Literature group – July 2021
Although the Literature group has continued during the lockdowns either through social media or meeting outside to discuss our monthly books, we held our first proper official meeting on Friday 18th June at a member’s house. This was an extra special gathering not only because it felt like normality, but also because one of our members had got married a few weeks earlier and she had brought her new husband to join the group. So after discussing the last two books, we celebrated in style with a little garden party. What a lovely day, enjoyed by everyone.
The last two books we had read were completely different, although the theme of both were strongly influenced by family loyalties or the lack of them.
The first was called The Green Road written by Anne Enright. It is set on the west coast of Ireland and is a story of fracture and family, selfishness and compassion. After many years from leaving home and travelling the world, all the children of Rosaleen Madigan reunite one Christmas with their mother; the result having consequences which highlighted their relationships or the lack of them, and how they attempt to resolve their differences. We had a very mixed response from the group which led to a lively debate.
The second book was called All The Light We Cannot See written by Anthony Doerr. This was better received although there were still some different responses from people. However it was agreed that it was extremely powerful and we enjoyed a really good discussion. It is set in World War II, and is a story about a blind French girl and a German boy whose paths collide in occupied France, and is a tale of survival and determination. It highlights the tragedy and brutality of war on innocent bystanders who are caught up in its force but still manage to follow their own paths.
The book won the 2015 Pulitzer Prize for fiction.
Our current book is The Shipping News written by Annie Proulx. This also was awarded the Pulitzer Prize and was adapted as a film starring Kevin Spacey and Judi Dench together with many other celebrated actors. We are looking forward to reading this book, which will be discussed at our next meeting in July.
Margaret Cunningham