The Railway Man's Wife by Ashley Hay

"It's not what we forget

But what was never known we most regret

Discovery of"

Stephen Edgar 

Welcome to the month of May's book: The Railwayman's Wife by Ashley Hay. I have listed some points for discussion and to think about as you read the journey of Annika, Roy and Frank.

About the book

In a small town on the land’s edge, in the strange space at a war’s end, a widow, a poet and a doctor each try to find their own peace, and their own new story. In Thirroul, in 1948, people chase their dreams through the books in the railway’s library. 

Anikka Lachlan searches for solace after her life is fractured by a single random act. 

Roy McKinnon, who found poetry in the mess of war, has lost his words and his hope. 

Frank Draper is trapped by the guilt of those his treatment and care failed on their fi rst day of freedom. 

All three struggle with the same question: how now to be alive.

Written in clear, shining prose and with an eloquent understanding of the human heart, The Railwayman’s Wife explores the power of beginnings and endings, and how hard it can be sometimes to tell them apart. It’s a story of life, loss and what comes after; of connection and separation, longing and acceptance. Most of all, it celebrates love in all its forms, and the beauty of discovering that loving someone can be as extraordinary as being loved yourself.

A story that will break your heart with hope.

About the author

Ashley Hay is the author of five previous books including Gum, Museum (with visual artist Robyn Stacey) and The Body in the Clouds - her first novel, which was shortlisted for a number of prizes including categories in the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize and the New South Wales and West Australian Premier’s Awards, and longlisted for the 2011 International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award.

A former literary editor of The Bulletin, she contributes to a number of publications including The Monthly, Australian Geographic, and The Australian, and her essays and short stories have appeared in volumes including Brothers and Sisters (2009), various issues of the Griffith Review, Best Australian Essays (2003), Best Australian Short Stories (2012), and Best Australian Science Writing (2012).

She lives in Brisbane.

Reviews & Quotes

‘Ashley Hay’s beautiful romance of grief and love set in the escarpment landscape that once enchanted D.H. Lawrence will come to speak for the south coast in the same way that Delia Falconer’s The Service of Clouds speaks for the Blue Mountains. 

Everything about this novel – sudden loss, unexpected love, misdirected hope and desire, as well as the mysterious power of the written word and the candesence of the coastal landscape itself – is expressed with a profound understanding of every nuance of emotion. An extended meditation on ‘the limitless surprise of being here’, to quote from the poem that is central to the story, The Railwayman’s Wife illuminates the deepest places of the human heart.’ - Debra Adelaide, author of The Household Guide to Dying.

For discussion:

1. 􀂊In Paula Grunseit’s review of The Railwayman’s Wife, she states ‘Many rhythms form the soundtrack to this story – the sounds of the ocean, the words of great poets and writers, the changing views in a kaleidoscope, and the constant presence of trains.’ 

Discuss Grunseit’s comment – how do these sounds and sights punctuate the novel, and bracket the major events within?

2.􀂊 Consider the following quote: ‘...Mac raised his cup and paused – the smallest toast – that was marriage, he thought, remaking yourself in someone else’s image. And who knew where the truth of it began or would end?’ The Railwayman’s Wife, p. 169. 

Do you agree with Mac’s interpretation of marriage?

􀂊3. In response to Isabel’s question about where Mac is after death, along with fallen soldiers, Annika states: ‘It’s probably like your kaleidoscope: you look at one piece of space, and every tiny twist or turn multiplies that into somewhere new – somewhere different. More than enough room for everyone’s version of everyone to fit in somewhere, to be doing different things we all think they ought to be doing.’ The Railwayman’s Wife, p. 175.

Discuss Annika’s thoughts and feelings when confronted with information and anecdotes about Mac after his death.

􀂊4. Both Mac and Roy think of Annika as an angel. Why do you think this is so?

􀂊5. What do you make of the conversation between Dr Frank Draper and Annika in the library, on their first meeting? (pp. 99 – 102)

􀂊6. Consider Roy’s poem, ‘Lost World’ (the poem appears in its entirety pp. 208 – 210). Do you think it is a nexus between the world he has seen torn apart by war, and what he has found in Thirroul.

