In this month’s book club we discussed Magnus Mills’, The Maintenance of Headway, a thought provoking portrayal of the lives of bus drivers. Members noted the way in which Mills seemed to elevate the mundane and loved his use of humour and hyperbole. Some enjoyed the simplicity of Mills’ writing, whilst others noted how parts of the text were self-consciously complex. We agreed that though on the surface the text shed light on the inner workings of the transport system, it also revealed more about the human condition. Many said that after reading the book they would never catch a bus in the same way again! It was a very good read and enjoyed by all.
Although the next novel was set to be The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins, there were many concerns over our ability to complete the epic tale on time. After a unanimous vote, the group returned to the personal lists made in the previous sessions and agreed that The Tortilla Curtain by T.C Boyle would be the next read. Then, not content to give up completely on gothic horror, we decided to read the smaller, but no less thrilling The Woman In Black, by Susan Hill.
And because the book club is in its 8th month and going strong, with new members still coming through the doors, we thought it would be the perfect time to organise another social in the next few months. Ideas for the social are being shared as we speak, but until they take shape all are still welcome to attend the next two meetings on:
April 17th– for The Tortilla Curtain by T.C Boyle
and
May 15th– for The Woman In Black, by Susan Hill
Look forward to seeing you all there!
Jenny
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