Hove Book Group Christmas Meal

The hardest working book group in Hove look back on another year of culture

Another splendid evening of bonhomie, insight, incisive discourse, lovely food, wine, and ales, also saw the results of the Hove Book Group review of 2014.

To a gasp of amazement from Tristan, "The Railway Man" by Eric Lomax was voted the best book we read in 2014.  Here's the complete run down...

1. "The Railway Man" by Eric Lomax 

2. "The Lowlife" by Alexander Baron
2. "Between The Woods and the Water" by Patrick Leigh Fermor
4. "White Noise" by Don DeLillo
5. "Last exit to Brooklyn" by Hubert Selby, Jr.
6. "Quiet" by Susan Cain
7. "The Rehearsal" by Eleanor Catton
8. "The Hiding Place" by Corrie Ten Boom
9. "The Violence of Organized Forgetting: Thinking Beyond America's Disimagination Machine" by Henry A. Giroux

Our occasional musical selections saw Primal Scream share the honours with the late, great Ian Dury..

1="Screamadelica" (1991) by Primal Scream
1="Reasons To Be Cheerful: The Very Best Of Ian Dury & The Blockheads" by Ian Dury & The Blockheads (1999)
3. "XO" (1998) by Elliott Smith
4. Muzsikás Feat. Marta Sebestyen "Fly Bird Fly - Very Best of”
5. "Pure Heroine" (2013) by Lorde 

The mention of Muzsikás prompting a hearty guffaw from Tristan.  

And cinematically, there was one runaway leader....

1. "London - The Modern Babylon" (2012) by Julien Temple
2="All The Presidents Men" (1976) - directed by Alan J. Pakula
2= "Scum" (1979) directed by Alan Clarke
4 "The Grand Budapest Hotel" (2014) directed by Wes Anderson
4. "Requiem for a Dream" (2000) by Darren Aronofsky
6 "The Virgin Suicides" (1999) dir Sofia Coppola 

Nick mentioned, via email, that 2014 had not been a vintage year for HBG and this prompted much soul searching.  Is it better to read great books and have consensus in the group, or to chose more divisive books that perhaps do not linger in the memory?  We all erred towards the former and resolved to up our game in 2015, the year of our tenth anniversary.

Patrick Leigh Fermor "Between The Woods and the Water"

Patrick Leigh Fermor "Between The Woods and the Water"

The hardest working book group in Hove gathered in their traditional haunt in Hove's glamorous Poets Corner district to focus their prodigious intellects on "Between The Woods and the Water" by Patrick Leigh Fermor.

Patrick Leigh Fermor (1915–2011) was an intrepid traveler and a heroic soldier who is widely considered to be one of the finest travel writers of the twentieth century. After his stormy schooldays, followed by the walk across Europe to Constantinople that begins in A Time of Gifts (1977) and continues through Between the Woods and the Water (1986) and The Broken Road (published posthumously in 2013), he lived and traveled in the Balkans and the Greek archipelago. His books A Time to Keep Silence (1957), Mani (1958) and Roumeli (1966) attest to his deep interest in languages and remote places. 

The controversial book cover

How would HBG respond to Paddy and his teenage travels?

Nigel, who had selected the book, was predictably enthusiastic.  He explained how he was already "in deep" with Paddy and listed the other books he had read by, or about, the man, including the biography by Artemis Cooper.


Nigel had revelled in "A Time of Gifts", the first volume in the trilogy that recounts Patrick Leigh Fermor's extraordinary journey, which commenced in 1933, when he was 18 years old, and during which he set out to walk from the Hook of Holland to Constantinople. At the end of "A Time of Gifts" Nigel had left Paddy in Hungary, and this is where "Between the Woods and the Water" picks up the journey.  In "Between The Woods And The Water", Paddy travels to Budapest and thence across the Great Hungarian Plain, before travelling through Transylvania and the upper Carpathian Mountains, variously walking, riding on horseback, by car, on a boat, and by train.  Paddy continues to share his enthusiasm for life, language, history, nature, religion, people, music, food and anything else that piques his interest. His gift for making friends knows no bounds. In this volume, alongside the usual array of aristocrats, Paddy befriends two communities of Gypsies, young women harvesting, Transylvanian shepherds, an Orthodox rabbi and his sons, and various other people and groups he encounters. It appears there is no one with whom he cannot find common ground despite the differences in language, circumstance and culture.

