"My Revolutions" (2007) by Hari Kunzru

"My Revolutions" (2007) by Hari Kunzru 

Nigel explained how his "nu-lad" theme (see June 2015 discussion) was a goodie but the associated choices (Keith Nixon - The Fix/Iggy/A Prophet) were let down by the book and he wanted to put that right, whilst still retaining a coherent overarching theme that effectively linked the choices together

Various other excellent books had led to Nigel's book choice for this month...

• Jake Arnott - Johnny Come Home
• Stuart Christie - Granny Made me an Anarchist
• Francis Wheen book - Strange Days Indeed: The Golden Age of Paranoia

So, this era has inspired some great writing, but how would "My Revolutions" fare...?

Nigel primarily hoped to evoke the era, including the paranoia, revolutionary fervour etc - a time when some people really cared about radical politics, and the possibility of a socialist world felt more tangible

Also, by happy coincidence, this was a good follow on from "The Bottle Factory Outing" (see last month) as we were in a similar era

Nigel liked the different concurrent plot lines, which cleverly intertwine various aspects of Mike/Chris life and which primarily focus on his quiet, present day life as a middle class house husband in Chichester, and his former life as an ex-student who drifts into a hardline revolutionary group in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Other plot lines include Chris’s childhood, a few years recovering from addiction in Thailand, and a few more - all are absorbing. 

The present day story gradually comes more and more to the fore and this is what drives the slow burn narrative. Nigel was captivated by both primary plot lines, but especially the descriptions of squats, political meetings in various London locations and beyond, demonstrations, bombings, safe houses, encounter groups, festivals, discussions etc. Mike finally realises the dreams of liberation he'd fought for were illusory, and impossible.

The novel’s elegiac tone perfectly celebrates the era of armed revolutionary struggle, whilst also exploring the madness of extremism, personal identity, relationships, radical politics, violence, gender politics, family, and today’s political landscape. It’s an incredible achievement, brilliantly written and, if you have any interest in the revolutionary armed struggle of the 1970s, you will find much to enjoy.

Cleverly Kunru convinces us that (like all gang members?) Mike/Chris is looking for a new family or somewhere to fit in and thus is very suggestive e.g. Anna at the party encouraging him to call guests pigs, or the transgressive sex.  Mike is always, right until the very end, working to someone else’s agenda - even as a househusband in his modern incarnation - and even more so with Miles using him for his own ends.

Where this book really scores - and what Nigel was hoping for - was in its credible evocation of the era and the revolutionary milieu

The elegiac tone encapsulated by this aside from Miles to Chris when discussing radical politics…

"You were irrelevant, don't you get that? History doesn't care about what you did. Who's even heard of you? Ideology is dead now. Everyone pretty much agrees on how to run things” 

Tristan was very enthusiastic about this book lavishing it with fulsome praise.

Keith raced through the book but struggled to retain much about it

Nick would have enjoyed it much more if he had read it 15 years ago when he lapped up books about the 1970s.  

Hamish loved the revolutionary theme but felt the book was the least good selection of the three choices we discussed.

Scores on the doors...

Nigel 8/10

Tristan 9/10

Keith 8/10

Nick 6/10

Hamish 7/10

MUSIC: Hazy Cosmic Jive presents "Something in the Air”

"Because the revolution's here, and you know it's right…"

This mix aims for an early 70s, mournful, melancholy, wistful, post-hippy comedown vibe.  I’m hoping you’ll be able to smell the unmistakeable tang of a wet Afghan goat, partially masked by patchouli and joss sticks, whilst a news bulletin reports the latest activity of urban guerilla’s The Angry Brigade.  

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO IT ON MIXCLOUD

Tracklist:

Thunderclap Newman - Something In The Air

Brian Protheroe - Pinball 

Faces - Glad and Sorry 

David Bowie - Eight Line Poem 

Bread - The Guitar Man 

Roxy Music - Chance Meeting 

America - A Horse With No Name 

The Rolling Stones - Coming Down Again 

Elton John - Goodbye Yellow Brick Road 

Faces - Debris 

Lesley Duncan - Everything Changes 

Cat Stevens - Where Do The Children Play? 

