Our bookclub convened for the last meeting of 2010 chez Fleming and while the Christmas tree twinkled in the corner, the discussion sparkled round the table. With as many different interpretations as there were people, we revealed we were moved to tears, laughter, frustrations and boredom by this very Australian novel. Over Japanese fare and mince pies, we discussed the nature of love, togetherness and relationships and can anyone really know someone else? We covered the writing style, the sense of place and time and the descriptions of the bush. And once again the discussion of 'what goes on in your head' when you read was a fascinating insight into how different we all are. We loved the exuberant Mrs O'Dowd and loathed the buttoned-up, social climber Thelma. But was Patrick White a misogynist? And will anyone read another of his novels?
We missed Naomi J (swamped with unreasonable work deadlines) but we celebrated Jen's promotion (go girl!) and the end of another year of stimulating shared reading. See you all in 2012 and may Santa bring you a stocking full of cracking reads. x
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