Nigel "revelled"

This book was published in 1986, nine years after "A Time of Gifts", however both books share the same vivacity and freshness that belies the gap between the original experience and when the books were written. What elevates this book, and its predecessor, is Paddy's gorgeously poetic descriptions, which vividly bring his journey to life.  Nigel concluded by hailing it as another beautifully written travel book, that also variously serves as a book about European history, social history, relationships, youth, lost worlds, and all in the company of the most charming, erudite and enthusiastic travelling companion imaginable.  9/10

Robin's body language and demeanour suggested the Paddy love-in was about to abruptly end - and so it came to pass.  Robin felt disengaged by much of the book and found himself frequently zoning out.  Robin loves Laurie Lee.  There, he's said it.  He wants to shout about his love for Laurie Lee from the rooftops.  The downside of his love for Laurie is that it leaves little leeway for alternative attractions.

Robn - loves Laurie Lee

Robin demands that his travel writers rough it every night - not just when the writer is not staying in castles and playing bicycle polo.  Horses, boats, cars?  Come on Paddy.  Rough it man.  Rough it.  4/10

Tristan hailed Paddy as "a remarkable person" with a "prodigious intellect".  He shines a light on a lost Europe and we all benefit from this illumination.  

There is also the occasional reminder of the dreadful future awaiting so many of the people he met along his way in 1934:

"Every part of Europe I had crossed so far was to be torn and shattered by the war; indeed, except for the last stage before the Turkish frontier, all the countries traversed by this journey were fought over a few years later by two mercilessly destructive powers; and when war broke out, all these friends vanished into sudden darkness. Afterwards the uprooting and destruction were on so tremendous a scale that it was sometimes years after the end of it all that the cloud became less dense and I could pick up a clue here and there and piece together what had happened in the interim. Nearly all of them had been dragged into the conflict in the teeth of their true feelings and disaster overtook them all." 

Tristan was able to further enhance his splendid review with reference to his own recent visit to Transylvania.  He regaled us with slides of his visit that included a ex-Salt Mine now used for table tennis, an abandoned and highly toxic chemical factory and his legendary re-enactment of The Matrix.  Confused?  So were we.  But delightfully so.  

Sadly Tristan could exclusively that the Water Buffalo are no longer a regular sight and the diversity of wildlife is in steep decline.

Tristan - re-enacted The Matrix in Transylvania

Back to the book and its gold-panning Gypsies, bawdy village crones, sun-brown reapers, flirty women, Transylvanian shepherds, and the impenetrably reserved Orthodox rabbi, and - of course - the reports from within the “manor houses harbouring over-civilised boyars up to their ears in Proust and Mallarmé”, and - of course - the exploration of European history, language and customs, for Tristan this all added up to a whole heap of literary and intellectual pleasure.  

Well played PLF.  7.5/10

Keith described the book as "genre busting" and a highly intelligent account of Paddy's teenage travels.  How much of what Paddy reported reflected his teenage musings?  And how much was a lifetime of learning superimposed onto the journey?  Keith raised a quizzical eyebrow whilst surveying his HBG bredren.  Either way, Paddy revels in his powers of observation, his historical awareness, and his magnificent prose. Landscape came alive, the people whom he encountered were described and what shone through was their humanity.  The historical and philosophical digressions enchanted Keith and illuminated the reading experience. Keith was there, alongside Paddy, on the vast eastern plain, and he loved it.

Keith - nationalism schmationlism

Keith was also struck by the endless movements of people and customs across geography, of migrations, exiles, conversions and conquests that compose Middle Europe, Keith could not help but reflect upon the ridiculous imposture of nationalism, borders, and the futility and pettiness of statehood.  Europe's people have always, and will always, ebb and flow and that's what define us UKIP, Cameron and the rest of you small minded, blinkered fools.  Keith climbed down from the table to rousing cheers from the assembled throng.  8/10

Hamish went above beyond the call of duty by reading A Time of Gifts before starting this one (although he had to abandon it before finishing in order to read this volume before our discussion).  Once the cheering had died down, Hamish stated he loved the accounts of Paddy's walk.  From the moments in Budapest, with the “noctambulistic” smart set (cellar nightclubs, scotch-and-soda, American jazz) whose country-housed, horse-lending population extended deep into Hungary and Romania, along the still-twitching nerves of the old empire.  With these connections, much of 1934 was a Summer sojourn amongst old Hapsburg nobility.  Paddy pausing for weeks at a time to sample the “learning, munificence, and douceur de vivre” of that soon-to-be-swept-away class. Suddenly, the daunting hike described in this book and A Time of Gifts became more extended holiday filled with picnics, bicycle polo, and undisturbed hours in manorial libraries in which the lore and languages of the region. 

