Jean & Pierre by Guy de Monpassant (Carolyn 184)

The story explores sibling rivalry, the effects of unexpected wealth on relationships and the tensions that jealousy creates within a family.  The story begins with a fishing trip where tensions between the brothers are apparent. When a family friend leaves his entire fortune to Jean, Pierre's jealousy and suspicions grow, and he begins to doubt his mother's loyalty and his brother's legitimacy. Pierre's thoughts become consumed by his brother's success, and he roams the seaport alone.

The discussion was wide ranging and interesting. It seemed that no one respected the father. The distructive nature of jealousy and familial relationships.

Marks out of 10 - between 4 - 8

Words used to describe it:

Lugubrious, dry, beautifully written, divisive, predictable, distructive jealousy

 

Next Book

At the Table by Clare Powell (Mandy)

Next Meeting 

126 Harbord St

A Spy Alone by Charles Beaumont (181 Emma)

An exciting and interesting spy thriller. Some of the time is spent trying to work out which character most closely represents which politician. The main protagonist, Simon Sharmon - recruited out of Oxford, now a freelancer, finds that the tentacles of spy industry wind their way through his alumni, Russian money, and corruption in high places (nothing new there then). Slow initially as the bones of the story are laid down, the pace picks up. A thriller in the true meaning of the word. This book generated great discussions about politics, how money corrupts and corruption in high places. 

Words used to describe it:  interesting, intriguing, clever, enjoyable, inciteful, compelling read, modern Le Carre

Marks out of 10: between 7 - 9 so highly rated by the group

Next Book

Giovanni's Room by James Baldwin (Cindy)

Next Meeting

29th February at Naila's