Great Summer reads can have long-lasting memories, sitting in the sunshine, ice-cold drink by your side as the kids play in the paddling pool. Bram Stoker's Dracula is not something you would normally associate with this scene; more a wintery day, wrapped up by a roaring fire with a hot cup of something to warm your wits that have been frozen scared by this classic horror. Yet Dracula was the Nantwich Bookworms read for June and it was met with mixed reviews. Despite the incongruity of the novel to the season, Bram Stoker successfully transported the reader to the wild and dark landscape of Transylvania in the opening chapters of this nineteenth century gothic classic, the dwelling place of the Count himself. Written in the format of diary excerpts and letters from five main characters, we agreed that the descriptive narrative was excellent, shrouded with mystery and intrigue as we read on with bated breath anticipating the next spook.
It was interesting to read the origin of where so many adaptations have stemmed and (despite it being written in 1897) the modern definition of the Vampire that existed in ancient folklore. Adaptations from Francis Ford Coppola's Dracula to the ultra-modern Twilight Saga by Stephanie Meyer, all contain the main themes that are prevalent in the novel, the main ones being the role of women and sexual conventions, and religion.
We decided the novel was interesting rather than particularly enjoyable, with some parts very long-winded, unlike the faster paces of more modern literature. The dialogue too was uninspiring and tedious at times, which made this already long novel almost a chore to read. Stated as one of 1000 Books to Read Before You Die it feels good to be able to tick it off as read, and the scare-factor certainly stays with you as you expect to see the Count lurking in every dark corner, or tapping at your bedroom window in bat-form...or maybe that's just us feeble women...
Nantwich Bookworms meets on the first Sunday of every month at the Black Lion pub in Nantwich.
4th August The Red House by Mark Haddon
September To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
New members are always welcome - please contact us by email nantwichbookworms@gmail.com, or via Twitter @booknantwich or just turn up to a meeting! It is very friendly and informal - hope to see you there!
Wednesday, 24 July 2013
Thursday, 20 June 2013
Upcoming Bookworms trips!
Hi Bookworms!
Reaseheath College are once again putting on their lovely summer outdoor theatre shows so we were thinking this would be the perfect excuse for an outing!
On Saturday July 20th at 7pm they will present an open-air garden theatre performance of SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES.
On Saturday August 10th at 7pm, they will be performing PRIDE AND PREJUDICE
Tickets are £15, grounds open for picnics from 6pm, bring low backed seating and refreshments will be available!
For tickets please go to www.seetickets.com or contact Reaseheath on 01270 613210 or email them at conference@rreaseheath.ac.uk
If you would like any information or to let us know you'll be joining us then please email nantwichbookworms@gmail.com
Reaseheath College are once again putting on their lovely summer outdoor theatre shows so we were thinking this would be the perfect excuse for an outing!
On Saturday July 20th at 7pm they will present an open-air garden theatre performance of SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES.
On Saturday August 10th at 7pm, they will be performing PRIDE AND PREJUDICE
Tickets are £15, grounds open for picnics from 6pm, bring low backed seating and refreshments will be available!
For tickets please go to www.seetickets.com or contact Reaseheath on 01270 613210 or email them at conference@rreaseheath.ac.uk
If you would like any information or to let us know you'll be joining us then please email nantwichbookworms@gmail.com
Joy's review of 'The Gift of Rain'.
Tan Wan Eng's 'The Gift of Rain' provided an interesting insight into World War Two that is not often explored or portrayed to the Western world.
From the small island of Penang, China, the reader is shown how the effects of the War reach the shores of even the most beautiful and hidden-away parts of the world. Effects that destroy relationships, strengthen mis-guided loyalties and devastate communities.
The sometimes horrific and disturbing scenes of torture and torment are incongruous to the setting of the novel, which Eng depicts majestically through imagery and metaphor. Whether recollecting long gone memories of thousands of fireflies that lit the way for a beautiful romance, or a description of the lush vegetation that crept its way up the mountain cliffs towards the sun – Eng captivates his readers from the outset as we explore a lesser known world.
Although the novel is rich in imagery, there weren't any particular characters that we felt drawn to. The twists and turns of the plot left us mistrusting of anyone in the end, and somewhat frustrated by the customary values held such as ‘saving face’ and honour, that seem to transcend more expected values like familial
love and loyalty.
Told from the viewpoint of a half Chinese and half English teenage son of an influential business man, The Gift of Rain is a coming-of-age tale that is laced with warfare, tragedy, spiritualism and friendship. Beautifully written and intriguingly ambiguous in parts, it is a recommended read from the Nantwich Bookworms.
