For the July meeting, our instructions were to pick a Scandi-themed book, but our initial conversation turned to television viewing (we'll come back to the Scandi theme shortly!)
After a bit of low brow, non-literary related discussion, the group were brought back on track when discussing the dramatisation of The White Queen by Philippa Gregory. In the early days of the WBS Reading Group, we read The Other Boleyn Girl, another of Philippa Gregory's creations and one which at the time was becoming increasingly popular because of the film of the same name. As with much of her work, The White Queen gives an accessible introduction to a tumultuous period of British history by appealing to the masses. There is also a documentary presented by Philippa Gregory: The Real White Queen and Her Rivals - Episode
1 which was screened on Wednesday 18th July on the BBC. It was interesting to get Dr Gregory's perspective on the tale and consolidates the drama (with some lovely moody shots of Warwick Castle).
Returning to our chosen Scandi theme - I must say I was surprised at the choice of book most of the group plumped for. I had imagined lots of discussion wound ensue around Stieg Larsson and his contemporaries, but that wasn't the case. Most of us chose The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson. And what a delightful choice this was. Our 100-year-old takes as on an epic journey through modern history - meeting US presidents, Chairman Mao, Stalin to name a few. He survives to tell the tale. Our hero, Alan Karlsson, despite his advanced years and incredulous life story, is an innocent. He is non-political, switching sides because he likes people or the opportunities that present themselves to him, rather than because of any drive for power. The story covers two periods concurrently - Alan's personal history and the present-day adventure he finds himself in. This book is an enjoyable read, far fetched but lovable for it, with a random elephant thrown in for good measure. We all liked it.
We did discuss the Stieg Larsson Millenium Triology - rude not to when talking about contemporary Scandinavian literature. Of those that had read the series, most found that getting to the final installment was a struggle, that the first book was the best and the second offered further insight into the character of Lisbeth Salander. The Stone Cutter by Camilla Lackberg is of a similar style to Larsson, but not as well written - a sense of claustrophobia was prevalent in this tale. Other titles we discussed included:
The Summer Book and A Winter Book by Tove Jansson (she also wrote the Moomin series)
The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce
Various works set during the Napoleonic Warws by Patrick O'Brian (Master and Commander stick in my mind, all because of the Russell Crowe film)
The Transylvanian Triology by Miklos Banffy. Here's a short article about the trilogy in the Guardian Miklos Banffy
Another triology, this time The Campus Trilogy by David Lodge (perhaps ideal for those away for the summer and in danger of missing campus life!) David Lodge
Operation Mincemeat by Ben Macintyre is also recommended, a true spy story which changed the course of WWII.
Today the Man Booker Prize long list was announced, if you are looking for further literary inspiration! The Group usually choose a title or two from the shortlist each year and they certainly have given us plenty to talk about: Man Booker Prize.
Next time:
For Whom the Bell Tolls by Ernest Hemingway
September 2013 (date tbc)
For Whom the Bell Tolls by Ernest Hemingway
September 2013 (date tbc)
