Wreake Valley Readers book group reviews 2004

The Life of Pi written by Yann Martel
The story is about a young boy who grew up in India, when he is 16 his family decided to move to Canada. During their journey disaster strikes and the ship they are on sinks. The young boy is stranded at sea in a life boat full of wild animals.

Book Groups Review
A most unusual book that was quirky and thought provoking. Weird and wonderful - a good read. 6 out of 10

Atonement by Ian McEwan
The story is about a young girl who witnesses a crime. Due to her lack of understanding of adult relationships and her over active imagination she accuses and convicts an innocent man. This shatters her life and the lives of those around her, as they try to rebuild their lives WW2 starts. As the young girl grows up she realises that she was wrong and tries to atone for her mistake.

Book Groups Review
A powerful story about the development of a writer, the naivety of youth, and enduring love. The characters are well drawn and the details and descriptions are accurate which gives you a real feel for the times and places. This story illustrates how during difficult times people are able to conjure hidden strengths to survive. 8 out of 10

The Hitchhikers guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
The Earth is unexpectedly demolished to make way for a new hyperspace bypass. At the last moment Arthur Dent is saved and begins to discover that the galaxy is a very strange and startling place.

Book Groups Review
This is a light-hearted book with good characters and a great sense of humour. This cult book is imaginative and full of the unexpected. A cheerful read that will make any Earthly problems seem insignificant in the grand scale of a possibly huge Universe. 5.5 out of 10

The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende
This book tells the story of a South American family and their triumphs and tragedies over four generations of conflict and reconciliation.

Book Groups Review
It is a very dark book full of well-developed characters that stand out. The book gives an insight into a rich colourful culture and time. The exciting and realistic political struggles give the story added interest. This book provoked very mixed reactions from the group. 6 out of 10

The Other Boleyn Girl By Philippa Gregory
This book is the story of Anne's younger sister Mary Boleyn and her life at the court of Henry VIII.

Book Groups Review
A very enjoyable historical novel, for those with an interest in this period. A light read which has a new slant on a well-worn theme. 8 out of 10

Girl With a Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier
The story is set in 17th Century Delft and is about the life of a young girl who is sent to work after her father is injured and no longer able to support the family.

Book Groups Review
This is a very enjoyable gentle read. The domestic details create a wonderful visual picture and a feeling of the time and place. This book inspires the reader to find out more about 17th century Delft and left some of our group wanting to visit the Netherlands. 8 out of 10

The Silver Sword by Ian Serraillier
The book is based on a true story of a Polish family’s struggle during WW2. The family is ripped apart by the war and struggle to survive the Natzi occupation of Poland. When the war is over, against all odds they make their way through war torn Europe in the hope of being reunited in Switzerland.

Book Groups Review
This book was very enjoyable quick read. Most of the group although having enjoyed the book wished there were an adult version of the story with more depth. The story would give any child who read it a good insight into the period. 6.5 out of 10

Birdsong by Sebastian Faulks
This is the story of an Englishman who while staying with a family in France before the 1st World War falls in love with a married woman. He returns to France as a soldier during the war and experiences the atrocities of the trenches. Many years later his granddaughter finds his journals and decodes his story.

Book Groups Review
This is a beautifully written and quite disturbing book. It is a very powerful and compelling story evocative of the 1st World War. 9 out of 10

Bel Canto by Ann Patchett
A poor Latin country hosts a party for a Japanese CEO to try and promote foreign trade. He attends because his favourite opera singer is performing. After her performance a group of young gorilla soldiers storm the house and take everyone hostage. The mission is a failure and soldiers and hostages are trapped in the house with no foreseeable resolution. During their confinement relationships and friendships form between the hostages and their captors, but the stalemate has to end.

Book Groups Review
This was a book you either loved or hated. Scores ranged from 4 to 9.
Those who enjoyed it found it easy to pick up and hard to put down. The slow passage of time was conveyed well and it was both topical and moving with good descriptions.
Those who didn’t enjoy it found it hard to pick up and easy to put down.6.5 out of 10