This evening I have Book Club and have a few items to take with me. Firstly I shall be taking these two books.
The one on the right "The Last Runaway" by Tracy Chevalier is ready to be returned to the library. This is the book we have just read. One of the things I like about Book Club is that it makes me pick up and read books that I wouldn't necessarily have chosen. This book follows two Quaker sisters who emigrate to America in 1850.
Not only is it a very readable story but it gives an insight to the way of life for early settlers and into the measures against slavery. I learnt a lot about the "Underground Railway " which was a network helping escaped slaves.
It was also interesting to read about the Quaker movement in America which is not entirely portrayed in a favourable light. Most of what I knew already about Quakerism had been gleaned from my girls education at a Quaker school. These two images of the Quaker movement don't entirely fit together.
The book on the right is a second copy, bought by mistake of "The Light Between Oceans" by M.L. Stedman. I am taking it to offer to one of my book club friends. I read this a while ago and then watched the film on the plane when travelling to New Zealand. It is set in Australia and shows how the actions of one young couple changes the lives of several people for a good number of years to come. An action brought about mainly by a mixture of isolation, grief and desire for a child. It is both touching and sad reflecting the ways of the time.
This next picture shows a bit of what else will go with me.
We take it in turns to host and provide refreshments. It's hungry work talking about books! It is my turn to host but one of my friends cannot leave her husband alone so I am taking the refreshments to her home where we shall meet. I must dash as I have sausage rolls to make to go with these crisps and dips ( I love these veg crisps.) I might even make some Easter Cakes.....
A bag of crisps and a book: one of my favourite combinations of small pleasures.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting. Based in this, I could be tempted to get The Last Runaway. I met Tracy Chevalier at a BBC Book Club event last year, but have never read any of her stuff. I saw dozens of trailers for The Light Between Oceans but in the end didn't go to see it. What did you think? (Of the film, or the film vs. the book?) Veg crisps get the thumbs up from me - is it my imagination, or do they not put as many in the packet as the normal potato crisps?)
ReplyDeleteThe book was better than the film but isn't that always the case? Far more detail and better portrayal of the characters. It's a sad story for many reasons. No one is really a winner.
DeleteThe Light Between Oceans has been on my Kindle for over a year, but I've yet to read it. Like Lady Ella, I've never read Tracy Chevalier, but her Girl with a Pearl Earring is on our bedroom bookshelf. Too many books I want to read, and not enough time. I'm busy reading for our book group now---a rather long novel, but so far I'm enjoying it.
ReplyDeleteI agree. Far too many books to read. Audio books are a good option. I listen while I cook.
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