Novel discussion

[Infomaniac]

I run a small reading group and we discuss books we have read. Can anyone give me any ideas for a book which will create a lively discussion?

[whifffey]

A Tale of Two Cities, Dickens. The greatest love story ever written, and in my view his pinnacle. Sydney Carton in the tumbril on his way to die for another man, his courage, his comforting of the little seamstress, this is tear-jerking stuff without apology. Hush.

[Infomaniac]

I have read nearly all of Dickens, Austen and the Bronte sisters. Fantastic stuff. I have read many of them more than once, sometimes several times! But my present reading group prefers more contemporary fiction.

[Wizlon50]

Informaniac is unable to post at the moment - something that happens periodically for no apparent reason and has asked me (the partner) to tell you that almost all of Dickens, Austen and the Bronte sisters have been read, sometimes several times! Fantastic stuff. The current reading group prefers to look at contemporary fiction although just might be persuaded to read one of these wonderful classic gems at some stage. Thanks.

[Pentalpha8]

Just read a brilliant book called War Damage by Elizabeth Wilson .Decadent people in London in the aftermath of the war .Amazon says:-
An elegantly nostalgic, noir thriller; brilliantly conjures up the rackety confusion of Cold War London.

She draws the characters so well.You can practically smell the smog , see the bomb sites and taste the gin. Dodgy cabinet ministers ,murder, last ditch Mosleyites,bigamy , and a murder thrown in for for good measure !
Should give you lots to discuss :)

[Wizlon50]

Gosh! I think the group are going to be very busy!! Thanks for all your suggestions.

[Canary42]

Try "A Spot of Bother" by Mark Haddon. While being a very amusing book, it covers many aspects of human relationships within a relatively small number of people, fearlessly tackling such controversial areas as cancer, depression, adultery, divorce, child-rearing, and homosexuality - yet still manages to entertain, and reach a happy conclusion.
How realistic is it ? Well read it and make up your own mind.

Or you could try his earlier book "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time", an exploration of the trials of a young boy with Aspergers Syndrome - the boy himself is the narrative voice and it is difficult at times to deny his Mr Spock-like logic, even though it runs counter to our social norms.

[charliep88]

I`ve Just read an hilarious novel called "Flip My Bun "by Heather Fotheringay it takes place in 1876 in Stratford on Avon where our protagonist Priscilla Babcock finds some lost Shakespearian Love letters and tries to pawn them off as her own writing. She makes quite a few bob ,having them bought by a local newspaper ,but then she is found out and must pay the consequences and this is where the fun begins.