Devon Book Club discussion

I'm reading The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery. I'm on page 60 and so far I can't see any real plot to this book - it mainly seems to be laying out lots of philosophical theories, but I've no idea for what purpose yet. I'm therefore struggling to get into this book and, for the first time in a long time, I may start a second book and come back to this book for a second attempt later!

Alison wrote: "I'm reading The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery. I'm on page 60 and so far I can't see any real plot to this book - it mainly seems to be laying out lots of philosophical theories, but ..."
Hi Alison. I read this a while back but I have a horrible feeling I didn't finish it (which always makes me feel guilty). I couldn't get into it either. Sorry, that doesn't help, does it?! :)

Hi All,
I finished The Blind Man's Garden, by Nadeem Aslam, a few days ago and will comment soon. I've also finished some of my Xmas/NYear half-read reads - again, yet to comment. At the moment I'm back at my desk, so much of my reading doesn't really count here, but I am finally (multiple interruptions) near to the end of If on a Winter's Night a Traveler (hmpphh, don't know why that's a single 'l' !?!).
However, I've also started my next Rdng Grp book: The Death of King Arthur by Peter Ackroyd, and it seems pretty dire so far. Has anyone else read this, and if so what do you think? Shall I carry on? I know that Ackroyd is attempting a retelling and, almost, re-translation of the original by Malory, but this seems pretty flat, simplistic and singularly lacking in the power to enthral: a characterisitc that I've associated with Arthurian Legend since I became hooked as a 10 year old. I know the tales pretty well, but that has not stopped me enjoying different fictional takes over the years ... although I suppose it has been along time since I've tried this sort of 'tale'. Any thoughts? Previously I have enjoyed the few Ackroyd novels that I've read.

Alison wrote: "I'm reading The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery. I'm on page 60 and so far I can't see any real plot to this book - it mainly seems to be laying out lots of philosophical theories, but ..."

I think it was Sonia who read that. Can't remember her reflections on it. Calling Sonia - if I remember right, your view?

DrMama wrote: "Hi All,
I finished The Blind Man's Garden, by Nadeem Aslam, a few days ago and will comment soon. I've also finished some of my Xmas/NYear half-read reads - again, yet to comment. ..."

DrMama wrote: "Hi All,
I finished The Blind Man's Garden, by Nadeem Aslam, a few days ago and will comment soon. I've also finished some of my Xmas/NYear half-read reads - again, yet to comment. ..."

Ian wrote: "Alison wrote: "I'm reading The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery. I'm on page 60 and so far I can't see any real plot to this book - it mainly seems to be laying out lots of philosophical..."

A blind man's garden looks really interesting and I've added to my list. Look forward to hearing your views about it. Can't help with Ackroyd I'm afraid.

Just finished The Wake. Strange, difficult to read but quite fascinating. A story of the Norman invasion of 1066, written from the point of view of a man from the Lincolnshire Fens in a sort of Old English. The main character is basically crazy, but that doesn't seem to matter, he is trying to fight the French in his own chaotic and mad way, the imagery is great and once you get into the language it's a lot easier, reading aloud helps. Paul Kingsnorth is a passionate advocate of retaining real englishness 9Britishness) in the face of increasing Americanisation and blandness.
About to finish Terry Brooks most recent bit of nonsense about Shannara, good fun. Also readingGossip from the Forest A discussion of Fairy Tales and the influence of the landscape on them, told as a series of walks in different woods, with a story for each one, really enjoying it.
Thats me sussed out then eh!

You've just reminded me that I used to enjoy reading the Shannara books Ley - I didn't realise Terry Brooks was still writing them; I'll have to take a look and see how many I've missed in more recent years!

I'm now reading The Misremembered Man by Christina McKenna; it was either free or much reduced on Kindle so I downloaded it a while ago. I though it would be an easy read before attempting The Elegance of the Hedgehog again, and it will also count towards the original challenge of reading books against Devon Book Club initials!

Alison wrote: "You've just reminded me that I used to enjoy reading the Shannara books Ley - I didn't realise Terry Brooks was still writing them; I'll have to take a look and see how many I've missed in more rec..."

There was a series set in the 'real' world which suddenly linked up with the Shannara world at the end, quite cleverly done. The latest ones are definitely back in Shannara again.

Alison wrote: "I'm now reading The Misremembered Man by Christina McKenna; it was either free or much reduced on Kindle so I downloaded it a while ago. I though it would be an easy read before attempting The Ele..."

Glad to know you are on it Ali!

Just finished Titus Groan by Mervyn Peake. A beautifully written work of immense imagination. The prose soars at times and lifted me with it. The characters are mostly truly grotesque and very easy to visualise. The dark, menacing undertone to the book is present throughout. I did think that it got a little repetitive in parts and that some of the language got lost in its own lyricism and it was a little hour-long. nevertheless am now moving on to Gormenghast.

Now I'm going to change the tone of this thread completely: my husband bought me A Bear Called Paddington for Christmas because I wanted to see the new film of Paddington and because I'd never read any of the books. (Deprived childhood...!) I started reading it last night and it's magical. Such delightful writing.

