I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith author of 101 Dalmatians, was written from a 17 year old’s Diary entries. Quite an eccentric family from the description. Little Bee written by a Nigerian refugee who was held in detention in England in 2008 for 2 years was compelling reading. She was alone with no family, but renewed a friendship with `Sara’ a magazine editor. Little Bee was sent back to Nigeria eventually, this book led to a discussion on the plight of women in Nigeria.
Alexander McCall Smith wrote The Importance of Being Seven from the series centred around 44 Scotland Street Edinburgh. This is a most enjoyable series, the author also having written the No. 1 Ladies Detective books. Under Milkwood was written in 1954 as a radio drama and later adapted for stage and film, written by Dylan Thomas it made for good reading. Heather was very busy reading this month including Midnight Blue set in the 1600’s in the Art community of Amsterdam author Simone Van Vlugt. Runaway Girl was described as a haunting read and also Wild Island, a good read set in Port Arthur around the settlement of Tasmania.
Three new books were purchased at the Post Office including Call of the Outback and My Love Must Wait written about Mathew Flinders and his long detention on an island. We will have to keep an eye on the post office books.
The Book of Joy were interviews by a Jewish journalist with Desmond Tutu and the Dali Lama (interesting trio), we also spoke about Beyond Religion by the Dali Lama. A beautiful picture and story book of The Secret Garden created by Wendy Whitely in Sydney was displayed.
A book that created discussion was The Hospital by the River, the story of Dr. Catherine Hamill and her husband who have worked as volunteers with women in Ethiopia for many years. Now in her 90’s, Catherine is still there and working.
An enjoyable afternoon was finished off with afternoon tea and we will meet again on the 2nd May.