Lioness of Boston

 

For November, we read The Lioness of Boston, a historical fictional account of Isabella Steward Gardner's life.  As a group, we didn't love the novel, but we had a great discussion.  We talked about art, marriage, architecture and love.  The novel gave us a very strong feeling of place and time.  Boston at the turn of the last century was not inclusive in the upper classes of old Bostonian families.  The story of how Isabella Stewart Gardner carved out a way to be in as authenic a way as she could during a time when there were many roadblocks was impressive.

Next book is Orbital by Samantha Harvey.  We are meeting on December 16th at Chrysanne's at 5:30.  Alex Roth will be joining us as Cindy's guest.

  

Horse

 

For September, we read Horse, by Geraldine Brooks.  This is the third book in a row that we have unanimously loved as a group.  The splendor with which Geraldine follows the horse, his breeder, trainer, owners, artists and the country is incredible.  

Next Book is Lioness of Boston by Emily Franklin.  We are meeting at Chrysanne's house at 5:30 on 11/12/24.

James

 In August, we read James by Percival Everett.  For the second meeting in a row, we all loved this book.  We talked about how skillfully Everett took an 1884 iconic novel and completely rewrote it from James (Jim's) perspective.  In Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain, James (Jim) is a character in service to Huck.  James (Jim) emerges as a scholar, a leader, a father, a husband and a maker of change.  This novel speaks to the challenges of being enslaved in America during a time of movement and change.  

We loved how ancient philosophy intertwined with the character's search for truth and meaning in a senseless world.  We were able to have some insight into the time and place of being a slave in America on the run.  What a powerful novel.

Next month is Horse by Geraldine Brooks at Chrysanne's 5:30 on October 2nd.