Many of the group found this a difficult read owing to the unusual style of writing in the first quarter of the book. It was felt that the referencing of the works used for material was a good thing but the way they were displayed was irritating as it broke the rhythm of reading. The…

Only two members of the group had managed to read the book to the end before attending the discussion group.  However, by the end of the session most said they would continue to read it. Whilst ultimately most of the group enjoyed the fact that they could relate to the social events described in this…

Whilst most of the group enjoyed this book, the majority also found the first part of it very confusing as it was not always easy to follow who was speaking. However, later parts were thought to be well-written and a good account of social history. The self-serving failings of human nature and the need to…

It was agreed that, whilst everybody found this a very easy book to read, it was felt that the first half was far more interesting than the second.  The vivid depiction of life in a Cretan leper colony seemed well researched and highlighted the lack of understanding at that time about the disease and the…

23.03.26 The group had mixed feelings about this book as some struggled with the way the narrative skipped from the present day to events when the characters were younger. However, it was felt that the dysfunctional family, bohemian lifestyle and characters were well described and there were many layers to the storyline. It was agreed…

This book received mixed reviews from the Group. One member loved it whilst another gave up and didn’t even finish it. Most found the characters lacked depth and they were left waiting for things to ‘go somewhere’. The writing style is very understated but does show how mundane life was in this scenario and that…

Most of the group found this book had to be read in small bites and some found it hard to get into.  Not everybody enjoyed it, but all agreed it was educational, highlighted the way women were treated (despite proof of amazing feats) and that the woman in question had an amazing character.  Had we…

This book was enjoyed by all group members who found it well written, descriptive and educational. Everybody gained new information regarding hares, their way of life and the countryside in general. This book is a nature memoir about the author’s experience nurturing a newborn, endangered hare she found as a child in the English countryside.…

All but two of the Group were not very keen on this book and those already familiar with work by this author agreed it was not one of her better ones.  Whilst it was felt it was an authentic portrayal of 14th century life and showed how little control women had over their own destinies,…

27th October 2025 Whilst most of the Group thought the book captured 17th century social life and religion, it was felt that the relationship between Griet and Vermeer could have been developed further. Overall it was considered a very readable book but possibly the writing was uneven in its handling of the characters. This historical…