It was very encouraging to have almost every member turn up on the night and this only added to the diversity of discussion that revolved around our first book for the year, 'Mr Rosenblum's List' by Natasha Solomon, a first time author.
Reading an author's first novel can sometimes be full of pitfalls and errors, however, it can also be an extremely worthwhile experience. Coming from a teaching background I sometimes equate the first novel as I would a 'demonstration' lesson, meaning the best of the best with the skills you have. First time novelists are a bit the same, mixing the best of their best with the skills they have learned so far. This can go three ways. An ordinary attempt, a good attempt with something lacking or, sometimes it can deliver a lovely surprise to a reader. Like biting into a mysterious bar of chocolate and having a delicious and gooey sensation ooze into your mouth which you weren't expecting. Are you hungry yet?
Well that's how our club members felt about Natasha Solomon's first novel. We were all pleasantly surprised.
The book was well received and everyone enjoyed it and commented that it was a charming (some used the term, 'cute') book with many issues woven throughout that made good fodder for a reader to chew over. It was a great choice of book to start the year off with.
Some of our members are from South Africa and have, as Jack Rosenblum and his wife, Sadie did, made the big move from their own country to a new country. In their case, from South Africa to Australia where the differences in culture has sometimes appeared subtlety, but sometimes felt gargantuan.
During the night it was interesting to hear members speak of their own thoughts and experiences compared to the fictitious Mr & Mrs Rosenblum. Funnily enough there were many similarities where members could relate to some events and situations the Rosenblum's found themselves in. Even though the story is set postwar, some of the issues the Rosenblum's encountered still happen in today's modern society.
The author is quite authentic and fresh in her portrayal of some of the relationships that developed between different characters. She did not write in a predictable fashion and managed to get the tone in the story 'just right'. One perfect example for instance was when Jack began to slowly build his golf course one hole at a time. The tone the author used authenticated the laborious efforts he put to the task causing us to feel overwhelmed by the magnitude of what he was trying to do. As readers, the author guided us in such a way that we could empathise with Jack at the slowness and hardship he went through to build his first hole, only to have it torn down by the legendary 'woolly pig'. We felt his pain and frustration along with him.
Some of the more poignant parts of the story involved the relationships between the characters, especially Sadie and her husband, who had endured a long, yet somewhat lonely marriage, Sadie and her daughter Elizabeth, and the relationship between Jack and Elizabeth. The author layers the depths of these relationships well and keeps things real and sometimes very raw. Many of us who are about to, or who have gone through the empty nest syndrome will relate very well indeed to many situations that arise between Elizabeth and her parents.
The author raised some valid issues and problems that included assimilation and conformist trends versus holding on to homeland culture. These are problems that often confront people who adopt a new country. Often immigrants face many dilemmas on treading the fine line between fitting in and holding onto the freedom of being who they are and their homeland's culture. It is in this area that Sadie really struggles. Jack does not wish to look back from where he has come. He is full of energy and is only interested in fulfilling his wish to be a perfect English gentleman, at all costs. Jack is very persistent in many areas of his life. His ability to persevere is an endearing quality, although sometimes can appear to be quite painful. Sadie however, longs to remember her heritage, her parents and family and introduces the tradition of baking like her mother to help her remember. For her, the journey is much more painful and slow. Sadie struggles to leave her family and her past behind as she tries to make a new life in London.
Although the tale, and some call it a fable, encounters some complex issues, the language is simple and enjoyable. This is not a difficult or challenging narrative. The story is splattered with interesting characters that carry the comedic storyline well and keep the reader entertained.
This book is highly recommended by our members, especially if you enjoy a light and entertaining read.
So, until next time...
Happy reading....
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