by David Mitchell
Thanks for a fine discussion last night. Attending: Mike, Pete, Joe and Shawn.
The general consensus seemed to be disappointed with the book chosen and varying degrees of appreciation. The statement (I think Mike’s) that it would not be a book that he would recommend to a friend, although enjoying at least two of the ‘stories’ in it sums things up. It was generally agreed that it was really a collection of short stories into which elements were inserted (for no apparent reason) to suggest there was a reason to relate them. Suggestions were that the publisher may have been at play. Some enjoyed elements as did Jim referenced below and that seemed to be widespread. I personally did not and really struggled as I mentioned with the increasingly phonetic way of writing. I would have appreciated the struggle had it gone to some end, but we all seemed to feel that it did not end as we were increasingly hoping by drawing things together. Anyone else feel free to inject. I was probably on the lower side of appreciation of it and that may skew my reportage.
Onward to the next book which by 4 person agreement is William Dalrymple’s ‘From the Holy Mountain‘ (http://www.amazon.com/Holy-Mountain-Journey-Christians-Middle/dp/0805061770). This should be a different sort of experience than our last few so a bit of variety.
I will note that Wm Dalrymple is speaking at the Academy on 13 February should anyone want to hear the author in person. Registration (free) is at http://www.ria.ie/events/events-listing/the-battle-for-afghanistan.aspx