We were at almost full capacity when we met at Eirlys' house on 19th March. It was great to have two new members present, and also our youngest member who isn't able to let us know her opinions just yet, but had brought her own book along to read. It was also good to see that last month's new member actually came back, which is always encouraging!!
Eirlys provided refreshments, including the most divine home made fairy cakes, yum. My house needs an Eirlys of our own I think, as the last cake I baked was in 1994 and that was from a ready made mix. It was in the shape of an octopus though, so I get brownie points for creativity if not for edibility (which is a word I just made up).
Back to books. The Husband's Secret was liked by most, though one or two people found it a bit slushy and predictable. Several people thought that it was obvious what the 'secret' would be.
The Detective's Daughter was unpopular. We felt it was poorly written and had various threads we just couldn't see the point of and several coincidences that were implausible.
Although one member loved it, it was generally felt that The Little Old Lady Who Broke All The Rules didn't live up to expectations, especially compared to The Hundred Year Old Man Who Climbed Out The Window and Disappeared, which most of us have read and enjoyed. It was thought to be unrealistic in the portrayal of care homes, though the book was funny in parts. This book is on the bestseller lists: one member said it would be interesting to know how many of the people who bought it actually finished it!
We enjoyed Private Peaceful and thought the two stories within the book were woven together well.
As always, tea and coffee (and wine!) were drunk, nibbles were nibbled and numerous conversations went on, both book-related and otherwise. The author Dorothy Koomson was recommended (perhaps we could read one of her books next time?), as was Apple Tree Yard by Louise Doughty, which two of us had read and thoroughly enjoyed. Some of the members are hoping to go to Cheltenham Literary Festival, so one member said she would look into that, as it's probably time to try and book soon.
We chose four new books. As always, there is no pressure on anyone to read them all, it's just to give some choice and plenty to read for the more voracious readers.
These are our new book choices (the links go to Amazon, where you can read about the books)
My Dear, I Wanted to Tell You - Louise Young (Our main choice. If you only read one of the books, please try to make it this one)
The Light Between Oceans - M L Steadman
Hackney Child - Hope Daniels and Morag Livingstone
The Shock of the Fall - Nathan Filer
Also, those who are coming to see the Little Mermaid ballet, don't forget to read the story (online here) if you would like to.
Our next meeting will be on the 14th May, when we will be meeting at Frances' house (to be confirmed).
Happy Reading!
