The Sixteen Trees of the Somme by Lars Mytting

This was an unusual choice given Lars Mytting’s earlier work was a non-fiction book about all things wood which received excellent reviews from critics interested in the chopping, drying, storing and stacking of wood. The theme continued through this fictional book which was highly recommended by a friend’s book group.


The Critical Readers didn’t not like the book, but, didn't or couldn’t like it as much as they thought they would having read the synopsis.  There was a feeling that some of the story may have been lost in translation. We were certainly lost in a world of over describing. Every place, smell, experience and emotion was given a full and comprehensive... whatever the word is!

This book is a cleverly plotted story about Edvard growing up on a remote Norwegian farm. Upon
the death of his grandfather he succumbs to his need to find out about the death of his parents. This journey takes him from Norway to the Shetlands and on to France uncovering the loves and losses of his family and the hidden truth behind another feuding family. We did find ourselves immersed in the
story wondering whether the eponymous  trees were  actually a real thing.  We also enjoyed the mystery and the twists and turns but at the same time it felt too long and laborious. Edvards romance with his two girlfriends becomes tedious and cringeworthy. This could almost be forgiven due to his age and lack of social skills with the opposite sex.

All in all a good read but not a holiday read ....

No Norwegian restaurants in Northumberland so the next best thing was to book a pub in the middle of nowhere! The Feathers at Hedley on the Hill. Warm cozy atmosphere sitting by the fire being attended to by their friendly staff. Opened the menu and, bang, very disappointed by the choices on offer. Not up to their usual ethos of slow, hearty home cooking. Not sure what went wrong because
we have been before and remembered how good it was. Maybe it was the chefs night off!







Our next choice to discuss very soon is The Hunting Party by Lucy Foley. Comments such as
‘Gripping’,’Chilling’ & ‘Riveting’ appear on the front cover. Can’t wait  ......

April 2019.

Relish; my life on a plate by Prue Leith

More of a light Lunch than Dinner !

This is the first time that our group have selected an autobiography but it may be the last.  An interest in food, the Great British Bake Off, and other readers’ recommendations led to this particular choice in that genre but our review was lukewarm.

Prue Leith surely has plenty to say and wisdom to share– her experience of breaking the glass ceiling to achieve business success despite being a woman?   The highs and lows of a life built on catering for others?   The joys of bringing food to the taste buds?  Sadly, none of this came through in her book. 

Instead, readers are taken on a chronological marathon which focuses more on her love life and her preference for affairs with married men - one of which led to a divorce allowing her to marry an older family friend.

Her writing style was easy to follow, and it was interesting to learn that she has written some fiction books, that she was born into a wealthy family, and is extremely well connected.  Her “can do” attitude shone throughout her life history and has enabled her to overcome most challenges in life.

Nevertheless, despite being a lengthy read (over 500 page) the book lacked weight and substance and left us feeling rather frustrated and dissatisfied about the time spent we had spent with Prue.

Indeed, the lack of depth, combined with Prue’s penchant for other people’s husbands, left  a rather unpleasant taste in our mouths.

We reviewed “Relish” at a local restaurant, Bouchons (http://www.bouchonbistrot.co.uk) with an enduring reputation for good food (link to
https://www.gourmetguide.co.uk/city/northumberland/restaurants/bouchon-bistrot).  Fortunately, we were not disappointed and can highly recommend the whole dining experience.  Both the food and the service were excellent and untainted by our insights into Leiths.