7. Annika carries Kangaroo ‘like a literary Baedeker’ (page 21), using it to identify places around Thirroul. Discuss 

Suggested Reading

Novels:

Kangaroo – D.H. Lawrence

Jane Eyre – Charlotte Brontë

Foal’s Bread – Gillian Mears

The Service of Clouds – Delia Falconer

In Falling Snow – Mary-Rose MacColl

Currawalli Street – Christopher Morgan

The Body in the Clouds – Ashley Hay

Poetry:

Everyone Sang – Siegfried Sassoon

How Do I Love Thee? – Elizabeth Barrett Browning

On Being Asked for a War Poem – W.B. Yeats

Aedh Wishes for the Cloths of Heaven – W.B. Yeats

History of the Day – Stephen Edgar

‘Over the Brazier – Robert Graves

Credit: Allen & Unwin's Reading Guide

http://www.allenandunwin.com/default.aspx?page=94&book=9781743314449

February Book Club - The Umbrella Club by David Brooks

Welcome to the new year, 2012! And it is hoped it lives up to all your expectations. The working year has commenced for most of us and it is back to routine once again. This pleases some, whilst others may cringe.

All I know is I am looking forward to our first book club meeting of the year. Our titles have been selected and they look very tantalising. Please check them out.

Our first meeting has been changed from the scheduled Wednesday 1 Feb evening to Thursday 2 Feb due to some unforeseen work commitments. Hopefully this will not impact too many members, but sincere apologies if it does. We should be back to normal from then on.

I'd love to hear what great titles you read over the holidays? If you'd like to share, please add a comment. Some people tell me they've had difficulties leaving me their comments. Just so you are aware, for security purposes, you need to be a member of google, so just take a minute to sign up. It's free and then you'll be able to leave me your messages. I really enjoy reading them.

This blog is also a great way to discuss the books, so if you have any interesting things to share about the current book you are reading, write a comment and we can start a discussion.

A couple of club members have told me they have had trouble obtaining The Umbrella Club. I've done some research and here are a couple of suggestions: Try Avid Reader at West End or the State Library Bookstore. I got my copy at the Brisbane Writers Festival back in October. Another online place that is selling the book for under $30 is fishpond.com.au Click on the link then type in the title and author and bob's your uncle!


Well I look forward to seeing all our members next Thursday.

So, until then...
happy reading,
Deb

Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year

I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. 2011 was jammed packed and I'm sure 2012 will be immense as well.

Our book club members managed to read 9 new novels during 2011, including: 'The Girl with a Pearl Earring', 'Mr Rosenbaum's List', 'Shirley, Goodness & Mercy', 'The Secret Adventures of Charlotte Bronte - a novel', 'Wanting', 'The Tale of Two Cities', 'The Good Earth', 'Eat, Pray, Love', and 'People of the Book'.


Each book offered a variety of genres, settings, characters, story lines and discussions. Each book touched the reader in a variety of ways and helped enrich our reading lives.

Holidays are either fast approaching or have already arrived. So, now is the perfect time to kick back and relax with a book or two for the holiday season. Whatever you choose to read, enjoy and savour.

So, until next time...
happy reading...

PS Write and tell us what you'll be reading over the holidays.

Brisbane Writers Festival - September 7 - 11th

I have attended the Brisbane Writers Festival now for the past eight years or so and I am never disappointed. I am looking forward to clocking up another year, to stroll around Brisbane's beautiful icon, The State Library and its gardens to check out this year's line up of talented authors.

For those of you still coming down from MasterChef, the menu of authors and sessions is already out. I am an early bird and have studied the gourmet selections and have booked in my workshops and the sessions I wish to attend. You can tell I am writing this at lunch time and have food on my mind. I'm sure those of you who enjoy your culinary delights would be interested to know that some foodie authors will be in attendance. Click on the link to find out more.

http://www.brisbanewritersfestival.com.au/default.asp?pageID=73&CatID=51

This year again, I will be accompanying a school group of enthusiastic readers and writers. My colleagues and I always get excited at this time of year. We love going on outings with our students, especially with the line up of talented children's authors to select from. This year sees Emily Rodda, James Joy, James Phelan, Belinda Jeffrey, Tristan Bancks and Wendy Orr, to name but a few. If these names don't whet your appetite...well...what can I say?

I'm booked into Wendy Orr's session and looking forward to sharpening my skills for writing for young readers. Click on the link to discover more.

http://www.brisbanewritersfestival.com.au/default.asp?pageID=73&CatID=47

Another workshop I'm excited to be attending is Writing Romance that Sells with popular panelists, Christina Brooke and Anna Campbell. Hopefully their hints and tips will help steam up pages of my novel in progress.

There are many & varied workshops this year to choose from, but to find one that suits you...Click on the link.

http://www.brisbanewritersfestival.com.au/default.asp?pageID=73&CatID=66

I know I am excited to be attending what's become my annual pilgrimage. Maybe I'll see some of you while I'm there.

