The Free-Range Bookclub
Bookclubbers without boundaries in Nelson, New Zealand
Back Booker 2006
Before we get onto this year’s Bookerthon we’ll sneak in another Back Booker.
This time we are looking at 2006 which had a huge variety of narratives and settings, yet each tale delivered the authenticity of a lived experience. Being lost in the story as if you’re there, as if you can hear and see and smell what the characters do imparts the book on your brain like a memory. And such books are expected on award shortlists!
Here’s what we read:
Carry Me Down features John Egan a 11-year-old with a man’s stature and intellectual capabilities that baffle many around him and interfere with his ability to assess the emotional turmoil that is affecting his family. He undertakes drastic action to counter family events and the repercussions of that fill the pages.
In The Night Watch, four characters relive their war time experiences backwards – we meet them in 1947 and the pages work backwards until 1941. There is much more than war time tales in this novel, there are many experiences that are indicative of the era and very moving.
In The Country Of Men is a story about Libya under Gaddafi’s regime. It is told from the perspective of narrater as a child and as such is engaging, emotive and educational. The fluid writing style offers an experience, and many aspects to war and conflict we had not read about before.
The Inheritance of Loss is set both in a dilapidated house in the Himalayas and fancy New York eateries. A retired judge has links to both through his children and recollects his memories in order to accept the two variations of living. Snippets of electric descriptions highlight the discord between the two worlds.
Mother’s Milk is moving book, albeit a bit disturbing. It details a mother’s obsession with her sons to the detriment of her family’s progression and happiness. Patrick Melrose is dealing with the neuroses of both his wife and his mother in a book that deals with big topics like parenting, adultery and assisted suicide.
In The Secret River William Thornhill is transported to New South Wales in 1806 as a punishment for theft. He and his wife set up home but must forge relationships with the natives in order to live a peaceful life. Interesting, but we did agree it was a shallow portrayal of the injustices carried out on Aboriginal People by settlers, compared to the NZ stories we are used to.
In the end, after what felt like a trip around the world in a time machine, we concluded that any could have won it this year and we would have been okay with it. However, for Suzy, her fave was The Inheritance of Loss and for Rachel, her top pick was In The Country of Men. Chosen for the reasons already stated, that they were so evocative and we closed the pages feeling like we’d been there and lived the life of the characters.
Best book 1-6: Rachel:
In The Country Of Men
The Inheritance Of Loss
The Night Watch
Mother’s Milk
The Secret River
Carry Me Down
Best book 1-6: Suzy:
The Inheritance Of Loss
The Night Watch
In The Country Of Men
Mother’s Milk
The Secret River
Carry Me Down
The Potato Factory – Bryce Courtenay
READ FOR BOOKCLUB
Chosen by Jo
Set in the early 19th century, The Potato Factory explores the lives of London’s thieves, con men, prostitutes, street urchins and lowlife many of whom, suffering from England’s social and political inequalities, are sent to the penal colony of Van Diemen’s Land, now Tasmania.
Ikey Soloman was one such person. A real person who has been fictionalised here, the book is not so much about him, but rather the people who’s lives are changed because of him. After being sentenced to transportation, Ikey’s mistress, Mary Abacus, and also his wife Hannah make the harsh journey from London to Van Diemen’s Land. In the backstreets and dives of Hobart Town, both are set on destroying the other.
Turning to Ann Gower, she smiled. “You’re a good woman, Ann Gower.”
Ann Gower drew back and looked askance at Mary. “Don’t you go ruinin’ me reputation, Mary Abacus. I be a real bad woman, but a bloody good whore, and you knows it!”
❚ “A thrilling story with plenty of interesting twists and turns. Ikey Soloman is a despicable rogue who you can’t help but like. Some scenes of violence seem a bit gratuitous. However, I love a story centred around hardship and poverty and so enjoyed this book thoroughly.” – Jo
❚ “I do like reading about the penal colonies and the stories of individuals who had to work so hard to adjust and survive, so this was an enjoyable read.” – Rachel
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Published 1995
832 pages
Great Expectations – Charles Dickens
READ FOR BOOKCLUB
Chosen by Suzy
A coming of age novel where a young man, Pip, has an anonymous benefactor who sponsors him in to becoming a gentleman
❚ “ Great Expectations is a story of a young man who wants more than what he is, only to discover that what he had was not so bad.
