What we’re about
This group aims to read the best in literature, mainly novels, and and then to discuss and share your thoughts and opinions with others. We're fun and we don't take it too seriously!
We will hold discussion groups based on one book at a time where members will be encouraged to share their experience and opinions.
Do join if you are interested in literature, have an open mind, and want to learn from other people and other moments in time. You don't need to be an expert, just someone who likes reading!
If you want notification of events and polls to chose each month's book, do check to make sure you are subscribed to the group's 'announcements'.
Upcoming events (2)
See all- The Return of the Native - Thomas HardyThe Castle Inn, CambridgeGBP 2.00
Please join us for The Return of the Native by Thomas Hardy.
Book descriptions (take care, may contain spoilers): Goodreads; Wikipedia.
Published in 1878, Return of the Native tells the story of Eustacia Vye, a restless woman who seeks escape from her life on Egdon Heath, and her disastrous marriage to Clym Yeobright, a "native" returning from Paris who aims to live a simple life. Hardy originally struggled to find a publisher for this work owing to its controversial themes.
Born in 1840 in Upper Bockhampton, Dorset, Hardy was a prominent English novelist and poet, particularly known for his novels set in the fictional region of Wessex, based in Dorset. Hardy initially pursued architecture in London before turning to writing where his early work included poetry, but achieved fame with his novels, notably Far from the Madding Crowd and Tess of the d'Urbervilles.
He was a realist and naturalistic writer, often exploring themes of rural life, social injustice, and the impact of destiny on individuals. His work often featured strong female protagonists and a sense of fatalism, reflecting his observations of the harsh realities of rural life. Hardy also wrote a significant body of poetry, which he considered his primary form of expression. He died of a pleurisy in 1928 after dictating a final poem to his wife.
Parking is free in the car park next door after 7pm. Each event costs £2 per person to cover Meet Up platform fees only. Please pay by:
cash
OR
paypal to gkmlong@gmail.com
OR
BACS details available on request - Wolf Hall - Hilary MantelThe Castle Inn, CambridgeGBP 2.00
Please join us for Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel.
Book descriptions (take care, may contain spoilers): Goodreads; Wikipedia.
Wolf Hall is a 2009 booker prize winning historical novel by English author Hilary Mantel. It tells the fictionalised biography of Thomas Cromwell in Henry VIII's court. With the volatile King seeking to annul his first marriage, Cromwell, both a charmer and a bully, helps him break the opposition from the pope and most of Europe.
Brought up in a Catholic family in Derbyshire and Cheshire, Mantel later studied law and jurisprudence at the London School of Economics and the University of Sheffield before working in social work and sales. After marrying, Mantel lived in Botswana and Saudi Arabia before returning to the UK. She published her first novel in 1985, and also published several short stories. She had her greatest success with Wolf Hall which went on to become a trilogy. She died from complications from a stroke in 2022.
Parking is free in the car park next door after 7pm. Each event costs £2 per person to cover Meet Up platform fees only. Please pay by:
cash
OR
paypal to gkmlong@gmail.com
OR
BACS details available on request
