9 Parts of Desire by Geraldine Brooks was enlightening as far as religious views of Islam, their teaching and culture and the many restrictions on women. A memoir written by Suzy Zail about her father the jeweller Emil Braun, The Tattoed Flower was sad and uplifting at the same time. The Tainted Trial of Farah Jama by Julie Szego created some discussion, this book had been read in some of the CAE book groups. Laurie, the only gentleman in our group, contributed with a description of a very interesting talking book Offline by Anne Holt a Norwegian author, highlighting the ill feeling against Islam. The Household Guide to Dying by Debra Adelaide was an uplifting experience. Michael Connelly and the Harry Borsch popular series rated a mention, whilst Karen Joy Fowler wrote We are all Completely Beside Ourselves, nominated for the Man Booker Prize. It is beautifully written, if a little different in subject matter.
It is extraordinary how many different genres authors can write and command our interest.
Our next gathering is 1st May at 2.00 p.m. Happy reading everyone.
Geraldine McCorkell