So, for a festival of storytelling...here is the official Brisbane Writers Festival website to check out all the action for yourself.

http://www.brisbanewritersfestival.com.au/

till next time...
happy reading & writing

April 2011 Book Club: 'Eat Pray Love' by Elizabeth Gilbert

Take some tasty, chocolatey mudslide cakes and other small delicacies piled high atop pretty plates as well as gooey chocolate mini Easter eggs brimming to overflow in petite glassware and combine with tinkling china teacups and light conversation and you now have an image of the way this month's book club kicked off. And, what better way to celebrate this month's title, Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert?

We had a small number who turned out for our April's meeting and, whilst the numbers were smaller this month, the discussion and social interaction, (which is a major focus in our club) was large. There are always plenty of opportunities to enjoy light-hearted banter and catch-up socially, but we always manage to balance it with an engaging discussion about the book of the month. How deeply we discuss a book depends upon the dynamics of the group. Each month we allow ourselves to be led by the feel of the group and usually, our reading guides.

Eat Pray Love was generally received with mixed feelings. Some readers loved the book, while others didn't, and still others enjoyed parts of it whilst other parts, not so. It was a mixed bag of thoughts and feelings. This is the type of book that makes for great discussion, especially with such a variety of feelings floating around, and depending upon how strong some of those feelings were.

Eat Pray Love falls within the travel documentary genre and if you've visited the bookstores lately, it doesn't take you very long to figure out that it is a very popular genre. Many writers take the opportunity to combine their love of travel and writing as a way to turn out running commentaries on their experiences. And who wouldn't mind doing that, especially if it became a major seller?

Because of the number of travel writers, it is often hard to choose the exact book you want and, on the flip side, as a writer with strong competitors, you need to have the cutting edge; a unique way that sets you apart from all the rest, namely, the Black Caviar of the field (speaking in horse racing terms).

Eat Pray Love is one of those major sellers I just mentioned.Why? Just what did Elizabeth Gilbert do that set her apart from all the rest?

Well, that question makes for much discussion, but she obviously struck a chord with a large proportion of the western population. Was it the entrapment of marriage, outgrown and now loveless that readers connected with, or was it the chance to travel with the author and visit three countries that they had not visited before? Or maybe readers simply wanted to experience the food, culture, meditation and prayer along with the author, and connected with these aspects. Who knows? But what became obvious from listening to our book club members was that the book, or at least parts of the book meant something different for each of them based on their own experiences, their culture, their views on life and religion, and where they were now in their life. So too, I think, for the general population.

This is a book that you choose for personal reasons and not based on the recommendation by others. This is a book that the author must have the edge; the Black Caviar of the racing field.

I know personally, that with all the hype that surrounded this book, even before the movie came out, I ummed and ahhhhed about it. Oprah and her Book Club (which I respect) had sanctioned and promoted it and the general population raved about it.

For me, it took many visits to a variety of book stores, where it wooed me before I purchased a copy. As I wandered around the stores, looking at new and old titles, it always managed to intrigue me when I found it displayed. I'd pick it up and fondle it, run my fingers over its front cover. I'd hold it and read the back cover then carry it around the store with me, only to return it back to its rightful place on the shelf, edged out by other titles more pressing for me to take home. Finally though, one day I eventually felt sorry enough for it. I'd had enough of it begging me to take it home like an orphaned puppy. I finally decided it was its turn to come home to my place. Why this time? I don't know. Perhaps I was finally curious enough for it.

Was I glad? Was it worth the purchase? For me - definitely. I thoroughly enjoyed it and was glad to have shared some of my time with this author and her tale of self discovery. Elizabeth Gilbert is a writer who is easy to read. She kept the language simple and the themes a little more complex. I enjoyed her writing technique so much so that now I would like to read her other documentary called The Last American Man.

Novel Tea 'n Pages recommends Eat Pray Love to those book lovers where it either 'jumps out at you' (blatantly) or if it woos you. No matter what way - it will get you. Good luck. All I can say is, enjoy it for what it is.

So, until next time,
happy reading...

March Book Club: Mr Rosenblum's List by Natasha Solomon

Novel Tea 'n Pages' first book club meeting for 2011 kicked off on 2 March. It would be correct to think that it feels like months since we were all together because it has been.

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....

Introducing an Exciting New Component to Novel Tea 'n Pages Book Club

History:

Novel Tea 'n Pages Book Club celebrates its 1st birthday in April, just a few short months away. We are a fledgling club, but are finding our way and the ride so far has been a pleasant one.

