The Free-Range Bookclub
Bookclubbers without boundaries in Nelson, New Zealand
Category: Literary fiction
The Bee Sting – Paul Murray
READ FOR BOOKERTHON An Irish family saga based around Dickie Barnes, his failing auto dealership and his wife and children who are each dealing with huge issues of their own. A 600+ page drama that investigates each character’s plight indepthly. ● I didn’t connect… Continue Reading “The Bee Sting – Paul Murray”
If I Survive You – Jonathan Escoffery
READ FOR BOOKERTHON A series of linked stories about a Jamaican family in Miami, centered around younger son Trelawny and his determination to survive racism, financial woes and Hurricane Andrew. ● I am privileged in that I have generally always had a pretty strong sense… Continue Reading “If I Survive You – Jonathan Escoffery”
Study For Obedience – Sarah Bernstein
READ FOR BOOKERTHON A woman moves to the countryside to become a housekeeper for her brother, whose wife has recently left him. Soon after her arrival, several unexplainable events occur and she feels the community’s suspicion towards her growing. ● Well, regardless of whether it wins… Continue Reading “Study For Obedience – Sarah Bernstein”
The Last White Man – Mohsin Hamid
READ FOR BOOKCLUBChosen by Suzy Anders, a white man living in a fictional town, wakes one morning to discover his skin has turned brown. Confused and ashamed, he experiences change in the attitudes of the people in his family and community. Yet he is… Continue Reading “The Last White Man – Mohsin Hamid”
Diary Of A Void – Emi Yagi
READ FOR BOOKCLUBChosen by Jodie A translated work in which a Japanese office worker fakes a pregnancy to avoid menial cleaning and tidying jobs that her male counterparts are never burdened with. However, the hoax becomes all-absorbing, and the boundary between her lie and… Continue Reading “Diary Of A Void – Emi Yagi”
2023 Women’s Prize
This is our first year at reading the Women’s Prize shortlist in its entirety and blogging about it, and it’s fair to say we are mightily impressed. As a collective these represent story telling at their best: engaging plot, strong characters, and a clear… Continue Reading “2023 Women’s Prize”
The Swimmers – Julia Otsuka
READ FOR BOOKCLUBChosen by Rachel The Swimmers is about Alice, a Japanese American woman in the early stages of dementia. She swims daily but when a crack appears in the pool (ie in her memory) she has to stop swimming and move to a… Continue Reading “The Swimmers – Julia Otsuka”
Down From Upland – Murdoch Stevens
READ FOR NZ BOOK AWARDS Set in Wellington, down from Upland Road in Kelburn, this book is a satirical tale about the complexities of growing up, when you’re a teenager and when you’re in your 40s. Axle has joined a new school. He is… Continue Reading “Down From Upland – Murdoch Stevens”
The Fish – Lloyd Jones
READ FOR NZ BOOK AWARDS 2023 A baby is born to a young, single mother in a caravan park, suffering from an unnamed condition which earns him the name the Fish. The story of the Fish, and the family’s shame and secrets are narrated… Continue Reading “The Fish – Lloyd Jones”
How To Loiter In A Turf War – Coco Solid
READ FOR NZ BOOK AWARDS A day in the life of three brown friends hanging out in Auckland, eating, chatting, catching the bus, amongst racism, gentrification and the modern effects of colonisation. That’s the third person I know without a house.What the hell is… Continue Reading “How To Loiter In A Turf War – Coco Solid”
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