“Pip is an orphan who lives with his sister and her family. In the opening pages he interacts with and chooses to assist an escaped convict with the provision of food and a file to break loose of his chains.
“Putting this experience with the lower classes behind him, Pip ends up in the company of Miss Havisham, a rich, eccentric woman, and Estella, her adopted daughter. Spending time in their company makes Pip embarrassed of his poverty and his harshness, and he becomes determined to better himself.
“A lawyer then comes to the village and tells Pip that an anonymous benefactor has decided to bestow property on Pip and turn him into a gentleman. He is whisked away to London to study with a tutor, who is a relation of Miss Havisham.
“His journey into becoming a gentleman is one which has been the foundation for many novels and movies over the years, though none are never as clear cut as simply learning about class and status and living happily every after as such. Pip’s transformation has the predicted ups and downs, with ambition and guilt weighing equally in his life, and in the actions of other characters.”
There was a long hard time when I kept far from me the remembrance of what I had thrown away when I was quite ignorant of its worth.
❚ “A wonderfully complex story which has poverty and hope at its core and the romantic turmoil between Pip and Estella creates perfect tension. A must read.” – Jo
❚ “Yes Pip’s story is one of opportunity but also of appreciating what and who you have in your life whatever your status. This is a book that never leaves me and which pops into mind every so often when certain circumstances occur. Though it was written so long ago, it’s amazing how often I can see the personality traits depicted in people around me!” – Rachel
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Published 1861
Chapman & Hall
544 pages
Twilight – Stephanie Meyer
READ FOR BOOKCLUB
Chosen by Nadine
Seventeen-year-old Isabella Swan moves from Phoenix, Arizona to Forks, Washington and finds her life in danger when she falls in love with a vampire, Edward Cullen, whom she comes to consider her immortal soulmate.
About three things I was absolutely positive. First, Edward was a vampire. Second, there was a part of him-and I didn’t know how potent that part might be-that thirsted for my blood. And third, I was unconditionally and irrevocably in love with him.
❚ “Yes, I’m embarrassed to have put this on our reading list, but I just had to know what all the hype was about! Enough said.” – Nadine
❚ “Although this book is seemingly aimed at teens it is a surprisingly enjoyable read for adults. Easy to read with a tried and true vampire theme it is hardly a literary novel, however I didn’t want to put it down and even watched the movie.” – Jo
❚ “I can see why this book would be captivating to a teenage audience, and while it didn’t appeal to me so much, I am glad I have read it and know what all the fuss is about. Interesting to learn more about the author and her experiences in creating the Twilight brand.” – Rachel
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Published 2005
Little, Brown
544 pages
The Outcast – Sadie Jones
READ FOR BOOKCLUB
Chosen by Rachel
Eight year old Lewis Alridge meets his father for the first time in 1945, newly returned from the war. Life awkwardly ekes by until one day there is a tragedy in the family which sets Lewis on a path of violence and he ends up in prison. His return home at aged 19 is to a provincial English society full of folk unwilling to question the past or the present. Lewis has had enough of tip-toeing around, however.
There was a sudden stillness like the gap between ticks on a clock, but the next tick never coming.
❚ “This is a heavy novel. Weighty in themes, drama and suspense. The entire book is narrated by 19-year-old Lewis, so the depth of his emotion is heavily laid at our feet for we only have his point of view to go by. There are a lot of intense morals and moments in this book, so it’s not for the light hearted but it will reward those who love to be moved by fiction.” – Rachel
❚ “This book is a little depressing – the main character has an awfully tragic loss to bear and a father who offers him no real love. Lewis Aldridge has been very well developed and I felt a lot of sympathy for him. The weird maternal-sexual tension is nicely disturbing and adds to the tension. An enjoyable read for me.” – Jo
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Published 2008
480 pages
Anne of Green Gables – L M Montgomery
READ FOR BOOKCLUB
Chosen by Suzy
A coming-of-age novel about a talkative orphan called Anne Shirley who is sent to a farm in Avonlea
❚ “Siblings Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert plan to adopt a young boy to help out on the family farm, Green Gables. However a young, talkative, redhead girl called Anne arrives instead. Though initially reluctant to take on the girl, her precocious nature endears her to the brother and sister.
