The Journal of Dora Damage by Belinda Starling

Wednesday 13th December

Book: The Journal of Dora Damage by Belinda Starling

• A first novel by Belinda Starling, who unfortunately died before the book was published.  This facinating and quirky book evokative and detailed about Victorian life, the book binding business and the restrictions around pornography in its infancy was a fascinating. A complete page turner that most of us read very quickly. 
•  Marks out of 10 - 9 was the norm. Single word descriptions:
• Giles - uniquely binding
• Mandy - liberating
• Rowena - spellbinding
• etc etc. After that things degenerated to a rather drunken level. I know that I didn't feel that good this morning!! Don't know about the others.

Next book:

• Our Man in Havana by Grahame Greene

Mandy also recommends:

• Amazing Disgrace by James Hamilton-Paterson

French Trip 8/9 March

• This has been tentatively booked for w/e 8/9 March. Could people please let Carolyn know ASAP if they are going and give her a cheque.

Next Meeting: Wednesday 23rd January
Venue: 12 Lysia St - Carolyn's house

Frenchman's Creek by Daphne du Maurier

A Frenchman's Creek by Daphne du Maurier

Was discussed briefly before the party. A bodice ripper, fun and entertaining but more suitable for the teenage girl market, which was when a number of us had originally read the book. Enjoyable, lightweight but entertaining - as is Jamaica Inn which one of us had read! Welcome to our new member Rona!

Next Meeting either

12th December - just under 3 weeks away or 17th January 2008
at Mandy's House, 119 Harbord St.

• There is some discussion as to which book we should read.

• Giles's book is
• The Diary of Dora Damage by Belinda Starling

• If we go on the weekend trip to Paris, the book suggested was
• Down and Out in Paris and London by George Orwell (Mandy's book)

Weekend away in Paris.

• It was suggested that the book club go on a weekend away to Paris at the end January, 26th, leaving early Sat and returning late on Sunday.
• Who might be interested in this? Please let me (Rowena) or Carolyn know ASAP as Carolyn wants to book Eurotrain and hotel ASASP.

• A few photo's of our wonderful evening at Giles's and Violetta's. Thank you to them and the juke box for hosting a great evening.

Shadow of the Wind by Carloz Ruiz Zafon

Shadow of the Wind
by Carloz Ruiz Zafon

As I wasn't there I cannot say whether people enjoyed the book or not, but the feedback that I have received it appears that most liked the book.

Next meeting Friday 23rd November
at Giles's 53 Finlay Street.

• Start 7.30 with friends and other halves coming at 8.30 for safari supper and dancing to the juke box. Early Christmas Party.

• Next books - two for the enthusiastic!

• Frenchman's Creek by Daphne du Maurier

• The Reluctant Fundamentalist by Mohsin Hamid

Many Masters, Many Lives by Dr Brian Wiess

Many Masters, Many Lives by Dr Brian Wiess

Sceptical, interested and varied discussion about the premise of this book. Even if people don't really believe in reincarnation it generated a good debate. Purporting to detail the many lives lived by one person, who under hypnosis was able to 'remember' them.  An interesting philosophical discussion ensued. The book most felt was badly written and shallow. Chrissie was unable to find out much about the author himself who is apparently still practicing as a psychiatrist? 

• The next book:

• The Shadow of the Wind by Carloz Ruiz Zafon

• Next meeting at Amanda & Peter's, 128 Harbord St: Wednesday 18th October 2007