Reading Choices for May/June

Conversations with Friends by Sally Rooney

Frances is twenty-one years old, cool-headed and observant. A student in Dublin and an aspiring writer, at night she performs spoken word with her best friend Bobbi, who used to be her girlfriend. When they are interviewed and then befriended by Melissa, a well-known journalist who is married to Nick, an actor, they enter a world of beautiful houses, raucous dinner parties and holidays in Provence, beginning a complex ménage-à-quatre. But when Frances and Nick get unexpectedly closer, the sharply witty and emotion-averse Frances is forced to honestly confront her own vulnerabilities for the first time.

The Wildflowers by Harriet Evans

A gorgeous family saga, The Wildflowers by Harriet Evans is a wonderfully captivating story. Glamorous, glittering couple Tony and Althea Wilde spend long summers at The Bosky, their Dorset beach house, with their two children Ben and Cordelia, but everything changes when Mads arrives. A little girl who’s been neglected and abused, we see the Wilde family through her eyes as fractures begin to appear and Tony’s past catches up with him. A story filled with long-buried secrets, holiday memories and heartbreak, The Wildflowers is the perfect summer read and one that will leave you warm and glowing.

The Things You Can See Only When YOu Slow Down by Haemin Sunim

The world moves fast, but that doesn't mean we have to. In this timely guide to mindfulness, Haemin Sunim, a Buddhist monk born in Korea and educated in the United States, offers advice on everything from handling setbacks to dealing with rest and relationships, in a beautiful book combining his teachings with calming full-colour illustrations. Haemin Sunim's simple messages - which he first wrote when he responded to requests for advice on social media - speak directly to the anxieties that have become part of modern life and remind us of the strength and joy that come from slowing down.

Hugely popular in Korea, Haemin Sunim is a Zen meditation teacher whose teachings transcend religion, borders and ages. With insight and compassion drawn from a life full of change, the bestselling monk succeeds at encouraging all of us to notice that when you slow down, the world slows down with you.

We will meet at 8pm on Thursday 23rd May in The Hundred of Ashendon to discuss our reading experiences with Mythos by Stephen Fry (and The Wisdom of Sally Red Shoes by Ruth Hogan if anyone has read this too) and then choose our next book. See you there.

Gigi and The Cat by Collette

Six of our group enjoyed discussing these two short stories by Collette.

Coincidentally a film about Collette’s life was recently released and one of our group had found the time to go and see it and shared the story with us. This insight really helped us to gain an appreciation of the author. It seems that the story of Gigi, a girl of around 15 years old, has some parallels with Collette’s own life.

Gigi is being brought up by three single women (mother, grandmother and aunt – all of whom had lived or were living proudly hedonistic lifestyles). Gigi was being prepared for a career as a courtesan which required dignified etiquette to attract wealthy, powerful, or influential lovers. We were saddened by the intentions of the older women, and also the restrictions they placed on Gigi’s life. The story was, however a good social insight and even funny in places! Well-read members of our group felt the humour was similar to that in The Importance of Being Earnest (Comedy of Errors) by Oscar Wilde).

The story itself is hard to read, it didn’t flow and we suspect it was not as well translated as it could have been.

The second story - The Cat - was more readable than Gigi but not a pleasant read. It was easier than Gigi, to get involved in the story and it flowed better. The characters however are shallow and spoiled with, according to one of our group, ‘quite nauseating’ behaviours! The comings and goings of a ‘mummy’s boy’ and his fiancé were entertaining and one particular scene (on the balcony) was quite exceptional.

So, surprisingly, Ashendon Book Group read and discussed stories written by one of the most revered of French writers and didn’t really enjoy the experience.

We reflected on this for a while and our collective knowledge of other works by Collette was shared. We concluded that, at some time in the future, we should give Claudine (a series of 4 books) a try (either as independent readers or as a group).

But for now, here’s something different: our next read will be Mythos by Stephen Fry and we will meet on Thursday 23rd May at 8pm in The Hundred.

As we have a little longer than usual before our next get together, some of us will also read The Wisdom of Little Sally Red Shoes by Ruth Hogan.

Reading Choices for March/April 2019

Here are the book choices for our next read.

The Other Hoffman Sister by Ben Fergusson

Ingrid Hoffmann has always felt responsible for her sister Margarete and when their family moves to German Southwest Africa in 1902, her anxieties only increase. The casual racism that pervades the German community, the strange relationship between her parents and Baron von Ketz, from whom they bought their land, and the tension with the local tribes all culminate in tragedy when Baron von Ketz is savagely murdered. Baroness von Ketz and their son, Emil, flee with the Hoffmanns as the Baron's attackers burn down the family's farm.

As they struggle with the return to Berlin, Ingrid's concerns about Margarete are assuaged when she and Emil von Ketz become engaged on the eve of the First World War. But Margarete disappears on her wedding night at the von Ketz's country house. The mystery of what happened to her sister haunts Ingrid, but the ensuing chaos of war destroys her hopes of solving the mystery.

After the war, in the midst of the revolution that brings down the Kaiser and wipes out the aristocracy that her family married into, Ingrid returns to the von Ketzes' crumbling estate determined to find out what really happened to her sister.

