Category: Wenvoe Page Turners

Nutshell – By Ian Mcewan

Nutshell – By Ian Mcewan

Nutshell is the 14th novel by Ian McEwan and tells a
story of murder and deceit: told by the most unlikely
narrator, an eavesdropping foetus. It’s an unusual
and very different book which divided opinion
amongst the Page Turners. Some thought it was
bizarre, with McEwan trying too hard to be clever;
others thought it was intriguing and thoroughly
enjoyed this upside down whodunnit. A score of 7
and a recommendation for anyone wanting
something a little bit different.

 

 

‘Under A Pole Star’. by Stef Penney

‘Under A Pole Star’. by Stef Penney

This book is centred around the two main characters, Flora Mackie and Jakob de Beyn.

We are first introduced to Flora, an elderly explorer known as the Ice Queen, as she prepares to return to Greenland in the year 1948. A reporter, accompanying the group, questions her about the fate of de Beyn and his companion Armitage, both of whom had disappeared during an Arctic expedition in the 1890s.

The story then follows the early lives of Flora and Jakob in the late 1800s. From the age of 12 years, Flora accompanies her father, a widowed Captain of a whaling ship, on his fishing expeditions to the Arctic. She is fascinated with the polar regions and its indigenous inhabitants, the Inuits. From the age of 18 years, at a time when it was difficult for a woman to achieve a good education or career, she studied Meteorology and was determined to lead her own exploration to the North. Jakob meanwhile, having been raised by his brother in New York, studies Geology and follows his ambition to become an Arctic pioneer.

It is during the ensuing expeditions that their paths cross.

The group agreed that the expectations for this book had been high with the promise of adventure, historical interest and romance in the early chapters. We loved the descriptive and expressive prose which brought to life the glaciers, the skies and the hardships experienced by the Inuits on a daily basis and the explorers during their expeditions. It had obviously been well researched and many of the Page Turners had read ‘The Tenderness of Wolves’ a previously successful novel by this author.

However, despite an interesting start and even though it was necessary to read of the personal relationships, emotions, passions and power struggles to set the scene of the protagonists, the Page Turners agreed that the storylines became too verbose and confusing and it was difficult to relate to some of the characters. The romantic encounters between Flora and Jakob were far too frequent and graphic. The storyline petered out and the question of the fate of de Beyn and Armitage was inconclusive.

The Page Turners agreed it is not a novel we would recommend. The overall score was 5 out of 10.

 

 

Sebastian Barry -Days Without End

Sebastian Barry -Days Without End

The novel is narrated by Thomas McNulty, an Irish emigrant who flees to Canada and then America to escape the Great Famine. In America he befriends John Cole and the two form a close relationship, working first, as young boys, cross-dressing entertainers and then enlisting in the army and taking part in both the Indian Wars and the American Civil War. Having fled terrible hardships, they find these days to be vivid and filled with wonder, despite the horrors they both see and take part in. Their lives are further enriched when a young Indian girl crosses their path and becomes their family bringing the possibility of lasting happiness if only they can survive. Moving from the plains of the West to Tennessee, Barry’s book is full of atmosphere and language. An intensely moving story of two men and their path through life. A story of the most fateful years in America history. Nearly every page dotted with unique descriptions that raise ordinary things into the extraordinary eg A herd of buffaloes stampeding towards them is like “a big boil of black molasses in a skillet, surging up”; soldiers digging trenches “sweat like window glass in the winter”; and dusk is “God pulling a ragged black cloth slowly across his handiwork”. It is a commanding and unforgettable read. It is brutal and bloody but it is also beautiful.

Every member of the group felt that the book was a difficult read at first because of the way the prose was presented by the narrator but once this was overcome found it a fairly good read. There is a need to be prepared for the vivid, horrendous pictures that are presented through the graphic prose. This would probably prevent some members recommending the book. It scored an 8.

After our discussion we were treated to wonderful homemade shortbread and delicious chocolate cake from Helen our hostess for the evening.

 

 

Let’s Get Creative

Local author, Cathy Farr is hosting another Creative Writing Day on 10th July in Dinas Powys.