Hamish - went beyond the call of duty

Hamish revelled in Paddy's fantastic language, whilst an easy read Hamish found he could only manage the book in small doses due to the richness of each section.  The downside of travel writing is the that we don't always get as much about the personal aspect of the journey and Hamish enjoyed those sections where this was not the case.  One memorable example was the night spent with the gypsies when Paddy was unsure if his horse would still be with him in the morning.  Hamish concluded his review by asking whether there people like Paddy still exist.  We concluded they probably don't.  8/10 (including a point for the cover which, unbelievably, not everyone liked)

The complimentary film selection was...

The Grand Budapest Hotel - complimentary

"The Grand Budapest Hotel" (2014) directed by Wes Anderson

The Grand Budapest Hotel is a 2014 comedy film written and directed by Wes Anderson and inspired by the writings of Stefan Zweig. It stars Ralph Fiennes as Gustave H, a legendary concierge at a famous hotel from the fictional Republic of Zubrowka between the first and second World Wars, and Zero Moustafa, the lobby boy who becomes his most trusted friend.



Nigel enjoyed it, and the echoes of the old Hapsburg nobility and the pre-war era with its ominous storm clouds darkening a world of culture and sophistication.  8/10

Keith, who barely knows how to operate a television, was underwhelmed. 6/10

Tristan called it a very good film which ticked all his boxes. 9/10

Robin loved it 7/10

And, to round things off, we enjoyed...

Muzsikás Feat. Marta Sebestyen "Fly Bird Fly - Very Best of"

...or did we?  Robin imagined the music, and the rest of the HBG had not noticed... 

Nigel's lovingly crafted YouTube playlist (good innit) 

...all except Hamish who borrowed the CD and was able to bring some sanity to the discussion by praising the merits of this Hungarian group who mainly play folk music from Hungary and the other countries of the region.  The perfect soundtrack to Paddy's journey.  Thanks Hamish.  The textbook response.

And on that high note the Hove Book Group bade each other farewell with much hearty slapping of backs and kissing of cheeks.

"The Violence of Organized Forgetting: Thinking Beyond America's Disimagination Machine" by Henry A. Giroux

Hove Book Group gathered on Thursday 16th October 2014 at Robin's cat sanctuary to discuss Keith's politically charged selections.

On a recent visit to the famous City Lights bookshop in San Francisco Keith requested some "under the counter" hard stuff and was handed a plain brown paper bag that contained "The Violence of Organized Forgetting: Thinking Beyond America's Disimagination Machine" by Henry A. Giroux.  

Keith tried to hide his all too evident excitement and rushed back to his hotel to enjoy his purchase.  

So excited was he by this book that he insisted the Hove Book Group read it too.  Why Keith?  Why?  

Well it turns out that Henry Giroux has accomplished an exciting, brilliant intellectual dissection of America's somnambulent voyage into anti-democratic political depravity. Giroux's analysis of the plight of America's youth is particularly heartbreaking. 

Not content with taking the book's contents at face value, Keith had assiduously researched many of Giroux's claims to find that they were all true.  7/10

Nigel, as a left-leaning liberal type, should have been receptive to this book. And, to an extent, he was. Giroux catalogues America's many ills, all of which are well known to anyone who follows world events, and seen in black and white it is a damning and alarming list: a neoliberal elite systematically disenfranchising the poor, the elderly, the young, people of disputed residency and people of color; America's obsession with violence and guns; mass state surveillance; the war on terror; the large number of citizens residing in prisons; rampant consumerism; assembly line education; job insecurity; increased militarisation; reduced social mobility; the treatment of Edward Snowden; Guantanamo Bay; the shameful aftermath of Hurricane Katrina; and so on.  

Alas Giroux writes in a very strident style but one that is also overly intellectual and peppered with jargon. As he read it Nigel wondered who Giroux hopes to reach with this book. Not only did the sociological jargon mean little, it is also very repetitive. 4/10

Hamish "Preaching to the converted"

Hamish felt Giroux was merely preaching to the converted before also criticising the book for its impenetrable language.  What exactly is Giroux trying to say? And to whom? Once Hamish had fought his way through the forest of jargon (never explained) and references to numerous other theorists, what is Giroux's solution? 

In the last chapter Giroux suggests hope. Riiight. Against the backdrop of the powerful elites so painstaking described by Giroux over 280 pages it's hard to see where that's going to get anyone.  4/10

Tristan loved this book!  After that attention grabbing opener, it transpired that Tristan loved the "z" in organized, the shape of the book, the way it stayed open, the cover design, alas this is where his enthusiasm ended.  

