by William deBuys
Thanks for the discussion last night book related and otherwise. As always engaging and great fun. Sorry to miss our two unfortunate absentees. Slight spoilers ahead Fergal so read on with caution (everyone does want you to finish) … putting practicalities first:
The book chosen for next read is Bel Canto by Ann Patchett.
Brian has suggested (rather heretically) that we meet elsewhere on occasion. Clearly not a fan of Smyth’s 😉 All kidding aside a worthy suggestion and he further suggests The Blackbird (Blackbird Rathmines – Bar | Facebook) in Rathmines. On the patio??? (fingers crossed).
***Semi Spoiler***
As to the Last Unicorn. A clearly broad and resounding series of thumbs up. As I am advised to state … on the aggregate a very solid 8 (especially if we eliminate the outlier 😉 (me). So I take on the task of sharing thoughts being the least moved. Thanks to Brian M for your contribution. It really helped the conversation and did catch a lot of what was seen as the power of the novel. As a travelogue, it succeeded in immersing the reader brilliantly. The quest for the Saola caught the interest, sustained the interest and functioned quite superb as a line on which to combine the travelogue with an impassioned paean to the underlying conservation agenda of the author. This is probably one of the most best received books across the spectrum with the few discordant notes of having possibly promised a little bit more (even of the nature of Saola itself) and of those on the less approving a little heavy on factual detail that didn’t necessarily contribute to better appreciation of the message or of further the journey tale. That’s it won’t go into any more on that.
The book inspires to seek to read additional works by deBuys. Thanks for the reference Brian. It was a wonderfully illuminating window on a world (social, economic, political) that has not received more than shallow appreciation through western media and this I think really resonated with our group. As a travelogue, it went beyond being atmospheric and succeeded in making that atmosphere alive with living creatures (pleasant and unpleasant) and brought a great depth of character to the humans involved combining the good with the bad to provide stunningly vicarious pleasure.
I do hope I do it justice in that speaking from the minority position. Others please feel free to embellish accordingly and keep me honest.