Author: BembridgeWI

FEBRUARY 2025 BOOK CHOICE

Father’s Day by Simon Van Booy

Eleven Members were welcomed to the Meeting with several apologies with some thoughts and views to be added to the discussion pot. Pam also welcomed two new WI visitors, Lorraine and GayLynn, who previously have been Members of other Book Clubs and explained how ours was organised.

The discussion began with one Member saying that it was an OK book and an easy feel-good read, but feeling a bit “fairytale-ish”. Another agreed with this, saying that she felt the story had nothing really to take the reader anywhere, so did not like the ending. The travelling back and forth at times proved confusing to follow for a few, but other Members said they thought it flowed quite well and was well-written Several Members liked the way Harvey “talked” the story but it came as a surprise twist to some that Harvey had been adopted at birth as the story unfolded. A lengthy discussion ensued as to the whether the social worker, Wanda, would have been able to be so instrumental in this case allowing Jason (Harvey’s uncle), an ex-con, unemployed disabled, “swearing” man to adopt 6-year-old Harvey even though he was her only living relative. Throughout the story, Harvey, at this tender age, also wanted to be with him, elaborating her storytelling to Wanda to help this need along.

But several Members noted that Jason, following his terrible childhood, protecting his brother (Harvey’s father) from their alcoholic father’s mistreatment of them, learnt to control his rage and demons after a long struggle and with the help of Harvey. Although appearing to be hidden, his love showed through when he knew he had and wanted to fund her orthodontics treatment and then again when he sold his treasured Motor Cycle to fund her going to College. As one Member said “The plain and rooted caring between the reluctant father and the daughter he inherits is a heart warming tale of family unconditional love and belonging.” Harvey, as an adult with the giving of her Father’s Day gifts to him, each with a profound meaning to his life, each symbolising the turning point in their lives of their loving relationship.

Pam asked whether the Group thought that the fact that the book having a male author would have been written differently from a female aspect which prompted an interesting re-think and discussion with many Members thinking it may well have done.

A question left unanswered with Rita Vega written as Harvey’s mother on the Birth Certificate was it thought whether Jason could be her father? Or maybe not? This received a mixed and divided response from Members so ….?????

To summarise, most agreed that it was an OK book and that they did not actually dislike it. Several Members said they loved and enjoyed it and just one who did not really like it overall, thus making for an evening of great discussion.

JANUARY 2025 BOOK CHOICE

Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson

Ten Members were welcomed to the Book Club Meeting with several apologies and their comments and thoughts on the book received from those unable to attend. Brenda opened the Meeting by welcoming everyone. The discussion began with everyone agreeing that this had been a book that everyone had enjoyed immensely. Although one or two Members said that they would have walked past this book had they seen it on the shelf as the title would not have piqued their interest; they were however so pleased that they had read it, proving that you cannot always judge the book by its cover!!. Nearly everyone had enjoyed the short chapters which for most meant they were able to absorb details of each of the characters, slowly getting to know and understand them by focusing on each chapter and with the author describing the characters really well.

It was a fast moving story, but well woven throughout, which saw nearly everyone mentioning “running away” from the Island. Members found the various links interesting as they unfolded in each of the characters’ lives, with similarities running through: cook; sea; island; family’s love for each other, etc. One or two Members pointed out that the characters’ mannerisms and voices also came flowing through especially with Bunny & Pearl. One or two Members did find it had lost a bit of its edge towards the end – with the Solicitor Charles Mitch situation. But everyone was really happy that all the characters’ stories were interlinked and absolutely everything was tied up nicely and satisfactorily bringing it all together with unusually nothing left hanging.

Members also enjoyed the cultural backgrounds, the dealing with race and even the important reflection of environmental issues. Covey changing to Eleanor was purposeful with her name changing and definitely was not as weird as Mabel (lost daughter) changing hers to Marble (what sort of name was that!!?). Everyone was pleased that all was happily resolved with the Byron and Benny siblings and for the way they also encompassed their step sister in all the realisations of their Mother’s life. Several of the Members had to wait until near the end of the story to work out who poisoned “Little Man” at Covey’s Wedding with the revelation that Covey actually saw who had actually administered the poison in his drink at the wedding but had not told anyone. The black cake in the fridge made by her mother who requested that it be eaten by the 3 siblings together was a lovely revelation in itself with the jar baked in the middle with all its secret items, which Benny then gave to Marble, together with the wooden box containing other items so she could cherish. It was a fitting ending for the book’s title. If anyone wants to make the cake from the recipe at the back of the book could we all have a slice please!!!