“Anne’s life is never dull, with her imagination, impulsiveness and tendency to talk too much leading her on one adventure after another. Still, through a combination of resourcefulness and good luck, Anne manages to avoid any dire consequences.
“Montgomery captures the happy side of childhood: the excitement of finding a best friend, creating a romantic fantasy world, and receiving small privileges. However, the loneliness of being the outsider, the sense of considering oneself unattractive, and the grief of losing someone are also apparent.
“Anne of Green Gables addresses social problems of the early 20th century, some of which remain relevant today. Written before most women even had the right to vote, Montgomery reiterates that boys and girls are equally intelligent and talented. Although she does portray gender roles that could be considered stereotypical today, her ideas were progressive for 1908.”
People laugh at me because I use big words. But if you have big ideas, you have to use big words to express them, haven’t you?
❚ “Who wouldn’t love a re-read of this classic? Anne Shirley, with her joy for life and her encouragement for young girls to come out of their shells and be their own person, is an infectious character. I love that she’s outspoken and forthright, what we want every girl to be today, yet so few had that opportunity when this book was written.” – Rachel
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Published 1908
158 pages
The Vintner’s Luck – Elizabeth Knox
READ FOR BOOKCLUB
Chosen by Nadine
The unorthodox story of a French winemaker and his homosexual love affair with an angel.
❚ “One summer night in 1808, Sobran Jodeau sets out to drown his sorrows in his family’s vineyard when he stumbles upon an angel. Once he gets over his shock, Sobran decides that Xas, the male angel, is his guardian sent to counsel him on everything from marriage to wine production.
“But Xas turns out to be far more to Sobran. The Vintner’s Luck explores an unexpected love story as Sobran starts a sexual relationship with the angel and falls in love with him.
“The story falls somewhere between fantasy and allegory and despite its unorthodox nature elicits a high level of acceptance in the reader. Perhaps it is the inclusion of details on winemaking, wars, progress, passion and death in the small Burgundy village, as well as Jodeau’s midsummer trysts. Perhaps it’s the ideal cast of characters who have been structured incredibly well to be appealing and believable.”
Every day time stopped and Sobran saw Xas, the sun reflecting off his raised wings, white chest watermarked by tears dried in fine dust; bare skin and colourless nipples, as innocent as a child’s; the double signature, seagreen and vermilion, awake and vivid; a whitelipped white face and eyes, abysmal, inimical, like the sea seen through holes in an icefield. It was like being in love, this remembering, because Sobran couldn’t put Xas out of his mind. And it was like shame. Because he grew so tired defending himself from the pain of this one recollection, Sobran forgot everything else he knew about the angel.
❚ “This is not just a phenomenal love story, it is a beautiful work of art, totally outside of the square and completely riveting. Despite it’s far-fetched plot, it is believable and magical in every way. It’s the kind of book where I would stop mid paragraph to declare ‘OMG that was a beautiful sentence.’
“The contrast of Knox’s imaginary heaven and hell vs the characters’ reality adds another level of beauty to the novel. And Xas is a wonderful guide through all of these lands. I have been in love with Xas ever since my first reading of this book, for he is perfect, and not in a cliched or expected way. Aurora is also a magnificent character, strong and assured but again never trite.
“This is a book that deeply moved me and features on my top ten faves of all time. What’s more, it was the book that Suzy and I formed our friendship over.” – Rachel
❚ “Whenever this book has come up in a random conversation and someone has said “what is it about” I have never been able to completely do it justice. “A beautiful love story where a gay angel meets married French winemaker”? It is most definitely an utterly gorgeous and evocative book. At the time I was first reading this book I met Rach – she said it was one of her all time favourites and I knew then we’d be BFFs 4evs. (Rach I’m sorry that I wrote BFFs 4evs in a paragraph about The Vintner’s Luck).” – Suzy
—–
Published 1998
Victoria University Press
256 pages
The Buddha of Suburbia – Hanif Kureishi
READ FOR BOOKCLUB
Chosen by Rachel
The Buddha of Suburbia is a satirical coming-of-age story that deals with class, race, and identity. Haroon, is a first generation immigrant who begins a relationship with a woman named Eva who shares his interest in Buddhism. Eva encourages Haroon to share his outlook with others, turning him into the Buddha of Suburbia. Karim, half Indian, half English, accompanies his father to the early meetings because he has a crush on Eva’s son, Charlie. Herein starts Karim’s introduction to an adult world full of renegade theatre directors, punk rock stars, fancy parties, and all the sex a young man could desire.
