The Bell House by Ruth Hamilton

March 23, 2007

Location: Margaret's home

Members: Virginia, Francoise, Louise, Carmen, Margaret, Louise, Bea, Marvel, Wilma, Gisela

This was a story that caught all of our attention.

There was mystery and intrigue, romance and faith, and a dog that seemed to have the ability to be everywhere helping everyone when he was needed. The old Jewish grandmother was someone to be reckoned with and life in a small town where everyone knows your business (funeral homes, beauty parlours) made this another good book to sit back and enjoy.

As usual we managed to have plenty of open discussion, good food, good drinks, plenty of laughter and a wonderful time was had by all.

Notes respectfully submitted by Marvel on May 9, 2007

Deafening by Frances Itani

January 19th, 2007

Location: Gisela's home

Members: Virginia, Francoise, Louise, Carmen, Margaret, Louise, Bea, Marvel, Wilma, Gisela 

Most people found the book slow to get into but once begun enjoyed it immensely. The special relationships between grand daughter/grandmother and sister/sister were beautiful. The contrast between being in a world of silence (Deaf) and the husband being at war (were the world was deafening) was also noted as being interesting to read about.

It was interesting to read about how the war affected women that stayed at home, as well as the men when they came home; and to see the strength that they all had which helped them to get through all of their difficulties (illnesses, death, loss).

It was agreed that this was another good read.

As usual, we managed to have plenty of open discussion, good food, good drinks, plenty of laughter and a wonderful time was had by all.

Notes respectfully submitted by Marvel on May 9, 2007

Beach Music by Pat Conroy

November 17, 2006

Location:  Françoise's home
Members: Virginia, Louise, Carmen, Margaret, Marvel, Wilma, Gisela

This book was quite well received by everyone. Some commented that it could have been made into 3 or 4 separate books because there were many different story lines being followed.

It was nice to read about the American South and to learn about their distinct culture. Enjoyed reading about the turtles and the parts of the book that took place in Rome. Nice to read about the cooking and the music.

It was difficult to read about the holocaust, makes you feel uncomfortable and wondering what it is you can do about what happened. Some felt that it has been heard so much and that there are terrible things happening still (genocide, etc.) It was also difficult to read about Shyla and her suicide. There were definite bleak aspects to the book - abuse, suicide, alcoholism, mental illness, etc.

Enjoyed the mystery, of not only Jordan but of Lucy and Father Josh .

This book was chosen by Françoise and she commented that she had enjoyed it reading it as much this time as she had when she was a teenager. At this point it was noted that the book had been published in 1995 – 12 years ago – those teen years do go on and on don’t they???

It was also noted that Pat Conroy had the gift of the gab – Françoise pointed out some phrases that she particularly enjoyed:

“It was here we gathered to say farewell to the sunburned dark-complexioned days which finger-painted the river in the tenderness of …..

 “I could smell the red wine importing some of its silken character to the aromas rising out of the skillet, where it blended and bound the congruent personalities of the tomato and garlic with the happy green smile of basil….”

Wow I’m getting hungry!

Anyway overall another great book.

Notes respectfully submitted by Marvel on January 19, 2007.

Garbo Laughs by Elizabeth Hay

July 21, 2006

Location:       Marvel's home                                          

Members:     Virginia, Françoise, Louise, Carmen, Margaret, Joanne, Louise, Bea, Marvel, Wilma, Gisela

Elizabeth Hay had been invited to join us but in the end was unable to come due to a dinner engagement.  This book had mixed reviews.  No one absolutely hated it but the general consensus was that it did not have a story line or theme. 

Everyone had a difficult time getting into the book but all found the second half much easier to read.  It was described as a story about every day life – your life or my life - an intimate tale.  Some people found the reference to the old classic movies interesting, some were pleased that the book was written about the Old Ottawa South neighbourhood and that it was interesting to see streets that we were familiar with.    

Overall it was agreed by those that had read Hay’s other book “A Student of Weather” that the Student of Weather was a better read. 

Also at the July 21^st meeting the “ladies of the club”  gave me a wonderful gift certificate to my favourite boutique (The Clothes Secret).   I thank you all again what a terrific gift!

Respectfully submitted by Marvel on July 27, 2006

Patron Saint of Liars by Anne Patchett

May 12, 2006

                                    

Location:       Bea's home                                          

Members:        Virginia, Françoise, Louise, Carmen, Margaret, Joanne, Louise P., Bea, Marvel, Wilma, Gisela

This book was well received; everyone seemed to have enjoyed reading it.  There was one main question asked over and over, “Why couldn’t the heroine love anyone?”  Her daughter, her 2^nd husband, her 1^st husband, even her mother how could she have just left them all without ever going back?  There were a lot of theories passed back and forth but alas no one certain answer came forth!

 

Respectfully submitted by Marvel on July 27, 2006

The Pursuit of Love and Love in a Cold Climate by Nancy Mitford

March 31, 2006

Location: Carmen's home
Members: Virginia, Françoise, Louise, Carmen, Margaret, Louise P., Bea, Marvel, Wilma

This book was received with some mixed reviews. Most people felt that it was an ok read but thought that they would have been happier reading only the first novella. The second one seemed to drag on.

Some comments that were made throughout the evening regarding the book follow:

It was based on a true story and was adapted into a BBC movie/series. The movie/series was great and was very vivid; it brought the three sisters to life.

I found it boring, and the class structure was annoying, it was empty there was nothing happening
1st book wasn’t too bad, the 2nd book was too slow

I didn’t love it, but enjoyed the British pompous life. Reminded me of when I was 18 going to house parties in Britain. It was fluffy but delightful, great portrayal of the life they led at that time. I enjoyed it as a simple, delightful book.

I enjoyed the first book, liked to see the other type of world, how they dressed, how they heated their houses. I didn’t like the 2nd book.

Didn’t hate it; found the paragraphs in French annoying, the ending of the first book was too abrupt. I liked Davey and “The Bolter”.

Some parts I could relate to, other parts more difficult. Some phrases made me ask what they really meant and some phrases made me smile.

It reminded me of the Jalna series, reading about a family and all of their adventures. I enjoyed it and found it quite humourous and entertaining. Some of the characters were hilarious (Cedric for instance!). I learned that if you say the word “Brush” before entering a room you will enter with a wonderful, perfect smile.

I read the second book first and didn’t like it, the first book was a bit better, but it ends too abruptly.
The tone of the second book changed completely, boring every day British life they weren’t fascinating people, they were shallow; written in old English words, many comments regarding Brits vs. Colonists

Showed how every generation had different focuses; I wasn’t excited by it but it was ok.


Respectfully submitted by Marvel on May 1, 2006