A small group of avid readers who meet monthly to discuss a selected book provided by the Bayside Library Service (for a small annual fee).
When: 2nd Tuesday 11.00am at Golf Club
Convenor: Jan Storey (Ph 0409 940632)
OCTOBER Book of the Month THE DRESSMAKER’S SECRET by Rosalie Ham
This was a sequel to The Dressmaker, which you may remember from the film with Kate Winslet. If reading this sequel without the knowledge of the characters, it may have felt confusing at first.
We had an interesting discussion about life in Melbourne in the 1950’s, the Paris end of Collins Street, the frenzy around the coronation as well as life in a country town full of gossip, bigotry, orphanage life of an illegitimate child and social prejudices.
Lyn reminded us of our recent day trip to the Abbotsford Convent where we had a guided tour providing vivid memories of those times.
Helen Lockett
SEPTEMBER Book of the Month TRAVELS WITH MY AUNT by Graham Greene
Henry Pulling, a dull retired bank manager, meets his septuagenarian Aunt Augusta for the first time in over fifty years at what he supposes to be his mother’s funeral. Soon after, she persuades Henry to abandon Southwood, [a London suburb} to travel to Brighton, Paris, Istanbul, Paraguay, he meets a shiftless, twilight society of hippies, war criminals, CIA men who will help Henry come alive after a dull suburban life.
Most of the members who discussed it enjoyed the characters and their idiosyncrasies and especially Augusta, the perhaps aunt of the title. A minority thought it was very dated and were not engaged by any of the characters.
Carol Booth 19 September 2024
AUGUST Book of the Month GREAT CIRCLE by Maggie Shipstead
This 633 page novel gave us all a very comprehensive view of the Author’s historical research, and gave us many different points of view for discussion. The story of two lives – that of Marian Graves and Hadley Baxter – is woven into the adventures of each, one for whom flight is an integral part of being, and for the other, a way of reclaiming fame which appears to have disintegrated due to her own actions. The varied time frame certainly meant we needed to concentrate!
Lyn Mather 15 August 2024
JULY Book of the Month WILD PLACE by Christian White
Set in a quiet suburb on the Mornington Peninsular a few years ago, a teenage girl goes missing. The gossip and rumours grow to include Satanic rituals. The Neighbourhood Watch become involved. We had a lively discussion with a few members relating that they had known similar troubled, unproven episodes.
Jan had given a talk at the June General Meeting explaining Artificial Intelligence AI. She went into AI chatbox and set it to give her some questions for discussion and sent them to me. I found these 10 new questions helpful to supplement the 5 given ones in our notes, as they covered different areas for discussion.
June Hill 27 July 2024
JUNE Book of the Month A NET FOR SMALL FISHES by Lucy Jago
The book that we read this month was “A Net For Small Fishes”. Most of the members found the book interesting as it describes the lives of people with titles, money and influence at the Royal Court of James 1 of England, as well as of those who were poor and living in squalid conditions.
It concerns a true scandal involving a girl from a powerful family, Frances Howard, her husband Robert Carr who was a favourite of the King, and Anne Turner the widow of a Doctor who becomes destitute following her husband’s death. Anne is asked to help Frankie and they become friends. However all three are accused of the alleged murder of another of the King’s favourites. The story then concentrates on the difference in the justice system for those who are rich or poor.
Jocelyn Besly 21 June 2024
MAY Book of the Month DEVOTION by Hanna Kent
This month’s book was a bit of a surprise package. It started out as a well-researched historical novel about the migration of the Old Lutherans who left Prussia in the 1860s to settle in the Hahndorf area of South Australia. The story was narrated by a young woman, Hanne, who described in harrowing detail the religious persecution that forced her family and townsfolk to flee their homeland endure the brutal conditions of their sea voyage to Australia. During the voyage, Hanne and her friend Thea developed a deep love for each other but tragically Hanne died before they reached their destination.
After reaching their destination, the story of how the settlers forged their new lives farming in a strange and challenging environment continued to be narrated by the spirit of Hanne, who was bound to the earthly life as an observer, unable to move on due to the mystical cause of her death and her devotion to and desire for Hanne.
While continuing the story of the settlers, the novel explores many forms of devotion – not just that between the two women, but the love and devotion to be found within religion, for family and community, for nature and the environment. Altogether this was well-written and an enjoyable read, although the author’s suggestion of Hanne’s supernatural abilities was at times rather strange and unsettling.
Kathy Ely 21 May 2024
PROBUS BOOK GROUP PROGRAM 2024 May Update
MEETING DATE | BOOK | VENUE |
9 January 2024 | Discuss what books we have been reading and collect February’s book Leader: Marilyn | Cheltenham Golf Club 11.00 am
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13 February | Swimming Home by Judy Cotton Leader:
Leader: Faye | Cheltenham Golf Club 11.00 am
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12 March | Before the Coffee gets cold Toshikazu Kawaguchi
Leader: Marilyn | Cheltenham Golf Club 11.00 am
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9 April | The perfect golden circle By Benjamin Myers Leader: Christine | Cheltenham Golf Club 11.00 am
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14 May | Devotion By Hannah Kent
Leader: Kathy | Cheltenham Golf Club 11.00 am
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11 June | A net for small fishes By Lucy Jago Leader: Jocelyn (was Pat)
| Cheltenham Golf Club 11.00 am
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9 July | Wild place By Christian White Leader: June | Cheltenham Golf Club 11.00 am
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13 August |
Leader: Lyn | Cheltenham Golf Club 11.00 am
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10 September |
Leader: Helen | Cheltenham Golf Club 11.00 am
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8 October |
Leader: | Cheltenham Golf Club 11.00 am
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12 November |
Leader: | Cheltenham Golf Club 11.00 am
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10 December |
Leader: | Cheltenham Golf Club 11.00 am
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APRIL Book of the month THE PERFECT GOLDEN CIRCLE by Benjamin Myers
Two diverse but intertwined souls produce art in the English countryside…circa 1989. Redbone is the creator of crop designs; he is the willing host of the concept that emerges from within. Calvert, his sensitive life friend seeks out the ideal environment to execute the crop designs. Over a hot summer, each new venture becomes more adventurous and fanciful. They operate secretively and respectfully of the land, leaving their creations for others to discover and celebrate.