Following the success of previous workshops over the last two years, Cathy will be welcoming budding writers to spend the day enjoying a host of practical writing activities that really will get those creative muscles going.

The sessions are inspired by the workshops and tutorials that Cathy attended when she was doing creative writing as part of her degree with the Open University. After achieving a 2.1 honours, Cathy has spent the past eight years developing her own teaching material as well as writing novels, and regularly hosts writing workshops in the Vale, as well as in schools.

‘The day is ideal for people who are interested in doing some creative writing but don’t really know where to start,’ says Cathy, author of six novels for children and adults. ‘You don’t have to be planning to write a novel; some people come simply to have a go at doing something a bit different.’

Cathy with her Irish
Wolfhound pups – the
breed that inspires her
writing.

Cathy’s main aim in these workshops is to give people the chance to let their own imagination do the work and to have some fun, too. Positive comments from people who have attended previous workshops include: ‘It was enjoyable, fun and really interesting. Your teaching methods enthused us all I think, they certainly did me, along with the wonderful character you brought to it, that is Cathy Farr!’

Cathy gives as much constructive feedback as possible during the day, which means that places are limited so early booking is advised. The workshop will be held on Wednesday, 10th July, 10.30a.m. to 3.30p.m. in the Lee Hall at the Parish Hall in the centre of Dinas Powys and the price is £45 including tea and coffee throughout the day. For more information and to book your place contact Cathy at cathy@bitebooks.co.uk or on 02920 511031.

 

 

Ron Jones’ story ‘The Auschwitz Goalkeeper’.

Those of us who gathered to hear the harrowing accounts of Ron Jones’ experience during World War II, would agree, that it was a privilege. This gentle man and natural story teller had seen and suffered things that no person should ever experience when he was taken Prisoner of War in January 1942 and kept in Auschwitz for two years.

The stories however, also served to remind us of Ron’s resilience, good humour and respect for people – qualities which undoubtedly contributed to his survival during the war and his recovery afterwards.

The story unfolded as Ron, at 101 years old, stood to talk to his audience for almost an hour. Born in Rogerstone to an industrial blacksmith and a tailoress, Ron’s father insisted he left school at 14 and follow him into the steel industry. Being in a reserved occupation, Ron would have avoided active service in World War II, had it not been for a mistake made by a typist at Guest Keen Works.

After training with the South Wales Borderers, Ron was posted to Egypt in August 1941 and captured in January 1942. He spent eight months in appalling conditions in a POW camp at Alta Mura in southern Italy; covered with lice, freezing cold at night and reliant on Red Cross parcels for survival. With conditions so bad, a few hundred of the POWs offered to work. They were put on a passenger train, thinking they were heading for Milan. When the train stopped, they were in the Brenner Pass and were handed over to the Germans. It was August 1943. They were loaded onto cattle trucks; the destination was Auschwitz. Approaching the camp they saw men in striped pyjamas digging trenches in the freezing cold. Ron said: ‘They were all bound for the gas chambers; we were looking at dead men walking. We had arrived at our final destination, in more ways than one’.

Cigarettes were currency in Auschwitz. By giving the guards some, the British POWs were allowed out into the field to play football every Sunday. When the Red Cross realised this, they brought footballs and shirts in the colours of the home nations. Ron’s mother had taught him to sew and he decided to use his skills to embroider the Prince of Wales feathers onto the Welsh shirts, using thread from old socks.

With the Russians advancing into Poland, the

German guards forced Ron and the other POWs to march towards the Austrian border. In what became known as The Long March or The Death March, the POWs trudged wearily for 17 weeks, with little or no food and sleeping in fields in temperatures as low as minus 25 degrees. Some six hundred miles were covered. Two hundred and sixty men soon became less than a hundred. Ron remembers the time when he ate a raw chicken. ‘It was lovely’ he said.

When liberated from a barn by US forces, Ron weighed 7 stone (half his original weight), was covered in lice and sick when he ate anything. ‘But I was still alive’, he said. In May 1945, Ron returned home to his dear wife Gwladys and to a community which supported his long road to recovery. ‘It took me four of five years before I was back to normal again’.