Tristan unfavourably contrasted Giroux to Naomi Klein's "Shock Doctrine" (a book we read many moon ago) and found "The Violence of Organized Forgetting: Thinking Beyond America's Disimagination Machine" severely wanting.  Giroux's book is almost a parody of a political book that fails to inspire and merely bores.  5/10

Robin "Giroux missed a sitter"

Robin felt Giroux had missed an open goal. He'd set out his stall early doors but this was not to be a book of two halves, nope this was a one sided affair, with only one winner, Boredom FC.  Robin wanted a red card for Giroux within two minutes of the start for a two footed lunge on the "vapid culture of celebrity".  However, this lunge went unpunished leaving Giroux free to evoke French philosopher Georges Didi-Huberman and his concept of the “disimagination machine” to describe a culture and pedagogical philosophy.  By the time citizenship was replaced by consumerism the ref had lost control and Robin had lost interest.  Shouldn't Robin have felt angry and inspired by the end of this book? Yes.  Was he?  No.  He was depressed, bored and relieved. Giroux had missed a sitter. 3/10

Despite the general negativity toward Giroux's style, the book raised some interesting and important issues and HBG proceeded to discuss some of the troubling issues.  

We then turned to Keith's cinematic choice...

"All The Presidents Men" (1976) - directed by Alan J. Pakula

Keith had watched "All The Presidents Men" on the plane on his way to the now infamous visit to the City Lights bookshop.  He loved it.  The film evoked a pre-internet world of phone directories, paper - lots of paper, typewriters, and cigarettes.  And deep throat.  Right up Keith's street.  

Nigel kept the love for All the President's Men going.  A classic.  10/10

Hamish thought it was good, if a tad dated, and as much about newspaper journalism as it was about Watergate.

Tristan described it as gripping, well acted, and thoroughly engaging.

Robin enjoyed it and gave it 7/10.  

With the beer drunk, the crisps all but eaten, the cats asleep and Keith's choices debated to within an inch of their lives, HBG shared satisfied smiles before the obligatory manly hugs and fond farewells.  Ten, ten til we do it again.

"Last exit to Brooklyn" (1964) by Hubert Selby, Jr.

On Thursday 4th September 2014, Hove Book Group, looking tanned and healthy after their Summer layoff, and after brushing the sand from their collective feet, got down to business.  

Had we been enjoying a Summer of light hearted fun?  No Sir.  That's not the HBG way.  We prefer our Summers gritty, harsh, uncompromising and urban, so - with that in mind - Tristan had chosen controversial selections that had been banned or resulted in legal action.  Hold onto your hats it's going to be a bumpy ride....

BOOK: "Last exit to Brooklyn" (1964) by Hubert Selby, Jr. 

Tristan was quick to praise what he described as a powerful masterpiece.  The novel, broken into six parts, each a self-contained vignette and prefaced with a biblical quotation, celebrate a dystopian Brooklyn awash with hoodlums, victims, transvestites, repressed homosexuals and Benzedrine, lots of Benzedrine. Tristan thought it was correct to explore these extremes of behaviour and he was engaged throughout the entire book.  9/10

Keith nodded with approval whilst he murmured "A good assessment, yes, I think so, very good".  Keith highlighted the novel's crudely punctuated, phonetic vernacular, which has a pleasing and surprising intermittent lyricism.  The style redeems the book's sadism and violence, and elevates it into excellence.  8/10

Nigel first read it umpteen years ago and felt it was still a powerful and disturbing experience, though time has slightly reduced the impact of its graphic tales of drugs, street violence, gang rape, homosexuality, transvestism and domestic violence. Nigel was struck by the parallels with Trainspotting, both in the depiction of street life and the extensive use of an unpunctuated vernacular. What Last Exit to Brooklyn lacks in comparison with Trainspotting is any humour. 1950s Brooklyn as depicted here is an unremittingly bleak world populated by universally unsympathetic, venal characters. This time round Nigel was also struck by the rather one dimensional and slightly sinister depiction of the book's gay men. Not a pleasant read but, undeniably, a landmark book that still stands up. 7/10

Robin: fascinated by a repressed homosexual

Robin was eerily fascinated by Harry the repressed homosexual.  He also described the novel as a stick of dynamite chucked into the heart of American literature in 1964, leaving a huge crater and scorched earth that serves as a monument to the power of the written word to disrupt and repel the mind.  Robin's mind was blown by this book and may never fully recover.  7/10

Perhaps, even more shocking than "Last exit to Brooklyn" was the realisation that only Nigel had watched, or rather rewatched, Tristan's film selection....

