In a couple of weeks' time (12th. Dec.) when we 'do' The Diary of a Nobody, the Book Group will have reached its second birthday, so well done to everyone who has been with us from the start, and welcome again to anyone who has joined us somewhere along the way!
Before I go on to talk about our January book, thankyou so much for all the excellent, insightful comments on Crossing to Safety - I'm very glad it was well-received, and thanks again to Norm whose recommendation prompted me to choose it.
Our next book comes as a result of a rave review from Juxtabook, one I read a while ago and hadn't forgotten, so when I was looking for something quite chunky and satisfying (sounds like a hearty casserole) for us to read after Christmas and into January when hopefully we'll have a bit of quiet time, I thought this was just the thing.
Testament by Alis Hawkins is "... an elaborate double narrative, zig-zagging between the fourteenth century and the present day." In 1385, "master mason Simon of Kineton is building a great college to rival any in England. But the Bishop of Salster, hostile to free education, is determined to sabotage Simon's project. When rumours spread that the mason's son is cursed, the bishop sees an opportunity to undermine both Simon and the college.
"Six hundred years later Damia Miller has been employed to promote the penniless Kineton and Dacre College. She soon realizes that a grotesque wall painting uncovered during renovations may hold the key to the ancient college's survival."
Reviews of this book are dazzling, and I hope it will appeal to the group; with around eight weeks to read it, we should manage its 568 pages! As to availability, shops should have it or be able to get it easily, it appears on the library catalogues I've checked, US Amazon carries it, as of course do the UK site (reviews here) and The Book Depository (which offers free delivery worldwide).
Let's come back to discuss it from Saturday, 23rd. January onwards.
OK, as you promised it is available in no fewer than five of my local libraries. I'll be reading it and commenting.
Posted by: Dark Puss | 28 November 2009 at 01:18 PM
I have just ordered this one up from the Book Depository along with December's read. I usually get my fiction reads from my library but they have neither of these books in their stacks.
You've given me, again, an excuse to shop for books- thank you. When I next rearrange my book shelves, I'll have to set aside a shelf reserved for Cornflower Book Group reads- you've broadened my horizons.
Posted by: blackbird | 28 November 2009 at 04:59 PM
I just "one click ordered" it from Greenbooks in London--how the shipping is still $3.99, I can't imagine, but I will look forward to its arrival. Sounds a little like Byatt's Possession, which I enjoyed a great deal.
Posted by: Becky | 28 November 2009 at 09:40 PM
Will reserve at the library! Sounds good.
Posted by: adele geras | 29 November 2009 at 01:55 PM
I'd requested this at the library and collected it on Friday. Good choice!
Posted by: Mary McCartney | 29 November 2009 at 03:58 PM
Hi, count me in. I just ordered a copy of the book, used, from the U.K. through amazon.com. Hope it doesn't take long to get here. How does this work - does one comment on the book on a certain day?
I just dropped out of my book club after 17 years in frustration with the members never reading the books.
P.S. I read "Crossing To Safety" years ago and I know I have a copy around here somewhere. I am going to go back and re-read it.
Posted by: Julie Fredericksen | 01 December 2009 at 06:11 PM
ooh, I am very flattered you remembered my review. Now I am feeling the weight of responsibility!
Posted by: Juxtabook | 01 December 2009 at 08:45 PM
Just collected my copy of The Diary of a Nobody from XXX University Library. Will read it in Geneva and report back on the 12th. Let's hope I can also put my paws as readily on the book discussed in this posting.
Posted by: Dark Puss | 02 December 2009 at 12:26 PM
Julie, Cornflower is asked this question so often that she has a FAQ!
http://www.cornflowerbooks.co.uk/about-the-cornflower-book-group/
Posted by: Dark Puss | 02 December 2009 at 12:28 PM
You're very welcome, Julie!
The way it works is that on the set day (23rd. January for this book) I put up a brief introductory post and then everyone has their say as and when it suits them. As the post and comments remain live, you can come back at any time to add a new thought that has just struck you or to respond to a point someone else has made. It seems to work pretty well and to be flexible and informal while usually allowing for a good discussion.
Posted by: Cornflower | 02 December 2009 at 12:45 PM
Hmmm... I have this one on my shelf now. I haven't yet managed to read any of the book group books, although several have looked great. My real-life book group just folded, so maybe I can work this one in!
Posted by: Teresa | 08 December 2009 at 12:33 AM
I'm running a bit late and have only just discoved the Cornflower Book Group. Book is ordered but not sure if I'll get it completed in time...I'll give it a bash.
Posted by: Alison | 02 January 2010 at 02:18 PM