Fame is the Spur by Howard Spring

On a snowy January night 9 of us settled into our cosy corner at Gatehangers Inn and got stuck into our discussion of this epic book. It was difficult to know where to start until Helen pulled out her superbly prepared notes and led the way.

What's it About? she asked and we replied:

• Politics: early Socialist Labour, the rise of Communism, The Suffragette Movement, Organisation of labour (Miners and Factory Workers), the Class System, Party Political Branding (National Labour)  
• Violence, War and Pacifism: The Peterloo Massacre, 2 World Wars, Spanish Civil War, Russian Revolution,
• Economics and The Great Depression
• Personal lives: friendship, ambition, love, marriage, death, tragedy, loyalty, hardship, relationships
• Fiction: a tale of rags to riches
• Reality: Keir Hardy, Ramsey MacDonald, Engels

This is such a rich book, full of content that touches on so many subjects. It is not a book to be read in a week! Every one of the 640 pages gives the reader something to think about. There is so much to take in and so much to consider. Published in 1940 the novel tells a story that spans the late 1880's through to the late 1930's and yet the similarity to current economic and political times is striking.

"It could have been written yesterday."

The fictional story is of a boy - (John) Hamer Shawcross (born to the housemaid) - who is nurtured by his stepfather and who achieves such career and social 'success' that he (Hamer) himself eventually reflects upon his life with a mix of pride and regret. The title comes from a poem by Milton: 'Fame is the spur that the clear spirit doth raise/(That last infirmity of noble mind)/To scorn delights, and live laborious days.' Certainly the author intended the pun of the penultimate word.

By the end of the story an affinity is built with each of the characters and we were sorry to say goodbye to most of them:

• Gordon - Hamer's stepfather - is a really, really good man. Godly, honest, kind. He accepted John and his mother (Ellen) and asked nothing of them. He took in the Old Warrier (Hamer's hero) and defined that Hamer's future would not be as expected in the area they lived, determined that:  'you will not go to the mill.'
• Hamer Shawcross - think of him as a well groomed John Prestcott. We wanted to dislike Hamer but it is hard to do so. He is a self-made political, hypocritical, showman who appears to have little regard (and even cruelty) for the people who care about him and support him. On the other hand he demonstrates genuine affection for people and takes the time out to be with them when necessary. He is not a nasty character, possibly not even as selfish as he seems. Perhaps he is just a little too driven and ambitious.
• Lizzie is way before her time - philanthropic, full of fun and inspirational, she is her own woman. She channelled her own ambitions through those who, at the time, could represent them and win. Hamer, for Lizzie, was a route to political success.
• Anne is an interesting character who came into her own as a Suffragette and fought hard for the cause. We wonder whether this was due to her genuine commitment to the cause or to fill a void in her life? who knows?
• Hannaway - now that's the man to hate - he was manipulative though arguably more honest and true to himself than Shawcross.
• Ryerson - a gentle, genuine man and his beloved wife (Pen) remained true to their beliefs and did not trade them off for career success. They, and their families, are the characters to love.
• Houst - the German doctor, and his family, also deserved our affection- fallen on poor times after WW1 Houst tells Hamer: "there is no peace, you understand, no peace anywhere except in mans own heart."

There are so many other characters who find their way into the hearts and minds of the reader, sharing their thoughts and adding depth to this tale of the 'ever shifting drama of mankind's agony'.

We are of one accord in our recommendation of this book (it might take a little while to find a copy but it will reward your efforts.)

March 2013 Meeting and Book Choice

Our next book and meeting date is:

On Tuesday 12th March we will be discussing Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel
We will meet at 8.15pm in Gatehangers and Ruth has kindly volunteered to 'host'.

Last night 9 of us met and discussed Fame is The Spur by Howard Spring which turned out to be an extensive and in-depth discussion around what was considered to be an incredibly rich account of social and political activity at a time of significant change in Britain. I want to capture as much of the commentary as possible so will post the summary as soon as I have had time to do it justice.