Jonathan Kelly - Madelaine 

The Rolling Stones - Wild Horses 

Mott The Hoople - All The Young Dudes 

David Bowie - Quicksand 

Faces - If I’m On The Late Side 

Slade - Everyday 

Nigel explained he was hoping to create a movie type soundtrack to a book he hadn’t read. If he was doing it again, having read the book, he would have thrown in a few more 60s tracks - didn’t realise so much was in the 60s - however he still felt it worked well with its post-hippy comedown vibe.  Key track is  - Thunderclap Newman - Something In The Air - though it is all fukkin ace.  Obvs.

Fortunately everyone was of the same mind: a great musical accompaniment to the book

FILM: One Day In September (1999) directed by Kevin Macdonald

Nigel was looking for a coherent choice to complement the book and the music.

The consensus was that this documentary was a direct hit.  A balanced film that brought home the tragedy and the politics.  The mix of footage from the olympics and more recent interviews was great.  Michael Douglas narration worked well and the music was very effective.  The gross incompetence of the Germans has to be seen to be believed.  Perhaps understandable given their desire to reinvent themselves after Nazism, plusthis was a relatively early example of this type of terrorism.

ENDORSE IT

Tristan: Wild Tales (Argentinian film)

Keith: The Rat Pack (iPlayer)

Nick: What we do in the Shadows (film - on Netflix)

Hamish: Perdido Street Station - novel by China Miéville 

Nigel: Creed (film directed by Ryan Coogler) -  spin-off and sequel to the Rocky series

“The Hunger Games” (2008) by Suzanne Collins

“The Hunger Games” (2008) by Suzanne Collins

Robin chose this book as he wanted an easy read.  Turns out he wanted a simple, undemanding page turner - and that's what he got.  By the end he was gripped. 9/10

Keith thought it was excellent children's fiction, though the film is better.  8/10

Nick thought it was well written.  8/10

Nigel, ever the contrarian, stated he liked good children's books (e.g the Narnia books and Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials trilogy) and indeed a bit of dystopian Sci Fi but felt this let down by too many implausible elements.  3/10

Hamish preferred the film but enjoyed the book though was less convinced by the apathy of the society 8/10

"Four" (2014) by One Direction 

Robin loves this album.  For Robin too much modern music is too challenging and so this slick, hook-laden pre-teen pop is more his bag. So much so he was proud to proclaim he lustily sings along in the car at every opportunity  8/10  #realmusic

Nick thought it too manufactured 0/10

Nigel gave it a good listen and concluded it lacked real passion and interest and contained far too much sugary gloss 2/10

Hamish didn't listen to it

Keith has seen them live but confessed this was not really his cup of Earl Grey 1/10

"Some Like It Hot" (1959) directed by Billy Wilder

Everybody love it.  Of course.  A complete classic.

Endorse it...

Nick - Adam Buxton podcast / BBC4 "Music For Misfits" indie music series

Robin - Alex Ferguson leadership doc / Small Faces tribute act the Small Fakers

Nigel - This Is England 90 (Channel 4 TV series by Shane Meadowns) / Francis Wheen - Strange Days Indeed book / Cradle to the Grave - Danny Baker BBC TV series

Hamish - "Narrow Road to the Deep North" by Richard Flanagan - one of the ten best books Hamish has ever read #truedat

Keith - Nowt

"Tigerman" (2014) by Nick Harkaway

BOOK: “Tigerman” (2014) by Nick Harkaway

Tristan explained how, with his first two novels, The Gone-Away World and Angelmaker, Nick Harkaway swiftly established himself as a writer of prodigious imagination, with the capacity to combine hi-jinks plotting with high concepts: ninjas, pirates, octogenarian spies, leagues of undertakers and mechanical bees that might induce the apocalypse. He manages a very delicate balance, in that the books are gloriously exuberant and entertaining, but also emotionally affecting and intellectually satisfying.

