An out and out good read, albeit, a little harrowing at times ...
This book is set in 1950’s middle class England at a time when putting on a good show and keeping up appearances is paramount regardless of the consequences to family and friends. Although in this book you have to question the word ‘family’ and the word ‘friend’. A gripping novel which will stay with you long after reading it.
Following the story of a young boy , Lewis, who witnesses the tragic death of his mother, yet finds no solace from his family, friends, neighbours or the church in this very repressed village. The easy to read writing carries you on a journey that covers so many uncomfortable issues in a no nonsense way. What goes on behind closed doors stays behind closed doors. Being a misunderstood adolescent comes with so many misconceptions and consequences. Things could have so easily turned out very differently for Lewis. The army and finishing school must have been a god send for many parents and children alike, departing a boy or a girl and returning a man or a lady. It also makes it easier to have that 5 o’clock cocktail without any of the guilt whilst avoiding the real issues at heart.
The bookclub ladies agreed it was a good read, and as noted earlier, a bit harrowing. A theme which carries on throughout the book and a theme which has carried on through our choices of late. The Outcast was highly acclaimed by the Richard and Judy Book Club and was also awarded The Costa First Novel Award.
Covid 19 still has the UK shut down so no cocktails and meals out for us. A new concept - Zoom - technology allowing us to group chat on a multi screen whilst still in our own houses with our own snacks and drinks. Distance meetings - the new norm. Hopefully the shutdown will be lifted for the next meeting and a social distance evening in a garden will be allowed.
Next months read promises to be a lighter read, so why not join us for our thoughts ....
Monday 22 June 2020
Following the story of a young boy , Lewis, who witnesses the tragic death of his mother, yet finds no solace from his family, friends, neighbours or the church in this very repressed village. The easy to read writing carries you on a journey that covers so many uncomfortable issues in a no nonsense way. What goes on behind closed doors stays behind closed doors. Being a misunderstood adolescent comes with so many misconceptions and consequences. Things could have so easily turned out very differently for Lewis. The army and finishing school must have been a god send for many parents and children alike, departing a boy or a girl and returning a man or a lady. It also makes it easier to have that 5 o’clock cocktail without any of the guilt whilst avoiding the real issues at heart.
The bookclub ladies agreed it was a good read, and as noted earlier, a bit harrowing. A theme which carries on throughout the book and a theme which has carried on through our choices of late. The Outcast was highly acclaimed by the Richard and Judy Book Club and was also awarded The Costa First Novel Award.
Covid 19 still has the UK shut down so no cocktails and meals out for us. A new concept - Zoom - technology allowing us to group chat on a multi screen whilst still in our own houses with our own snacks and drinks. Distance meetings - the new norm. Hopefully the shutdown will be lifted for the next meeting and a social distance evening in a garden will be allowed.
Next months read promises to be a lighter read, so why not join us for our thoughts ....
Monday 22 June 2020
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