The Free-Range Bookclub
Bookclubbers without boundaries in Nelson, New Zealand
2018 Bookerthon
The 2018 Man Booker shortlist was a surprise, with many followers declaring it an unusual list with glaring omissions. We, too, were shocked at who wasn’t present: Sing Unburied Sing by Jesmyn Ward, Warlight by Michael Ondajtee, Crudo by Olivia Lang, Normal People by Sarah Rooney. We could go on.
But reading the Man Booker shortlist is not an exercise in favouritism, it is a literary peregrination that gives us the chance to read six excellent books, and to proclaim their fabulousness or pick merciless holes in them!
This year we holed up in idyllic Akaora and considered the judges’ announcement that the list was chosen as such because of its contenders’ “miracles of stylistic invention”. Surprise list or not, what else was there to do but embark upon a journey to embrace newness.
And newness there was, experimental fiction for sure. Look at The Long Take, a poem in novel form, with its protagonist like a camera, wandering the streets recording the suffering of veterans trying to assimilate back into real life.
Washington Black subverted a story of marginalisation by putting a black gentleman in the centre of the story and the white men as support cast on the periphery. Then tied in adventure tales of the 19th century to a story that drags you from one side of your thematic understanding to the other.
Milkman has a dense, report style of narrative where no one has a name for fear of identification. The vernacular of over describing things is clever and effective.
Despite its lack of chapter headings, Everything Under has a simple story line, moulded by myths and fairy tales we know well. The use of second person narration adds another dimension to this uniquely told tale.
The Overstory combines in-depth character analysis and a strong moral focus with fascinating scientific studies in a 500-page tome that is never dull.
And The Mars Room is probably the most believable prison system story out there. There is no cushioning here but an extensively researched novel about lower socio-economic women who end up on the wrong side of life.
So yes, experimental fiction, miracles of stylistic invention, notable books worth recognising.
Do either of us think they are six best books of the year? No.
Are we glad we read them? Yes. For what kind of bookies would we be if we didn’t tackle the unexpected, and embrace newness and duly report back with our thoughts!
So, who took it out in our opinions?
For Suzy it was The Overstory. “This shortlist showcases a line up of gutsy publishers, producing literature we haven’t seen before and I applaud them for it. This is one year where I honestly wouldn’t mind if any of the six won, but Richard Powers changed my life, yes, changed my life. I feel like I understand climate change properly and am more ecologically aware from reading his book – so The Overstory is my pick.”
And, Rachel chose The Long Take. “What I admired most about The Long Take was its brevity:effect ratio. I know that basically describes poetry, but it takes on new meaning in Robertson’s middling take on both the novelistic and poetry form. He created a novel with rhythm yet sharpness. Five or six words could shock me. It was like nothing I’ve ever read, and I was deeply impressed with the style and deeply moved by the story. I actually read it twice in the same week, and I’m already planning on reading it a third time.”
Suzy’s favourites 1st-6th
The Overstory
The Long Take
Everything Under
The Mars Room
Milkman
Washington Black
Rachel’s favourites 1st-6th
The Long Take
Everything Under
Milkman
The Overstory
The Mars Room
Washington Black
Washington Black – Esi Edugyan
READ FOR BOOKERTHON
An 11yo plantation slave becomes a personal servant to his master’s brother.
➽ “George Washington Black is the name of an 11yo plantation slave who is whisked out of his doomed life and given a fresh start as a personal servant for a rich white gentleman.
“His name is a hint at the political undertones of the novel – I think Edugyan is showcasing that the US is in danger of revisiting, philosophically, the bad old days.
“Washington is educated by his new master and their race for freedom takes them around the world and to London, with hints of Jules Verne’s Around The World in 80 Days and Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations apparent.
“It is an exciting and easy read, with a moral to discover between the lines, though the beginning of the book is more relatable than some of the outrageous and convenient tales that occur as you progress through the story. Though, I guess what the author is trying to say is that the world is your oyster when you start life as underprivileged and poorly treated as some minorities are.” – Rachel
We must all take on faith the stories of our birth, for though we are in them, we are not yet present.
➽ “Washington Black is a rip-roaring yarn with a real sense of adventure. Initially based in a setting of a Barbados plantation with a brutal slave master wreaking havoc and fear, the story takes a very different turn when Wash and the master’s brother escape one night.
This is where the adventure begins, however Washington remains shaped by his slavery experiences despite Titch’s attempts to show him a new life. I found this to be a sad book where despite Washington breaking free from slavery and achieving great things, he remained shaped by society’s expectations of him.” – Suzy
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Published 2018
Knopf Publishing Group
352 pages
The Overstory – Richard Powers
READ FOR BOOKERTHON
An epic story of trees, ecological activism and US logging history.