We've found our numbers fluctuate at times, but this is quite natural and to be expected. People get busy with life and can't always attend, but they still manage to pop along when they can. Some slow down and manage their attendance well. Others decide they'll do their best to be committed and attend every month.

That's the great part about this book club. It is open to receive everyone, whether you've read the book or not or whether you can attend every month or not. Coming along for the social aspect helps develop friendships and sometimes members become inspired from listening to discussions and go home and read the next month's book. Some members who have joined initially didn't consider themselves readers, but have become readers since making an effort.

Whatever anyone's situation is, we embrace them and think they are all very important members. We are a very relaxed club and we welcome both established and new members at all our meetings. At this point I'd like to thank the dedicated members who come along and keep us ticking.  I'm really looking forward to what 2011 has in store for us.

New Developments:

From Novel Tea 'n Pages Book Club's inception at the beginning of 2010, I've always had in mind another component that I wanted to implement after the book club became established. I needed a little time to get a better feel for what I was doing. After playing around with some initial ideas, I finally introduced Novel Tea 'n Pages to the world and I hosted its first meeting in April 2010.

However, there is always room for improvement and it is my hope that club members will bring their ideas and suggestions along to the book club so that they can make this club their own. With fresh ideas, the club will not stagnate but grow, develop and change.

A New Concept:

It is with excitement that I introduce a new Writers component to the book club. When I thought up the name Novel Tea 'n Pages there were three components I had in mind; a trinity, so to speak (not of the religious nature, though). The first component was Novel (representing book club). The second component was Tea (representing refreshments and a social aspect) and the third component was Pages (representing a writers springboard).

These components represent three things I am passionate about and wish to share with others as my platform of influence, and they include books, coffee and of course, writing.

Currently, Novel Tea 'n Pages offers two of the three components. Now, I am happy to announce that beginning Saturday 19 February, Novel Tea 'n Pages will host its first Writers component in the form of an initial meeting with interested parties to develop an overview of future Writers' meetings.

The Shape of the Writing Component:

Novel Tea 'n Pages will offer a Writers Club for anyone interested in beginning or developing their personal writing projects. Writers will meet once a month and have the opportunity to engage with other people interested in writing and sharing their projects, sharing feedback and participating in short writing exercises. Both experienced and inexperienced writers are welcome to join. You do not need to be a book club member to join the Writers Club.

From now on the club shall be referred to as Novel Tea 'n Pages Book & Writers Club.

If anyone knows of someone who might be interested in participating in our Writers Club, please send this information to them. I invite all interested parties to contact me via Facebook or email to find out more details. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

So, until next time...
Happy reading & writing everyone...

'Now Is the Time - 170 ways to seize the moment' by Patrick Lindsay

No. 5

'cherish your family

They may exasperate and infuriate us.

But they are one of our most precious possessions.

Don't take them for granted.

We never know how long we will have them,

or they us.

They are our mirror and our anchor.

Treasure your time with them.'

'The family is the country of the heart.'

Giuseppe Mazzini (1805 - 1872)

Family - A Cherished Life

It doesn't seem all that long ago,

The years have flown so fast.

When we held our babies in our arms,

But that is all now past.

Now all we have are our memories,

The good times and the best.

For they are the ones we cherish most,

They stand above the rest.

The pitter patter of little feet,

upon the wooden floor.

Delightful giggles that filled each room,

Were sounds that we adored.

Our home once quiet became alive,

With music to our ears.

We cannot remember life before,

For they were empty years.

Each passing year slipped one by one, and

our babies grew to be

delightful personalities, who

were young and proud and free.

Inspiring individuals, they

explored their world and found,

excitement and crazy mysteries

That sent them outward bound.

They never ceased to amaze us both,

Ideas flowed thick and quick.

Life was a box of chocolates, dear,

We wondered which they'd pick.

All grown up now with lives of their own,

We look at them in awe.

But it is not yet over for us,

Because there's so much more.

There's graduations and wedding bells,

and grandkids, sure to come.

We  treasure all our memories, and

family of fun.

written & dedicated to my husband, Ian

by Debbie Smith - 13/12/2010

'Now Is the Time - 170 ways to seize the moment' by Patrick Lindsay

No. 3

'choose freedom

Too often we make our own cages:

of the mind, or the heart.

Or we allow technology to make them for us.

But we have the keys to unlock them.

We only need the will to use them.

Unlock your heart, love freely.

Unlock your mind, live freely.'

'The secret of happiness is freedom. The secret of freedom is courage.' 