Tristan was looking for something similar with Tigerman, and it is the same in many ways, though the empathy is more plangent and the ideas more frightening. That said, it is also his take on the superhero novel. Tigerman may be - very broadly - realistic, but it asks similar questions about damaged heroism and idealistic villainy. 7/10

Keith declared it "an enjoyable romp" 7/10

Nick considered the outfit impractical and felt there was insufficient romp-iness. A lack of romp, if you will. He couldn't even remember much about it before dismissing it as "airport pulp fiction". 5/10

Nigel was having none of this negativity and heralded it as as amongst the very best books that Hove Book Group have ever read. He loved it and it has rocketed straight into the list of his favourite 30 books ever. He came to this book having never heard of Nick Harkaway and he finished it resolved to read the rest of his books.

Tigerman is a book that boasts a compelling plot, humour, originality, prescient observations on the modern world, love, humanity, politics, duty, and more.  Nick Harkaway has created an alternate universe - immersive, amusing, poignant, profound, compelling, charming, and more than a little askew - both similar and strange, which reminded me of both China Miéville and Magnus Mills which, you probably don’t need me to tell you, is a very good thing.

NIck - airport pulp fiction

Hats off Nick Harkaway. A stunning achievement. "Tigerman” is very special indeed, and an absolute delight. 10/10

Robin loved the action.  Action!  Yes!  7/10

Hamish thought it was a fantastic concept with humour and depth. Nick Harkaway's great gift as a novelist - one he shares with writers such as China Miéville - is to merge the pace, wit and clarity of the best "popular" literature with the ambition, complexity and irony of the so-called "literary" novel. Tigerman is in some ways all about the stripes: the distinctive becomes camouflage. 8/10

PS: One month later Hamish stated he should increase his rating from 8/10

MUSIC “Are you Satisfied?” (2015) by Slaves

Hove Book Group loves Slaves.  True dat.

Loud, angry, political, funny

Nick punched the air in delight and hollered... I LOVE SLAVES.

FILM: “The Wall” (2013) dir by Julian Roman Pölsler

Tristan apologised for inflicting it on us

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 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.

"Ashenden" by W Somerset Maugham

Nigel: wanted to read W Somerset Maugham

Nigel explained how he had wanted to read something by W. Somerset Maugham for sometime despite knowing very little about him.  
He was very impressed by this book.  In addition to being beautifully written it has the ring of authenticity - Nigel felt that a lot of what Maugham relates is rooted in truth, and the vast majority in his own experience.

Nigel is intrigued by spying and World War 1.  A while back Robin chose the film adaptation of "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy", and like this book that film seemed to depict real spies (as opposed to the James Bond depiction) who lead unusual, solitary and interesting lives.  Never sure who they can trust and relying on their wits and intelligence to survive.

All the stories are good, and four of them really pack a punch (The Hairless Mexican, The Traitor, His Excellency, and Mr Harrington's Washing).  People die, people get hurt.  The story that has stayed with Nigel the longest is The Traitor - in particular the anguish of the Grantley Caypor's widow.

In His Excellency, Maugham uses a literary sleight of hand, Maugham - who was gay but in the closet during the events he is describing - is almost certainly speaking of himself.  Society in those days had clear expectations of sexual conduct - and that would have been an end to the matter.  Whilst I enjoyed this tale, it also dragged just a bit and is perhaps too conventional when compared with the other stories but the sentimentality also feels undeniably real.  

Keith: felt cheated

A minor masterpiece.  9/10.

Our Royal correspondent, Keith felt cheated by this book.  The preface promised a spy novel and yet the book is a collection of interrelated short stories rooted in Maugham’s own experiences as an agent, that reflect the ruthlessness and brutality of espionage, its intrigue and treachery, as well as its absurdity.  What a swizz.  

Keith wanted more, stating, "this is not a spy novel but a novel about spying".  4/10

Hamish was also "thrown by the preface" before going on to describe how the book was well written with well developed characters and great endings to each story.  