Well a very well-liked, enjoyable read for Members and definitely one they all would totally highly recommend to a friend. Just brilliant!!

NOVEMBER BOOK CHOICE

Rivers Of London By Ben Aaronovitch

Ten members were welcomed by Brenda to our December Book Club Meeting with several apologies with thoughts and views to be added to the discussion pot. Thanks were given to Hilary who baked the delicious mince pies for the evening and to Brenda and Pam for providing the chocolates too.

The discussion began in a fairly negative form with a fair few members saying they were either unable or felt that they could not finish the book. The remaining few who did finish the book agreed that it was NOT one they would have chosen to read themselves as contained several elements as it progressed: fantasy, ghosts and magic – a genre not tackled by the Book Club before. These elements seemed to be the stumbling block for those members not finishing it, as it was felt by them too unreal, not credible, implausible and to some even “silly and daft”. One Member felt that the book started in a fairly ordinarily way but soon took a turn for the bizarre when the ghost appeared and the storyline of the Ministry of Magic working with the Murder Squad. It was felt by those members who did finish that you had needed to persevere to the “Punch & Judy” chapters when the story did make a little more sense. One or two Members felt that this Punch & Judy re-enactment from the Spirit World was cleverly done and indeed original, although when the Thames & Rivers section “emerged” most members “lost the plot” too!!

A few members agreed that there were too many characters and that the different stories within the story were not fully explained. It was agreed that when Peter Grant, the Police Constable (and not a very good one at that), went on to become the Inspector Nightingale’s Assistant novice wizard and exercised poor judgement when not supervised by Inspector Nightingale (the Wizard), it showed within the writing of the story that he was not a strong enough character to be portrayed as the hero of the plot. One of the members who did read to the end said she had personally been interested in the River areas depicted in the story as she had as a young girl lived and grown up around these areas and places and felt she could follow that particular part of the storyline with added different interest. Even when the general storyline was “explained” members said it would not have persuaded any of them ever to be enthusiastic at all to pick up the book again.

Overall it was generally a “thumbs down” book although those who read it agreed they did not actually HATE it but more disliked it. The book would be a difficult one to pass on unless you knew of someone who enjoyed this genre and maybe a wish to gain a more intricate knowledge of London itself.

Another member summed it up as “A written account of a hallucination”!!!

BEMBRIDGE WINDMILL WI BOOK CLUB

OCTOBER 2024 BOOK CHOICE

The Secret Life Of Albert Entwistle By Matt Cain

Eleven Members were welcomed to the Book Club meeting with apologies received from those unable to attend together with their views to be added to the discussion pot. A few members agreed they did actually like the book and although they couldn’t say “enjoyed” was the right word. They found it a really lovely easy read with beautiful characters but that overall they were “a bit too nice” in as much as they all slotted in too easily and quickly within their own storylines. Albert’s awkwardness was found to be touching, credible, sad and relatable to several Members. His lifestyle and loneliness was well described with the story touching on what it was like to be a gay man in the 70s & 80s and society’s attitude towards homosexuality but not in a way which detracted from this love story.

Another group of Members felt that this not a dislikeable read but a little too sugary, with characters too easily accepting and manipulated by emotions and needing to take a step back as everything happened too quickly in a matter of weeks. However, they liked the different characters’ storylines and the way Albert responded to them in his kind, quiet and unobstrusive manner. One or two agreed that because the main characters, Albert and George, were depicted from an older person’s view, it made the story more relatable and an easier read. One Member however felt that it was a little too long.

