A Fortunate Woman by Polly Morland (Emma 172)

 Taking the book A Fortunate Man (The Story of Country Doctor) by John Berger, written in 1966 about the English country GP, John Sassall.  This book is an update, like the previous book the stories and characters are an amalgam although the Doctor is real.  This doctor knows her patients, she lives in their valley and understands their lives.  It would be interesting to see how much country life has changed to compare this with the earlier book, even now the closeness of the doctor's relationship with her patience was difficult for some to appreciate living here in London, where since COVID appointments are often by phone not in person. However, it was interesting to see the NHS in action, to read how early interventions make such a difference in outcomes. How important it is for someone to understand the person and or the life they come from when making assessments on their health.

This book generated a discussion about the NHS, the slow decline in services, how it is changing and it became a little political.  Many thought the writing dull but worthy - not making the stories as interesting as they could be.

Words used to describe it:  inciteful, empathetic, dull, pleasant, worthy, interesting, useful

Marks out of 10:  between 6 - 8

Next Book

How the World Really Works by Vaclav Smil

Next Meeting

w/e 20/21 May

Brighton at Carolyn's

Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan

 A small book, a novella, a delight. Set in 1986 in Ireland, Bill Furlong a kind compassionate man with four daughters. The crux of the story is how different his life could have been had his unwed mother not been taken in by the lady at the big house when pregnant - how his and his mothers life would have been blighted by the way that society, church and small town attitude when a child is born out of wedlock. While working a shift near Christmas - delivering coal, Bill comes across a young and pregnant girl,hiding in the outhouse of the local convent. A lot is implied, and some is explained: the difficulty in going against what is expected and accepted is beautifully written.

This book generated a great discussion about the Magdalene Laundries, Ireland and small town attitudes.  Realistically written, and so well drawn in time. The tension in the writing is carefully crafted.

Words used to describe it:   lyrical, too short, punchy, gut wrenching, hypnotic, finely etched, heart breaking

Marks out of 10:  all gave this book either 8 or 9 so highly marked!

Next Book

A Fortunate Woman by Polly Morland (Emma)

Next Meeting

26th April - 36 Lysia St