➽ “It’s no exaggeration to say that they novel has genuinely changed my life. It’s a very solid work of fiction that has given me an awareness of our environment that I had previously not been able to glean from non-fiction reading.
“Trees are solidly the main characters of this novel and humans gravitate around them in various storylines that generally end up intertwining and impacting on one another .
“The novel had moment so of triumph but ultimately left me feeling saddened and desiring. Is there such a thing as environmental anxiety. I think I have that now.” – Suzy.
To solve the future, we must save the past. My simple rule of thumb, then, is this: when you cut down a tree, what you make from it should be at least as miraculous
as what you cut down
➽ “After reading The Overstory I gather that Powers is deeply concerned about the state of the world’s forests. But rather than use writing as a medium from which to lecture the masses, he has incorporated his fears and dreams into a quality work of literature that educates and challenges the reader.
“The story follows several characters who share a love and childhood memories of trees, and a desire to halt ecological destruction. Each character and their history is indepthly explored and is so fascinating that by the time their paths cross I was heavily invested in their plans.
“It did get a little preachy near the end, but I forgave Powers his taking of liberties for he had so entertained me for the many previous hours.
“What I found particularly interesting was the research on how it is believed trees, in their natural environment, are able to “communicate” with one another and how they assist one another in growing as a community. The book is worth reading for this information alone. I really hope it was all true, otherwise Powers’ credibility is shot!” – Rachel
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Published 2018
W. W. Norton Company
502 pages
The Long Take – Robin Robertson
READ FOR BOOKERTHON
A war veteran tries to assimilate back into every day American life post war.
➽ “I was completely consumed by The Long Take and while the storyline and themes were far from uplifting I felt captivated by the events that were occurring.
“Initially I baulked at the style of this novel – it’s written in almost poem form and I thought I would be enduring rather than enjoying it. Using the characteristics of film noir to help shape the narrative, the story quickly drew me in and had me hooked.
“The main character Walker is aware of the cause of his suffering and actively works to try and diminish it, and as a reader I wanted nothing more than for him to be able to succeed. A unique and mesmerising read. ” – Suzy
➽ “The Long Take (Or A Way To Lose More Slowly) is a sad title, referring to the suffering of war veterans that is particularised in this novel. I say novel but it’s really a novel-poem hybrid: it has the breadth and ease of reading of a novel, but the rhythm and sharpness of a poem.
“Whatever it is, it is deeply affecting. The hero, Walker, wanders the streets of New York, LA and San Fran post war, in a daze, reliving the atrocities of his war experience and trying to assimilate back into normal life. As the title suggests there are many long takes, which Walker must endure.
“In the book, Robertson does what poets do best, burns imprints into your mind with glimpses of time and place and memories; these few words far more impressive than a page of prose could be in its place. And had these half lines and well-comma’ed phrases been converted to proper sentences, they would have lost their rhythm and their beauty.
“I see why Robertson felt this was the only way to present his story.” – Rachel
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Published 2018
Picador
256 pages
The Mars Room – Rachel Kushner
READ FOR BOOKERTHON
A study on institutional living, via prison inmate Romy Hall who is serving two life sentences.
➽ “There has been a LOT of hype about The Mars Room so I went in with high expectations. Having just binge-watched the latest series of Orange is the New Black on Netflix meant that the content of The Mars Room didn’t feel as fresh for me – this is no fault of the author of course!
“I deeply felt the struggles of the mothers in prison with their children either being removed from them or being completely inaccessible.
“While there were the occasional funny situations and lines this book overall conveyed an enormous sense of helplessness and despair which seems accurate based on anything I’ve ever heard about the American justice system. I just wanted there to be a nugget of goodness in this novel, something uplifting that gave me hope, but it just wasn’t to be.” – Suzy
No Tank Tops, the sign said at Youth Guidance. Because it was
presumed the parents didn’t know better than to show up to court
looking like hell. The sign might have said Your Poverty Reeks.
➽ “The Mars Room is less about Romy Hall and more about the premise of institutional living and a commentary on your increased chances of ending up there if you are on the poor side of working class.
“It’s an intense, totally immersive read, retelling incidents and tricks of the trade that have obviously been well researched. What appealed to me was the no-hold barred reveal of tension-building tales.
“There is a late charge on plot, but I guess this is a true reflection of prison life, the mundane and the habitual making up your day until one day something outrageous happens.
“I certainly liked The Mars Room (though I would have named it differently), but at this stage in my shortlist reading, it hasn’t blown me away as something I think will win.” – Rachel
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Published 2018
Scribbler
338 pages
Everything Under – Daisy Johnston
READ FOR BOOKERTHON
A reunited mother and daughter delve into their troubled past.
➽ “First things first: this book has a beautiful cover. All publishers should put in this much effort!