Thucydides (460-404 BC)

Having the courage to try something new or make changes in our lives can be overwhelmingly one of the hardest challenges we ever have to face for a multitude of reasons. We get comfortable in our lives, jobs or situations and when it all boils down, it all depends on how uncomfortable we are prepared to tolerate before we are pushed, tipulated (I think I just made up a new word - I'm leaving it there because I like it), or shoved over the edge.

Remember when we were young and carefree? (If you're reading this and you fall into the young and carefree category, then please don't stop reading, take notes.) So, back to the mature acorns on the tree, do you remember? Do you remember how much easier it was to take risks and how we weren't too burdened by the consequences? It seemed easier to change jobs, move around, fall in and out of love and try out new stuff.

The longer we are around on the planet, and depending upon the choices we make, commitment to studies, careers, communities and partners slides into place and before we know it, we are caged, in some respects, of our own making. Now this alone is not a bad thing at all. We wouldn't do it if it was. However, once we've set our personal cages around us, when we do want to make a change because we discover we actually don't really like our choice, or we've changed our mind, that's when the fun begins. The stakes are higher because we've invested, sometimes greatly, into these different areas of our lives, and depending upon what stage of commitment we are at bears directly upon how much we are willing to lose or make change for.

We do need to be courageous to effect change, but we also need to remember to have balance to be effective while we are making the change/s...because sometimes these changes include and involve those we love. Change always impacts those around us, there's no way to avoid it. 

We only get to live one life so we need to make the most of it. We need to consider others, but we also need to consider ourselves. No one can make us happy. We are responsible for our own happiness and we need to nurture that. Our happiness will spill over on those around us. If we walk around with heavy hearts waiting for someone to cheer us up and they do happen along, it will only be a bandaid fix up.

Plan the change/s and consider all options. Write down the positives, negatives and consequences. Visualise - try it on and see what happens...then, seize the moment - and have fun...

'Now Is the Time - 170 ways to seize the moment' by Patrick Lindsay

No 2.

'Now is the time to...

lighten your load

Make sure you're only carrying today's burdens.

Too often we carry far more than necessary.

Reduce your load by dropping tomorrow's worries,

and yesterday's baggage.

Present pressures and problems are usually enough.

Leave tomorrow's until later.'

'Every morning cries to us: Do what you ought and trust what may be.' 

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832)

What simple advice...it's a wonder I did not think of this myself. Simple advice but how often to we walk around as if we carry the weight of the world on our shoulders? 

Sounds like a great way to lose 'weight' before Christmas. Maybe we just need to let go of the extra kilos of burden and instantly look trim and terrific. It's a wonder that someone hasn't marketed this and tried to flog it off on Danoz Direct! Maybe I could do that ... and become - rich!

Maybe it's a way for me to look younger too? Maybe today I will give it a try...

Yes I will START today...

The day is only early...so at the moment, the only burden I have is that I have been busy writing and haven't got myself a cup of coffee yet. Well one way to unburden myself is to go and make a cuppa...

Enjoy your day everyone and try to unburden yourselves and lose weight!

October Book Club - 'Like Water for Chocolate' by Laura Esquivel

We were down on numbers at October's meeting due to various commitments of some of our members to 'life'. Everyone is very busy and sometimes it is hard to fit everything in. So, if you were unable to come to our October meeting, let me just say, you were missed and we look forward to meeting up with you at our next meeting.


The members who came to discuss Laura Esquivel's, 'Like Water for Chocolate' were very happy with this magic realism novel, with most commenting that they had enjoyed it immensely.


One comment made: "As soon as I started reading it, it reminded me of the similar style of writing as in, 'A Hundred Years of Solitude', by Gabriel Garcia Marquez."


'Like Water for Chocolate is the story of a young woman, Tita, whose mother forces her to take care of her sole needs because of the order in which she was born. Tita is the youngest daughter of Mama Elena, and is prohibited by 'family tradition' from marrying so that she will be free to take care of her mother later in life. She is awarded no life of her own to look forward to and as a result, bases her whole existence on her love of cooking, where every emotion she feels becomes a part of the recipe she happens to be creating.


The book is thought provoking with interesting images landscaped in this telling tale of tortured love for Pedro that develops and endures during the course of Tita's life, and the results of this. The story follows Tita's life from birth to death, focusing mostly on her relationship with Pedro, her angst at her mother and her struggle and eventual triumph in pursuit of love and individuality.


This book is highly recommended, especially if you enjoy magic realism or the works of Gabriel Garcia Marquez.


Until next time,
happy reading...