FILM: "Scum" (1979) directed by Alan Clarke

Tristan, Robin & Keith: Didn't watch "Scum"

Nigel had seen Scum on its release and confirmed that this 1979 British film directed by Alan Clarke, portraying life inside a British borstal, had lost none of its power.  This is "a real horror film", and all the more horrific as it is so clearly depicts a world that genuinely existed just a few decades ago, complete with habitual violence, racism and uncaring staff.  As Archer (Mick Ford), the film's one sympathetic character states, "How can anyone build a character in a regime based on deprivation? Good, fine minds thrown in with crazy people".  Ultimately, what is most shocking about Scum, is the uncaring cruelty of the screws.  A landmark film.  9/10

MUSIC: Pussy Riot "Kill The Sexist" (2012)

Through the marvels of YouTube, Tristan was able to share the infamous video filmed on 21 February 2012, when the group staged a performance in Moscow's Cathedral of Christ the Savior and turned the performance into a music video, as a protest against the Orthodox Church leader's support for Putin during his election campaign.

The band's simple riffs and screaming were, we all agreed, not the point.  This is pure punk by brave and courageous women and an appropriate way to wrap up another wonderful evening of cultural discourse with Hove's premier book group.

Ten ten til we do it again.

"Quiet" (2012) by Susan Cain

Nick: wants to be an extrovert

Nick revealed his long held ambition to be an extrovert.  He'd read many self help books including Paul McKenna's seminal work "Instant Confidence" but all to no avail.  Perhaps Nick should just accept that he is not Dale Carnegie or Jonathan Ross or Gary Barlow?

Could "Quiet" by Susan Cain hold the key to understanding his own power, the power of an introvert in a world that can't stop talking?  In a word "Yes".  

"Quiet" was a series of eureka moments for Nick.  So maybe it was 100 pages too long, perhaps Mike Judge's "Silicon Valley" explores similar territory in a more amusing way, no matter, this was all solid gold to Nick who finally came to embrace his own introversion.  

Nick also mentioned that in Myers Briggs he is in INTJ before lavishing the book with 7.5/10

Robin felt the book was common sense and that it was too long winded.  He then stunned Hove Book Group with two shock admissions: Admission #1 - he's married to an extrovert, and Admission #2 - he hadn't actually read the book.  He then qualified Admission #2 by stating he had read some of the book but he'd "been a bit busy".  

He had read this Jon Ronson review though.  

So that was alright then.  6/10

Tristan had a few gripes.  This book was just cheerleading for introverts.  What's so great about introverts?  Speak up, we can't hear you.  

Cain's book was a bit of a slog and not exactly a page turner however she made some valid points.  "Quiet" is right to highlight the "cult of extroversion", how teamworking does not necessarily suit all personality types, and, yes, some people need "restorative niches" in a toilet cubicle.  

Tristan is a strong extrovert, and an ENTP.  5/10

Shhhh

Nigel praised this interesting and timely investigation into introversion, and how introverts are undervalued and misunderstood in schools, the workplace, and Western society.  He especially enjoyed the chapter which described how, after industrialisation, the USA quickly evolved into a culture that valued a hearty, sales type personality over more considered personality traits, and how this outgoing stereotype now dominates at the expense of people who are naturally quieter and more thoughtful.  Nigel felt the book's most salient points also feature in Susan Cain's presentation on the TED Talks website and that the main points could easily be summarised in a few pages. 

Nigel is an ISTJ  6.5/10

Whilst Hove Book Group had been enjoying a discussion about "Quiet", Keith had been communicating by text.  After another afternoon of carousing at what passes for Keith's workplace, he had been helping a befuddled man find his hostel, this had caused him to wander the streets of Hove for many hours whilst trying to help the lost man.  

Once a clearly refreshed Keith finally arrived, he described "Quiet" as accessible science, a digest if you will of many research studies which, ultimately, and like so much accessible science, tells you what you already know.  

Describing Hove Book Group as "men of the world", Keith asserted that we had each devised our own strategies for coping with presentations, speeches, theatrical productions, and fronting rock and roll bands.  Did we need Susan Cain to help us?  No we did not.  Were we still cowering in the toilet cubicle?  No we were not.  Might a younger person find this book helpful?  Yes, a younger person might. 

Keith is INTJ.  10/10  

What was Don's view?  All quiet on the Don front.

"XO" (1998) by Elliott Smith

Nick praised the harmonies and middle eights of XO before describing Elliott Smith's death at the age of 34 years from two stab wounds to the chest which were probably self inflicted.  