“Everything Under is a debut novel by a 27-year-old Brit. Knowing this and seeing that cover, it’s hard not to be impressed without even reading a word!
“Delving into the text doesn’t disappoint. It has a complex web of relationships where gender lines are blurred but there is a clear focus on femininity. And family ties make or break people.
“With the main character named Gretel and various Opedial predictions it is clear that fairy tales and myth played a large role in creating this book. And as well as being clever in every regard, there is certainly a great tale too. Definitely worth reading.” – Rachel
The places we are born come back to us. They disguise themselves as words, memory loss, nightmares. They are the way we sometimes wake with a pressure on our chests that is animal-like or turn on a light and see someone we’d thought was long gone standing there looking at us.
➽ “I don’t think I have ever read a book where the reveal has been so massive and intense that I have had to put the book down and give myself a break from reading for a few minutes! The threading and weaving of the storylines all of a sudden came together and I was shocked.
“For a novel that dealt with some unusual and difficult themes there was also a very large dose of ordinariness and relatability. This book was clever, haunting, distracting, and deceptively simple.
“And yes I agree with Rach, the cover is absolutely beautiful.” – Suzy
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Published 2018
Jonathan Cape
264 pages
Milkman – Anna Burns
READ FOR BOOKERTHON
A young woman is pursued by a renouncer terrorist in 1970s Northern Ireland.
➽ “The unnamed narrator in Milkman is the glue that holds the book together. She is the apolitical in a political novel, the every day logic amongst the absurdity of strife. Middle sister, maybe girlfriend, whatever you want to call her, is generous with her thoughts and observations of her environment, which is The Troubles in Northern Ireland during the 1970s. Car bombs and telephone bugs are part of life yet so are the bizarre relationships she has with several characters. I liked her and her voice. A lot.”
“However, the real point of difference in this book is its vernacular. The prose is strikingly descriptive – sometimes things are described four or five or 20 times over, with as any synonyms as possible, and these parts were particularly fascinating. Burns uses some wonderful words in creative ways and I was just as intrigued by how this book was written as by the story itself.” – Rachel
Next came abortions and I had to guess them also, from ‘vermifuge, squaw mint, Satan’s apple, premature expulsion, being failed in the course of coming into being’ with any doubt dispelled by, ‘Well, daughter, you can’t disappoint me anymore than you’ve already disappointed me, so tell me –what did you procure and which of them drab aunts did you procure it of?
➽ “Whheewwww is how I felt when I finished this book. I think I would have enjoyed it a lot more had I not been in a rush to finish it alongside the other short-listers. It was a unique read and a massive eye-opener for me in terms of what life was like in a country with terrorism and very strong religious beliefs.
“It felt claustrophobic and oppressive and terrifying. It felt like I was wading through this novel rather than enjoying it – if wading was then intent of the author then goal achieved.” – Suzy
—–
Published 2018
Faber Faber
352 pages
The Nine-Chambered Heart – Janice Pariat
READ FOR BOOKCLUB
Chosen by Sonya
Nine characters recall their relationship with a young woman – the same woman – whom they have loved, or who has loved them.
➽ “The Nine Chambered Heart was my book, and I’m glad for the choice. The concept of nine different voices speaking of their relationship with the central character, is fresh and new. I loved the way we slowly discovered more about her, one puzzle piece at a time. It was a beautifully written novel, clever and gentle in its manner, easy to read. My only criticism of it at the time of reading it was that it felt incomplete. Although I realise it was the author’s intention to leave much unresolved, I felt that some point of finality would have made the book ‘fantastic’ rather than ‘good’. In reflecting on the book during book club discussion, my other issue was although there were nine different voices, these voices spoke in the same way. The writing style did not reflect the characters’ differences. This affected how authentic the voices were in my head. Overall however, a really engaging read I would recommend as a great book club title.” – Sonya
➽ “I loved how this novel offered a different concept to anything else I have ever read. It was a beautifully written story of love and loss. The premise of the book was unique, nine different people describe the same girl they loved at different points of her life. Throughout the novel there are no names or places mentioned, suggesting that these stories/memories can happen to anyone, anywhere in the world. Its a novel that you can’t really sink your teeth in but one you can sit back and enjoy it for what it is.” – Jodie
➽ “The Nine Chambered Heart is a work of experimental fiction, where nine people, over the stretch of a few decades, recall their experiences and relationships with the same woman. Written in the second person it certainly felt as though I was reading something quite special. At first I felt I was learning more about the associates’ lives but by the end I realised I understood the (nameless) woman on an emotional level rather than one based around her activities and opinions, and therefore the text had done its job. Even, what I felt was, objectification of the woman became a moral standpoint on topics relevant in today’s society. My only gripe was that the associates’ voices had a similarity to them but it was not enough to cloud my view on the book, and in fact had me pondering the potential relevance! Lovely book. Lovely cover. I recommend it.” – Rachel
—–
Published 2017
Fourth Estate India
216 pages
The Paying Guests – Sarah Waters
READ FOR BOOKCLUB
Chosen by Jo
A love affair and a crime amongst landladies and their tenants, set in post-war Britain.