Brisbane Writers' Festival - September 1 - 5th

The 2010 Brisbane Writers' Festival is upon us next week. Why not pop along and check out some amazing authors and events listed below:

happy hour (or two!) 12-2PM, Friday 27 Aug Two-for-one tickets to Brisbane Writers Festival. Two hours only. Tomorrow from 12-2PM. Call qtix 136 246 to purchase tickets. (Offer not available online. Offer excludes bookend events, Festival First Night and workshops and masterclasses.) BWF Book Raffle Plenty of opportunities for book lovers to indulge at this year's Brisbane Writers Festival! Did you know that BWF will celebrate its 50th birthday in 2012? Show your love and support for the Festival, and help ensure it's around for another 50 years by purchasing a raffle ticket or two from the volunteers in the Knowledge Walk. Your money will go towards bringing more of those internationals we all know and love to next year's Festival. At just $5 a ticket you have the chance to take home the bookshelf and the 100 exceptional Festival books - past and present - that fill it! The winner will be announced Sunday at the Closing Address. Student Rush Tickets BWF 2010 will be offering Student Rush Tickets. 1/2 price tickets will be available for students to purchase (student card required) one hour before every session, from the qtix office at the Festival.Read more. Intimate Conversations Don't miss these one-on-one conversations with extraordinary writers at this year's Festival. The Unexpected Fun of Federal Politics The Australian has labelled Jessica Rudd's debut novel Campaign Ruby'prophetic'; Sydney Morning Herald has called it 'stranger than fiction'. Find out why the press just can't leave this one alone, when Jessica speaks with Ellie O'Gorman about the realities and humour of national politics. Purchase tickets here. I'm Sorry. He's Passed. Tom Jokinen chats to Richard Fidler, revealing the discoveries he made when he quit a good government job to work at a family-run funeral home and crematorium as a trainee undertaker. His book, Curtains: Adventures of an undertaker in training, explores, first-hand, our culture's relationship with the dead, dying and left behind. Purchase tickets here. Christian the Lion: A YouTube Phenomenon You may have seen the video; you've probably heard the story. Christian the Lion shot to celebratory status when a remarkable video filmed in Kenya in 1971 featured on YouTube in 2008. Australian colonial and aboriginal art specialist Ace Bourke will take you back to 1971 to re-tell the remarkable story of his adventures with Christian the Lion. Purchase tickets here. One Book Many Brisbanes at BWF Hear what it's like to be a winner of Brisbane City Council's One Book Many Brisbanes competition. Be inspired by four winning authors from last year's competition who will share their experiences and give their tips on how they approached their short stories. Rosie Fitzgibbon, the editor and mentor of the anthology, will also be there to give industry insights into the competition. Saturday, 4 September, 5.30 - 6.30PM. Breezway Stage. Read more. A Catch of the Breath Co-presented by Metro Arts and Robert Thwaites. Until 4 September at Metro Arts. Brisbane-born poet Michael Thwaites, winner of the prestigious Newdigate Prize and Kings Medal for poetry (putting him in the company of Judith Wright and Les Murray), left behind a body of work that grappled with the themes of his generation. Director and grandson Robert Thwaites breaths new dimension into his verse in a performance of dynamic physicality, original music and powerful spoken word. Read more. For your chance to win one of TWO double passes to see A Catch of the Breath next Monday, 30 Aug, e-mail your name to info@metroarts.com.au with BWF A Catch of the Breath competition in the subject heading. The lucky winners will be notified by Metro Arts to pick up their tickets on the night at the Box Office. Don't miss the A Catch of the Breath ensemble in conversation and performance at BWF on Friday 3 Sept, 3:30-4:30PM. The Australian Writer's Marketplace Industry Masterclass Friday 3 September, 10AM-3PM at Brisbane Writers Festival Here is your chance to meet top industry professionals including Madonna Duffy (Publisher with UQP), Suzanne Babboneau (Publishing Director with Simon & Schuster UK), Sally Collings(Publisher with Red Hill Publishing), Emma Rusher (literary agent), and writers L.A. Larkin andSimon Groth. This industry seminar will introduce you to agents, publishers and writers and take you on a journey from manuscript development to published author promotion. It will cover the role of agents in a writer's life, the publishing process, including developing and submitting your work, and new pathways to publication. You'll learn the tricks of promoting your book and yourself, and the importance of both. This seminar is for emerging writers and those who are just plain curious about books and publishing. Walk away with tools and insider knowledge to help you navigate a pathway in the marketplace. Tickets $100 from qtix. Includes a copy the new edition of The Australian Writer's Marketplace, valued at $49.95. Queensland Brain Institute From the laboratory bench to Brisbane Writers Festival, the Queensland Brain Institute (QBI) is proud to be involved in spreading the word on neurological disorders. On Saturday 4 September, Perminder Sachdev, author of The Yipping Tiger and Other Tales from the Neuropsychiatric Clinic, will discuss 10 fascinating case studies at Brisbane Writers Festival. Professor Bryan Mowry (just one of many internationally renowned neuroscientists working at QBI) will chair the event. Read more. ArtsHub ArtsHub helps industry professionals and up and comers stay connected to the latest jobs, news and events in the arts. As an individual member, you will gain access to the latest arts jobs from over 800 company members as well as the ability to list unlimited events and classifieds. From grass roots not-for-profits to some of the biggest arts companies in the country, we are here to help everyone link together at one central hub. Visit ArtsHub to be a part of it. We encourage all BWF fans to please forward this e-mail to friends, family and members of your community. New subscribers can sign up to our e-news here. Until next time, The BWF Team Brisbane Writers Festival 1 - 5 September 2010 PO Box 3453 South Brisbane Queensland 4101 P: 61 7 3255 0254 F: 61 7 3255 0362 E: info@bwf.org.au www.bwf.org.au