Several other Members who disliked the book intensely said it was trite and annoying. They felt the writing style and dialogue were mundane, too predictable, shallow and unbelievable with everything happening and being resolved too quickly. For instance, when Albert “came out”, there were “congratulations” from the other characters in the book which seemed an extremely odd thing to say. But some other Members did not think or feel the same response to the “congratulations” statement as their theory was that it was more of a personal statement for him feeling he could admit this to them after all this time. There was a definite difference of opinion amongst the Members. Most thought that the reunion of George and Albert was a little disappointing; although happy for them, members felt annoyed with them – for one, not either telling the whole truth and for the other, leaving him hanging on with regards to rekindling their relationship.

So to summarise this book – initially thinking possibly a “Marmite” book BUT then following the whole discussion it became fairly obvious that this, very unusually carried a definite three-way split of opinions but nearly all agreed they did not actually really hate it!!

 

An interesting discussion then took place following what the Author Matt Cain had written at the end of the story headed “ Read on, for conversations inspired by Albert Entwistle :- with regards to reactions to conversations the Author had with various men in their later years of life living in various parts of the UK on their real life experiences, when younger, on being gay and their personal experiences on the reactions from family and friends when “coming out” . With an interesting discussion of members ‘ feelings and imagining how (and definitely hoped )they themselves would have possibly reacted .

BEMBRIDGE WINDMILL WI BOOK CLUB

SEPTEMBER 2024 BOOK CHOICE

The Lincoln Highway By Amor Towles

The Book Club Meeting welcomed 10 Members, with apologies received from those unable to attend. The discussion began with everyone agreeing this had been a book that everyone enjoyed and liked with a few saying they actually loved it, with one Member saying for them it was magic!!

All agreed it was a well-written, albeit a rather long drawn out book, which flowed easily. It began unusually with a heading labelled Chapter 10 finishing on one titled Chapter 1 and proved to be an interesting and easy read with a large cast. The author with his creative writing style was able to absorb and keep Members attention with the uniqueness and originality of the characterisations without real descriptions of them. Several Members said even with the unusual lack of character descriptions they did not find this as challenging as they would have imagined because of the way each of the characters evolved, they just felt they knew them so well. It was felt the book was not really a page turner as such, but was well-paced in the way it unfolded.

A lengthy discussion then took place on the way each of the characters slotted into the storyline. Emmett’s “life -journey” was portrayed brilliantly; Billy was a lovely mature lad, very intelligent for his age but very trusting in Emmett (Members thought it likely that Autism possibly played its part in this). The character Ulysses struck a note with a few Members with the revelation from Billy that he was destined to live the nomad life he had been living. Woolly was definitely a tortured soul and it was difficult to get to the bottom of his character – and what was in that brown bottle?? Several thought that maybe it was related to drug-addiction? Then there was his caring and kindness sorting out his inheritance in an orderly way before culminating in a sad twist with his suicide. The two women characters were both strong in their own different ways with Sally whose determination was her forte; she knew she wanted to be with Emmett and she went for it. With Sarah, it was with her caring and protectiveness for her brother, Woolly, whom she really loved dearly never turning her back on him, just loving him for who he was.

Everyone had similar thoughts on Duchess and his life as it unfurled throughout the book, due to his early troubled, but well travelled experiences growing up. A few wanted to like him and turn out well but it wasn’t to be. Emmett was thought to be quite masterful, as the story started to close in around everyone, with his actions involving Duchess’s final end. There were several quotes from the book that members found quite profound:

Woolly’s notion – jigsaw thoughts – “Wouldn’t it be just wonderful if everybody’s life was like a piece of a jigsaw puzzle. Then no-one person’s life would ever be an inconvenience to anyone else’s. It would just fit snugly in its very own, specially designed spot, and in doing so would enable the whole intricate picture to become complete”

So to sum up, a book liked by everyone, loved by a few and magic for one. Well-written, well-paced (albeit a rather long book!!) and interesting to the end (which one or two found a bit of a disappointment). Several Members saying it would make a good series or film. Very readable and recommended.

BEMBRIDGE WINDMILL WI BOOK CLUB

JULY 2024 BOOK CHOICE

Becoming by Michelle Obama

The Book Club Meeting warmly welcomed Members to the first Meeting after the Summer break to discuss a Book Club “First”, an autobiography.

