This book, although not generally well received, created some good discussion. It was an interesting story and gave a glimpse into Russian history which tempted some members to want to read more about. The author, herself, was criticised for her style of writing with short, stunted sentences which didn’t help the flow of the book.
The story was told by a bookbinder’s daughter, Vavara, who eventually rose to be the Empress Elizabeth’s confidante, one of the palace spies, a loving mother and the close friend of Catherine, who became ‘the Great’.
Which took a long time to be told in a somewhat Walt Disney type of way describing a cold snowy Russia and the extravagancies of palace life and how if one was ailing, they were bled! Generally thought to be ‘a bit light’ and disappointing - definitely a winter read!
Pam has chosen
What Am I Doing Here by Bruce Chatwin for the March meeting.
This is meeting is exceptionally on
Friday 22 March 2013
Sylvia has chosen the April book:
Death Comes to Pemberley by P.D. James This is meeting is Thursday 18 April 2013
Sue M.’s 3 suggestions for the May book were,
A Confederency of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole,
Another Roadside Attraction by Tom Robins and
The Diaries of Jane Summers by Doris Lessing.
The meeting is on Thursday 16 May with
The Doris Lessing book chosen:
The Diaries of Jane Summers
Book Club of the Ladies Lunch Club meets generally on the
3rd Thursday of each month
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