The Free-Range Bookclub
Bookclubbers without boundaries in Nelson, New Zealand
Category: Literary fiction
Disgrace – J M Coetzee
READ FOR BOOKCLUB Chosen by Jo In mimicry of his South African homeland, professor David Lurie seduces one of his students and sets in motion a chain of events that leave him utterly disgraced ⚑ “I admire Coetzee hugely after reading this great story… Continue Reading “Disgrace – J M Coetzee”
2019 NZ Book Awards
The past few years have been an interesting time globally as opinions around nationalism and free-speech have become hot topics. Yet, is it new? Or is history simply repeating itself in a more raw, no-holds-barred medium? Perhaps we can look back on history and… Continue Reading “2019 NZ Book Awards”
The New Ships – Kate Duignan
READ FOR NZ BOOK AWARDS Peter Collie reassesses past events in the wake of his wife’s death only to discover new secrets. ⚑ “Family matters are at the fore of Peter Collie’s life. Upon his wife’s death Peter learns of secrets kept about his… Continue Reading “The New Ships – Kate Duignan”
The Sound of Breaking Glass – Kirsten Warner
READ FOR NZ BOOK AWARDS Christel has two small children, a stressful job in reality television, an activist lifestyle, a Holocaust survivor father, and now her protest milk bottle sculpture has come to life, appearing in various spots around Auckland like a giant golem.… Continue Reading “The Sound of Breaking Glass – Kirsten Warner”
All This By Chance – Vincent O’Sullivan
READ FOR NZ BOOK AWARDS A moving multigenerational family saga about the legacy of the Holocaust and the burden of secrets never shared ⚑ “I was all in for I would say three-quarters of this novel but then as the characters we focused on… Continue Reading “All This By Chance – Vincent O’Sullivan”
The Cage – Lloyd Jones
READ FOR NZ BOOK AWARDS A profound and unsettling novel about humanity and dignity and the ease with which we’re able to justify brutality. ⚑ “It’s like Lloyd Jones got in my head and seeing my worst fears was then inspired to write the… Continue Reading “The Cage – Lloyd Jones”
The Orphan Master’s Son – Adam Johnston
READ FOR BOOKCLUB Chosen by Rachel A portrait of a world hidden from view: North Korea, rife with hunger, corruption, and casual cruelty but also camaraderie, stolen moments of beauty, and love. ⚑ “The Orphan Master’s Son reminded me of Nineteen Eighty Four, but… Continue Reading “The Orphan Master’s Son – Adam Johnston”
2019 – The Journey
Reading incites many pleasures, including the opportunity to experience something outside your own knowledge and comfort zone. It is journeying to understand the world. In 2019 it appears we have selected books that map unchartered topics: dystopian themes, satirical commentaries and plenty of US… Continue Reading “2019 – The Journey”
2018 – End of Year Thoughts
Our reading this year was characterised by a string of strong personalities. Though unintentional and though the books were written and published over many different decades, it was curious that we should chose such a line-up, at a time when personality hype abounds. The… Continue Reading “2018 – End of Year Thoughts”
The Bridge of San Luis Rey – Thornton Wilder
READ FOR BOOKCLUB Chosen by Rachel After five Peruvians perish in a bridge collapse, a friar attempts to determine why it was those individuals who should die. ➽ “The Bridge of San Luis Rey appealed to me for its philosophical exploration, asking, but never answering: are… Continue Reading “The Bridge of San Luis Rey – Thornton Wilder”
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