Maybe you never stop feeling like an eight-year-old in front of your parents. You resolve to be your mature self, to react in this considered way rather than that elemental way, to breathe evenly from the bottom of your stomach and to see your parents as equals, but within five minutes your intentions are blown to hell, and you’re babbling and screaming in rage like an angry child.
❚ “A contemporary story that strikes a chord on many levels. There is no great plot, or surprise ending but Kureishi poignantly details British attitudes towards foreigners, as well as strongly held opinions on race, politics and sexuality. As a non-Brit I enjoyed the ’70s UK education, especially the pop culture and politics. This story was a real journey.” – Rachel
—–
Published 1990
Faber & Faber
288 pages
Tess Of The D’Urbervilles – Thomas Hardy
READ FOR BOOKCLUB
Chosen by Ros
In this 1891 book, a poor young woman discovers she may be descended from nobility and goes in search of a better life
❚ “Tess Durbeyfield is a complex character considered by some a hopeless victim and by others an archetype of feminine strength. Either way her actions and those forced upon her can make or break readers in their attachment to her and the book in general. We felt these conflicting emotions too in bookclub.
“Tess is the eldest of seven children with peddlers for parents. News that they may be descendants of nobility causes her parents to send Tess off to the D’Urberville Estate in hope of financial aid. Herein begins a spate of ill-fortunes.
“She is betrayed by religion, by social conventions of the time and by men who exploit her. Her virtue is destroyed and her life is shaped by continual suffering for crimes that are not her own. She is cast out by a morally hypocritical society but remains hardworking and steadfast under adversity. It is hard not to feel anguish and frustration at the unfairness of her life.
“We learned that at the time of the book’s release the author’s depiction of sex, criticism of religion and dark pessimism was heavily criticised. However modern critiques praise the novel as a courageous righting of many of the ills Hardy found in Victorian society.
A strong woman who recklessly throws away her strength, she is worse than a weak woman who has never had any strength to throw away.
“Like many readers before us we too were torn between sympathy for Tess but also frustration at her being typecast as the ultimate victim. Every turn of events was bleak and frustrating and a bit of a downer. It didn’t feel like she had feminine strength because nothing ended up going her way, she didn’t get results for her good qualities. However she makes for a fascinating character study and kind of lived beyond the page. She is the reason for reading this book – if you can bear it.”
—–
Published 1891
McIlvanie & Co
592 pages
2009 – Chapter Three
Chapter three, or otherwise known as the spot between the intro and the rest of the story, when things can stall, when reader investment is at the make or break point. Yes it’s all or nothing from this point on.
Luckily we’re all in the firm belief that it’s ALL for us.
We may have a couple of third year itches to scratch (in terms of frequency) but are all still eager and passionate about bookclub. Look out chapter four!
We’re growing too. We have secured a fourth bookclubber – the lovely Ros – who adds a new dimension to our readings which we welcome with open arms.
As mentioned above, our frequency seems to have petered out a little and we have moved to four weekly (yes we have husbands and families to consider in our time management!) Nonetheless we have a varied reading list for the year which includes fabulous classics, New Zealand fiction & poetry and some new releases which everyone is talking about so we thought we better read them and be able to contribute to the many conversations which are circulating.
Tess of The D’Urbervilles – Thomas Hardy
The Buddha of Suburbia – Hanif Kureishi
The Vintner’s Luck – Elizabeth Knox
Anne of Green Gables – L M Montgomery
The Outcast – Sadie Jones
Twilight – Stephanie Meyer
Great Expectations – Charles Dickens
The Potato Factory – Bryce Courtenay
Ooooooo…!!! – Hone Tuwhare
The 10pm Question – Kate de Goldi
Netherland – Joseph O’Neill
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