Ron joined the Royal Legion after he retired and worked tirelessly to raise money through the selling of poppies .

Our thanks are to Ron for sharing his experiences with us and to the Friends of Wenvoe Library for organising what is hopefully the first of many ‘Meet the Author’ evenings.

Read all of Ron Jones’ story in ‘The Auschwitz Goalkeeper’.

 

 

Seven Good Reads

 

This month, we each reviewed a book of our own choice that we had enjoyed.

‘The tattooist of Auschwitz’ by Heather Morris.

This book is based on the real life of Lale Sokkolov a survivor of Auschwitz, interviewed by Heather Morris. It is the love story of Lale and Gita, who met in the concentration camp. Lale’s role as a tattooist gave him a little more freedom, enabling him to exchange jewellery and cash from murdered prisoners, for food.

‘Tombland’ by C.J. Sansom

(Also reviewed by ‘Off the Shelf’ last month) This is the 7th in the Shardlake series of historical mystery novels. In 1549 Shardlake is requested by Princess Elizabeth, to investigate a murder. He travels to Norwich and becomes embroiled in the peasant rebellion. “Historical fiction at its best.”

‘Normal people’ by Sally Rooney.

Follows the see-saw relationship between Marianne and Connell living in Dublin. The balance of their relationship alters as Marianne transforms from a skinny, anxious girl to become a popular student at Trinity, while Connell gives up football after being a star. “Couldn’t put it down.”

‘Tip of my tongue’ by Trezza Azzopardi.

Set in 70’s Cardiff, it is one of a series of books retelling fables from the Mabinogion. ’Geraint, son of Erbin’ is retold, seen through the eyes of Enid, a nine year old girl from Splott. She goes to live with rich relatives in Devon when her mother dies and her father sinks into depression. “The relationship between Enid and Geraint (her cousin), is thought provoking and well written.”

‘Painted girls’ by Cathy Marie Buchanan.

In the late 1800’s in Paris, after the death of their father causing their mother to turn to drink, the Van Goethem sisters need to earn money. Antoinette, the eldest, finds work as a stage extra, while her sister Marie goes to the Paris Opera to train as a ballet dancer. Marie becomes a model for the painter Edgar Degas. The book links in historical newspaper reports from that time. A very good read.

‘Eleanor Oliphant is completely fine’ by Gail Honeyman.

Eleanor aged 30, rarely says a word at work not related to her job. At weekends, she does not speak to anyone from Friday night till Monday. Then she meets someone who connects with her. The plot has a clever twist at the end. An excellent book that draws you right in. Other members of the group who had read the book, agreed it was very enjoyable.

‘One good turn’ by Kate Atkinson.

Jackson Brodie, a retired detective, in Edinburgh to support his girlfriend Julia, who is performing in the fringe. Jackson witnesses a violent road rage incident. With dark humour, the book then introduces a series of distinctive characters, who slowly become linked to this

 

 

THE SECRET PLACE by Tana French

 

THE SECRET PLACE by Tana French

This book is fifth in the Dublin Murder Squad series and although some of the characters can be found in previous novels, it can be read as a stand alone.

Following the unsuccessful investigation into the murder of a teenage boy, Chris Harper, in the grounds of St.Kilda’s School for Girls on the outskirts of Dublin, a year later a note is posted on the “Secret Place”, a bulletin board in St. Kilda’s. The note shows a photo of Chris together with the words “I know who killed him”.

Holly Mackey, one of the boarders at St.Kilda’s, finds the note and takes it to Stephen Moran, an ambitious young detective on the Cold Case Squad. Eager to further his career, Moran proceeds to work with Antoinette Conway, the detective originally assigned to this murder case.

The investigation centres on two groups of girls at St.Kilda’s and their rivalry, quarrels and jealousies in the claustrophobic atmosphere of the boarding school.

Once again the Page Turners had varying views on this novel. Some found it too long, boring, tedious and naive, with an overuse of adjectives. The characters were described as being in no way memorable with the ending running out of steam. However, others really enjoyed the book and thought it a good murder mystery, with the characters of the girls in the two groups particularly well drawn. The interaction of the two detectives was interesting and the portrayal of the young girls going through adolescence and on the cusp of young womanhood was at times electrical.

