At the last meeting of the Book Club on 8th February “The Kashmir Shawl” by Rosie Thomas was voted a success. Most of us had finished reading (all 468 pages) and agreed it was quite a journey. An epic tale, taking the reader, along with staunch missionaries from Wales , to an India
This book has it all, the enduring friendship of three remarkable women, love, adventure and family secrets - the impact of war and the devastating effect on the lives of the British who lived on the beautiful wooden carved house boats, which are beside the lake in Srinagar today.
A Passage to India was mentioned and we touched upon the similarities of the two stories (sagas). India is a great inspiration for storytellers, both past and present, so we decided to prolong our Indian exploration and planned trip, not to the lakeside city of Srinagar unfortunately, but to the cinema (possibly Lakeside ) so as to really immerse ourselves in the Indian philosophy – and of course have a good time. So in the evening on Thursday 1st March we will be going to see “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” and anyone wishing to join us is of course welcome. Details still to be finalised – but please do email or watch the WI website.
The next book club meeting will be on April 25th at Alison’s house (again details at WI) when no doubt we will talk some more of the wonderful and hugely varied “Secret Santa” books we exchanged in December – read and exchanged again. Definitely something for everyone: a thriller, a book about a Vietnam
Phew! We really are a motley crew.
