What we thought of “A Short Walk in the Hindu Kush”

A small but perfectly formed group of 3 attended the discussion of Kath’s choice ‘A Short Walk in the Hindu Kush’ by Eric Newby (Kath, Andrew C and Peter). Illness had taken its toll but word came back that the book was largely enjoyed by the unfortunate non-attenders. Three Words that describe the book: Outrageous, …

What we thought of “Anna of the Five Towns”

On Tuesday 19th April we met to discuss "Anna of the Five Towns" by Arnold Bennett. Our three words were: Memorable factory descriptionsGripping, Contrasts, EvocativeContrasts, Control, AcceptanceBlack, Industrial, DomesticUnfinished, Turgid, Eleemosynary!Realistic, Gripping, Lame endingOppressive, Tragic, PoignantDistressing, Documentary, Dark The questions prepared for us by Ann were: Is Anna weak and tormented, or strong and stoic?Could …

What we thought of The Warden

On Tuesday 15th March we met to discuss "The Warden" by Anthony Trollope. Our three words were: Page turner; witty; elucidatingA Comfort ReadVerbose, Charming, CharacterfulGentle pleasant  readA Comfort Read(like) very  dry  sherrywitty, ironic, affectionate (and also surprisingly) modern.?? Everyone had enjoyed reading the book. Among the topics we discussed were: We considered the themes in the book and agreed …

What we thought of “The Age of Innocence”

At our meeting on Tuesday 15th February we enjoyed a lively discussion about "The Age of Innocence" by Edith Wharton. A number of us hadn't looked forward to reading the book, but in the end everyone had enjoyed it and was glad to have read it. Our list of, approximately, three words to describe the …

Classic Book Group 2022 – February to July

In an unexpected outbreak of organisation, we've chosen our books for the first 6 months of 2022. Our meetings take place at 7.30 pm on the third Tuesday of the month in Harbury Library, or via Zoom if Covid intervenes. Tuesday 15th February - "The Age of Innocence" by Edith Wharton When the Countess Ellen …

What we thought of “Poor Folk” by Dostoyevsky

On Tuesday 16th November we met in the library to discuss "Poor folk" by Fyodor Dostoyevsky. Not much longer than a novella the book is considered to be Dostoyevsky's first literary triumph. It's also unusual in Russian literature being an epistolary novel, something that attracted Andrew P. to choose it as our November book. As …

What we thought of “Cold Comfort Farm”

Enjoyed by all, but we felt that perhaps you needed to listen to the audiobook version to laugh out loud. Our collection of three, or more, words to describe the book is: Gently satirical, Character Rich, Hilarious, Mocking, Great Story, Original, World of its OwnPatronising, Enjoyable, AmusingBrilliant, Unpredictable, SplendidBetter than WodehouseLaugh Out LoudA Metrocentric ExhalationOriginal, …

What we thought of “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie”

We met in Harbury Village Library on Tuesday 21st September to discuss "The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie" by Muriel Spark. The meeting was led by Ann and we started by choosing three words to describe our opinion of the book. Our choices were: Complex, Original, EnigmaticProvocative, FunnySnobbish, Funny, Though-provokingBrilliant, Intriguing, WittyElegant but slightDisturbing, Painful, …

What we thought of “On the Road”

What did we think of "On the Road" by Jack Kerouac? Not much according to the seven members of the Classic Book Group at our meeting in Harbury Village Library on Tuesday 17th August. Among the comments were: Soporific, Challenging, TediousGreat writing, horrible charactersJoylessAdventurous, slightly shocking, self indulgentInfuriating, brilliant (at times)Conflicting, boring, intriguing There was …

What we thought of “The Woodlanders”

On July 20th we met in person for the first time in nearly 18 months to talk about "The Woodlanders" by Thomas Hardy. A few had read it some time before and those that hadn't weren't expecting to enjoy it. In fact it was considered an enjoyable read by all. Invited to describe their opinion …