The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller 162

Having recently read The Silence of the Girls we are now well versed in the words of the Iliad and the story of Achilles.  This novel from the perspective of Achilles friend and lover Patroclus, is a love story, a peon to that warrior of warriors, the best of men - Achilles.  Even though you know the story, the interweaving of the capriciousness of the Gods, the eventual death of both protagonists, it is a beautiful book of love. Having said that I think that we read it too soon after The Silence of the Girls and were Trojaned out!

Words used to describe it:  boring, prosaic, beautiful, balanced, disappointing, impactful

Marks out of 10:  between 3 - 7

Next Book 

The Pale Abyssinian by Miles Bredin

Next Meeting

Thursday 10th February at 115 Harbord St

Mrs Palfrey at the Claremont by Elizabeth Taylor 163

 The hotel becomes a genteel antechamber to oblivion, its spectral inhabitants representative figures from postwar English life. It’s the 1960s, and a new society is taking shape. 'The Claremont symbolises a class and a way of life heading for the dustbin of history.' It is also a gentle romance, on the edge of a rom-com, with comic characters such as Lady Swayne and Mrs de Salis.  The book evokes the era of Earls Court hotels and boarding houses. The writing is beautiful. The pathos of the ending is hard.  The book generated a good discussion about how times have changed, class and romance in later life.

Words used to describe it:  wonderful, multidimensional, biting, reflective, poignant, pathos

Marks out of 10:  between 8 - 10, there were a couple of 10's so well liked 

Next Book

The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

and if you have time read Dead Cert by Dick Francis

Next Meeting

Thursday 6th January 

at 

126 Harbord St