EM’s Book(ish) Club: Our next book

Righty ho, then.  I can’t really call this our August book as I was rather late finishing, so I’ll just go with ‘next’ instead.

Recent suggestions have included:

Rebecca’s Tale by Sally Beauman (hat tip, Jen)

Body Surfing or Light on Snow by Anita Shreve (Aidan)

The Memory Keeper’s Daughter by Kim Edwards (Baino)

Bad Food Britain by Joanna Blythman (Ned Flanders Wee Jen)

A Free Range Childhood by Matthew Appleton (Tara)

Passing for Normal  by Amy Wilensky (Tracey)

I quite fancy something historical – maybe a Phillippa Gregory as recommended by Loops.  Votes, then, or any other suggestions via comment or email please.  Ta everso.

8 Responses to “EM’s Book(ish) Club: Our next book”

1. jennynib says:

   August 22, 2008 at 10:40 am

   Ah, if we’re going Historical, you must read ‘The Weaker Vessel’ by Antonia Fraser!

   I have all of her books and, although the Divine David Starker wags the odd finger at her interpretation of certain historical events, she writes in a beautifully intimate way.

   ‘The Weaker Vessel’ writes on the lives of women in the seventeenth century and explores how these venerable ladies flourished in such narrow (by todays standards) roles. One source of everyday information quite touched my heart – ladies who were expecting babies, well aware of the attrition rate from poor midwifery and infection, spent their confinement writing ‘guides for good living’ for their unborn child. These guides have survived, when sometimes the writer did not. Powerful stuff.

   Having said that, I’m casting my vote for ‘Rebeccas Tale’ – I’m going to read it anyways, just as soon as I finish ‘Six Wives’ by Starkey – choc full of new evidence and astounding tidbits on that tale of the Tudor Bluebeard and the six unfortunates who caught his eye.

   He promises to write on the old devil himself next – can’t wait!!!

   Reply
2. English Mum says:

   August 22, 2008 at 6:19 pm

   Jen: Ah, I loved Six Wives. Took me ages to plough through it but what a sense of achievement at the end! Yep, I’m going to read Rebecca’s Tale whatever, and the Antonia Fraser one too…god, my Amazon bill will be huge! xxx

   Reply
3. Jay says:

   August 22, 2008 at 10:30 pm

   Passing For Normal appeals to me. Rebecca’s Tale and Body Surfing could be interesting depending on the style of writing. Bad Food Britain and A Free Range Childhood .. i probably wouldn’t join in on those two either. The Memory Keeper’s Daughter … I have tried that one, and didn’t like it.

   For good historical fiction – how about Diana Gabaldon? Cross Stitch is the first in the Outlander sieries and is excellent! Pure fantasy, but very well researched.

   Reply
4. Mum says:

   August 23, 2008 at 7:22 am

   Not sure if I’ve read Rebecca’s Tale…did once read a sequel to Rebecca…happy to read it again though. A Free Range Childhood appeals, as any Antonia Fraser. Didn’t get on with The Memory Keeper’s Daughter and not keen on Anita Shreve…that’s my two pennorth!

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5. English Mum says:

   August 23, 2008 at 10:12 am

   Jay: I have to say I quite fancy that Passing for Normal one too. I probably will read Bad Food Britain, but I accept it’s not really ‘International’ enough for the book club. Memory Keeper’s Daughter sounds like a no no too, then. x

   Ma: Rebecca’s Tale still in the running then. I love Antonia Fraser but she can be bloody hard work! x

   Reply
6. Megan says:

   August 24, 2008 at 7:49 pm

   I would like to be in the club. Are you accepting new members?

   Reply
7. Mum says:

   August 25, 2008 at 9:53 am

   I vote we plump for Rebecca’s Tale…after all there are plenty of future months to try other suggestions…X

   Reply
8. English Mum says:

   August 25, 2008 at 10:23 am

   Megan: Absolutely! I’ve sent you an email x

   Ma: Hmmm, good point… I’m happy to try that one x

   Reply