June Book Club Meeting - Discussion: 'The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Society'

Novel Tea 'n Pages Book Club members recently held their second meeting and discussed the month of May selection, 'The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society' by Mary Ann Shaffer.

The evening began in a relaxing manner where each member gave their overall view of the book, followed by a more in-depth discussion of specific questions that allowed the members to explore the book and author's objectives at a deeper level.

The overall feed back from the majority of members reflected a positive response to the story line, and an affection, especially to its endearing characters. A few members decided that it really was a little 'hard going' for them and not really their 'cup of tea', but decided to persist with it.

During interval, the hostess, Deb, shared out mini Potato Peel Pies (see photograph) she had baked using a recipe found on a web page. Although not an authentic recipe (as the more authentic recipe was extremely basic), the recipe used was still very basic and quite bland. However, the novelty idea gave the book club members a taste of what it might have been like had they been holding their book club meeting post war during the German occupation. The small pies created interesting comments and discussions alone, separate to the book.

After interval, discussion turned to individual elaboration of feelings about the book. Each member discussed why they felt a certain way, ensuring interaction from fellow members who shared their views as well. Discussion of favourite characters stemmed from this conversation. Favourite characters included, Juliette, Dawsey and Isola as well as Elizabeth.

Two points of interest came out of the discussion. The first: when enjoying fiction, book club members enjoy it more if they learn something factual using fiction as the method to discover the knowledge and, secondly, the book works if the author successfully entices us to want to visit the place they are writing about. 'The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society' successfully fulfilled both criteria for the members present.

Members discussed their thoughts on how they felt about reading someone else's 'personal' letters and more so, how everyone felt about reading a whole book made up of only letters. Comments made from the discussion were that it was like 'finding your grandmother's box of old letters' and reading through them and learning about her and her life back then. Most agreed it didn't feel weird that they were reading someone's private letters like it would if they read someone's diary.

Another point made was that it was a great way to learn about each character. Each layer was shown via a different letter, either addressed to the same person or to another person, revealing, little by little, lives woven throughout the story to make a fabric of community. One member felt it was hard work to get to know the characters at first because there were so many of them and it was hard to remember who was who.

Juliette was the favourite character chosen by the attending members.

Other comments flowing from the narrative was that the author managed to teach us about true friendships and how the best friendships interact with one another. Each character was independent, yet interactive between each other. It also revealed the challenges Juliette faced each day as a writer.

An important point made, concerned the trust that some of the characters felt toward others and the betrayal of those least expected, in order to survive. Sadly, it really came down to the 'survival of the fittest' sometimes. Much of the discussion centred around Elizabeth and her role throughout the story.

The members in attendance highly recommend 'The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Society' to others. Overall, most members thoroughly enjoyed reading it.

Our next book for the month of June is: 'The Story of a Marriage' by Andrew Sean Greer. This is a book that will provide some twists for the reader.

Our meeting concluded with refreshments and socialising. Another pleasant get together. If this sounds like something you'd like to be a part of, new members are always welcome.

so, until next time...

happy reading...

'The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society' by Mary Ann Shaffer

Novel Tea 'n Pages Book Club are excited because we are reading 'The

Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society' by Mary Ann Shaffer.

