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

Girl with a Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier

March 5, 2004

Location: Bea’s home

Members: Francoise, Louise, Carmen, Marg, Joanne, Bea, Marvel, Wilma, Gisela

Bea served some wonderful “Dutch treat” appetizers and we ordered Chinese food -- which was delicious. It was also a perfect opportunity to celebrate Louise and Carm's birthdays with some sinfully rich chocolate cake.

The discussion of the book was lively and more thought provoking than we had expected. Although the book was well written and very descriptive it was not very action packed. As a matter of fact almost everyone mentioned that they kept waiting for something to happen. But as the discussion went on it became apparent that all of us got quite a bit more from the book then we first realized. We discussed Vermeer and his paintings; also quite a few people had seen the movie and that was discussed as well. Everyone had an opportunity to speak and many opinions were expressed.

Overall I think that the book was well received. It was a pleasant book to read and was a good depiction of what life was like during that time period (mid 1600’s). It showed a definite distinction not only between classes of people but also between Catholics and Protestants. I personally am looking forward to seeing the movie and will now keep my eyes open for paintings by Vermeer.

Endnotes

After the evening I brought the book home and my family all read it. My husband went on the Internet and came up with some interesting facts regarding the book. Did you know that Tracy Chevalier came up with the entire plot in 3 days after looking at a copy of the painting? Here is a quote from her web page on what inspired her to write the book.

" The idea for this novel came easily. I was lying in bed one morning, worrying about what I was going to write next. (Writers are always worrying about that.) A poster of the Vermeer painting Girl With a Pearl Earring hangs in my bedroom, as it has done since I was nineteen and first discovered the painting. I lay there idly contemplating the girl's face, and thought suddenly, "I could write about her." Within three days I had the whole story worked out. It was effortless; I could see it all in her face. Vermeer had done all my work for me.

I have always loved Vermeer's paintings. One of my life goals is to view all thirty-five of them in the flesh. I've seen all but one - Young Girl Reading a Letter, which hangs in Dresden. There is so much mystery in each painting, in the women he depicts, so many stories suggested but not told. I wanted to tell one of them.”

Some reviews from the web site follow:
Chevalier's novel sings with the freshness and the thoroughly intoxicating sense of a specific time, place and personality

Fittingly, Chevalier's writing style adopts a painterly approach: The elegant prose evokes contemplation, the pace is slow and cumulative, the drama emotional rather than visceral."

"... This is a completely absorbing story with enough historical authenticity and artistic intuition to mark Chevalier as a talented newcomer to the literary scene."

Apparently two other books had been written about Vermeer recently: Katharine Weber's THE MUSIC LESSON, and Susan Vreeland's short story, GIRL IN HYACINTH BLUE.

To view the website go to: http://www.tchevalier.com/gwape/paintings/index.html

Respectfully submitted by:  Marvel on March 24, 2004