Comments on 'Going Postal'

This book had a mixed reception. Some members were very keen on Terry Practchett whilst others read and enjoyed but would not go out of their way to read him again.

'Practchett's writing is allegorical. His narrative describes one subject under the guise of another'

'Whilst Terry Pratchett's books are set in 'Discworld' he uses them to make observations about modern day institutions such as banks and the Post Office etc.'

'His books are about hope and how this works in different ways for the individual'

'Some of his passages had me laughing out loud'

'The meetings in the book about the cutbacks were typical of those I have attended particularly in the language used'

'I like the way Pratchett develops his characters until you love or loath them'

Further Reading

'Thief of Time' by Terry Pratchett
'Colour of Magic' " "

Going Postal by Terry Pratchett

Moist von Lipwig a con artist avoids hanging by agreeing to become Postmaster General of the Ankh-Morpork post office which has been closed for 20 years. With the help of a few colourful friends Miss Dearheart, apprentice Stanley, Mr Groat and a golem called Mr Pump he sets out to revive the fortunes of the post office. I am not a Terry Practchett fan. At times I was unsure about the book finding it tough going in places. Nevertheless in parts it is very funny. At times I even laughed out loud. Pratchett fans will not be disappointed.

Tony Riley

Comments on 'Sight Unseen'

A book enjoyed by the whole group.

'It is good to be introduced to an author I have never read before'

'There is always an interesting historical background to his books reflecting the fact that he was an Oxford history graduate'

'An easy read which I found a page turner'

'Lots of twists in the plot which hold your interest'

'I found David Umber a slightly sad and lonely character'

'Goddard's earlier books are better than the later ones'

'Does the ending leave an opportunity for a follow up book?'

Further Reading

'Into the Blue' by Robert Goddard
'Past Caring' " " "

Sight Unseen by Robert Goddard

Typical Robert Goddard. He hooks you in the first couple of pages and you must continue with the story to unravel the mystery. David Umber witnesses the abduction of 2 year old Tamsin Hall and the murder of her sister. The story moves on 23 years. Retired Chief Inspector George Sharp contacts Umber and together they set out to discover what happened to Tamsin. Well constructed and full of twists. I've read all of his books and will continue to do so.

Tony Riley

Winter Readings December 2007

The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole- Sue Townsend- Alan

London Snow- Robert Bridges -Janet M
Hoar Frost- Huw Menai

Wind in the Willows- Kenneth Grahame -Ann

The Christmas Truce- Tony

The Death of the Heart- Elizabeth Bowen- Janet B

Winter Solstice- Rosamund Pilcher -Linda

Reginald on Christmas Presents- HH Munroe -Jean

Christmas Storms and Sunshine- Elizabeth Gaskell- Carole & Barbara

Journey Back to Christmas -Gwen Dunn- Janice
Mary Did You Know?- Kathy Matthau

Comments on 'The Warden'

A Victorian classic enjoyed by all.

'Septimus is a kind gentle man but proves to have an iron will in his determination to do what he considers right'
'The description of Septimus's visit to London is very Dickensian'
'One character I took an instant dislike to because of his pomposity is Archdeacon Grantly'
'Although set in the 1850's the hounding of Septimus by the press has a very modern feel to it'
'I like the way Susan, Septimus's eldest daughter, deals with her husband the Archdeacon'
'Sadly for the inmates of the almshouse they were worse off when Septimus left. They lost out financially and also lost a caring friend'
'The strong moral ground which John Bold took almost lost him the love of his life. But it was this zealousness which attracted Eleanor to him'
'Trollope has a subtle sense of humour. One of the funniest passages is the chapter describing the Grantly children'
'It was interesting to discover a little more about the character Panurge created by Rabelais of whom Dr Grantly enjoyed reading about. Reading matter which was considered dubious in the Victorian age'

Further Reading

'Domestic Manners of the Americans' by Frances Trollope
'Barchester Towers' by Anthony Trollope

The Warden by Anthony Trollope

This is the first book in Trollope's 'Barchester Chronicles' series.
It tells the story of Mr Harding a good and generous man who is the warden of a charity hospital situate in the cathedral town of Barchester.
The story revolves around an accusation made by his prospective son-in-law Dr John Bold that he is accepting money to which he is not entitled. Yet another classic I thoroughly enjoyed.

Tony Riley

Comments on 'A Prayer for Owen Meany'

This novel was enjoyed by all the group.
'I found the story slow at first but by the second half I was hooked'
'One of the best books I have ever read'
'It is the story of a strong friendship between two young men. Unusual in that one of them kills the other's mother in a baseball accident'
'Owen is seen by some readers as a Christ like figure but his behaviour to his parents is anything but Christlike'
'The historical themes such as the Vietnam War the Iran-Contra affair and criticisms of various political leaders provide an interesting backdrop to the plot'
'There are many funny episodes. One I particularly enjoyed was the nativity scene. This made me laugh out loud'
'It was amazing how Owen Meany with his high pitched voice and small frame attracted the girls'
'Even the minor characters are well drawn. Characters such as Mr Fish and Lydia the maid'
'Reading this book has made me want to read other works by John Irving'
'All the loose ends come together in the finale. For example the expertise of performing 'The Shot' and Owen's unusual voice and how these two play a part in his death. Also Owen's vision of his death turns out to be very different from what the reader expects'

Further Reading

'The World According to Garp' by John Irving

A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving

An extraordinary and original book. The best book I have read? Probably. Sorry to finish it. Early on it had me laughing out loud but towards the end crying.
The character Owen Meany is unforgettable. There are lots to think about in this book and its a book that I will think about for a very long time.

Tony Riley

Comments on 'The Red Tent'

The group were split on this choice of book. Half enjoyed it the other half did'nt.

'A clever idea to take a very minor character from the bible and build an interesting story around her.'
'I found the references to the use of herbs for healing and the insight into early medicine intriguing.'
'Some parts of the book were unnecessary and distasteful.'
'The second half of the book was better than the first. Particularly when Dinah survives on her own in Egypt.'
'The role of women in the book is very much subservient to the men. But in spite of this Dinah develops as a strong independent woman.'
For me the best part of the book was watching Dinah mature and grow from childhood to old age.'
'Concentrating on Dinah the sister of Joseph gave an interesting slant on the well known story of Jacob and Joseph.'

Further Reading

'The Handmaid's Tale' by Margaret Atwood

The Red Tent by Anita Diamant

The Red Tent tells the story of Dinah taken from the Book of Genesis Chapter 34. I think this is a book which you will either hate or love. I hated it and did not even get a quarter of the way through. Perhaps a woman's book although a couple of the ladies in the group also disliked it.
Tony Riley