It’s a lovely feeling when, at the end of the Book Group get-together, everyone is still chatting about books and smiling. This was how we finished up on the 8th October. Our two books we read and reviewed were followed by a plethora of good reads.

So, shall we start with our first shared read…

‘This Motherless Land’ by Nikki May

Liz loved this latest book by Nikki May, and it will become one of those rare things – a book she will read again, rather like a Jane Austen. She felt Nikki tuned into the bitterness of sisterly rivalry so well. Also, descriptions of the two lands, England and Nigeria and the characters were defined brilliantly. She loved it and wants more of Nikki’s writing. (Watch out for this one on our screens in the near future).

Ruth enjoyed it but wanted more in some of the lesser characters. She would love to see the nasty side of Margot really developed. We all loved the references to Beaminster, Crewkerne and Yeovil, especially the much-missed Denners.

Mark loved it. We discussed the problems that brown skinned people seem to experience in both cultures; not quite fitting in and feeling ‘other’ in their countries of birth or in later life, elsewhere. Mark, and some of the others, felt the link to ‘Mansfield Park‘ was a little tenuous, but other examples were discussed to compare that premise.

Faye was very happy with this choice of book and agreed with all Ruth had said in describing this popular novel.

Carol is yet to read ‘This Motherless Land‘ but is very keen to now we have all given it such a good review.

Siobhan loved the character of Liv, and how she welcomed her new cousin. We had a good chat as not only did she think it described well the lives of each character as a tapestry, she also said Liv’s time in London was realistic as she recognised the nightclub because she used to go there!

We all came to the conclusion that this book must be made into a TV or film production.

‘The Square of Sevens’ by Laura Shepherd-Robinson.

Mark enjoyed ‘The Square of Sevens‘, our second book, but felt it was too long at times though he was compelled to finish it. Three-quarters way into the plot, he was doubting what he had read, but, of course, all was revealed at the end. A good read!

Liz loved it. Having read the denouement so many parts of the plot were mentally revisited. Why did she miss those clever hints? Yes, a long and demanding read but thoroughly enjoyed.

Faye listened to this novel on Audible. She had questions! What age was the protagonist to have experienced so much as she did not understand the time line, which we all commented upon.

Carol is still reading it on Kindle. We discussed the best way to read this novel as Kindle did not appear to be the best way. We did not spoil it by revealing the ending.

Mark needed the family tree, as did Liz. He found all the relationships tricky to follow and had to keep referring back to it. Was the plan necessary we wondered?

Siobhan concluded this discussion with a superb comment, that every book needs a bad character, as we had analysed several in this long novel.

Laura Shepherd-Robinson certainly has an amazing imagination, we all decided.

Other Reads and Recommendations

Other books we have read and recommend this month include:

Faye recommended ‘The Berlin Sisters‘ by Soraya M. Lane. Set in 1943, it is a story of life in a small family in Germany. She also read ‘The Last Dance‘ by Mark Billingham, as did Mark, who thought it a good read. As Liz had read it, we wondered who could play detective Declan. Miller on screen? We both chose the same person!

Mark also read ‘The List of Suspicious Things‘ by Jennie Godfrey (who judged a category in the 2024 Yeovil Literary Prize). This is a truly excellent book.

Liz also read Matt Coyne’s ‘Frank and Red‘ which, in her opinion, everyone would love such wonderfully drawn characters. She also read  ‘The Book of Fire‘ by Christy Lefteri from her TBR pile. She felt a lesson should be learned about climate change from this fantastic book.

Ruth read ‘The Brotherless Night‘ by V.V. Ganeshananthan (Siobhan’s recommendation) and she loved it. Different rivalries in other countries can be highlighted in a good novel. Also, she read the second Alan Johnson book ‘Please, Mr Postman‘.

Carol likes to learn history by reading stories set in particular times. She has recently re-read the Elisabeth Jane Howard Cazolet Chronicles and the second one is set in 1930s. She also read ‘The Ghost Ship‘ by Kate Mosse. There is a sequel coming soon, ‘The Map of Bones‘.

Siobhan read ‘The Figurine‘ by Victoria Hislop. Set in Greece and its historical background of artefacts being taken, and the following consequences is explored. Excellent characters with a family rift at the centre. Siobhan sang the praises of Victoria Hislop.

Theresa read ‘Enlightenment‘ by Sarah Perry. She usually enjoys Perry’s books but found this one not to her liking. She also read ‘The Grief House‘, which she called very interesting. She has also been to the Library and, as recommended by Ruth, she has been reading Benjamin Myers and particularly liked ‘Cuddy‘ and ‘The Gallows Pole‘. She then enjoyed ‘Wahala‘ by Nikki May, as well as ‘The Killing Song‘ by Lesley McEvoy, a Yorkshire crime thriller.

Siobhan read Joseph O’Conner’s ‘Shadowplay‘ set in 1800s featuring The Lyceum in London, Henry Irving, Bram Stoker, Ellen Terry and theatre life. Ruth has also read this one and loved it. Siobhan also read Jane Thynne’s ‘Midnight in Vienna‘, set in 1938 when war is imminent, and featuring Stella Fry.

Next Month’s Books

From all these recommendations, we picked two books set around World War II years for our next meeting:

Next Meeting

We meet again at 12 noon on Tuesday 12th November in the Lounge at Westlands Entertainment Venue. You are welcome to join us as a happy welcome awaits!