Want to join our friendly discussion group? Put these on your holiday reading lists and come along the first Sunday of the month at The Black Lion, Nantwich 8pm. Everyone welcome
Dracula (Bram Stoker)
The Red House (Mark Haddon)
To Kill a Mockingbird (Harper Lee)
All of Joy's reviews along with lots more local news and information can also be seen at www.thenantwichnews.co.uk
From the small island of Penang, China, the reader is shown how the effects of the War reach the shores of even the most beautiful and hidden-away parts of the world. Effects that destroy relationships, strengthen mis-guided loyalties and devastate communities.
The sometimes horrific and disturbing scenes of torture and torment are incongruous to the setting of the novel, which Eng depicts majestically through imagery and metaphor. Whether recollecting long gone memories of thousands of fireflies that lit the way for a beautiful romance, or a description of the lush vegetation that crept its way up the mountain cliffs towards the sun – Eng captivates his readers from the outset as we explore a lesser known world.
Although the novel is rich in imagery, there weren't any particular characters that we felt drawn to. The twists and turns of the plot left us mistrusting of anyone in the end, and somewhat frustrated by the customary values held such as ‘saving face’ and honour, that seem to transcend more expected values like familial
love and loyalty.
Told from the viewpoint of a half Chinese and half English teenage son of an influential business man, The Gift of Rain is a coming-of-age tale that is laced with warfare, tragedy, spiritualism and friendship. Beautifully written and intriguingly ambiguous in parts, it is a recommended read from the Nantwich Bookworms.
Want to join our friendly discussion group? Put these on your holiday reading lists and come along the first Sunday of the month at The Black Lion, Nantwich 8pm. Everyone welcome
Dracula (Bram Stoker)
The Red House (Mark Haddon)
To Kill a Mockingbird (Harper Lee)
All of Joy's reviews along with lots more local news and information can also be seen at www.thenantwichnews.co.uk
Thursday, 6 June 2013
Bookworms Reads for June, July & August
Good Morning Bookworms,
Well, last Sunday's meeting provided a really thorough discussion of Tan Twan Eng's 'The Gift of Rain'. We all seemed to enjoy the novel and the writer's poetic style although we found it hard to like or empathise with many of the characters. Some of us also found some parts of the book particularly gritty to read. Watch out for Joy's review coming soon!
In the meantime, as a group we have come up with some interesting reads for the next few months.
This month we will be getting to grips with a classic in the form of 'Dracula' by Bram Stoker. For those who are fans of the Kindle this can be downloaded for free!
Our next meeting will be on Sunday July 7th as usual at 8pm in the Black Lion pub, Welsh Row, Nantwich. If the weather is nice we may even venture into the beer garden but if it is our normal great British summer we'll be upstairs as usual!
See below for our upcoming reads:
June Dracula by Bram Stoker Meeting Sunday July 7th
July The Red House by Mark Haddon Meeting Sunday August 4th
August To Kill A Mocking Bird by Harper Lee Meeting Sunday September 1st
As always, new members are always welcome and we welcome any suggestions for interesting reads.
Don't forget to follow us on Twitter @booknantwich and feel free to get in touch by email nantwichbookworms@gmail.com
Happy Reading!
Kate
Well, last Sunday's meeting provided a really thorough discussion of Tan Twan Eng's 'The Gift of Rain'. We all seemed to enjoy the novel and the writer's poetic style although we found it hard to like or empathise with many of the characters. Some of us also found some parts of the book particularly gritty to read. Watch out for Joy's review coming soon!
In the meantime, as a group we have come up with some interesting reads for the next few months.
This month we will be getting to grips with a classic in the form of 'Dracula' by Bram Stoker. For those who are fans of the Kindle this can be downloaded for free!
Our next meeting will be on Sunday July 7th as usual at 8pm in the Black Lion pub, Welsh Row, Nantwich. If the weather is nice we may even venture into the beer garden but if it is our normal great British summer we'll be upstairs as usual!
See below for our upcoming reads:
June Dracula by Bram Stoker Meeting Sunday July 7th
July The Red House by Mark Haddon Meeting Sunday August 4th
August To Kill A Mocking Bird by Harper Lee Meeting Sunday September 1st
As always, new members are always welcome and we welcome any suggestions for interesting reads.
Don't forget to follow us on Twitter @booknantwich and feel free to get in touch by email nantwichbookworms@gmail.com
Happy Reading!
Kate
Tuesday, 21 May 2013
Graham shares his thoughts on David Mitchell's 'Cloud Atlas'.
One of our longest serving bookworms, Graham Wright, shares his thoughts on Cloud Atlas with us...
To read or not to read (before seeing the movie) … I have long held to the opinion that reading a novel, creating mind pictures of the characters and your version of the plot can lead to disappointment when you view the movie (the visualization of Dune by Frank Herbert being one example, Tom Cruise as Jack Reacher is another). Cloud Atlas by David
Mitchell bucks the trend.
Nantwich Bookworms (@booknantwich on twitter) first read, then discussed over a pint (Black Lion) and finally viewed the Cloud Atlas at Stoke Film Theatre (@StokeFilm).
