by Sebastian Barry
Tonight’s discussion much appreciated and looks like The Temporary Gentleman (no discussion on title) was well received despite unanimous recognition that it may not have been the most optimistic of reads. In fact, Jim made the very intriguing comment that maybe Jack was, in fact, a metaphor for Ireland – not the most positive character and certainly not one that anyone seemed to find any empathy for. A bit of a hopeless case caught in a spiral of fate and unwilling to take any real action to try to ameliorate his existence. Reacting to circumstances and finding immediate ways of just getting by but inevitably digging a deeper and deeper hole of failed endeavours and long hope. I am not sure we want to take that entire diatribe as metaphorically applied (although Jim you may want to prequalify that one a bit beyond my minced words).
Jim’s comment of being Thomas Hardy-lite deemed appropriate and parallels dawn with Jim Crace’s book we read last year (didn’t it actually win the Booker?).
Overall metrics ranged from 6 – 7.5 with a clear recognition that Sebastian Barry is a very skilled writer and that quality came through despite the melancholy and hopelessness in the tone of the tome. I for one was apprehensive about the book as Sacred Scripture had depressed me and felt less redeeming. The Temporary Gentleman was a fine read. I do hope that those not with us enjoyed it as well. Happy for comments.
We also shared the ongoing experience with Rebecca West which is still gaining continued reading with some as far as 60% of a very long book.