Members generally agreed that this was a book written in a diary format which meant too many details of dates and political information and, to a lesser extent, a more detailed overview of family life once in the White House with Barack as President. They agreed they would have enjoyed it more if there was more detail on their personal family life which would have made it less tedious and dull and a more interesting read.

On saying the above, they enjoyed reading about her childhood and early life depicted at the beginning with her secure and supportive upbringing with her much-liked parents and the relationship with her caring brother Craig, whom she stayed close to her all her life.

It was agreed by most that she was definitely a driven, intelligent lady and together with Barack formed a very powerful couple, albeit with a chalk and cheese relationship which seemed to work to both their strengths. It was thought the book also lacked humour and would have been more interesting to show it also from the children’s perspective. They did love how Michelle’s mother moved through the transitions effortlessly and was a great support to the children throughout. Although one Member had listened to the book on audio which was narrated by Michelle Obama herself and she found it an easier “read” if not a bit lengthy. Several Members found the campaign trails interesting to learn about, and the littering of famous (or indeed infamous!) name-dropping!!

There were a few Members who really enjoyed the book as it was, finding it sensitively written giving a rounded perspective of political, professional and family life and admiration for her dedication to not only her career, but to that of her husband together with the wellbeing of her family. Feeling that her moments of doubt illustrated how much she cared for everyone and everything in her life. BUT there was also one Member who said she actually disliked the book in its entirety as she felt it could have been summed up more quickly – however, she agreed she was not really a fan and would not have chosen one on the American political scene subject or indeed autobiographies as a whole.

A quote from the back cover of the book:

“With unerring honesty she describes her triumphs and her disappointments, both public and private, telling her full story as she has lived it – in her own words and on her own terms “

A few quotes within the text of the book that members liked and felt could perhaps even resonate to:

Her father – “Time is a gift you give to other people”

Her mother – “I’m not raising babies, I’m raising adults”

Michelle Obama describing the ratio of black to white students in Princetown “Poppy seeds in a bowl of rice”

And, my own indulgent favourite quote from the book:

“Nothing changes who you are – it just reveals who you are”

So to generally summarise, it wasn’t quite a “marmite” book as when asking for Members’ final thoughts on the book – nearly all said they did enjoy it, but were disappointed that the family and inside the White House period of their lives was not depicted more prominently as it was her autobiography. But all felt the title of the book summed her up perfectly, a dedicated, passionate, inspiring First Lady.

JUNE 2024 BOOK CHOICE

Prime Suspect  by Lynda La Plante

Twelve Members of the Book Club were welcomed by Pam with apologies received from several others who were unable to attend but had sent in their thoughts and comment.  It was very apparent from the beginning that everyone enjoyed reading this book with many saying it was quite a page turner for them. It was thought to be well-written, succinct with good characterisation. A few were able to remember the TV series starring Helen Mirren in the Jane Tennison role back in the 1980s with one member saying that she felt it had “pressed her button” but was for her difficult to judge because of the TV series.

Members agreed that because as a woman of that time she had a real battle on her hands trying to make headway in a totally man’s world which made her a strong character, ruthless and totally dedicated to her profession – but at the expense of her private life, destroying her relationships with all members of her family and of course her “boyfriend”, Peter, who had his own struggles after his divorce trying to be a part-time father and saving his business. A few did not warm to her character until later in the book even quite disliking her even with all her challenges. She, as a woman, suffered both sexism and abuse from the male colleagues more so when she questioned the actions of her “much loved” predecessor. Jane was someone who paid great attention to detail and found mistakes in the identification of a dead body, revealing a shady dark side to her predecessor’s character.   But at the same time she could not show any weakness in front of them and often ran to the loo to cry alone – her secret.

A few Members found it difficult to imagine what she actually looked like as throughout the book there was not a description of her, and knowing that Helen Mirren played the part on TV could only imagine it as her.  But then it was pointed out possibly because the book came after the TV series, albeit  both written by Lynda la Plante. This came as a bit of a surprise to many who had not realised this.

One member’s comments referred to Page 57 and the second paragraph, which on re-reading together had everyone agreeing was a “perfect fit description” of the whole book with the paragraph finishing on the line “Maybe it was simply the fact that she was a woman”.