Cloud Atlas is a beautiful, complicated but highly enjoyable read and I approached the movie wondering how the director would handle the books' plot as there are several individual but linked stories across the timelines of the book. I was pleasantly surprised.
The movie travels from Victorian Australasia to Hawaii in a post civilization collapse future with numerous linking characters scattered through the scenes. The memorable cast (Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, Jim Broadbent et al) appearing as many and diverse characters (male and female) and there is a game to had recognising all the actors many characters. The Sci-Fi elements of the movie remind one of Blade Runner in its visualization (no complaints here!). There are comic moments and the odd moments of violence. The pigeon English used in the Hawaii scenes takes some understanding and 70’s California brought back a few memories.It was all very enjoyable and in my humble opinion Cloud Atlas is destined to become a cult movie and one that will stand several viewings … but please read the book first!
Joy's review of 'The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry'.
Rachel Joyce's impressive first novel, The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry depicts a heart-warming, yet poignant view of old age, relationships and one man's quest for self-discovery, in a journey that inspires, exasperates and elates.
Joyce's background as a playwright for Radio 4 comes into it's own as the reader is taken on a journey across England that is filled with understated imagery of landscapes, cities and the variety of people our hero, Harold Fry, meets along the way.
His aim is to see an old friend who has informed him she is dying of cancer, so without thinking or preparing, Harold undertakes a pilgrimage to see her. The only request being that his friend waits for him to get there before she dies. Interspersed with flashbacks of Harold's eventful life which are highlighted by themes of neglect, guilt, remorse and breakdowns of relationships, the reader becomes immersed in his journey and walks alongside him as he experiences the highs and lows of being a yacht-shoe'd, blister-footed, penniless, fetid traveller. The highs are harder to come by than the lows, but it is the comradery one feels towards Harold's simple and humble quest that inspires hope, challenges ideas of consumerism and leaves the reader striving for a life with less..baggage (although he could have at least taken a mobile phone with him!).
Nantwich Bookworms meets on the first Sunday of the month at the Black Lion in Nantwich at 8pm. This month we are reading The Gift of Rain by Tan Twen Eng and are meeting on 2nd June. New members are always welcome! You can follow us on twitter @booknantwich or visit our blognantwichbookworms.blogspot.com
Friday, 17 May 2013
Mid-Month Catch-Up
Good Afternoon Bookworms,
Firstly, please accept my apologies for not updating the blog for a few weeks, dealing with a toddler with chicken pox hasn't left me with a lot of spare time!
Anyway, since last posting, we have enjoyed our Bookworms trip out to see the film version of 'Cloud Atlas' (in my opinion, you need to have read the book first! Although said book is swiftly becoming one of my favourite reads of all time!) Look out for the Cloud Atlas review which will be posted here soon.
Following all that excitement, we were ready for a calmer month and fell in love with our poignant April read which was 'The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry' by Rachel Joyce - again we will be posting Joy's review of this over the next couple of days.
May's read is 'The Gift of Rain' by Tan Twan Eng and hopefully you're all well on your way through this one by now as it is another dense novel - I think there'll be a few Costa trips and late night sessions undertaken to be ready to discuss this one on June 2nd.
We now need your help - we need ideas and inspiration for future reads. If you've not joined us before we would love to meet you or hear from you - new members are always welcome and also feel free to email any ideas of books to read to nantwichbookworms@gmail.com
Don't forget to check out our twitter feed to @booknantwich and we'll see you on Sunday June 2nd at the Black Lion, Nantwich at 8pm.
Happy reading!
Kate
Firstly, please accept my apologies for not updating the blog for a few weeks, dealing with a toddler with chicken pox hasn't left me with a lot of spare time!
Anyway, since last posting, we have enjoyed our Bookworms trip out to see the film version of 'Cloud Atlas' (in my opinion, you need to have read the book first! Although said book is swiftly becoming one of my favourite reads of all time!) Look out for the Cloud Atlas review which will be posted here soon.
Following all that excitement, we were ready for a calmer month and fell in love with our poignant April read which was 'The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry' by Rachel Joyce - again we will be posting Joy's review of this over the next couple of days.
May's read is 'The Gift of Rain' by Tan Twan Eng and hopefully you're all well on your way through this one by now as it is another dense novel - I think there'll be a few Costa trips and late night sessions undertaken to be ready to discuss this one on June 2nd.
We now need your help - we need ideas and inspiration for future reads. If you've not joined us before we would love to meet you or hear from you - new members are always welcome and also feel free to email any ideas of books to read to nantwichbookworms@gmail.com
Don't forget to check out our twitter feed to @booknantwich and we'll see you on Sunday June 2nd at the Black Lion, Nantwich at 8pm.
Happy reading!
Kate
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