It is a beautifully written book, full of magic, tenderness and mastery. Our group discussions covered the men’s personal attributes and purpose, leaving us with the understanding that the collective experience of the land is there for each of us.
Christine Simmons 9 April 2024
MARCH Book of the Month BEFORE THE COFFEE GETS COLD by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
This book is set in a Tokyo back alley where they have been serving coffee for one hundred years. The café is famous because customers can travel back in time if they wish. There are special conditions imposed on the time travellers which include having to carry out what they want to do before a cup of coffee gets cold.
The focus of the book is on four regular customers, the reasons for their desire to time travel and the outcome of their experience.
The book explores themes of regret, desperation, grief, hope, sacrifice and uncertainty. It asks the age-old question: what would you change if you could travel back in time?
The book was quite slow moving and a bit repetitive. The characters obviously had Japanese names, which made it a bit difficult to follow their stories without a character list.
Overall the group members appreciated the different style of writing compared with western literature.
Marilyn Hubbard 25 March 2024
BEAUMARIS BAY PROBUS BOOK GROUP
List of titles read
2015
A long way home by Saroo Brierley
We are one village by Nikki Lovell
All I know by Mary Coustas
Lovesong by Alex Miller
Blood witness by Alex Hammond
The railwayman’s wife by Ashley Hay
The 100 year old man by Jonas Jonasson
Brooklyn by Colm Toibin
Those Faraday girls by Monica McInerney
Monsieur Montespan by Jean Teule
2016
Courting trouble by Kathy Lette
The woman who changed her brain, by Barbara Arrowsmith-Young
Hare with amber eyes, by Edmund De Wall
Bad intentions by Karin Fossum
The postmistress by Sarah Blake
The Paris wife by Paula MClain
Remarkable creatures, by Tracey Chevalier
The blue guitar, by John Banville,
Sisters of Spicefield, by Fran Cusworth
Italians at Cleat’s Corner, by Jo Riccioni
2017 – records for this year unreliable but possibly as follows
Burial Rites by Hannah Kent
Deranged Marriage by Sushi Das
Go set a watchman by Lee Harper
The gathering, by Anne Enright
On Green Dolphin Street by Sebastian Faulks
The pearl that broke its shell by Nadia Hashimi
The fall of man in Wilmslow by David Lagercrantz
The strays by Emily Bitto
Invention of wings by Sue Monk Kidd
Still Alice by Lisa GTenova
2018
Band aid for a broken leg by Damien Brown
Vinegar girl by Anne Tyler
After darkness by Christine Piper
The light between the oceans by M L Stedman
The good liar by Nicholas Searle
The Post Office Girl by Stefan Zweig
I am Malala by Malala Yousafzai
Running away to home by Jennifer Wilson
Behind Beautiful Forever’s by Katherine Boo
Inside the O’Briens by Lisa Genova
2019
The Birdman’s wife by Melissa Ashley
Elizabeth Macarthur by Scott Tucker
Ghost empire by Richard Fidler
Reckoning by Magda Szubanski
The life to come by Michelle De Kretser
A year of marvellous ways by Sarah Winman
We are all completely beside ourselves by Karen Joy Fowler
Boy swallows universe by Trent Dalton
Snow White must die by Nele Neuhaus
The miniaturist by Jessie Burton
2020 Because of Covid lockdown many of the books on the 2020 list were not read but were relisted for 2021
Book of colours by Robyn Cadwallader
At the edge of the orchard by Tracy Chevalier
The night of the Mi’raj by Zoe Ferraris
The lost Flowers of Alice Hart by Holly Ringland
The hidden life of trees by Peter Wohlleben
Go went gone by Jenny Erpenbech
Too much lip by Melissa Lucaschenko
The handmaid’s tale by Margaret Atwood
Butterfly on a pin by Alannah Hill
A guide to Berlin by Gail Jones
2021
Go went gone by Jenny Erpenbech
The lost Flowers of Alice Hart by Holly Ringland
Butterfly on a pin by Alannah Hill
A guide to Berlin by Gail Jones
Sleeping on Jupiter by Roy Anuradha
The Longing by Candice Bruce
The Prime of Miss Brodie by Muriel Spark
An unconventional wife: The life of Julia Sorell Arnold by Mary Hoban
Two steps forward by Graeme Simsion & Anne Buist
A view of the Harbour by Elizabeth Taylor
2022
Only happiness here by Gabrielle Carey
What Came Before by Anna George
Ishmael Oranges by Clair Hajaj
Bruny by Heather Rose
Greenwood by Michael Christie
The memory artist by Katherine Brabon
The lost girls of Paris by Pam Jenoff
Khaki town by Judy Nunn
The Paris secret by Natasha Lester
The Liar’s Dictionary by Eley Williams
Moonlite by Gary Linnel
2023
Stone Sky Gold Mountain by Mirandi Riwoe
Still life by Sarah Winman
The Spinning Heart by Donal Ryan
The secret keeper of Jaipur by Alka Joshi
Melting moments by Anna Goldsworthy
There was still love by Favel Parrett
Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell
Painting in the shadows by Katherine Kovavic
Fragile Monsters by Catherine Menon
The Inheritors by Hannelore Cayre
The Bumblebee Flies Anyway by Kate Bradbury
2024
Swimming Home by Judy Cotton
Before the Coffee gets cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
The perfect golden circle by Benjamin Myers
FEBRUARY Book of the month: SWIMMING HOME by Judy Cotton
Today the Book Club reviewed the above book and it was met with varying interesting opinions. Although not a thick book there was a great deal of content. The book traces the musings of the writer from her early childhood and was written when the she was 80 years old. She was born in Australia and part of her life was spent in Australia and she mentions her yearning to return home quite often in the book. Her descriptions of the Australian bush, birds and colours makes you feel as if you are actually there experiencing it with her. I found the book to be quite challenging in the beginning as she goes back and forth between the years and it was quite hard to keep up with. But as you kept reading and understood the characters it was more interesting.