Ashenden is recruited by a Colonel known to him only as R., and sent on a variety of missions that include playing escort to an eccentric Mexican assassin, arranging for a traveling dancer to betray her revolutionary Indian lover, ascertaining whether an Englishman spying for Germany might be recruited as a double agent, attempting to prevent the Bolshevik revolution, and more. Sometimes he succeeds, frequently with bittersweet results, and sometimes he fails. Occasionally his objective or the outcome is not known to the reader, since Maugham is more interested in describing the people Ashenden meets than in the specifics of his efforts.  

Ultimately Hamish thought the book felt slight.  6/10

Nick: loves WW1 war poets

Nick explained how World War 1 is the era he likes best in fiction and evoked the splendour of the war poets with a faraway look in his eye.  He also took time out to recommend "The Secret Agent" by Joseph Conrad.  

Nick "loved it".  Travel, romance, grubbiness - this book has it all.  Maugham’s writing is wonderful and the stories in Ashenden are excellent. Nick thought it was impossible to pick a favourite story, as each has indelible moments: “The Traitor” and “Giulia Lazzari” being unforgettable.

Maugham has a knack for creating vivid portraits of his characters while wasting not a single word.  Here’s an example from “A Chance Acquaintance”: 

Mr. Harrington was devoted to his wife and he told Ashenden at unbelievable length how cultivated and what a perfect mother she was. She had delicate health and had undergone a great number of operations, all of which he described in detail. He had had two operations himself, one of his tonsils and one to remove his appendix, and he took Ashenden day by day through his experiences. All his friends had had operations and his knowledge of surgery was encyclopedic. He had two sons, both at school, and he was seriously considering whether he would not be well-advised to have them operated on.

Nick concluded by picking up on Nigel's point about how Ashenden is the antithesis of James Bond by stating that the latest James Bond film "Skyfall" has quite a bit in common with Ashenden, and he wondered if Sam Mendes, the film's director, had read "Ashenden".  8/10

Tristan: witty, urbane and delightfully detached

Tristan enjoyed it.  It felt modern and evoked the era beautifully.  Tristan enjoyed the ferries, steam trains, numerous baths, and the wonderful characters. It seems, on the whole, espionage work a century ago was both, bureaucratic and boring, and then thrilling, macabre and absurd, with the emphasis being on the former, although the book emphasises the latter: Ashenden encounters a hairless Mexican, a dying English nanny to two Egyptian Princesses, any number of French farmer's wives carrying secret messages in their bosoms and an endlessly chattering American on the train to Petrograd with an interest in his own laundry bordering on the hysterical. 

Ashenden is witty, urbane and delightfully detached as he encounters unique, strange people with a wry, disinterested eye.  Tristan thought it amusing and dark, for example the grim tableau of an owner's dog howling as his widow realises why her husband hasn't been writing recently, whilst Ashenden strolls off impassively despite having got to know both of them and having contributed to his death. 

Was this the first spy novel?  It's certainly one of the best. 7/10.

Don: an impressive understanding of humanity

This was Don's first foray into the world of Maugham and it was a fine journey.  Don does not enjoy Spy novels and yet was won over by the beautifully crafted Ashenden character. Don immersed himself in the story and visualised the characters and the environment. One minute he was on a ferry journey, the next collecting flowers in the Alps., and then eating scrambled eggs with a Russian woman called Anastacia Alexandrovna. Marvellous, lucid, elegant, and it displayed an impressive understanding of humanity. Don was also fascinated to get an idea of what Maugham's experiences as an intelligence offer entailed.

Mr Harrington was remarkable. An amalgam of several real life characters, and a man who met his his demise in an entirley believable way. 

8/10 (and not to be consigned to the compost heap).

If Robin was a spy he'd be Ashenden. Forget James Bond with his car chases, dolly birds, gadgets, Martinis, and explosions, and instead embrace the romance of Edwardian travel, exotic encounters with Russian ‘foxes’ and a stiff upper lip measured with enviable tolerance and old school values. 

