishlist'... or I just read one of the 100s of books I own... which I still have not read! Currently finishing 'The Job' (see above post) and also reading Hamnet for Kingsbridge Library Reading Group... plus a biography of Dorothy Thompson = American Cassandra: The Life of Dorothy Thompson, for 'what I call "work"' All thanks to wonderful Kingsbridge Library !

DrMama wrote: "Karen wrote: "I'm currently reading A Tale for the Time Being Not only is it a good story, but it's really interesting, and makes you think about issues you might not have thought a..."

An interesting mix. I enjoyed Hamnet but not as much as I hoped. I just finished The Book of Magic which was OK but not really my thing. Now moving on to Book 2 of the My Struggle cycle by My Struggle, Book Two I read the first some years ago and loved it. Has taken me some time to get around to Book 2 but I have high hopes

Ian wrote: "DrMama wrote: "Karen wrote: "I'm currently reading A Tale for the Time Being Not only is it a good story, but it's really interesting, and makes you think about issues you might not..." I'm not generally keen on autobiography. I think I tried the first of his - years ago - and gave up quite quickly. I also loathe 'Biofiction' ... definitely much worse than autobiog!! I almost wish I could ban it... 'though that would be counter to all I believe and think about all writing, free speech etc.
The Sinclair Lewis novel I was reading Sinclair Lewis, 'The Job' (NB I can't find it listed on the site) was pretty good as a first novel. It's set mainly in New York, in the early part of the 20th Century, and is about a young out-of-town woman as she finds her way in the world. It faded a little towards the end, but generally conveyed really well how difficult it was for bright, aspirational young women of that period. I'm looking forward to working my way through his oeuvre - it looks like wonderful 'Libraries Unlimited' has most of them!! (Support your libraries!).

Ian wrote: "Alan wrote: "How do we comment on or like specific posts?"

HI Alan - I somehow missed this thread - too much going on. To add to a post just click on the reply button in the bottom right hand corn..."

Ah, I don't think you can do this on the app.

DrMama wrote: "Ian wrote: "DrMama wrote: "Karen wrote: "I'm currently reading A Tale for the Time Being Not only is it a good story, but it's really interesting, and makes you think about issues y..."

Found it, I think... The Job

Ian wrote: "DrMama wrote: "Karen wrote: "I'm currently reading A Tale for the Time Being Not only is it a good story, but it's really interesting, and makes you think about issues you might not..."

I agree with you about Hamnet

I am engrossed in Hamnet, but I do wish there was a 'characters list' as there are so many names! They are mainly first names, and every so often - such as the 'walking to the church' scene... - it seems like everyone who has even been mentioned - plus all their sisters, cousins, aunts, etc - thus far, is listed! So, apart from main characters and some siblings /family... I have no idea who the 'others' are. I know I could/should take my time, and make notes, but I'm rushing to finish for 'Reading Group'... which is very unfair to the novel!

Karen wrote: "DrMama wrote: "I'm currently reading 'The Job' by Sinclair Lewis and have his 'Main Street' lined up, too.
NB: More often than not I forget to write on here about the books that I've read or am planning to read, as I rush onto the next book after adding a quick scribble to my 'Books Read' notebook. I have this urge to read all of Sinclair Lewis's oeuvre, and have It Can't Happen Here lined up - about the possible rise of Fascism in the US, as Hitler, Franco, etc rise to power.

Good Luck with reading 'Hamnet' Dr Mama. I'm usually a great fan of Maggie O'Farrell, but I enjoyed it far less than her other works. It's true the author has a phenomenal way with words, but in 'Hamnet' I felt she went one step too far. the flow of the story got bogged down by excessive description on just about everything. It became too much for me; and I became bored with the novel. I'll be interested to read your opinion.

I've just started 'The Paper Palace', a Number One New York best seller. It came recommended by our local author Jane Corry. The descriptive writing is excellent, BUT I'm not too sure about the plot. I'll let you know.

Cynthea wrote: "I've just started 'The Paper Palace', a Number One New York best seller. It came recommended by our local author Jane Corry. The descriptive writing is excellent, BUT I'm not too sure about the plo..."
Who is the author? I looked up the title - on this site - and there are about 5 or more with the same title.

'The Paper Palace' I've just started reading is Miranda Cowley Heller's first novel, released last year. Sorry, I should have said that in my previous post.

Thanks for that, I will check her out, sounds interesting. No need to apologise or think you need to give more details! With so many people on here it would be impossible to say everything - first time - that anyone might want to ask about a book. For me, I think the title conjured up the memeory of something I read years ago ... but no idea what... too many years, too many books! Take care.

DrMama wrote: "Ian wrote: "DrMama wrote: "Karen wrote: "I'm currently reading A Tale for the Time Being Not only is it a good story, but it's really interesting, and makes you think about issues y..."

Absolutely support our libraries :)

The Knausgaard is not conventional autobiography but very much a marmite book I think

hi Alan agree it's different on the app. All you can do is to add comments at the bottom of the screen

Cynthea wrote: "Good Luck with reading 'Hamnet' Dr Mama. I'm usually a great fan of Maggie O'Farrell, but I enjoyed it far less than her other works. It's true the author has a phenomenal way with words, but in 'H..."

Cynthea wrote: "Good Luck with reading 'Hamnet' Dr Mama. I'm usually a great fan of Maggie O'Farrell, but I enjoyed it far less than her other works. It's true the author has a phenomenal way with words, but in 'H..."

DrMama wrote: "I am engrossed in Hamnet, but I do wish there was a 'characters list' as there are so many names! They are mainly first names, and every so often - such as the 'walking to the churc..."

Alan wrote: "Ian wrote: "Alan wrote: "How do we comment on or like specific posts?"

HI Alan - I somehow missed this thread - too much going on. To add to a post just click on the reply button in the bottom rig..."

That was my view too Cynthia - a good book, overwritten