Faye Wegat Convenor for the day Tuesday the 13 February, 2024
NOVEMBER Book of the Month: THE INHERITORS by Hannalore Cayre
November’s book was The inheritors, by , a French writer. The narrative switches back and forth between two time periods: Paris during the Franco-Prussian War in 1870 to modern day Paris. As a result, some of the group members found the story to be disjointed, and they did not particularly enjoy the read. The protagonist, who can be viewed as being an anti-hero, inherits a large legacy from her ancestors and sets about searching her family tree. She uncovers some unsavoury truths which reinforce her view of society that class and privilege is as much an issue now as it was in the nineteenth century. The characters are colourful and their stories are told with a dash of ‘gallows humour’.
Jan Storey
OCTOBER Book of the month: FRAGILE MONSTERS by Catherine Menon
In October, members discussed Fragile Monsters, a debut novel by Catherine Menon. The title of the book reflects that most of the characters are fragile beings largely as a result of their personal circumstances, and ‘monsters’ in that they are not particularly likeable individuals. The narrative spans the period from the 1920s to 1985 in Malaysia. Woven into the plot are strands of history including the Japanese invasion in the Second World War and the failings of the English. The plot traces a mixed race family’s dark history and in telling their story the author explores themes of memory, culture and gender. There was little enthusiasm for the novel by group members, particularly given the questionable behaviour of the two main protagonists.
Jan Storey
PROBUS BOOK GROUP PROGRAM 2023 October Update
MEETING DATE | BOOK | VENUE |
10 January 2022 | Discuss what books we have been reading and collect February’s book Leader: Marilyn | Cheltenham Golf Club 11.00 am
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14 February | Stone Sky Gold Mountain By Mirandi Riwoe
Leader: Jocelyn | Cheltenham Golf Club 11.00 am
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14 March | Still life By Sarah Winman
Leader: Christine | Cheltenham Golf Club 11.00 am
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11 April | The Spinning Heart By Donal Ryan
Leader: Lyn | Cheltenham Golf Club 11.00 am
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9 May | The secret keeper of Jaipur By Alka Joshi
Leader: Carol | Cheltenham Golf Club 11.00 am
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13 June | Melting moments By Anna Goldsworthy
Leader: Fay | Cheltenham Golf Club 11.00 am
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11 July | There was still love By Favel Parrett
Leader: June | Cheltenham Golf Club 11.00 am
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8 August | Hamnet By Maggie O’Farrell
Leader: Pat | Cheltenham Golf Club 11.00 am
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12 September | Painting in the shadows By Katherine Kovavic
Leader: Faye W | Cheltenham Golf Club 11.00 am
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10 October | Fragile Monsters By Catherine Menon Leader: Helen | Cheltenham Golf Club 11.00 am
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14 November | The Inheritors by Hannelore Cayre Leader: Nola | Cheltenham Golf Club 11.00 am
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12 December | Swimming Home by Judy Cotton Leader: | Cheltenham Golf Club 11.00 am
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SEPTEMBER BOOK of the Month: PAINTING IN THE SHADOWS by Katherine Kovavic
Art dealer Alex Clayton and conservator John Porter are thrilled to be previewing the Melbourne International Museum of Art’s (MIMA) newest exhibition, until they witness a museum worker collapse and badly damage a reportedly cursed painting. Belief in the curse is strengthened when MIMA’s senior conservator Meredith Buchanan dies less than twenty-four hours later while repairing the work. But Alex and John are convinced there is a decidedly human element at work in the museum. The evidence sets them on the trail of a mysterious painting that could hold a key to Meredith’s death, and the stakes are raised higher when Alex is offered her dream job at MIMA. Damaging the museum’s reputation will jeopardise her professional future. The friends soon realise they are facing an adversary far more ruthless than they had anticipated, and there is much more at risk than Alex’s career…
This is the second art crime novel by the author following art dealer Alex Clayton and we found that it was easy to read as a stand-alone book. We were also reading it at the same time a documentary was being shown about the art works of Brett Whiteley being forged, which was an interesting aspect.
The author has set the novel in Melbourne so we were able to visualise the locations she described and the MIMA was very similar to the NGV.
Overall, we all seemed to learn a lot about art conservation and it was an enjoyable read.
Marilyn Hubbard
AUGUST Book of the month: HAMNET by Maggie O’Farrell
In August, the book group discussed Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell. The novel is an imagining of the life of Anne Hathaway, Shakespeare’s wife, and that of her three children including her son, Hamnet. Shakespeare himself looms large in the background but is never mentioned by name. Instead, he is referred to variously as the ‘Latin tutor’ or ‘the father’. The tragic death of Hamnet at the age of eleven from the plague is a pivotal moment and is related by O’Farrell in spellbinding, painful to read prose. Grief and the way individuals navigate it is a central theme, and it is inferred by the author that Shakespeare, motivated by his son’s death, wrote his famous play, Hamlet.
Jan Storey
HAMNET written by Maggie O’Farrell.
Hamnet is a historical novel that tells the story of William Shakespeare’s family, especially his wife Agnes and his son Hamnet, who died at the age of 11. The novel explores their grief, their relationship, and the connection between Hamnet’s death and the play Hamlet.
The Book Club Group all enjoyed this beautifully written novel.
Pat Farrelly
July Book for the Month:THERE WAS STILL LOVE by Favel Parret
This was a beautifully written story telling of memory, family and love from a child’s perspective. Many of our group identified with the characters in the story, because their own relatives had lived in those times and places or had served in the war.
We learned how they lived in occupied Czechoslovakia and the free countries of UK and Australia. Also evident was how strong women made homes for their grandchildren and themselves in a world so different, providing memories, family and love.
June Hill July 2023
JUNE Book for the month: MELTING MOMENTS by Anna Goldsworthy
At our Book Club group meeting for June, we discussed Melting Moments by Australian author Anna Goldsworthy. Anna is an award-winning non fiction writer and this is her first novel, published in 2020. She is also a musician.
The novel tells the story of Ruby who marries Arthur in haste during WW2. In the post war years they settle into traditional domesticity, parenthood and family responsibilities. Ruby represses any thoughts of what might have been and surrenders to the strict social code of female roles of the time.
Her daughter Eva however enters the world of feminism, independent thinking and opportunity. She becomes a doctor and manages a marriage breakup – a very different life than her mothers’.
Ruby’s story moves at a gentle pace as she copes with Arthur’s death and her realisation that love is there for her. A fleeting moment of interest and maybe desire from decades earlier comes to fulfilment when she finds love again with Bill – a beautiful ending.
