The Painter of Signs by R.K Narayan

Seven members of our group sat down to review this book. The meeting started like this: "I just couldn't work up the enthusiasm to finish it." Excellent start! the debate began. At one point there were two conversations running in tandem and everyone had an opinion and a different perspective. 

• It was a refreshing read.
• I preferred the beginning to the end. 
• It was different but I found myself getting annoyed.
• It was short - if it had been longer I'm not sure I would have read it all.
• I look for characters that I can engage with. I failed to engage with anyone here. 

Then the three main characters were in the spotlight. They could be thought of as one 'weak' man and two 'strong' women:

Ramen - the painter of signboards for local businesses - was 'shallow', 'simple', 'undemanding', 'sheltered', 'undervalued', 'a bit dim', 'a pushover' - all of which were disputed and debated. He took pride in his work and stood up for what he believed to be quality - he didn't compromise. He was respected among the community. BUT he was 30 years old and the reader could be forgiven for thinking him to be 12 years old. So,jury's out on him.
Daisy - the independent woman who stood up for women's rights - was 'strong', 'focused', 'passionate in her beliefs' - NO - Daisy was running away, afraid to have feelings, putting up a facade. 
Aunty - the simple living, dedicated stand in for Ramen's mother - was  'strong', 'focused', 'passionate in her beliefs' - YES - Aunty looked after Ramen with a sense of duty and pride in her domesticity, she patiently picked stones from rice, she was passionate about her religion, she knew what her destiny was and followed it. 

The ending is inevitable. 

Would we recommend this book? Yes, as a snapshot of a slice of life. 

We finished our meeting with a brief chat about books we have been reading recently and the following are three good reads for long Summer ahead.

• The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce: Four of us have read it and we all loved it.
• Heratic: Why Islam Needs a Reformation Now by Ayaan Hirsi Ali: A compelling read. 
• Restoration by Rose Tremain: Worth reading and some of us will read this as well as our next book. 

Our next book is Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe by Fannie Flagg

We will meet to discuss this book on TUESDAY 2^nd July at 8pm. If the weather is kind to us we plan to meet at Felicity’s and enjoy the views from her terrace. If it’s not so nice we will meet at The Hundred.