Nick loves it, and Elliott's mastery of the pop song.

Nigel regaled HBG with tales of a road trip to France specifically to see Elliott Smith at a festival that involved a six hour journey there and back and a mood of simmering resentment from the arguing couple with whom he shared the experience.  Nigel stated he preferred "Either/Or" to "XO" but was quick to acknowledge that both are splendid records.

Tristan said he didn't feel things have really changed.  He still does the same things that he's always done, but that's OK.  Those things are fun.

Robin discussed the film "Boyhood" by Richard Linklater and how he got his daughter to lie about her age so she could see it as the Duke Of Yorks cinema.  What about Elliott Smith Robin?  Er....Elliott who?

So, another pleasant evening, sitting at a table outside the Poets Corner pub in Hove's romantic Poets Corner district meandered to an end.  The empty glasses and discarded crisp packets, the only evidence that weighty discussion and great insights had filled the night air only minutes earlier.

"The Hiding Place" (1971) by Corrie Ten Boom

On Thursday 5th June 2014, the hardest working Book Group in Hove reconvened for another evening of literary cut and thrust, and insightful cultural comment, and the discussion took place at a new venue: The Hove Deep Sea Anglers Club in West Hove's fashionable angling district.

Robin, full of the joys of Dutch cycle paths, and Van Gogh, wanted to share his love of the Netherlands with his HBG compadres and, frankly, who could blame him.  His eyes flashing with the gleam of the zealot, he introduced his book choice as "charming" and "understated" for Robin had selected "The Hiding Place" by a Dutch woman called Corrie ten Boom (1892-1983).   

Corrie ten Boom and her family were Christians who were active in social work in their home town of Haarlem, the Netherlands. During the Nazi occupation, they chose to express their faith through peaceful resistance to the Nazis by helping the Dutch underground. They hid, fed and transported Jews and underground members hunted by the Gestapo out of Holland. They were able to save the lives of around 800 Jews, in addition to protecting underground workers.  On 28 February 1944, they were betrayed and Corrie and several relatives were arrested. The ten Boom family members were separated and transferred to concentration camps. Corrie was allowed to stay with her sister, Betsy. Corrie's father, sister and one grandchild died. Corrie was released in December 1944.

Robin

Robin highlighted the themes of reconciliation and forgiveness that also characterised another recent choice "The Railway Man".  The book prompted Robin to take stock of his life and re-evaluate many of his assumptions, including the significance of ants.  6.5/10

Nick, who could not attend, emailed through his thoughts... he confessed to breaching the 8th Rule of Book Group: never read a book cover before reading the book. After reading the cover, Nick concluded Corrie's book was not for him.  Nick was to quickly realise his face was covered in egg as he "couldn’t have been more wrong" about Corrie, and her book: An inspirational read, full of vivid characters.  Every situation has things you can learn from - a message believers and non-believers can all appreciate.  Nick was also struck by the similarities with The Railway Man - the difficulty of forgiveness, the importance of redemption, the need to share traumatic experiences.  7/10

Don: a peaceful warrior

Don explained how he is steeped in books about the Nazis and the holocaust.  Don described Corrie as a peaceful warrior, resisting inhuman evil without violence and responding to personal persecution and injustice with grace, love and forgiveness.  "Worrying does not empty tomorrow of its troubles, it empties today of its strength", murmured Don before lavishing the book with 8/10.

Nigel agreed that this was an incredible story of selflessness, sacrifice and bravery, and an always timely reminder about the evils of fanaticism and intolerance.  He observed how Corrie ten Boom believed she was an instrument of God and all that happened to her was part of His purpose, which Nigel felt raised many broader questions that the book did not address.  The book is clearly pitched at a Christian audience with little regard to style or structure; very clunky, and painful to read in places. Was this the translation?  Or just the fact that the writers were not really concerned about how the tale was told?  Nigel explained that he has no faith and finds some aspects of Christianity off putting. Corrie's inspirational bravery was insufficient to redeem the book's more negative aspects.  4/10

Tristan was able to rise above the "plodding and pedestrian prose" to celebrate Corrie's selflessness and bravery.  Despite ten months of cruelty whilst interned, Corrie always prayed for the hearts of her captors. In contrast to Eric Lomax, author of "The Railway Man", Corrie was constantly forgiving her captors and those who persecuted her, and in this way was able to accept her experiences almost as they were happening.  Tristan observed how this was in stark contrast to Lomax who was only able to reach a similar outcome after finally seeking counselling having endured years of suppressing his feelings about his wartime experiences.  "Is prayer your steering wheel or your spare tyre?" asked Tristan.  6/10

Keith was also unable to attend in person however, through the medium of email, told us he felt it "a book of two halves": life in Haarlem before and during WW2, and the horrors of imprisonment and Ravensbruck.  The first half held more interest, whilst the second, like "The Railway Man", was an account of terrors barely possible to imagine. The book is a Christian testimony, and that perspective contains both Corrie’s and her sister Betsie’s outlook.  This aspect of the book did not work for Keith (including the workbook where Keith was asked to examine the fact that ‘God governs all things, even those that appear to us senseless and cruel’). From a purely literary perspective Keith gave it a 7/10.

