Broken Harbor by Tana French

February 4, 2016

Host:  Amy
Attendees:  Cheryl, Mary Margaret, Michelle, Joan, Susan, Pam T, Pam M

We tried, very hard, to find some redeeming literary qualities in this book.  Some of us had not finished it,  and some finished it with some difficulty.  We all agreed that despite top reviews and being listed on the NYTimes bestseller list, we did not see it quite the same way.

Nevertheless, we always enjoy each other's company 

 Who picked this book?

Until next month!

The Headmaster's Wife by Thomas Christopher Greene

January 7, 2016

Hostess:  Cheryl
Attendees:  Amy, Susan, Janna, Mary Margaret, Joan, Betty Rose, Michelle, Pam T, Pam M  and Sandy dog

Any food for me?

Greene's book The Headmaster's Wife is a portrait of one couple at their best and worst. Inspired by a personal loss, Greene explores the way that tragedy and time assail one man's memories of his life and loves. The book is told from two very different narrative views: Arthur's and his wife, Elizabeth's. They tell a narrative of love, of marriage, of family and of a tragedy Arthur does not know how to address. Their son, Ethan, chose not to go to college but instead joined the army at age 18 then was blown up in an accident.

Good discussion by all who read the book, but we agreed that the ending was disappointing.

Character development was weak. Elizabeth was not developed as well as she could have been.

There was an interesting plot development twist halfway through the book when it was discovered that Arthur was really referring to the high school version of Elizabeth (when we thought he was having an affair with a young student).

The author's storytelling ability was good.