The book conjures up sufficient intrigue to keep it compelling and evocative.  Robin especially enjoyed the train journey from Vladivostock to Petrograd and the threats from revolutionaries.  Would the British Government ever think they could halt the Russian revolution with one man and a sack for of cash?  The book was romantic without being sentimental.
One of the best sections was the ambassador recounting his flight of fancy with the woman from the circus.

An excellent choice and I will read more Maugham. 8/10

Hove Book Group awards this book an average score of 7/10.  

"Diamond Dogs" by David Bowie

With supreme serendipity we also discussed the merits of David Bowie's "Diamond Dogs" album.  

The discussion took place on 8th January 2012, not only was this Mr Bowie's 66th birthday, he also chose to surprise the world with the release of a new single and the announcement of a new album.

Thanks David Bowie - and Happy Birthday.

Nigel explained how this was one of the first albums he ever owned.  An old friend and an old friend that even today never fails to remind him of the excitement he felt when he first heard it as a 14 year old who had very little else to compare it with.  The opening howl of 'Future Legend' before the monologue is probably the greatest opening of any album he can think of...

And in the death, as the last few corpses lay rotting on the slimy thoroughfare, the shutters lifted in inches in Temperance Building high on Poacher's Hill, and red, mutant eyes gaze down on Hunger City. No more big wheels....fleas the size of rats sucked on rats the size of cats, and ten thousand peoploids split into small tribes, coveting the highest of the sterile skyscrapers, like packs of dogs assaulting the glass fronts of Love-Me Avenue, ripping and rewrapping mink and shiny silver fox, now legwarmers, family badge of sapphire and cracked emerald, any day now...the Year of the Diamond Dogs...."This ain't Rock'n'Roll....This is Genocide!" .....before that glorious riff.  

Just as the listener is settling in for the superior glam musical presaged by the title track, then comes Sweet Thing/Candidate which ups the ante even higher.  Nigel was entranced by this this song as a teenager. An ambitious, epic pop tune - music and lyrics coming together to create something magnificent.  Nigel could wax lyrical about every lyric, perhaps "I'm glad that you're older than me, Makes me feel important and free" or maybe "there's a shop on the corner that's selling papier mache, Making bullet-proof faces; Charlie Manson, Cassius Clay", it's all wonderful - one of his best songs, and the album's key track.

Just one year after Diamond Dogs was released came the "plastic soul" of 'Young Americans. Both "Rock 'n' Roll With Me" and the Shaft-inspired wah-wah guitar style of "1984" signpost this new direction.  This further extends the musical variety and adds to the album's splendour.  And of course Diamond Dogs also anticipates punk rock - Bowie himself describing the Diamond Dogs of the title song as "little Johnny Rottens and Sid Viciouses".

Nick also "loved it".  Hamish found it hard to go back and evaluate whole albums having been that bit too young to have embraced it first time round.  Tristan felt it was not quite up there with the other stuff.  Keith put the whole thing into context by detailing the top albums of 1974.  Fascinating stuff.

Basically it's got the lot.  Keep cool Diamond Dogs rule.  

And so ended another wonderful gathering of the Hove Book Group - we'll be back next month for cultural discourse, beer and crisps.  Happy New Year.

"The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" by Mark Twain

Don - master of accents

The Hove Book Group met on Tuesday 16th October at The Poets Corner pub in Hove.  We discussed Don's choices, the first of which was "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" by Mark Twain.

Don explained that he had chosen the book due to "The Twain Factor".  Lest we forget it was Mark Twain who said, "Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter".  A quote dear to Don's heart.

Don admitted that he struggled with the accents.  Despite this he managed to uncannily evoke Jim, the slave character, as he read out one of Jim's early quotes.

Don described the book as tortuous however added that it improved as he progressed.

Ultimately he awarded the book 7/10 and stated he was glad to have read it.

Nick "came to resent the book"

Nick read the book on his iPhone.  For Nick, reading on an iPhone is sometimes a fluid and unconscious experience, on other occasions (e.g. whilst reading The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn), he was tempted to skip chunks of the book's 1,200 pages.

