Mon, Jul 13 · 7:00 PM BST
A well-attended June meeting gave a generally favourable reception with a score of 75 to a book, Slow Horses that has spawned a series that has become something of a phenomenon in both print and on the small screen. A more mixed opinion was given on the second book, Pagans, which clearly aspires to develop into a series. Time will tell. For us it scored 52.
For July we are heading back in time with one book to read about ruthlessness, seduction, vanity and manipulation in early 20th century New York as well as staying in the modern world with the second that takes a satirical look at diversity in the publishing industry and social media.
Please note, with thanks, we appreciate attendees making a contribution of £1.50 at the meeting to help cover meetup charges.
Happy Reading.
The Custom of the Country by Edith Wharton (nominated by Jonathan)
Edith Wharton's satiric anatomy of American society in the first decade of the twentieth century appeared in 1913; it both appalled and fascinated its first reviewers and established her as a major novelist.
The Saturday Review wrote that she had 'assembled as many detestable people as it is possible to pack between the covers of a six-hundred page novel', but concluded that the book was 'brilliantly written', and 'should be read as a parable'.
It follows the career of Undine Spragg, recently arrived in New York from the Midwest and determined to conquer high society. Glamorous, selfish, mercenary and manipulative, her principal assets are her striking beauty, her tenacity, and her father's money.
Yellowface by R.F. Kuang (nominated by Emily)
When failed writer June Hayward witnesses her rival Athena Liu die in a freak accident, she sees her opportunity… and takes it.
So what if it means stealing Athena’s final manuscript?
And so what if the first lie is only the beginning…
Finally, June has the fame she always deserved.
But someone is about to expose her…
What happens next is entirely everyone else's fault.
Other books nominated were:
Lady Chatterley’s Love by D. H. Lawrence