My wife and I loved the film. Of the audience of sixty or so, only two were children.

Kathy wrote: "Now I'm going to change the tone of this thread completely: my husband bought me A Bear Called Paddington for Christmas because I wanted to see the new film of Paddington and because ..."

It's funny you should mention that, because we've been left with'Paddington takes the air' from Xmas. Will give it a go!

Ian wrote: "Just finished Titus Groan by Mervyn Peake. A beautifully written work of immense imagination. The prose soars at times and lifted me with it. The characters are mostly truly grotesque and very easy..."
If you liked Titus Groan, then I am sure you will love Gormenghast. As I said before, it's one of the most hilarious books I have ever read and incredibly imaginative.

B J wrote: "My wife and I loved the film. Of the audience of sixty or so, only two were children."

I'm sure we'll love it too. Must try and see it before it moves on.

B J wrote: "My wife and I loved the film. Of the audience of sixty or so, only two were children."
The children were probably all too busy watching inappropriate and unsuitable films on their computers!

It was the 'Seniors' film this week!

I've just finished reading a very enjoyable book, 'Silent Faces, Painted Ghosts' by our very own Kathy Shuker! I enjoyed the story telling and plot and it helped me while away the hours in various airports recently, so thanks Kathy

Alison wrote: "I've just finished reading a very enjoyable book, 'Silent Faces, Painted Ghosts' by our very own Kathy Shuker! I enjoyed the story telling and plot and it helped me while away the hours in various..."
Well thank you, Alison! I'm glad you enjoyed it. I hope you had a good holiday too!?

Still here in Australia Kathy - not back for a few more weeks. Might have to download your next book on my Kindle to keep me going! Ian has a photo to post for me of your book (well my Kindle but it was your book I had been reading!) on my travels

Alison wrote: "Still here in Australia Kathy - not back for a few more weeks. Might have to download your next book on my Kindle to keep me going! Ian has a photo to post for me of your book (well my Kindle but..."
I didn't realise. Lucky you - missing our miserable winter weather! (Actually it's sunny here atm but still very chilly.) I'll try not to be too jealous...

Just started Packing for Mars, The Curious Science of Life in Space by Mary Roach. It is evidently fascinating as well as being funny, so will see.

I have just finished Reading In Bed by Sue Gee, our RG book for this month, and what a fantastic read it was! The cover almost put me off, but I heeded the old adage about never judging a book by its cover -and plunged in. This contemporary story revolves around two newly retired women, who have been friends since their student days, and their families. The characters are well drawn and the quality of the writing lures the reader effortlessly into this superior domestic drama. Sue Gee has written a number of novels, so pleased to havebeen introduced to her work

Oops - didn't intend to hit the post button just then! ... I wonder if other members have read any of her books - on the strength of this one, I would definitely recommend her work. (And now hit post).

My latest RG book, which I have only just started, is The Junior Officers' Reading Club: Killing Time And Fighting Wars by Patrick Hennessey. The work is not our usual fodder - and a good thing too - but hopefully our two 'chaps' will appreciate this testosterone-fuelled read after all the more girly books we generally have [NB: I don't actually mean those distinctions to be taken seriously.]
It is a 'memoir' or so assume. I have not read any 'crit' prior to reading the book, as I don't like to have my opinions influenced before the event. Hennessey is an Oxbridge-educated, Sandhurst trained officer, who is recounting his experiences of a posting in Afghanistan. So far I'm finding it quite 'other', but fairly riveting nonetheless. I'm also learning quite a bit about contemporary soldiering and fighting.
I think many readers will not be too keen on the swearing, but in my experience, soldiers do tend to swear ... However, I think some of this is also about luring in young, male readers who will think it cool ... but then get an education along the way ...
I could be wrong: early days yet.

I am also still re-reading Wolf Hall, as well as ploughing my way through Never Call Retreat: Theodore Roosevelt and the Great War by J. Lee Thompson. This is research for a biography. Thompson is a great writer and an exacting and detailed scholar.
I am still chipping away at several other 'in progress' books, but don't know when I'll finish - if ever - as research, pleasure reading, and RG do take over. I still have hopes of a 'first-ever, for me' Murakami, and then another Mitchell, but probably not by the end of the month. I think I may pass on the Forster.

I'm currently reading Gorky Park by Martin Cruz Smith, following the recommendation from BJ. I like a good detective novel and I'm really enjoying this one (which is set in Russia so will also count for the Around the World challenge!). Great recommendation BJ, so thanks for that

Glad you're enjoying it, Alison. The latest ones in the series are rather terrifying. They are still essentially crime thrillers, but now set in Putin's Russia where corruption is rife, gangs from different ethic groups fight to control the drug and sex trades, homeless street children are casually killed and everyone, even the super-wealthy oligarchs, live in fear. If it's anywhere near accurate it's a frightening depiction of life within one of the world's super-powers.

Alison wrote: "Still here in Australia Kathy - not back for a few more weeks. Might have to download your next book on my Kindle to keep me going! Ian has a photo to post for me of your book (well my Kindle but..."

