London Wine and Dine Book Club

After reading Alan Hollinghurst's novel in October, we are having an outing to the Almeida in Islington to see the theatrical version. The run of the play is sold out at the moment, but keep an eye out for any news of a transfer to the West End!

Our first meeting of November will see us read Yael van der Wouden's novel, The Safekeep. Published in 2024, the book won numerous prizes and was shortlisted for the Booker Prize. 'An exhilarating tale of twisted desire, histories and homes, and the unexpected shape of revenge – for readers of Patricia Highsmith, Sarah Waters and Ian McEwan’s Atonement.' (Penguin Books)

'An exquisitely atmospheric psychological thriller set in early-60s rural Netherlands, van der Wouden's award-winning debut revolves around the escalating tension between controlling Isabel and her brother's graceless new girlfriend.'
-Waterstones
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/199798201-the-safekeep

To ensure that we Remember, Remember the meeting, we will hold it at Gunpowder Tower Bridge. So come along for some delicious Indian food in an iconic location as we dive into this exciting novel.

N.B. We will be charging an event fee of £3, non-refundable, to discourage no-shows and contribute to the running costs of the group. Please only sign up if you intend to come along as space is limited to make for an effective discussion!

In our second meeting of November, we dive into the world of historical fiction with The Women by Kristin Hannah. The novel was published in 2024 to great critical acclaim, quickly becoming a best-seller. The book is the most recent effort from the prolific author and is set in the United States and Vietnam in the 1960s.

'A sweeping epic of conflict, heartbreak and a changing world, this breathtaking novel from the author of The Four Winds centres on a young nurse's experiences during the Vietnam War and the trauma of coming home to an unrecognisable America.'
-Waterstones
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/127305853-the-women

The meeting will be at Delicious Pho, near Spitalfields Market. So come along for some tasty Vietnamese food as we dive into this fascinating novel.

N.B. We will be charging an event fee of £3, non-refundable, to discourage no-shows and contribute to the running costs of the group. Please only sign up if you intend to come along as space is limited to make for an effective discussion!

For our December meeting, we will celebrate the season by reading the autobiographical work , A Christmas Memory by Truman Capote. First published in 1956 in Mademoiselle magazine, it has been published in many editions and anthologies since. 'Capturing the essence of Christmastime in a depression-era Alabama, it's a love letter to yesteryear brimming with yuletide cheer – and a splash of contraband whiskey.' (Penguin)

'From a singular festive feast in the Deep South to an unexpected Christmas miracle in a drugstore, this resonant and crisp collection brings together Capote’s best seasonal short stories from across his writing life.'
-Waterstones
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9919.A_Christmas_Memory

With this being our Christmas meeting, we will hold it at our usual venue, Bangalore Express in the city of London. So come along for some delicious curry and festive discussion!

N.B. We will be charging an event fee of £3, non-refundable, to discourage no-shows and contribute to the running costs of the group. Please only sign up if you intend to come along as space is limited to make for an effective discussion!