Our group discussion touched on memories of our lived experiences as baby boomers… marriage, divorce, motherhood, consciousness raising as women in a changing world.
A good read and even better sharing of perceptions.
Christine Simmons June 2023
May 2023 Book for the Month: THE SECRET KEEPER OF JAIPUR by Alka Joshi
We now begin our meetings with a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to sum up our reading experience of the month’s book. This time gave a unanimous ‘yes’ which is unusual. There seemed to be little experience of Indian culture around the table. The book gave us some insight into its diversity – from the indulgent life of the wealthy class where Lakshmi and Malik moved, through to the simplicity of the nomadic life in the mountains where Nimmi existed with her children and livestock.
Power, money and gold brought corruption to the fore but love and loyalty were at the heart of the story.
Some of us are now eager to read The Henna Artist by the same author which introduces the key characters in this month’s read. Christine Simmons 14 May 2023
APRIL 2023 Book for the month: THE SPINNING HEART by Donal Ryan
Our latest read was The Spinning Heart by Irish author Donal Ryan, an unusual book in that it was quite short – only 160 pages – and that it consisted of 21 chapters, each one featuring a different person. Each of the characters had connections with the others, with the persona of Bobby Mahon as a theme throughout. He is spoken about with genuine affection by each of the narrators, despite his connection with those who were instrumental in the 2007/08 economic meltdown in Ireland which affected “the little people” – not the leprechauns, but the people at the bottom of the pile. I can’t say I enjoyed this title, but I’m glad I read it – even if the meaning of the Spinning Heart eluded me. Lyn Mather May 2023
MARCH 2023 Book for the month: STILL LIFE by Sarah Winman
This month’s book was quite a read. The interconnected stories, beginning late in WW2 Italy, flowed through the following decades and brought us into the lives of a very special group of friends. Mostly set in Florence, Sarah Winman’s writing invited us into the streets along the Arno river and into the conversations at the dinner table at Michele’s restaurant.
The magic was in the precious bonds that brought the main protagonists together. Even when apart, the strength of their caring connected the reader to the emotional build of the stories. It is a book about love and the lives of individuals that choose to be there for each other while finding their own way in the world.
Christine Simmons 15 March 2023
FEBRUARY 2023 Book for the Month: STONE SKY GOLD MOUNTAIN by Mirandi Riwoe
This book deals with life on the gold diggings at Palmer River North Queensland and in a small nearby settlement. Two young Chinese , a brother and sister, flee their homeland to come to Australia to find gold and make a fortune so they can return to reunite their family. The sister dresses as a boy to escape the attentions of the men at the diggings. Life at the goldfields is difficult especially for the Chinese so they leave to find work at Maytown but here also there is resentment against the Chinese and work is hard to find.
The Club members had a lively discussion covering such topics as the traditions of a Chinese family, how difficult the work was at the goldfields in the extreme heat, humidity and dust, the resentment against the Chinese miners and the brutality of some of the men. Also the Aboriginals of the area were greatly feared as they were cannibals.
Jocelyn Besly 20 February 2023
NOVEMBER BOOK REPORT Book for the Month: MOONLITE by Gary Linnell
Moonlite traces the story of Andrew George Scott (Jan 8th, 1845 – Jan 20th 1880) who was a famous bushranger known as “Captain Moonlite”. Although not as famous as Ned Kelly he was very well educated and born into a wealthy family in Ireland. Travelling from Ireland to New Zealand at the tender age of 16 he was caught up in the wars of that country and later came to Australia when he was a young man.
Times were hard in Australia and he eventually got into bushranging as a means of survival. Toward the end of his life he was caught up in a siege and was arrested, tried and convicted and was hanged at Darlinghurst Jail in 1880 at the ripe old age of 35 years old.
Much is written in this book about his love affair with another prisoner by the name of James Nesbitt who was fatally wounded in the siege where Scott was arrested.
I did like the way this book was written more in the fashion of a novel. The amount of research that would have gone into this book purely from archival sources would have taken the writer years. It wasn’t a very well received book by the members’ of the Book Club but I thought it was quite interesting.
Faye Wegat 16 November 2022
OCTOBER BOOK REPORT Book for the Month: THE LIAR’S DICTIONARY by Eley Williams
We learned a lot from this month’s book. We were introduced to quite a number of words that most of us had not known (and are probably unlikely to ever use!!!) and we also learned quite a lot about publishing, especially dictionaries.
The story covers two eras in alternating chapters. The present day is narrated by Mallory, a young intern engaged to digitise the dictionary that is only famous for being incomplete after more than a century in existence, with the only other employee being her boss, the eccentric third generation owner of this white elephant. The alternate story is set in the same establishment but 100 years earlier, where numerous lexicographers labour at their desks to verify words prior to inclusion in the publication.
One of these lexicographers turns to slipping some false entries into the dictionary, fictitious words he invents as a type of protest for the unfairness he feels is his lot in life. This is tied to the present day when Mallory is tasked with identifying the fictitious words.
There is considerable humour in the alternate stories that lead to a surprising climax. This is not a novel for everyone, although most of us found something of interest to make the reading worthwhile.
Examples of what we learned:
Ghost Word – a word recorded in a dictionary or other reference work which are not actually used (usually the result of a miss-spelling which has created a new word.
Trap Town – a fictitious town deliberately included on a map, to identify plagiarists who might publish a copy.
Mountweazel – a bogus entry deliberately inserted in a reference work, also usually as a safeguard against copyright infringement. An enjoyable example of this is
“Jungftak: noun; a Persian bird, the male of which had only one wing, on the right side, and the female only one wing, on the left side; instead of the missing wings, the male had a hook of bone, and the female an eyelet of bone, and it was by uniting hook and eye that they were enabled to fly. Each, when alone, had to remain on the ground.”
Kathy Ely, 26 October 2022
SEPTEMBER BOOK REPORT Book of the Month: THE PARIS SECRET
by Australian author Natasha Lester.
The novel is multilayered and spans three eras: pre-WWII, during the war and the present era. The plot takes readers into the largely unknown and dangerous world of female pilots during WWII as they were used to ferry Tiger Moths in fearful weather conditions and to operate in France where there was a constant risk of capture by the German enemy. Members were shocked by the way these strong and intelligent women were so callously used by the British authorities and the way they were subjected to misogyny and inequality.
