October BTL get together about 'Burial Rites' and 'The Fix'

Eight folk enthusiastically discussed their varied reactions to our titles for October.

Hannah Kent's Burial Rites had mixed responses. Some were moved by the descriptions of the bleakness of the northern Icelandic landscape; some were disappointed with degree of character development; some were saddened by the descriptions of poverty; some found the ending sad but satisfying while others some found the ending close to unbearable; and some found it easier to read than expected. This finely written novel certainly provoked reactions from our book club readers and they are awaiting Hannah Kent's next novel with great interest. There was much discussion as to what direction she might take with her next project.

The setting for Nick Earl's The Fix stirred nostalgic reactions from several readers who had lived in and around the areas described. The sense of 'knowing' the locations mentioned in the book helped many of our readers identify more easily with the book. Our readers enjoyed the descriptions being so Australian awhile avoiding the overdone stereotyping that sometimes occurs in Australian novels. Most of our members were far happier with the character development in this novel. There was much debate about how many 'fixes' there were in the novel and much discussion as to whom was 'fixing' who. There were many interpretations of what 'really happened' in the book and what might have happened 'after the events in the book'.

Sharing such animated discussion about the books we have read, really adds another element of enjoyment to reading. It's wonderful how one's perception of a book can change or be reinforced by the opinions and viewpoints of others.

If you enjoy reading and would like to share this passion with others, please consider joining one of the three book clubs we have at Mackay Regional Council Libraries.

For November we have opted for a marine theme. You can read one or both.

The first is a shortish novel, On Chesil Beach by Ian McEwan.

Maintaining the sea theme, the second book is The Sea by John Banville.

 

 

 

If you would like to read either of these books, call into Gordon White Library, bring your library card and ask any of the friendly library staff and they will be able to assist you.

 

Happy reading 'Between the Lines' and looking forward to seeing you at Gordon White Library at 6 on Thursday 28 November, 2013.