➽ SPOILER ALERT “Sarah Waters wonderfully sets the scene with her detailed and easy-to-absorb descriptions of the physical and social environment. I really felt as if I was in that house watching in a ‘fly on the wall’ sort of a way. She slowly develops the desire between Lillian and Frances culminating in passionate sex scenes which were eye opening and so very convincing. The detail and angst involved after Leonard’s accidental killing with moving the body, the aftermath of discovery and police investigation and the subsequent trial of an innocent man were thrilling. I would say though that the book moves so slowly in the first half and then picks up considerably in the last that it seems a bit discordant – too much detail in the cleaning and relationship building between Lillian and Frances I think. The ending I have to say is a let down. There’s so much tension towards the end and then it ends in a boring, lame way. I did enjoy this story but the ending tarnished that enjoyment unfortunately.” – Jo
What did she want? Frances couldn’t tell. She wasn’t sure she cared any more. There had been too much dancing back and forth. The night had been over-stretched: it had lost its tension
➽ “The Paying Guests exhibits Waters’ usual mastery of telling a personal tale in such depth its as if the characters are living beings. It details the day-to-day interactions of a widow and her daughter with their new lodgers – ‘paying guests’ a requirement after the deaths of their menfolk in the war. There is a scandalous affair and a crime and a trial, all explored in a manner accurate for the 1922 British setting. I enjoyed the plot in the body of the work, infact I felt emotionally invested in the character’s lives every step of the way, but I did feel that Waters normally delivers more in meaning and message. And, I have to say (SPOILER ALERT) I was extremely disappointed in the ending. I had all these wild imaginings about what scandalous eventuality could occur in the final sentences, yet it was the most routine and colourless ending possible and I was hugely frustrated, especially as the book weighs in at nearly 600 pages and therefore involved some input of time and energy. I have read and loved several of her other works, but don’t know if I’d recommend this one.” – Rachel
➽ “The Paying Guests is a novel set in 1922 after World War 1. I found this novel by Sarah Waters very slow paced and a bit of a chore to read. The first half is very long and arduous with a lot of floor scrubbing and boring domesticity. During the second half we are rewarded with a taboo love affair, a murder, a courtroom drama, a lot more exciting than the fist half, albeit it still never becomes compelling enough to hook me in.” – Jodie
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Published 2014
Riverhead Books
564 pages
I Capture The Castle – Dodie Smith
READ FOR BOOKCLUB
Recommended by Sophia
A coming-of-age novel written as diary entries by a 1930s teenage girl living in poverty in an English castle.
➽ “What at first appears as a simple coming-of-age story is actually a cross-genre mediation on the history of the British novel. Sometimes Austen-esque, sometimes farcical, but ultimately modernistic, Smith’s characters break the norms of reader expectation to transcend the mere love interest plot line to be young women in charge. Cassandra, the main character not only portrays this in her romantic life but in her capturing of the castle, capturing it in words for the reader to enjoy, but capturing control of the family and its destiny. The descriptions of the castle’s many nooks and crannies are beautifully and often hilariously done within a complex narrative that is pure genius on the author’s behalf. Like no other book I have read before, I immediately felt the need to call this one of my favourite books. Thank you Sophia for introducing it into my life, someone who never fails me with recommendations.” – Rachel
➽ “I read this book totally believing I was reading a book written by a contemporary writer, written recently. So I was completely taken aback to find it was a story written during the period it was set, in the 1930s. It made me love it more! Yes, I loved it, from start to finish, although the romantic in me wanted a romantic happy ending and so was slightly unsatisfied … but would it have been as good if it had ended any other way? Probably not. I loved the romantic tension, the humour and the gentle philosophical meanderings about God and life and happiness, and the feminist undercurrent. It was also an easy read, so all in all a top book, and highly recommended reading.” – Sonya
➽ “I absolutely loved this book with a passion! I felt like Cassandra Mortmain was a dear friend and she could have told me about anything and I would have listened with rapturous delight. The writing was beautiful, the characters interesting, the story unpredictable and captivating with truly funny parts littered throughout. Dodie Smith was incredibly talented and I’m wondering how I had never heard of this book until a friend suggested we read it for book club – how is it not more widely (popularly) known as a classic? I feel grieved that I’ve finished it and can’t read it for the first time again – I’m actually getting truly sad (again) thinking about that!” – Jo
—–
Published 1948
William Heinemann
343 pages
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