' "I wonder how the book got to Guernsey? Perhaps there is some secret sort of homing instinct in books that brings them to their perfect readers. How delightful if that were true ... That's what I love about reading: one tiny thing will interest you in a book, and that tiny thing will lead you on to another book, and another bit there will lead you on to a third book. It's geometrically progressive--all with no end in sight and for no other reason than sheer enjoyment." '

' "A moving tale of post-war friendship, love and books. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society is a captivating and completely irresistible novel of enormous depth and heart." '

Novel Tea 'n Pages Book Club is a newly formed group of book lovers coming together to meet for our own particular set of reasons. It will be interesting to read about 'The Guernsey Literary' book club, the reasons behind its birth, the differences and similarities to our own club.

The date for our next meeting to discuss this book is Wednesday evening, 2 June, 2010 from 7:30pm till 9:30pm.

We meet the first Wednesday of every month. We welcome new members.

Until then...

happy reading ~

Getting Closer...

The launch of 'Novel Tea 'n Pages' Book Club is coming up fast and it brings with it, a buzz...something new is in the air...a fresh start and the beginning of a journey. A small group of like-minded people are about to set sail, with book in hand and discover a world of ... more.

The objective of this book club is to develop and grow friendships between people from all sorts of backgrounds who share a common interest. We even have a member who is reading with us from afar...across the other side of the country, in Western Australia. Book Clubs have a way of bringing people together and developing bonds.

We are looking forward to many excursions to poetry readings, book launches, the odd trips to book stores, Writers Festivals and possibly, down the track, retreats. But that is the fun part; the unknown. There are so many possibilities, and that is going to be part of the journey; to explore all our options.

This club is informal and relaxed. The discussion questions and reading guides are prepared for you...all you have to do is enjoy the read, then come along to our meetings which are held on the first Wednesday of every month and share your thoughts. April's book is: 'Water for Elephants' by Sara Gruen.

There is always room for more to join. If you'd like more information, please leave a comment and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

In the meantime,

happy reading...

New Beginnings

Choosing a new novel is an intimate decision. Something about the cover, the title, the look and feel of the book helps us to make our final decision of whether to read it or not. Maybe the way a book smells or the way it feels in our hand draws us into its unique journey or makes us replace it back on the shelf. The opening lines and first couple of paragraphs may be the lure to hook and reel us in...but once the decision is made to begin, a journey is set in motion, enveloping us in excitement and intrigue.

Another exciting time is when a decision is made to commit some time to a new project...and, for me, today is one such time.

This year is already shaping up to be a big year on a personal level, with an engagement party looming, and sprinkled throughout the remaining year, a twenty-first, a wedding, and another birthday of significance. For me the commencement of a new part-time job in the role as a Primary Learning Extension teacher at a large independent Christian school teaching Creative Writing to switched-on kids is a step back into a smidgeon of routine, which I haven't really had since completing my uni course. I think having a job helps me to keep to some sort of routine, so I don't fritter my life away.

I know this year is going to be busy and yet, I still believe I need to set aside some committed time to feed my own creative juices.

I meet regularly with three gorgeous friends who are interested in similar things to me. They all enjoy writing. We met at university whilst we were participating in a creative writing course. My course was a full-time post-graduate diploma in Creative Writing which I thoroughly loved. Upon graduating and finishing uni, my friends and I decided to make a pact to continue to meet up on a social basis with the option of sharing our work and interests. So far, we have managed to meet up regularly, but slowly the sharing of our writing has fallen by the wayside and been replaced totally by social interaction and business updates.

Two of my friends are now fully immersed in their small businesses, whilst my other friend has surrendered herself to the challenging and wonderful world of motherhood...all very important adventures. As I mentioned previously, I have returned to part-time teaching at my old school, but this time, I am teaching what I am passionate about...writing and books. This is a very exciting time for all of my friends, including me, but for different reasons.

After meeting with them recently, and hearing all their updates I felt satisfied on a social level. One of my friends who is busy growing her strategic based business 'Teak Yew' recently launched her Business Book Club and it was after listening to her speak of its success, I became very excited for her, but it made me miss one of the reasons we had decided to continue to meet up...and that was to share our thoughts about the books we were reading and our work we were currently writing.

So, with this in mind, Novel Tea 'n Pages has been born...beginning with a blog in order to jot down the process of setting up a Book & Writers' Club where people can meet up with others to discuss and share their favourite books and writing samples that they are currently working on.

This blog will serve multiple purposes. Space will be dedicated to books, writing, the club news and odds and ends. So, welcome...if you've happened to have stumbled upon this page...I hope you find something of interest. Obviously it is early days and today is just the start, but as time goes on, I hope to be able to build upon this foundation...

So, till next time...happy reading and writing.