One of the Page Turners listened to the novel on audio books. It was narrated with an Irish accent and she described the whole experience as “thoroughly enjoyable”.

The scores out of 10 ranged from 4 to 9 resulting in an average of 6.

This was our first meeting of 2019 and a warm welcome was given to a new member of the Page Turners.

 

 

A Week in December by Sebastian Faulks

 

As the Page Turners gathered for their final meeting of 2018, they received a warm welcome from their hostess and discussions were started whilst sipping mulled wine or buck’s fizz. The book on offer in December, A Week in December by Sebastian Faulks was not so warmly received by the majority of the book club members.

A Week in December is set in London, over a period of one week in December. It is a story of contemporary London and introduces many characters and themes including an examination of Islam, football in London, drugs, financial dealings and journalism. Phew!

The mince pies that were available did not sweeten the comments that were made, most of which were unfavourable. The story was considered too long, with particularly boring descriptions of the financial plotting of one of the characters, John Veals. It was felt that the book did not reflect the characters and lives of real people in the city of London. Most people wanted to finish the book, but found the ending a disappointment. The overall score was 6. After the discussion, the group got on with the real business of the evening: pulling crackers, sharing cracker jokes, eating festive food and discussions about the Archers.

Happy reading in 2019….and remember, ” the more you read, the more you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” Dr Seuss. So. off you go!

 

 

Lincoln in the Bardo

 

Lincoln in the Bardo is a 2017 experimental novel by American writer George Saunders. The bulk of the novel, which takes place over the course of one single evening, is set in the bardo: an intermediate space between life and rebirth. The book received widespread critical acclaim and won the Man Booker Prize in 2017. The widespread critical acclaim was not supplemented or supported by many members of the Wenvoe Page Turners, as the comments below show (written in a similarly “innovative” and “original” style as the novel itself!).

“Worst book I’ve ever read” Sylvia “Not a book for me” Sandra “I gave up” May “Very refreshing” Helen “Funny and amusing” Tess “Inaccessible” Lynne “Wonderfully original” Tony “I didn’t enjoy any moment of it” Jenny “I didn’t like the style of writing or the subject” Babs

A mixed review for this award winning novel which resulted in 2 scores of 9 and 4 scores of 1, with an average of 4. Everyone did agree that the cakes provided by Babs were worth a perfect 10.

 

 

The Essex Serpent

 

THE ESSEX SERPENT by Sarah Perry

This beautifully written historical fiction is set in 1893 in London and rural Essex. It was Waterstones Book of the Year 2016 and nominated for both The Women’s Prize and the Costa Book Award.

Cora is recently widowed from an unhappy and abusive marriage. Throughout her husband’s illness, she was supported by Doctor Luke Garrett, a pioneering surgeon and his wealthy friend, Doctor George Spencer, a physician.

Accompanied by her eleven year old autistic son Francis and their companion and friend Martha, Cora leaves London Society for a visit to Colchester. Whilst there she learns that after some 300 years, the mythical Essex Serpent is said to be roaming the marshes of the Blackwater Estuary once again and claiming human lives. As a keen amateur naturalist, she wonders if this could be some undiscovered species and decides to investigate. Her investigations lead her to Aldwinter, a fictional village situated on the Blackwater Estuary, where she is introduced to the Reverend William Ransome, the resident Vicar of Aldwinter, his frail wife Stella and their family.

This novel explores science vs faith and religion, social conscience, love and friendship and has received very positive public reviews. However the Page Turners were mostly of the opinion that there are many negatives which include the following:

There is too much going on but no depth to the various story-lines which are not memorable,

disjointed and at times, dreary and depressing. Even the titled story-line of the Essex Serpent fizzles out to nothing. Additionally, the majority of the characters, including Cora, are not very endearing.

On the positive side, the Page Turners concluded that the book is beautifully written and wonderfully descriptive. The author is clever and has done some very good background research, especially with regard to medical advancements during that era.

The scores ranged from 5 to 8 and produced a final average of 6.5.

 

 

1 … 5 6 7 8 9 10