To summarise absolutely everyone thoroughly enjoyed this page turner and agreed it was well written with good characterisation and a need to want to read it to the end to see if they got their man George Marlow and did he go to prison!!!??  All gave it a huge thumbs up and would definitely recommend it to a friend!!

BEMBRIDGE WINDMILL WI

FEBRUARY / MARCH 20243 BOOK CHOICE

Trespasses by Louise Kennedy

Members were warmly welcomed to the Book Club Meeting, in Brenda’s absence, by Pam who had also received several apologies from those who were unable to attend together with their views and thoughts of the book to be added to the evening’s “discussion pot”.

It became very apparent from the beginning that this was a book which was a rather sad and depressing one which definitely resonated with Members especially as it was set around very publicised real life events which everyone could remember vividly as “the troubles” in Ireland. Several said it was a “grim reminder” made even harder with its portrayal of life in Belfast during that time and at different levels told from the Irish one-sided point of view but as was pointed out with no real mention of Ian Paisley.

It was agreed by all that it had been a hard read with one Member saying “she would describe it as raw and harsh”. Another “that it was brutal and absolutely chilling on occasions whilst depicting the tragedy of the of the religious divide and the bigotry”. Several members stating they were unable to actually finish the book because it affected them so, on an emotional level. Many groups did not come out of it at well, including the Churches, Schools and socially in Pubs etc and the British Army’s unfavourable portrayal in such a dangerous situation, was felt, as the discussion progressed, to have been hard to come to terms with and even the dark depth of it proved quite unbelievable to some.

It was felt, generally, that the book concentrated on the “troubles” rather than the love affair it had actually advertised as one Member pointed out “making the balance of the storyline unbalanced!” Several agreed overall it was well written with most agreeing the characters were well drawn and had depth, each had a part to play and described as a true reflection of what was going on at the time when there was not much chance to meet anyone and difficult to form relationships. Most agreed the only humour in the book was with Cushla’s mother, the alcoholic character, marvellous even when she was so drunk! All agreed although it was sad, when Michael, was murdered – “a mistake” – he was a chap Members thought was definitely power crazy, and a “ladies man”, ( as a Protestant why did he like to go to a Catholic Pub?), the emotional pace stepped up and the story became a little more absorbing. Cushla, a Catholic, it was thought was a bit of a silly girl, dating a Protestant in her private life, who became her escape to happiness and getting involved with just one pupil, Davy, in her care at School and his family when there must have been many at the School in a similar situation. So many questions! Absolutely everyone totally disliked Father Slattery – being well described as terrifying and definitely creepy!! Spot on!!

It has been hard to sum this book up ……………..

– More of a documentary of the hositility between Catholics and Protestants as one Member put it “Seems insurmountable and so cruel and senseless on a human level – so much one could discuss from this book to do with life and culture in Ireland. Still today there are after effects of these “troubles” which will never dissipate” Interesting comment made “ in the UK we never gave a thought to whether someone was Catholic or Protestant, but in Ireland very much emphasis was and still is put on who is Catholic and Protestant “!!

A mixed bag of reactions for this book – although appreciated it was well written but was not the story it was expected to be as a quote on the cover “A compulsively readable love story. Every word rings true” but, maybe more one – “heart wrenching – Trespasses is historical fiction” perhaps?

This majority agreed it was a sad, depressing, grim reminder of events that took place ““in our time – being too recent history” not primarily a love story, more of a non-fiction book that documents events.

Definitely one that would not be recommended to a friend in this instance.

The Book Club Meeting welcomed 13 Members, with apologies received from those unable to attend the evening. Brenda asked for comments on this book which had not really generally been felt well received. It soon became apparent that this was the feeling unanimously with many commenting they had no idea what the point of the book was. The feeling from several Members was that “age” had probably made more of a problem with relating to the storyline having a great deal to do with this. Questions were raised and discussed whether this storyline and its situation really went on, with most agreeing, it did not go anywhere. Several Members “ploughed” halfway through and gave up hoping that those who struggled until the end would have more of a grip with it to help further the discussion. The storyline taking place in Hong Kong with “confused” bi-sexual girl Ava, from Ireland, teaching rich children grammar in a new Country in a boring job and who had nothing in common, apart from constant sex with the male character, Julian, a banker, who had money and a flat was an improbable one in the way it was told. It was thought that the “conversations” in the book were banal. Even when Ava met up with Edith, a Hong Kong local who worked in a Law firm and paid Ava lots of attention and took an interest in her which she found flattering, especially with having no friends at work or previously with her flat mates, and Julian being the complete opposite. It was agreed that there was no plot, not well drawn with no visualisation or descriptions apart from the explicit sex between Edith and Ava!! She, it was agreed, lived in a total fantasy World with Julian, as with her even agreeing to the move to Frankfurt.