The link between the three eras and the main characters is a hidden wardrobe of Dior gowns, including a reference to Christian Dior’s first fashion collection and his tribute to his sister Catherine who worked for the French Resistance. Although the narrative has historical authenticity, most group members felt readers had to suspend reality in relation to the hidden gowns.
Jan Storey September 2022
AUGUST BOOK REPORT Book of the Month: KHAKI TOWN
Author: Judy Nunn
An historical novel, inspired by a true wartime story that has remained a well-kept secret for over seventy years.
‘It’s March 1942. Singapore has fallen. Darwin has been bombed.’
Why has a United States Congressman, Lyndon Baines Johnson, been sent to investigate something that happened in Townsville?
Everyone in our book group had some experience or a family story to add to this discussion.
June Hill 9 August 2022
JULY BOOK REPORT Book of the Month: THE LOST GIRLS OF PARIS
Author: Pam Jenoff
The Lost Girls of Paris, written by Pam Jenoff, is the remarkable story of friendship and courage around three women and a ring of female secret agents during WW 11 inspired by true events. Jenoff developed her expertise in Polish Jewish relations when she was assigned to the US Consulate in Krakow in 1996 forming close relations with the surviving Jewish community.
Although we all agreed many questions covered the same discussion points we all read it in different ways, some as a page turner, others encouraged to further their knowledge of some of Sir Winston Churchill’s decisions during this time, while others interested in the British treatment of women who returned home with no benefits at all.
As with the majority of books we’ve read recently I look for a butterfly to be mentioned in the novel and a butterfly on locket was important in Jenoff’s book.
Recommendations: The Orphan’s Tale also by Pam Jenoff
Natasha Lester has also written many books about this time all based on strong, courageous women, historical fiction too.
Helen Lockett 23 July 2022
JUNE 2022 BOOK REPORT- Book of the Month: THE MEMORY ARTIST
AUTHOR: Katherine Brabon
Since it is a book that focusses on events in Russia before and after glasnost it was not a book that any of us would normally have read, but for those who are interested in that period of Russian history it will undoubtedly be of interest. The book explores a young male Russian’s journey to find meaning in life after glasnost by assembling memories and other symbols of Russia’s traumatic past and then trying to record them in his writing. His endeavours are continually derailed by his memories as well as those of others.
During this period from the Freeze during Brezhnev’s repressive rule over the USSR until after Gorbachev, the book paints a stark. bleak picture of Russian life and the psychological impact on the people who are not aware of the fate of missing relatives and friends.
We found the writing style of this book made easy reading but the subject material was very disturbing. The descriptive passages were very easy to picture
How ironic that we should be reading such a book at this time in Russian history.
This book was written by a young Melbourne writer whose knowledge of Russia and its history are very apparent. Her description of the places mentioned made it easy to visualise although their names were easy to forget. She has now had another book published called The Shut-ins, the hikikomori, which focusses on members of the Japanese society who won’t, for various reasons, leave home.
Marilyn Hubbard 14 June 2022
MAY 2022 REPORT – Book of the Month: GREENWOOD
AUTHOR: Michael Christie
This month’s book certainly gave our group plenty to think about, judging by the animated discussion at our meeting on Tuesday 10th at the Golf Club. The book falls within a new genre of novels known as CliFi (climate fiction). This is basically a family saga that, interestingly, opens in the future year of 2038, on a small island off the Canadian coast where a Greenwood descendant is employed as a tour guide for wealthy tourists who come to see one of the last remaining remnants of forest in the world. An ecological catastrophe resulting from rising temperatures has caused a fungal virus that destroys trees, leaving the world as a dust-bowl filled with climate refugees.
The author takes the story back to 1908, following the lives of two very young boys who survive a train crash in 1908 and are left by the local townsfolk to fend for themselves in a forestry hut at the edge of town. Although unrelated, the boys are given the surname of Greenwood and one of them grows up to create a lumber empire and great fortune plundering old growth forests, whilst the other becomes a recluse after returning from war service. The damaging upbringing of the Greenwood boys impacts the following generations but all are held together by their roots, like the rings of a tree. Many twists and turns are revealed as the story moves forwards and backwards over the timeline. Over four generations we see fortunes change and a shift from the plundering of old growth forests for profit by one generation, to the commitment of following generations to the protection and preservation of these same natural assets.
In light of the current concern regarding climate change, a quote included in the book: “The best time to plant a tree is always 20 years ago. And the second-best time is always now” provides food for thought for us all.
Kathy Ely 14 May 2022
APRIL 2022 Report – Book of the Month: BRUNY
Bruny by Tasmanian Heather Rose has been described as a fast -paced political thriller and as a family drama. Our members had read it about 15 months ago and all had enjoyed the book. Most have, in the past visited, this part of Tasmania. Without giving too much away, the story is about the Government secretly selling off Bruny Island.
For those who thought, when first reading it, that it couldn’t happen here, are now a little more uneasy.
A GREAT READ. Pat Farrelly 24 April 2022
Fay’s yummy muffins were very much appreciated. See recipe below.
MARCH 2022 Report – Book of the Month: ISHMAEL”S ORANGES Author: Claire Hajaj
The author drew on her own upbringing to bring authenticity to this story published in 2014. It tells of two cultures clashing in the unreconciled Middle East. Salim, a Palestinian boy, spent his early years in the Ishmaeli family home in Jaffa, old Palestine. His family fled when the Israelis came and the loss of his home became the struggle that dominated Salim’s life. His memories of orange trees in the garden and family connections were always present.
Jude, a Jewish girl, is born in the UK just as Israel is asserting its statehood. Her upbringing exposes her to the family legacy of hurt and exclusion that displaced people experience when torn by war.
Salim, looking for new opportunities in London, meets Jude and they fall in love. Amid family expectations, they build a life together and bring twins into the world.
Salim’s memories of his childhood home in Jaffa intensify and his work provides opportunity for him to return to the Middle East. He reconnects with his brother and becomes involved in anti-Israeli activities to the detriment of his relationships with Jude and his children. The family disunity enforces a separation as Salim’s obsession with Jaffa continues to become more irrational. Jude wants no part of it. The children are immersed in the torment of their parents’ separation and tempestuous relationship.