"The Hiding Place" (1971) by Corrie Ten Boom stimulated an interesting and wide-ranging discussion about faith and bravery.

Robin enthused about his film choice, "Lust For Life" (1956) directed by Vincente Minnelli.

Robin really enjoyed this biographical film about the life of the Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh.  The portrayal of Van Gogh by Kirk Douglas ticked all Robin's boxes as did the the madness of creative passion and the heartbreaking tragedy of Vincent's starving, misunderstood genius.  8/10

Tistan felt the film had not aged well describing it as "mildly interesting" and "unconvincing".  4/10

Nigel felt it was competent but very dated and was curiously uninspiring and dull.  The direction and cinematography were pedestrian and this is where  Vincente Minnelli probably missed a trick - for all Kirk Douglas's efforts at bringing the tortured artist to life he needed some cinematic tricks to help create a more compelling film. Anthony Quinn's Gaugin is the best thing about it.  4/10

Keith appreciated the canvas stills which were woven in to the film's fabric and

Keith - reminded of Russ Abbott

the early section about Vincent's life in the Belgian mining town.  Keith was not entirely con-Vince’d by Mr Douglas. With his red hair, Keith got flashes of Russ Abbott. Everyone should know a bit about Vincent, and the film gives an easy-access view of his challenge to the art establishment. So why not give it a view? 7/10

Robin then apologised at length for his appalling musical selection.  Nobody had anything even slightly positive to say about "Van Halen" (1978):  

Don described it as the musical equivalent of the M25.

Tristan called it a base parody of music.    

Robin, in between apologies, called it an abomination.

Keith wanted it consigned to the cultural landfill. 

Nigel was reminded of a pumped up bodybuilder on steroids and had one question "Why?"  

Out of curiosity, Nigel had established NME's top tracks of 1978, as a way of trying to establish what he was listening to whilst in an alternate universe people were buying Van Halen's album in their droves...

Buzzcocks - Ever Fallen In Love
Public Image Ltd. - Public Image
Ian Dury - What A Waste
Rolling Stones - Miss You
Elvis Costello - (I Don't Want To) Go To Chelsea
Siouxsie And The Banshees - Hong Kong Garden
The Clash - White Man In Hammersmith Palais
Magazine - Shot By Both Sides
Bryan Ferry - Sign Of The Times
Evelyn "Champagne" King - Shame
Ian Dury - Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick

...why would anyone listen to Van Halen with that level of brilliance and diversity going on elsewhere?

With the question left hanging in the air, the HBG bade each other, and their new angling chums, a fond farewell before leaving the luxury of the HDSA club for the world beyond.

"The Lowlife" by Alexander Baron

Nigel: Celebrates London

The movers and the shakers that make up Hove Book Group assembled in The Poets Corner pub on Thursday 24th April 2014 to pore over Nigel's "Celebrate London" choices.

Nigel explained how he is attracted to literature written about London and so was inspired to put curate a London-centric set of choices...

"The Lowlife" (1963) by Alexander Baron

Nigel explained how Alexander Baron was a renowned London author and very popular in his day.  The Lowlife (1963) is the third book that Nigel had read by Alexander Baron (1917-1999) and follows King Dido (1969) and The Human Kind (1953). Nigel announced how he is now resolved to read all his work.  

Baron's first novel, From the City, from the Plough (1948), was a best seller. It was based on Alexander Baron's own war service, fighting across France from the Normandy D-Day beaches. From the City, from the Plough was the first of a WW2 trilogy. Baron also went on to write many London novels which were similarly based largely on personal experience and observation and which includes The Lowlife. 

The Lowlife tells the story of Harryboy Boas, a Jewish veteran of WW2, a gambler, a womaniser, a philosopher, and a man of integrity and compassion. All Harry wants is to be left alone to enjoy his solitary life: either - and when his winnings from the dog track allow him the time and space - to eat, read, and meet women, or - when he needs cash - to work in short-term jobs to build up more stake money. 

