Chai Time at Cinnamon Gardens, Shankari Chandran (Miles Franklin, 2023)

We are doing this more recent novel by special request! Set in a Sydney nursing home, the Cinnamon Gardens of the title, the author starts light. But in the works 350 pages she delves into trauma, racism, and structural inequity in modern multicultural Australia. Complex narratives are built over multiple timelines. Reviewers say this book demands the reader's investment and immerses them into a realistic Sri Lanka. They conclude the investment is made worthwhile by the "gorgeous layering... about unexpected families we create around ourselves."

Since starting this book club a few years ago we have formed a nice core membership. If you haven't come yet, please look out for the books on the table, pull up a chair, order a wine and join us. We like to hear what everyone has to say and enjoy the conversation, we're not cliquey at all! Oh, and to defray the Meetup monthly bill I will accept gold coin contributions or wine if you want to pay for multiple in one hit. I hope to see everyone again at this one with some new faces.