Tragedy follows when their son Marc is killed when torching the Jaffa home.
A one year anniversary of his death provides a conclusion to the book. Both extended families come together for a tree planting ceremony in Jaffa. Symbolically, Jude brings English soil to mix with Jaffa soil to nourish the tree. Salim has softened, the anger is disappearing and the potential for Jude and Salim to move onto a new path may be possible.
This was a powerful final chapter with sadness and hope bringing people together.
This tale of Israelis and Palestinians is a reminder that the conflict goes on, land continues to be disputed and precious lives are lost.
Christine Simmons 10 March 2022
FEBRUARY 2022 REPORT – Book of the Month: WHAT CAME BEFORE
Author: Anna George
This book, written by Anna George, a Melbourne author, and lawyer who also worked as a film scriptwriter The main characters were set as working in these fields. The book deals with domestic violence so it was not a story that appealed to our Book Club members. However two members were able to point out various writing skills and the fact that the story was set in Melbourne added interest.
Jocelyn 9 February 2022
JANUARY BOOK REPORT Book of the month: ONLY HAPPINESS HERE – In search of Elizabeth von Arnim
Author: Gabrielle Carey
Our Book Club group of four met outside under the umbrellas at Cheltenham Golf Club. We had a lively discussion about “Only Happiness Here” , written by Gabrielle Carey, a highly qualified writer and lecturer. She was also the co author of “Puberty Blues”. Unusually for our group, we all agreed in our opinions!!
“Only Happiness Here” is part biography, part memoir and Carey’s own reflections on our obsession to find happiness and joy. Carey linked her life experiences to Elizabeth’s but this detracted from the book rather than adding anything. Carey thought Elizabeth von Arnim (1866 – 1941) deserved to be written about as she had been largely forgotten. “Elizabeth and her German Garden” was her most famous and best-selling book. Many films such as “Enchanted April “, a 1991 film was adapted from her novel. Bette Davis starred in “Mr Skeffington”, released on DVD in 2005.
There were many instances of happiness in her life but also descriptions of post-natal depression, failure to love and mother her five children, especially her fifth child, a boy, but Elizabeth’s need for freedom, leisure, gardens, sunlight and a private area for writing ruled her life. She was able to achieve this life due to her wealth as her books were so successful.
Excerpts from Elizabeth’s books, many based on her own life and experiences , were a highlight in the book. She had two husbands as well as affairs. She moved confidently in literary circles and had many friends and acquaintances of well known writers.
We agreed that reading about Elizabeth’s life, either in daughter Liebet’s book published in 1958, “The Countess from Kirribiili” , written by Joyce Morgan or the many articles online would have been preferred.
Some Recommended Reads:
Books about wonderful, highly motivated women during WW 11 have been written by Natasha Lester. A neighbour told me about them and during lock down read them all. Her latest book “The Riviera House” is about Rose Valland, a French resistance art historian during WW11. You immediately want to google and read more about this amazing woman.
“The Paris Secret” relates to a secret collection of Dior gowns that link to the first female pilots of WW11. “The Paris Orphan” is based on the true story of a female journalist who defied the rules while covering WW 11.
Hannah Kent’s latest book “Devotion” is about the Lutherans who fled persecution bound for the new colony of South Australia. Kent’s other books are “Burial Rites” and The “Good People”.
Happy Reading Helen Lockett 12 January 2022
PROBUS BOOK GROUP PROGRAM 2022
MEETING DATE | BOOK | VENUE |
11 January 2022 | Only happiness here by Gabrielle Carey
| To be confirmed |
8 February | What Came Before by Anna George
Leader: Jocelyn | Cheltenham Golf Club 11.00 am
|
8 March | Ishmael Oranges by Clair Hajaj
Leader: Christine | Cheltenham Golf Club 11.00 am
|
12 April | Bruny by Heather Rose
Leader: Helen | Cheltenham Golf Club 11.00 am
|
10 May | Greenwood by Michael Christie
Leader: | Cheltenham Golf Club 11.00 am
|
14 June | The memory artist by Katherine Brabon Leader: Marilyn | Cheltenham Golf Club 11.00 am
|
12 July | The lost girls of Paris by Pam Jenoff
Leader: Helen | Cheltenham Golf Club 11.00 am
|
9 August | Khaki town by Judy Nunn
Leader: June | Cheltenham Golf Club 11.00 am
|
13 September | The Paris secret by Natasha Lester
Leader: Lyn | Cheltenham Golf Club 11.00 am
|
11 October | The Liar’s Dictionary by Eley Williams
Leader: Kathy Ely | Cheltenham Golf Club 11.00 am
|
8 November | Moonlite by Gary Linnel
Leader: Faye | Cheltenham Golf Club 11.00 am
|
13 December | The good sister by Sally Hepworth Leader: Jan | Cheltenham Golf Club 11.00 am
|
BEAUMARIS BAY PROBUS BOOK GROUP – List of titles read PREVIOUS YEARS
2015
A long way home by Saroo Brierley
We are one village by Nikki Lovell
All I know by Mary Coustas
Lovesong by Alex Miller
Blood witness by Alex Hammond
The railwayman’s wife by Ashley Hay
The 100 year old man by Jonas Jonasson
Brooklyn by Colm Toibin
Those Faraday girls by Monica McInerney
Monsieur Montespan by Jean Teule
2016
Courting trouble by Kathy Lette
The woman who changed her brain, by Barbara Arrowsmith-Young
Hare with amber eyes, by Edmund De Wall
Bad intentions by Karin Fossum
The postmistress by Sarah Blake
The Paris wife by Paula MClain
Remarkable creatures, by Tracey Chevalier
The blue guitar, by John Banville,
Sisters of Spicefield, by Fran Cusworth
Italians at Cleat’s Corner, by Jo Riccion
1917
Burial Rites by Hannah Kent
Deranged Marriage by Sushi Das
Go set a watchman by Lee Harper
The Gathering, by Anne Enright
On Green Dolphin Street by Sebastian Faulks
The pearl that broke its shell by Nadia Hashimi
The fall of man in Wilmslow by David Lagercrantz
The strays by Emily Bitto
Invention of wings by Sue Monk Kidd
Still Alice by Lisa Genova
2018
Band aid for a broken leg by Damien Brown
Vinegar Girl by Anne Tyler
After darkness by Christine Piper
The light between the oceans by M L Stedman