Harryboy is afflicted by guilt. Guilt about his own dead child who may never have existed and who, despite this uncertainty, Harry believes may been killed during the holocaust. Harryboy consciously tries to get away from his family, his religion, and the expectations of others. His sister Debbie, who has moved out to the the respectable suburbs, worries about him and wants to see him settled down and financially secure. 

Although Harryboy is a confirmed loner he gets sucked into the life of his neighbours at his boarding house, and in particular Vic and Evelyn along with their young son Gregory. Evelyn, with her middle class aspirations, is the antithesis of Harry, and she cannot bear Hackney or the boarding house she is forced to live in. Harry's involvement with Vic, Evelyn and Gregory is the catalyst for Harry's life to unravel spectacularly.

Nigel concluded that this is an extraordinary novel that explores East London, tradition, guilt, snobbery, social history, families, loyalty, sacrifice, immigration, property, desire, racism, pride and all within the framework of an original and exciting tale about gambling, debt, and gangsters. Another splendid book byAlexander Baron who is deservedly getting republished and rediscovered by a new generation of readers.   9/10

Tristan "a vanished society"

Tristan enjoyed the evocation of a vanished society and also enjoyed the Jewish elements in the novel.  Tristan felt it was "a very Jewish novel" - 'I should have such luck', Tristan exclaimed.  Harryboy's sister, Debbie, who has married well and lives with her bookmaker husband in 'the smart part' of Finchley, is persistently trying to get Harry settled down.

Tristan warmed to Harryboy who, despite being something of a loser, has style.  However, where the novel really scored for Tristan was the powerful evocation of a place and a time.  6.5/10

Robin declared "The Lowlife" to be "quite brilliant".  A book that despite some complex themes was simply told.

Harryboy embraces fate as a way of separating himself from family, faith and the expectations of others.  He is cheered by the surviving traditions of the East End whilst acknowledging how the area constantly changes.  Like Hackney, Robin was permanently changed by this book.  8.5/10

Keith kept the love for the book, and indeed for literature, flowing like molten lava, and declared it "a compelling and moving narrative of flawed humanity".  An engaging style quickly won Keith over, the fine structure delighted him.  The hopes and tragedies of the metropolis are simply evoked by Baron and the ups and downs of our Hackney hero.  Harryboy is a complex individual: intelligent, stylish and charming, and yet listless and driven by a hidden guilt to avoid emotional attachments and responsibility.  His personality giving Baron an opportunity to bring to life the dogs, the bookies, the brasses, the gourmet food, and long literary reading sessions.  All of this is thrown into chaos by a new family and even whilst almost achieving redemption Harryboy is on the verge of destruction.  There ain't half been some clever bastards.  7/10

Nick was moved by the book, moved by both the dignity and the suffering that Baron described.  "A cracking read" and a rock solid 8/10.  Baron's accessible writing has both clarity and a punch, and is by turns funny, poignant and moving.   Nick really enjoyed opening a window on the forgotten world of early-1960s London.  

Don - absent

Don was present only in spirit, however through the medium of email, we were able to share his inner most thoughts.  Don warmed to Harryboy and really enjoyed the contrast between him idling his days away reading Zola…….and blowing money on the dogs.  Harryboy's tolerance for Gregory was moving in a non emotional sort of way, however Evelyn and her loser of a husband were wonderfully crafted characters.  The end completely surprised Don but not the ingratitude of the family who had leached off Harryboy’s better nature.  A fine book club choice.   8/10

FILM: "London - The Modern Babylon" (2102) dir by Julien Temple

London - The Modern Babylon is legendary director Julien Temple's epic time-travelling voyage to the heart of his hometown.

From musicians, writers and artists to dangerous thinkers, political radicals and above all ordinary people, this is the story of London's immigrants, its bohemians and how together they changed the city forever. Reaching back to London at the start of the 20th century, the story unfolds through film archive and the voices of Londoners past and present, powered by the popular music across the century. It ends now, as London prepares to welcome the world to the 2012 Olympics.

Everyone loved this film.

MUSIC: "Reasons To Be Cheerful: The Very Best Of Ian Dury & The Blockheads" (1999)

The late Ian Dury's work ethic and never-give-up attitude left the world with some memorable music. We discussed 18 tracks that are amongst the very best of the great man's work. including "Sex and Drugs and Rock 'n' Roll," "Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick," and "Sweet Gene Vincent". 

There is humour in bushels in this music . All of it backed by a band that never got credit for how tight and versatile it was, how it drove Dury onto ever greater lyrical achievements.  

The perfect musical accompaniment to our celebration of London.