Category Book Club

Again, I feel I am a little late to the game (Vikings, Game of Thrones). I caught an episode of the Last Kingdom early on and despite high production value was not seized to keep watching. Additionally, as a long…

For completeness, I am reporting back on our book club read for February: The Tetris Effect: The Game that hypnotised the world by Dan Ackerman. This was a compelling read for me – first and foremost as a trip down…

Sabrina Murray’s Valiant Gentleman strikes one as a means to get in on the interest surrounding the centenary of the Rising in 2016 and to cater to the appetite of the Irish diaspora for material featuring the Irish martyrs of…

This short novella is a superbly crafted atmospheric character study of the Anschluss. Written with the feel of a screenplay it combines rich description with particularly lyrical delivery. It captures the emotion and psychological temper of the Order of the…

It’s the time of the year when we take stock of 12 months reads with a sumptuous, warm and cosy end-of-year soirée at the Royal Irish Yacht Club. What started with a spurious whim (both the club and the tradition of…

Our choice this month jumps into an existing series with the fourth volume continuing an existing saga with pre-introduced characters. Despite this, the novel is well crafted and delivers a lovely roller-coaster of a read and stands as an enjoyable…

The Devil’s Advocate by Morris West is an immensely powerful and moving experience of a book. I was passed a lovely first edition of this work by a good friend who felt it was something I might enjoy. Indeed he…

There is no disputing that Anthony Beevor is one of the most skilled raconteur’s of episodes from our recent military past. His new treatment of Operation Market Garden and its aftermath demonstrates tremendous research (not necessarily all his own –…

I think that the rather stratified opinions regarding our read this month: 12 Lessons for Life we well captured by the two generous reviews provided by absent members. Thanks for those. The reactions to Peterson were mixed. Enticed by a…

Thanks in advance for the three reviews from away. Much appreciated and very thorough and well expressed. I speak to the additional comments rendered tonight by a solid 5 members. The overwhelming impression in both advance and at the meet…

Butcher, Baker and Candlestick Maker received a somewhat lukewarm response from the group. It promised much and was received with great promise when chosen in December. As timing would have it, all seemed to have taken advantage of the extra…

A small but cosy crew enjoyed a discussion around Madeleine Bunting’s offering at the Waterloo Bar last week. The book on the table was Love of Country: A Hebridean Journey. Thanks in advance for advance reviews from Brian and Declan.…