The good liar by Nicholas Searle
The Post Office Girl by Stefan Zweig
I am Malala by Malala Yousafzai
Running away to home by Jennifer Wilson
Behind Beautiful Forever’s by Katherine Boo
Inside the O’Briens by Lisa Genova
2019
The Birdman’s wife by Melissa Ashley
Elizabeth Macarthur by Scott Tucker
Ghost empire by Richard Fidler
Reckoning by Magda Szubanski
The life to come by Michelle De Kretser
A year of marvellous ways by Sarah Winman
We are all completely beside ourselves by Karen Joy Fowler
Boy swallows universe by Trent Dalton
Snow White must die by Nele Neuhaus
The miniaturist by Jessie Burton
2020 Because of Covid lockdown many of the books on the 2020 list were not read but were relisted for 2021
Book of colours by Robyn Cadwallader
At the edge of the orchard by Tracy Chevalier
The night of the Mi’raj by Zoe Ferraris
The lost Flowers of Alice Hart by Holly Ringland
The hidden life of trees by Peter Wohlleben
Go went gone by Jenny Erpenbech
Too much lip by Melissa Lucaschenko
The handmaid’s tale by Margaret Atwood
Butterfly on a pin by Alannah Hill
A guide to Berlin by Gail Jones
2021
Go went gone by Jenny Erpenbech
The lost Flowers of Alice Hart by Holly Ringland
Butterfly on a pin by Alannah Hill
A guide to Berlin by Gail Jones
Sleeping on Jupiter by Roy Anuradha
The Longing by Candice Bruce
The Prime of Miss Brodie by Muriel Spark
An unconventional wife: The life of Julia Sorell Arnold by Mary Hoban
Two steps forward by Graeme Simsion & Anne Buist
A view of the Harbour by Elizabeth Taylor
2022
Only happiness here by Gabrielle Carey
What Came Before by Anna George
Ishmael Oranges by Clair Hajaj
Bruny by Heather Rose
Greenwood by Michael Christie
Thank you to Jan, Book Club Convenor
The Probus Book Group held its last meeting of the year on Tuesday 14th at the Golf Club, with a slightly smaller attendance than usual – we’re all so happy to be out and about that it’s hard to fit everything in!
A Club like ours can only operate with input from members who work for the benefit of all of us, and in the case of the Book Group, this means that we rely on the convenorship of Jan Storey. Jan not only liaises with the Bayside Library to ensure that we have a selection of good titles to study throughout the year, but she also ensures that each monthly study book collection is returned on time.
As a “wordsmith”, a lover of the written word, Jan is also adept at teasing out meanings within our chosen book, so that those of us who may perhaps have a slightly jaundiced view of the text may arrive at a different view. We’re very fortunate to have such an able leader – long may this continue! Thank you Jan, from all of us in the Book Group.
Lyn Mather 15 December 2021
December Book Report
Book of the month: A VIEW OF THE HARBOUR by Elizabeth Taylor
Leader: Carol
“A View of the Harbour”, written by Elizabeth Taylor, resulted in a discussion with many interesting opinions but few positive comments.
The book is set in 1946 , just after the War, in a old, rundown English seaside town, away from the newer town nearby, with the light from lighthouse, the fishing boats coming into shore each night, and unloading their catch, together with the walk along the promenade play a part in some descriptive writing. The characters are the usual mix , including the Curate, a Doctor who is married to a writer , a would be artist, a recently divorced woman, missing her husband and searching for another, an elderly bedridden former gossip of the town and the Pub owner. All characters are linked in some ways and continue to be developed throughout the book.
However, as usual, at the end of the session some members would like to reread parts or all of the book again and we all go home with plenty to think about.
Helen Lockett 14 December 2021
November Book Report
Book of the Month: TWO STEPS FORWARD by Graeme Simsion & Anne Buist
Leader: Margaret
It was refreshing to have a face to face meeting after so long. With close to full numbers attending and the general exuberance in the room, conversations were not always on track. Margaret often had to bring us back to the story – gracefully of course.
We all enjoyed the easy read of Two Steps Forward by husband and wife writers, Simsion and Buist. It tells the story of groups of committed walkers and their experiences traversing the renowned “Camino” from the south of France to northern Spain. The main characters, Zoe from California and Martin from the UK, are previously unknown to each other. They, like others, have come to follow the footsteps of the pilgrims who have followed this route for centuries. They both have unresolved family worries that they carry with them. As the walk progresses, their relationship as a couple builds. They have periods of both seeking out each other and absolute avoidance which all adds to the drama. The bands of co-walkers from various nationalities who pop in and out of the story add to the mix of interactions and mishaps.
The story structure alternates with chapters from the perspectives of both Zoe and Martin. This keeps the story alive and enhances the reading experience. In the end, we all want them to succeed – arriving at Santiago de Compostela, achieving their personal goals, finding love and future happiness.
Christine 9 November 2021
October Book Report:
Book of the Month: AN UNCONVENTIONAL WIFE – The Life of Julia Sorell Arnold by Mary Hoban
Leader: Jan
The biography by Melbourne based historian and writer, Mary Hoban, traces Julia Sorell’s turbulent life, during childhood and during her marriage to Thomas Arnold, the son of a well-known English educationalist. Born in 1826, Julia lived during an era when one’s religion determined most facets of life and when the lives of women were severely constricted by social conventions. Julia’s story unfolds to reveal her as a feisty intelligent woman who pushed against the boundaries and who fought against her husband’s adoption of Catholicism – she threw a basket of stones at the church windows when he was being received into the church. Despite their stormy marriage they had nine children, many of whom went on to become successful and her grandchildren included writer Aldous Huxley and Julian Huxley, first director of UNESCO.
