The Free-Range Bookclub
Bookclubbers without boundaries in Nelson, New Zealand
Category: Literary fiction
The Bell Jar – Sylvia Plath
READ FOR BOOKCLUB Chosen by Jodie A successful young woman’s life spirals into a depressive breakdown. ⫸ “Esther Greenwood’s story is remarkably similar to Sylvia Plath’s own life and struggles and is considered autobiographical fiction, despite being written under a pseudonym. “Esther is an… Continue Reading “The Bell Jar – Sylvia Plath”
Remote Sympathy – Catherine Chidgey
Read for NZ Book Awards An inmate at Buchenwald concentration camp aids the commandant who is trying to save his wife’s life ⫸ “Remote Sympathy tells the stories of several people and families who all have one thing in common: the Buchenwald concentration camp… Continue Reading “Remote Sympathy – Catherine Chidgey”
Sprigs – Brannavan Gnanalingam
Read for NZ Book Awards A brutal story of rugby, rape and toxic masculinity. ⫸ “After a Wellington School’s revered rugby final, a 15-year-old year is gang raped at the after party. “However there is much more to Sprigs than that. Gnanalingam then goes… Continue Reading “Sprigs – Brannavan Gnanalingam”
The Harpy – Megan Hunter
Chosen by Rachel A wife is permitted to hurt her husband three times after his affair is discovered. ⫸ “In Greek mythology a harpy is a half bird-half woman. As a bird of prey it has wide wings and sharp talons, yet the face… Continue Reading “The Harpy – Megan Hunter”
Bina: A Novel In Warnings – Anakana Schofield
Chosen by Jo A disillusioned woman in her 70s writes on the back of envelopes about her life, dedicating her story to all the women who have had enough. ⫸ “Anakana Schofield was quoted as saying literature does not exist only to provide pleasure.… Continue Reading “Bina: A Novel In Warnings – Anakana Schofield”
The Secret History – Donna Tartt
Chosen by Jodie A group of Greek mythology students attempt to experience a higher level of being and in doing so carry out an evil act. ⫸ “There were many reasons why the The Secret History was such a hit with us all in… Continue Reading “The Secret History – Donna Tartt”
2020 Booker
It’s an understatement to say 2020 is a bit of a strange year! Covid-19 and the resulting politics around controlling it both unites and divides us. While some people reach out to neighbours, colleagues, families for support, some feel their ‘otherness’ and loneliness more distinctly than ever. It is a… Continue Reading “2020 Booker”
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