In the meantime here is a snippet from last night. Helen brought along some googled images of posters related to the Suffragette movement (one of the subjects covered in the book) - here are a couple of examples.

The Women's Social and Political Union, founded by Emmeline Pankhurst and her daughter Christabel in 1903, used militant tactics. Many suffragettes went to prison as a result of their actions and, while in prison, they often went on hunger strike to gain publicity for the cause and as a result were forcibly fed. In 1913 the Prisoners Temporary Discharge for Ill-Health Act was passed in Parliament, often referred to as the Cat and Mouse Act. According to this, any hunger-striking woman prisoner was released when they became seriously ill, and re-arrested when recovered.

 

With the coming of the First World War the women's suffrage campaign was called off. Afterwards, in 1918, women were given limited voting rights with the Representation of the People Act. Universal suffrage, that is, the vote for men and women on equal terms, was finally achieved with the Equal Franchise Act in 1928 when all men and women were given the vote at 21 years. In 1969 the voting age for men and women was lowered to 18.

Reading books can be a thought provoking experience.

January 2013 Book Choices

Tuesday 22nd January 2013 is our next meeting when we will be discussing 'Fame is the Spur' by Howard Spring - don't worry if you haven't finished it (I am going to request we don't discuss the ending!!).

Blogger currently is not allowing me to upload images so I am sorry this is a bit dull - will edit later. Here are our choices for next book:

Mansfield Park by Jane Austen

Taken from the poverty of her parents' home, Fanny Price is brought up with her rich cousins at Mansfield Park, acutely aware of her humble rank and with only her cousin Edmund as an ally. When Fanny's uncle is absent in Antigua, Mary Crawford and her brother Henry arrive in the neighbourhood, bringing with them London glamour and a reckless taste for flirtation. As her female cousins vie for Henry's attention, and even Edmund falls for Mary's dazzling charms, only Fanny remains doubtful about the Crawfords' influence and finds herself more isolated than ever. A subtle examination of social position and moral integrity, Mansfield Park is one of Jane Austen's most profound works.

Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel

Tudor England. Henry VIII is on the throne, but has no heir. Cardinal Wolsey is charged with securing his divorce. Into this atmosphere of distrust comes Thomas Cromwell - a man as ruthlessly ambitious in his wider politics as he is for himself. His reforming agenda is carried out in the grip of a self-interested parliament and a king who fluctuates between romantic passions and murderous rages.

Blue Monday by Nikki French

The stunning first book in a new series of psychological thrillers introducing an unforgettable London psychotherapist

Frieda Klein is a solitary, incisive psychotherapist who spends her sleepless nights walking along the ancient rivers that have been forced underground in modern London. She believes that the world is a messy, uncontrollable place, but what we can control is what is inside our heads. This attitude is reflected in her own life, which is an austere one of refuge, personal integrity, and order.

The abduction of five-year-old Matthew Farraday provokes a national outcry and a desperate police hunt. And when his face is splashed over the newspapers, Frieda cannot ignore the coincidence: one of her patients has been having dreams in which he has a hunger for a child. A red-haired child he can describe in perfect detail, a child the spitting image of Matthew. She finds herself in the center of the investigation, serving as the reluctant sidekick of the chief inspector.

January 2013 - Next Meeting

Happy New Year

Hopefully one of your New Year resolutions is to read more. A book group is a great way to get started and the Ashendon Book Group is very relaxed and friendly so feel free to join us.

Our next book is 'Fame is the Spur' by Howard Spring - we will be discussing this book on Tuesday 22nd January 2013.

This book seems to be a hard one to come by though there are some used copies on Amazon. The 1953 edition with the cover image from the TV show seems to be most available. However if any member has finished reading the book please let Sian know if you are happy to lend it to someone else.

Even if you haven't read the book please still come along to the next meeting to help get your year of reading off to a positive start!