Aug 2025: Death of Ivan Ilyich by Leo Tolstoy

Death of Ivan Ilyich
Hailed as one of the world's supreme masterpieces on the subject of death and dying, The Death of Ivan Ilyich is the story of a worldly careerist, a high court judge who has never given the inevitability of his death so much as a passing thought. But one day death announces itself to him, and to his shocked surprise he is brought face to face with his own mortality. How, Tolstoy asks, does an unreflective man confront his one and only moment of truth?

This short novel was the artistic culmination of a profound spiritual crisis in Tolstoy's life, a nine-year period following the publication of Anna Karenina during which he wrote not a word of fiction. A thoroughly absorbing and, at times, terrifying glimpse into the abyss of death, it is also a strong testament to the possibility of finding spiritual salvation.
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General Attendance Policy:

• We encourage you to have read the book (or most of it), but if you didn't get a chance to, don't let that stop you from attending. Some members find it beneficial to read the book after discussing it. 3 no-shows and you will be removed from the group. You have 48 hours prior to the event to withdraw.
• It is your responsibility to purchase/borrow the month's book. If you are struggling to locate a copy, please let us know and we will endeavour to locate a copy.
• Please respect everyone's opinions and ideas and use common courtesy when participating.
• Members take turns hosting the book affairs. The host for the month is responsible for leading the discussion but anyone in the group can ask questions.

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First time attending an ink affair meetup? On the day, you will be asked the following questions as a way of introduction:

1. Name
2. A little bit about you (i.e. resides in Tauranga, visiting)
3. What are your current reading habits?
4. What are you hoping to get out of being part of a book club?