Our June read was The Angel's Game by Carlos Ruiz Zafon, translated from the Spanish by Lucia Graves. This is the middle book of Zafon's Cemetery of Forgotten Books trilogy, but can be read as a stand-alone novel.
The book generated a lot of discussion amongst the group. It is quite a gothic read, so somewhat over the top in places. A few of us were left very confused by the multiple plot lines and some of the characters. Megan had gone exploring various interpretations in the blogosphere during her reading...it was that sort of book. We eventually decided that the menacing Parisian publisher, Andreas Corelli, must be Lucifer (the Angel of the title).
The Angel's Game was also very atmospheric (a pre-requisite for all gothic novels). We all agreed that the landscape of Barcelona was another important character in the book, and that knowledge of the city would definitely enhance the reading experience. Phil tells us that the trees and lamposts as seen on the book's cover are from the Ramblas.
We all enjoyed this book, despite the confusion that enveloped a few of us as the book progressed. It led us to discuss many things: hallucinogenic drug usage, mental illness, the influence of the looming Spanish Civil War, the impact of propaganda and the written word, book-burning, the role of religion, theology and dogma, as well as the 'soul' of the writer.
Great pick Phil!
Megan 7
Kristy. 7
Cheryl 7
Annette ?
Phil ?
We all enjoyed this book, despite the confusion that enveloped a few of us as the book progressed. It led us to discuss many things: hallucinogenic drug usage, mental illness, the influence of the looming Spanish Civil War, the impact of propaganda and the written word, book-burning, the role of religion, theology and dogma, as well as the 'soul' of the writer.
Great pick Phil!
Megan 7
Kristy. 7
Cheryl 7
Annette ?
Phil ?
Average 7
May
Eyrie by Tim Winton
Anna 6
Deb 8
Megan 8
Average 7.3
The night circus by Erin Morgenstern
The circus arrives without warning. No announcements precede it. It is simply there, when yesterday it was not. Within the black-and-white striped canvas tents is an utterly unique experience full of breathtaking amazements. It is called "Le Cirque des Reves," and it is only open at night.
Anna 4
Annette 6.5
Deb 4
Megan 5.5
Phil 4
Average 4.8
The sea bed by Marele Day
An intriguing, understated and beautiful narrative, this is the story of a Buddhist monk, who has to travel to a remote fishing village on a task of love and duty, and a young woman who is also returning to the village of her birth.
