The Letter Bearer by Robert Allison

The Group met on 10^th July at The Hundred to discuss The Letter Bearer. 

There were mixed feelings about the book; all agreed that it was well written with beautiful descriptive passages although one needed to concentrate to fully appreciate the quality of the language.  It would make a great film.

In many ways it was felt to be an essay on the anonymity of war – the nature of war is the huge number of anonymous people who are no longer individuals, just a mass of humanity.

Some readers found it interesting but unsatisfactory especially its conclusion, as the book seemed to fizzle out at the end and the main character's identity was never resolved.  Was the protagonist deliberately not remembering his name, or could he really not remember?  Because it is set in wartime do we need to know who he is?

The Group had the most sympathy for the Italian POW, but for most, the favourite character was Umpty, the nickname given to the protagonist.

It was decided it was an enjoyable read but one which engenders many questions for which any new reader should be prepared.

The next meeting is arranged for Thursday 18^th September at 8 pm. in The Hundred when we shall be discussing 'Hard Times' by Charles Dickens. 

Book Choices - July 2014

I am doing this from my phone so please excuse any typos, the lack of pictures and bad layout. 

Books choices for our next read are:

Solo by William Boyd

A seasoned veteran of the service, 007 is sent to single-handedly stop a civil war in the small West African nation of Zanzarim. Aided by a beautiful accomplice and hindered by the local militia, he undergoes a scarring experience which compels him to ignore M's orders in pursuit of his own brand of justice. Bond's renegade action leads him to Washington, D.C., where he discovers a web of intrigue and witnesses fresh horrors.

Rivers of London by Ben Aaronovitch. 

This is a terrific urban fantasy police procedural in which the two cops make the unbelievable believable; especially the inexperienced Grant. The fast-paced yet meandering story line is loaded with action from the onset as the mentor and mentee work a challenging investigation in which an ancient has arisen to stir the troubled waters. Sub-genre fans will enjoy Ben Aaronovitch's view of London in this witty well written riot. 

Hard Times by Charles Dickens

In Hard Times, the Northern mill-town of Coketown is dominated by the figure of Mr Thomas Gradgrind, school headmaster and model of Utilitarian success. Feeding both his pupils and family with facts, he bans fancy and wonder from any young minds. As a consequence his obedient daughter Louisa marries the loveless businessman and 'bully of humanity' Mr Bounderby, and his son Tom rebels to become embroiled in gambling and robbery. And, as their fortunes cross with those of free-spirited circus girl Sissy Jupe and victimized weaver Stephen Blackpool, Gradgrind is eventually forced to recognize the value of the human heart in an age of materialism and machinery.

Next meeting is on Thursday 10th July at The Hundred (8.00pm) when we will be discussing The Letter Bearer by Robert Allison.