A bit delayed as had a busy week but just posted it!

Thanks Ian :-)

Just started reading Wolf Hall / Bring Up the Bodies been waiting for it to reappear at my library. Also The Remains of the Day, which a lovely friend bought for me as he thought I should read it. Loving both.

Ley wrote: "Just started reading Wolf Hall / Bring Up the Bodies been waiting for it to reappear at my library. Also The Remains of the Day, which a lovely friend bought for me as..."

He Ley - all great books so you should enjoy them hopefully

Must have clicked the wrong link as I meant just Bring Up the Bodies, read Wolf Hall a while ago.

Just discoveredJim Crace. Recommended by a friend. Reading The Gift Of Stones. Apparently every book of his is different so looking forward to more. The descriptions are amazing. Very atmospheric.

Just started The Outsider by Camus. (L'Etranger). Read it many years ago and am rereading. Camus is yet another writer who, I think, won the Nobel Prize. Beckett is another. Delighted to read Daniel Finkelstein's criticism of him in the Times the other day. He said that 'his plays are I think a massive joke played on the upper middle class. Everyone pays up and sits through hours of nonsense pretending thy know what is going on and scared to admit they haven't a clue.' Had to study 'En Attendant Godot'( "Waiting for Godot') once and hated it.

Carol wrote: "Just started The Outsider by Camus. (L'Etranger). Read it many years ago and am rereading. Camus is yet another writer who, I think, won the Nobel Prize. Beckett is another. Delighted to read Danie..."
I had to study Waiting for Godot too. And I hated it too.

Ley wrote: "Just discoveredJim Crace. Recommended by a friend. Reading The Gift Of Stones. Apparently every book of his is different so looking forward to more. The descriptions are..."

Read The Outsider for my book group, can't say I enjoyed it. Well written but depressing. I suppose that's the point though.

Ley wrote: "Ley wrote: "Just discoveredJim Crace. Recommended by a friend. Reading The Gift Of Stones. Apparently every book of his is different so looking forward to more. The desc..."
Well, at least it's short, a redeeming feature if it's somewhat depressing. Have also read his book, La Peste, (the Plague) many years ago. Can't remember it now, but presumably it's about the plague, so is probably also rather depressing.

Inspired by the telly prog, I've made a start on Poldark. Thought I'd read it before, but I haven't - read something similar, and can't remember what it was. Anyone got an idea?

Was there a (set of?) 'Onedin Line' book(s)? Could it be that?

I sat down to watch the new 'Poldark' (remembering that I had liked it in my teens) and then could not understand where all the ships were ... My more savvy partner (he was into ships as a lad) suddenly realised where I'd gone wrong. Doh!

Thanks, but I'm pretty sure it wasn't the Onedin Line. It's very nearly on the tip of my tongue - I remember there was a cottage in it, and a bit of star-crossed lovers stuff! (Yeah, I know - not very helpful!)

Ley wrote: "Ley wrote: "Just discoveredJim Crace. Recommended by a friend. Reading The Gift Of Stones. Apparently every book of his is different so looking forward to more. The desc..."

I read Harvestlast year. Thought it was OK but, as it was a Booker shortlisted book, I was a bit disappointed. Be interested to hear what you think of this one

Susanne wrote: "Thanks, but I'm pretty sure it wasn't the Onedin Line. It's very nearly on the tip of my tongue - I remember there was a cottage in it, and a bit of star-crossed lovers stuff! (Yeah, I know - not v..."

Hmm A cottage, star-crossed lovers - not a lot to go on! Any other clues? Hate it when a word is right there and you can't quite grab it. You'll wake up at 3 am and shout it out.

Susanne wrote: "Inspired by the telly prog, I've made a start on Poldark. Thought I'd read it before, but I haven't - read something similar, and can't remember what it was. Anyone got an idea?"

The Retallick novels of E V Thompson are very similar.

I believe the Onedin Line was sometimes filmed at Bayard's Cove in Dartmouth.

Just finished reading A Riot of Goldfish by Kanoko Okamoto. A beautifully written book containing two short stories (about 55 pages each), each of which is a detailed character study of a main character. The cultural context for each is fsacinating but what drew me in was the intimate nature of the way charaxcter is revealed. Carfully crafted and layered, I thought this was a wonderful little book. Sometimes the language can be a little elaborate but I think it was of the time (1930s)(and easily forgiven. Okamoto apparently died young and, had she lived longer, may have become one of Japan's foremost writers. I hadn't heard of her so thanks to Mr. B's Emporium for introducing me to her.

On the final section of Americanah. It has taken me ages as so much to think about. Now someone has put a reserve on it so will have to finish. Well worth the read.

Sue wrote: "On the final section of Americanah. It has taken me ages as so much to think about. Now someone has put a reserve on it so will have to finish. Well worth the read."

Hi Sue - I really enjoyed this book when I read it last year, plenty of contemporary themes in the novel - it would make a great choice for a reading group to discuss. I would like to read her other novels based on the strength of this one.

Currently reading Around India in 80 Trains by Monisha Rajesh. Amusing.