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Warrington U3A
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Both groups' sessions continue to be stimulating, invigorating and fun - all due to
the enthusiastic and often challenging contributions of our lively members.
Group 1's choice of 'Wuthering Heights' provoked wildly [appropriate for this
novel] differing opinions ranging from: 'Why is this considered a classic?' to 'It took
three attempts but I'm glad I persevered.' Wild Yorkshire moors, Gothic atmosphere and
turbulent passions are not to everyone's taste but Bronte does tell a riveting story.
In contrast Liverpool born Beryl Bainbridge was not a hot favourite despite being
highly regarded in the literary field. Each member chose their own novel [when they
could find one] but didn't find her writing enjoyable. The most popular were those with
historical backgrounds for example 'Master Georgie' set in the Crimean war. Autobigraphy was next on our list with Ralph Fiennes's 'Mad, Bad and Dangerous to Know'. Opinions again differed markedly. Some regarded the adventurer as brave, others believed him to be reckless and a vociferous contingent thought him selfish. What is unquestionable is Fiennes's driven nature and the colourful and eventful life he has led as a result. 'Notes From an Exhibition' by Patrick Gale - coincidentally a choice of both groups - provided much controversial and vigorous discussion.The novel examines the life of an artist with bipolar. It explores with real sensitivity the effects upon the woman and her family as they try to cope with her condition. Group 2 thoroughly enjoyed Trollope's 'The Warden'. Already a favourite with some, others were immediately struck. by Trollope's; incisive, humorous observations of ecclesiastical life. More please! Melvyn Bragg's 'The Soldier's Return', part 1 of his semi-autobiographical trilogy set in his home town of Wigton Cumbria, kindled many memories of the past in its vivid evocation of postwar Britain. A popular novel, sensitively written - the trilogy is well worth reading. Wessex, Thomas Hardy's world is distant in time and space from Bragg's Cumbria yet they share similarities with descriptions of rural England and the closeness of small communities. Each member of the group chose their own Hardy novel and shared their views with the group. This allowed us to revisit those old favourites or to discover those less well known. Books about the end of life cannot be regarded as uplifting, except that is, if you are Diane Athill. A recent discoverer of her gift for the written word, she has produced a selection of short autobiographical glimpses into her life and her reflections on them entitled 'Somewhere Towards the End'. This did not appeal to everyone but again sparked some interesting discussion. At the end of a session there is always someone who says how much they/ve gained from listening to the views of the rest. That is what we enjoy and share with the reading group featured in U3A Resources: one of the benefits of belonging to such a group is that we are encouraged to read books that we might not otherwise tackle and who knows what we might discover? Book Group 1 meets on the 2nd Friday of the month Book Group 2 meets on the 4th. Friday of the month Both meetings begin at 10.30 in room 1B at Bold street Group Leader. Jackie S |
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| Acknowledgements: Warrington U3A Magazine Autumn 2009 | last updated 19 August 2009 |
To get further information, about this or any of our groups, email here to get names and telephone numbers. Alternatively, you can attend a WU3A monthly general meeting and speak to group representatives. | |
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