Jan Storey 12 October 2021
September Book Report
Book of the month: THE PRIME OF MISS JEAN BRODIE by Muriel Spark
Leader: Pat
This month, members held their book discussion on Zoom thanks to Marilyn Hubbard. The Penguin classic is considered to be Muriel Spark’s best novel. However, the book was not particularly enjoyed by members, albeit the quality of the writing was appreciated. The story is set in the early 1930’s at the Marcia Blaine School in Edinburgh. The protagonist, primary school teacher Miss Brodie, singles out six girls to form the so-called ‘Brodie set’ with the intention of moulding them into the ‘crème de la crème’. Whilst the reader may acknowledge her individualistic spirit, Miss Brodie also draws wrath for her at times cruel and tyrannical behaviour.
A film version of the book was produced in 1969 starring Maggie Smith and a seven-part TV series was made in 1978. Both versions are available on YouTube.
Jan Storey 15 Sept 2021
LATEST UPDATE: August Book Report
Book for the month: THE LONGING by Candice Bruce
Leader: Helen
This historical fiction novel is set in the Western District, Victoria in the 1840’s. where the lives of two different women, Ellis MacRorie and Leerpeen Weelon come together. Ellis had been shipped from Scotland to Victoria with her loveless husband Alexander. Leerpeen, her Aboriginal servant, known as Louisa had lost her tribe in a vicious, violent attack. These two women became great friends, supporting each other and sharing their lives. Both had suffered loss, although they did have difficulty understanding each other’s experience.
Louisa and Ellis both loved the land. ‘That my country, belong to me. Over there’. Ellis feels the ache in the words, the longing, and she looks into the distance. She feels something stir within herself too. Memories of the land she has left, of the people.’
One day, Stamford P Hart, an American Romantic landscape painter and collector of Aboriginal artefacts, arrives and offers a distraction to both women – for Ellis to dream of love and for Louisa to have her portrait painted and paint Stamford in return. Ellis yearned for Stamford, later deceitfully planning a trip to Melbourne to be with him. This was disastrous and from then on her life unravelled and her friendship with Louisa was shattered.
One hundred and fifty years later, Cornelia Bremer, a contemporary art historian who had the onerous task of creating her first exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria, visits the homestead of Ellis. It is now in the hands of Duncan MacRorie, his sister-in-law and nephew. With Cornelia, they discover sketches, diaries and drawings from the time that Stamford P Hart visited the homestead. Mysteries of art during that time were gradually unravelled.
In writing about our First Nations People, authors must abide by protocols set down by Australian Council showing respect for culture and traditions. Also of interest is how the “Welcome to Country” has become a formal ceremony now performed at many main events by a recognised Elder. I noticed at 5.30 am week days this is made on radio 774 as it is at theatres and school events. The history of the possum cloaks is also fascinating to research. The paintings on the cloaks hold the life history of the person.
Unfortunately we couldn’t discuss this book as a group due to lockdown. It would have been an excellent discussion now, more so than when it was written in 2012.
Helen Lockett 14 August 2021
Meeting on Tuesday 13th July
Book for the month: SLEEPING ON JUPITER by Anuradha Roy.
Leader: Marilyn
Book Discussion:
Nomi Frederiksen travels to Jarmuli, a temple town in India’s coastal northeast, to produce a documentary film. Nomi was born in India but was later orphaned and sent to an Ashram in Jarmuli. There she was subjected to physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. She later escaped and was adopted, moving to Norway. On her return visit, she meets three old women while on a train, Gouri, Latika, and Vidya. Her production assistant, Suraj, is Vidya’s son and is troubled by his ongoing divorce. The chapters alternate between Nomi’s first-person narration and third person narratives following the novel’s secondary characters.
This book raised many issues relating to India including caste, abduction and abuse of children, poverty, adoption, women’s varied life styles and parenting and invited a vigorous discussion amongst the members. It even had us discussing the gravity on Jupiter in response to the title!
Marilyn 22 July 2021
Meeting: 16 June 2021
Book for the Month: A GUIDE TO BERLIN by Gail Jones
Leader: Lyn
Book Discussion:
According to Google, the average adult native speaker has between 20,000 and 35,000 words in their vocabulary. After reading Gail Jones’ A Guide to Berlin, it is obvious she has a far larger vocabulary than most! It would have been helpful to be able to read Vladimir Nabokov’s original novel of the same name, but his 1925 work is not widely available today. Our group had a wide range of reactions to the book, with some reminding us that a second reading often brings a different perspective!
Lyn 16 June 2021
Meeting: 11 May 2021
Book for the month: BUTTERFLY ON A PIN by Allannah Hill
Leader: Jocelyn
Book Discussion:
Most of the Book Club members found Alannah Hill’s autobiography an interesting read but only a few said that they enjoyed it. However it did give various topics for discussion, among them – the effect of violence and abuse, drunkenness and lack of parental love on members of the family.
After a difficult and traumatic childhood, Alannah, still a teenager, came to Melbourne with only $50 in her pocket and the hope of finding a better life. While working as a waitress, she was noticed by the owner of a boutique in Chapel Street and offered employment. Here her creativity was encouraged and the clothes which she designed to be sold in the shop, found a ready market. Alannah became a well-known international fashion designer, her clothes being sold in London and New York as well as Australian cities. However she endured many disappointments as well as successes in her life.
Jocelyn 12 May 2021
Meeting 13 April 2021
Book for the month: THE LOST FLOWERS OF ALICE HART by Holly Ringland
Leader: Christine
Book Discussion:
Within our group we had a varied response to this debut novel of an Australian author published in 2018. It held themes of love, abuse, resilience, escape, secrets – woven together with the power and elements of indigenous flowers. Set in both coastal and desert environments, it contained authentic descriptions of the atmosphere and flora of diverse Australian locations. The trauma within the lives of the characters was threaded through generations of love, hurt and loss. Alice carried the story throughout the book and at last found truth, her voice and the courage represented by flaming red Desert Peas.
Overly long and too many characters but with a compelling first sentence and abrupt, tidyish ending. Beautiful book cover!
Report: Christine 13 April 2021
Meeting 9 March 2021
Book for the month: “GO WENT GONE” by Jenny Erpenbeck
Leader: June
Book Discussion:
The above book led to discussions about the plight of refugees seeking asylum in Germany as well as our own Australian refugees. Some of their problems are learning a new language, decoding “the inane rigidity of bureaucratic language “ and not being allowed to work. Report: June Hill 9 March 2021