Mythos by Stephen Fry

The Greek myths are the greatest stories ever told, passed down through millennia and inspiring writers and artists as varied as Shakespeare, Michelangelo, James Joyce and Walt Disney.

They are embedded deeply in the traditions, tales and cultural DNA of the West. In Stephen Fry's hands the stories of the titans and gods become a brilliantly entertaining account of ribaldry and revelry, warfare and worship, debauchery, love affairs and life lessons, slayings and suicides, triumphs and tragedies.

You'll fall in love with Zeus, marvel at the birth of Athena, wince at Cronus and Gaia's revenge on Ouranos, weep with King Midas and hunt with the beautiful and ferocious Artemis.

Thoroughly spellbinding, informative and moving, Stephen Fry's Mythos perfectly captures these stories for the modern age - in all their rich and deeply human relevance.

The Wisdom of Sally Red Shoes by Ruth Hogan

Once a spirited, independent woman with a rebellious streak, Masha's life has been forever changed by a tragic event twelve years ago. Unable to let go of her grief, she finds comfort in her faithful canine companion Haizum, and peace in the quiet lanes of her town's lido.

But a chance encounter with two extraordinary women - the fabulous and wise Kitty Muriel, a convent-girl turned magician's-wife turned seventy-something-roller-disco-fanatic, and the mysterious Sally Red Shoes, a bag lady with a prodigious voice - opens up a new world of possibilities, and the chance to start living again.



We will meet at 8pm on Thursday 14th March in The Hundred of Ashendon to discuss our reading experiences with Gigi and the Cat by Colette and then choose our next book. See you there.

The Universe Versus Alex Woods

7 of our group met to discuss our latest read and we were all keen to get on with talking about our reading experience.

"I was hooked from the start!" - we all agreed. 

"I loved it - 5 Stars!" - we all agreed. 

Ashendon Book Group in complete agreement with regard to the book is a rare occurrence, so it was a little worrying we might 'agree to agree' and have little to discuss. But no, the discussion was lively and flowed through the many different subjects, situations and experiences the author has so cleverly stitched together. 

This is a truly brilliant read, that touches on some very serious subjects. It is as thought-provoking as it is hilarious. Wonderful characters and scenarios, with thoughtful explanation where necessary, create a story that illustrates the humour and sadness that comes with friends and relations. You never know what is going to happen next, nothing is predictable.

We did dwell on plausibility for a while - is Alex plausible? are the scenarios plausible? Some members of our group felt the author was trying to put himself into the shoes of a young person and, in so doing, made it hard to believe in that person. Others felt that, if one thinks about the capabilities of young people as e.g. young carers, then Alex's behaviour is highly plausible. We concluded that yes, this fascinating character could well have have found himself in the situations described. 

The story is very visual and would make a great film - we are looking forward to the film should anyone choose to make it. 

Would we recommend it? Well, yes! 

Our next read is two stories in one book: Gigi and the Cat by Colette and we will discuss these at 8pm on Thursday 14th March in The Hundred of Ashendon. 

Our next book choice coincides with the release of a a film focused on the life of the author: Colette. and perhaps some of our group will have the chance to see this film alongside the book. 

Reading Choices for January/February 2019

Happy New Year everyone. Another year will undoubtedly bring us another six fabulous reads! For 2019 let's continue with  our shared joy of reading and our eclectic choice of books!

Gigi by Colette

Gigi is a short novella about a girl raised by courtesans to be a courtesan in the late 1890's, without ever realizing that that's what she's supposed to do. It's also one of those books where the movie based on it is famous enough that most people don't realize that there is a book. So I should note now that Maurice Chevalier's character was invented for the musical and doesn't exist in the book. Very sad, I know.

Young Gilberte is growing older, but she sees no reason why things need to change because of this. Her grandmother and great-aunt Alicia on the other hand, are starting to get nervous, because she lacks "sense". Courtesans in their youth, they are worried that Gigi won't be able to attract the right kind of man. So they begin training her intensively. However, it's clear early on that Gigi doesn't think like they do, so when she accidentally attracts an wealthy family friend, will she be ready to take the plunge or will Gigi take matters into her own hands and break with tradition once and for all.

This extremely short novella is perfectly plotted, and an extremely fun read. Highly recommended for everyone who loves a good story. Even if you never liked the musical.

44 Scotland Street by Alexander McCall-Smith

The story revolves around the comings and goings at No. 44 Scotland Street, a fictitious building in a real street in Edinburgh. Immediately recognisable are the Edinburgh chartered surveyor, stalwart of the Conservative Association, who dreams of membership of Scotland's most exclusive golf club. We have the pushy Stockbridge mother, and her prodigiously talented five-year-old son, who is making good progress with the saxophone and with his Italian. Then there is Domenica Macdonald who is that type of Edinburgh lady who sees herself as a citizen of a broader intellectual world.

In McCall Smith's hands such characters retain charm and novelty, simultaneously arousing both mirth and empathy. 44 Scotland Street is vintage McCall Smith, tackling issues of trust and honesty, snobbery and hypocrisy, love and loss, but all with great lightness of touch. Clever, elegant and funny, this is a novel that provides huge entertainment but which is underpinned by the moral dilemmas of everyday life and the characters' struggles to resolve them.

Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe

Okonowo is the greatest warrior alive. His fame has spread like a bushfire in West Africa and he is one of the most powerful men of his clan. But he also has a fiery temper. Determined not to be like his father, he refuses to show weakness to anyone - even if the only way he can master his feelings is with his fists.

When outsiders threaten the traditions of his clan, Okonowo takes violent action. Will the great man's dangerous pride eventually destroy him?








We will choose our next book at our meeting at 8pm on Thursday 17th January 2019, at The Hundred when we will discuss our current read: The Universe Versus Alex Woods by Gavin Extence.

Adam Thorpe – Pieces of Light

Just six of us met to discuss this book, with additional input from two ‘roving’ members and one ‘abstainer’. It was a mixed response which made for an interesting discussion. Those of us who have read and loved Adam Thorpe before (including Ulverton) all enjoyed this book, as did some of us who were new to his work.

In summary the results for this book are:
4 liked it
3 didn’t start it
1 didn’t like it
1 was not sure

This is a long book and it is quite a hard read and that itself put three of our group off reading it at all. Another felt she would not finish it. One member, though, read it twice: once to get the gist of it and a second time with the benefit of that she felt a better understanding for the story and the characters. Knowing the ending doesn’t spoil the experience and it helps to give clarity to the story.

It is easy to get lost and confused but, even the dissenters came round to thinking that this book is a very rich read, that offers a lot to the reader who perseveres!

The story starts and finishes in Africa, with the authors fictional town of Ulverton (England) in the middle and focuses on the life of a boy whose wonderful childhood did not continue into a wonderful adulthood.

We all agreed this book would make a great film.

Would we recommend it? We felt that even if you don’t want to/can’t read it all then the first half of the book is really worth a try. So if that can be considered a recommendation then: YES!

Our next book is The Universe versus Alex Woods by Gavin Extence. We will meet next year, on January 17th 2019 at 8pm in The Hundred. Please come along and join our New Year conversation.

Reading Choices for November/December 2018

So our last read for 2018 will be selected from the following:

Bridge of Clay by Markus Zusak

Here is a story told inside out and back to front Five Dunbar brothers are living - fighting, loving, and grieving - in the perfect chaos of a house without grown-ups.

Today, the father who left them has just walked right back in. He has a surprising request: Who will build a bridge with him? It is Clay, a boy tormented by a long-buried secret, who accepts. But why is Clay so broken? And why must he fulfil this extraordinary challenge?

Bridge of Clay is about a boy caught in a current, a boy intent on destroying everything he has in order to become everything he needs to be. Ahead of him lies the bridge, the vision that will save both his family and himself. It will be a miracle and nothing less. At once an existential riddle and a search for redemption, this tale of five brothers coming of age in a house with no rules brims with energy, joy and pathos.

Written in Markus Zusak's distinctive style, it is a tour de force from a master storyteller of the heart.

The Universe Versus Alex Woods by Gavin Extence

Alex Woods knows that he hasn't had the most conventional start in life.

He knows that growing up with a clairvoyant single mother won't endear him to the local bullies.

He also knows that even the most improbable events can happen - he's got the scars to prove it.

What he doesn't know yet is that when he meets ill-tempered, reclusive widower Mr Peterson, he'll make an unlikely friend. Someone who tells him that you only get one shot at life. That you have to make the best possible choices.

So when, aged seventeen, Alex is stopped at Dover customs with 113 grams of marijuana, an urn full of ashes on the passenger seat, and an entire nation in uproar, he's fairly sure he's done the right thing.

A tale of an unexpected friendship, an unlikely hero and an improbable journey, Alex's story treads the fine line between light and dark, laughter and tears. And it might just strike you as one of the funniest, most heartbreaking novels you've ever read.

The Hunchback of Notre-Dame by Victor Hugo

More commonly known as The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, Victor Hugo's Romantic novel of dark passions and unrequited love, Notre-Dame de Paris, is translated with an introduction by John Sturrock in Penguin Classics.

In the vaulted Gothic towers of Notre-Dame Cathedral lives Quasimodo, the hunchbacked bellringer. Mocked and shunned for his appearance, he is pitied only by Esmerelda, a beautiful gypsy dancer to whom he becomes completely devoted. Esmerelda, however, has also attracted the attention of the sinister archdeacon Claude Frollo, and when she rejects his lecherous approaches, Frollo hatches a plot to destroy her, that only Quasimodo can prevent. Victor Hugo's sensational, evocative novel brings life to the medieval Paris he loved, and mourns its passing in one of the greatest historical romances of the nineteenth century.

John Sturrock's clear, contemporary translation is accompanied by an introduction discussing it as a passionate novel of ideas, written in defence of Gothic architecture and of a burgeoning democracy, and demonstrating that an ugly exterior can conceal moral beauty. This revised edition also includes further reading and a chronology of Hugo's life.

We will choose our next book at our meeting at 8pm on Thursday 15th November 2018, at The Hundred when we will discuss our current read: Pieces of Light by Adam Thorpe.