Bookclub News April 2025
Dear Readers, award-winning British author Kate Atkinson is reported as having asserted, "I live to entertain. I don't live to teach or preach, or be political".
And after reading her latest novel "Death at the Sign of the Rook", it would be fair to say that our 18 (!) attendees at last night's meeting were in the main entertained. We had reservations about the book's structure and plot, and whether it was mere pastiche Agatha Christie or genuine satire, but most had found it a witty and skilfully written fun read and a welcome antidote to some of our recent choices. For those familiar with the author, there was a sense of disappointment that this book did not bear comparison with the best of her earlier titles, but new readers were intrigued and open to exploring more of her work. Overall, a vote of 6, Recommended.
And after reading her latest novel "Death at the Sign of the Rook", it would be fair to say that our 18 (!) attendees at last night's meeting were in the main entertained. We had reservations about the book's structure and plot, and whether it was mere pastiche Agatha Christie or genuine satire, but most had found it a witty and skilfully written fun read and a welcome antidote to some of our recent choices. For those familiar with the author, there was a sense of disappointment that this book did not bear comparison with the best of her earlier titles, but new readers were intrigued and open to exploring more of her work. Overall, a vote of 6, Recommended.
Looking ahead to our May meeting, we are turning cross the Atlantic to read the 2024 Pulitzer Prize winning novel by Jayne Anne Phillips, "Night Watch", historical story-telling in the aftermath of the American Civil War. Our meeting will be on Wednesday 28 May.
Enjoy your reading, and the May sunshine.