Members had no empathy with any of the characters, disliking the fact they did not represent people!! There was no plot, they struggled with the non-descriptive storyline, the unanswered questions and wonderment how even this “less true” inconclusive book was published!!!

The phrase was mooted “I DID NOT CARE” and a lesser understanding of the seven (yes!!) pages of reviews and, more importantly, were we EVEN reading the same book came to mind!!!??

A resounding “no recommendation” of this book from us!!

Eleven members were able to attend the meeting and were warmly welcomed by Brenda together with apologies and comments on the book from those unable to attend.

Most agreed that this book had a very unusual concept with 4 short stories with the same cast members.  Four different people, with three going back to the past and one moving to the future. Several members said they liked the idea behind it but struggled with the names, which all actually began with the letter K – causing more confusion. After discussion, it was thought this might have been eased in the translation with a change to more relatable names to the reader from the confusing and very similar sounding Japanese ones.  One or two said that they had not worried about the names as they felt that dismissing them was not as important to the characters and they could “shape” them to build a picture but you did need to read the story.  Most found that they enjoy books less and often give up if they have to keep going back and forth to remember who was who in relation to the storyline, spoiling it for them.

Discussion then took place on how each story impacted us as readers.  The first -The Lovers, who parted but found by going back that they would reunite 3 years later.  Members did enjoy the plot which it was felt did not change anything – no real purpose but although not as good at the start, the plot did get better.  It was found to have lots of repetition and being quite tedious at times but then it was thought that could have been due to the translation. Most enjoyed the idea of going backwards and forwards in time and the thought of time-travelling quite interesting.  In the second story –The  Husband and Wife – the husband realises he is getting dementia so writes what he is unable to say verbally to his wife and goes back to give the letter to her.  Everyone found that very emotional and thought provoking and it was agreed that each story, although tragic, had a moral to it – a philosophical message entwined.

The third story – The Sisters – about two estranged sisters, was a very emotional one with the two sisters needing to sort out the reason for their situation and with one of them going back in time to just before the other sister dies to make things right between them. This again evoked members to raise the thought that being able to have a second chance was positive for each one of them and a good thing.  Story number four – Mother and Child – was noted by a few as very strange.  In this case, the mother went forward in time to find out how her child forges her life, knowing that giving birth would kill her.  Members found strange yet a very enjoyable read, prompting much conversation on the possibility and effects of time-travelling as very interesting. The “ghost lady” in the chair drinking copious amounts of coffee sent ripples of amusement amongst Members especially leading to the need for her to go the “loo” frequently!!

One member said she felt there were many fascinating insights in the book about the Japanese culture within the text – rather than someone just trying to explain the culture. So true to life. She felt that the book did not for her begin with an idea for a story but maybe the question “what if you could time travel?” which evoked a lovely discussion amongst members. Quite a few members thought the story did come through towards the end as written as a play, with the book following. The book which was felt spiritually quite significant. There were mixed views on where the cafe in question may be situated and on when in time the story was actually set – perhaps a murky back street with a cellar with comparisons made to The Cavern in Liverpool !!!

One member said it was a “Sweet ‘n Sad” book as it gives people the chance to say sorry or goodbye. Members did not dislike the book and most quite liked it, with several saying they did not actually enjoy it so to speak, but all agreed would not recommend it to a friend.

A quote about the book that possibly sums it up nicely…“Explores themes of regret, missed opportunities, and the importance of living in the present.  This book highlights the idea that time-travel may seem like the solution to fix past mistakes or change the future but really shows that the present moment is the only one that truly matters!”