Nick, as a self-confessed early 21st century English liberal, struggled with the repeated use of the word "nigger".

Just as Huckleberry Finn resented his father, so Nick came to resent this book.  Nick finally awarded it a reluctant and resentful 5/10.

Nigel was unsure how he'd managed to have lived on the planet for fifty years without reading anything by Mark Twain.  He thanked Don, before explaining that he didn't even know what it was about - all he knew was that it is regarded by many as an American classic.

Nigel - he's 50

It took Nigel a while to get into the vernacular style.  The writing style grated in parts and was especially hard to follow when Jim, the slave, was talking, that said Nigel also thought that the style made the book feel very contemporary - far more than any other 19th century novel he'd read.  Ultimately Huckleberry Finn's world was made wonderfully vivid through his seemingly authentic first person voice.

Nigel concluded that it's an enjoyable, if rather long, adventure with as many twists and turns as the Mississippi River that features so extensively.  The plot appeared to be a vehicle for Twain to highlight issues around freedom and slavery.  Huckleberry Finn is held captive by his abusive father and, quite understandably, wants to escape to freedom.  Jim the slave faces far more serious issues when he tries to escape.  Nigel doesn't fully understand its status as a classic. Perhaps, the long journey is part of the appeal, perhaps it has greater resonance for Americans who are closer to the Civil Rights struggles of their country? 6/10

Keith had low expectations.  He liked Tom's alternate take on reality.  Twain complicates Tom’s position on the border between childhood and adulthood by ridiculing and criticising the values and practices of the adult world toward which Tom is heading. Twain’s harshest satire exposes the hypocrisy - and often the essential childishness - of social institutions such as school, church, and the law, as well as public opinion. 

Keith discussed how the tale is told from the first person point of view of an only-partly-educated thirteen-year-old southern boy in the 1830s. As narrator, Huck describes the story in his natural, everyday voice, and he addresses his readers directly during his storytelling with a friendly, trusting attitude. Taking that into consideration – along with Huck’s age, education level, and social background – Twain’s choice of a colloquial style made sense to Keith.  Despite this, he felt the book was only worthy of 5/10. 

Robin - read a different book

Robin didn't finish the book as he was reading Kate Atkinson's Behind the Scenes at the Museum.  Consequently Robin was only halfway through "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn".  Robin explained that it is hardly surprising that Ruby Lennox, the narrator of Kate Atkinson's Behind the Scenes at the Museum, should, aged 17, fantasise about her own funeral - the open coffin strewn with flowers, a church filled not just with friends and family but also "an admiring Leonard Cohen and a soulful Terence Stamp", and with Maria Callas singing. It is 1968. For the novel, which is her story of her family, has more deaths than even Dickens would have dared include. "As a family, we are genetically disposed towards having accidents"  stated Ruby the all-seeing narrator. 

Robin gave the book 7/10.

Hamish wondered how, given Don's penchant for classic adventure yarns, he hadn't chosen this book earlier. Hamish, reading it for the second time, described the book as a great action story that captures the excitement of childhood.  The language is great.  Huck is a brilliant character, who we see wrestling with his conscience.  The book is about complete freedom.  Despite a rushed ending, Hamish was unapologetic for his 9.5/10 rating.

Tristan confessed he was swayed by Hamish's articulate enthusiasm for the book and despite "quite liking it" he upped his score from 5 to 6/10.  Tristan also described how the book evoked a period of US history where steamboats, rafts, settlements, river transportation, slavery, lawlessness, and abuse were everyday occurrences.  That said, Tristan felt the racism and slavery marred the book - even though Twain was clearly a progressive thinker who helped abolish slavery.

Average rating of 6.5/10

And on that note, we moved on to Don's second choice, the film "Seven Samurai" directed by Akira Kurosawa.

Don - Gangnam style

Don described it as a classic, and a great film.  Don wondered if it was completely true to notions of Bushido -  literally "the way of the warrior" - a Japanese word for the way of the samurai life, loosely analogous to the concept of chivalry. The Japanese understanding of the word is predicated on the samurai moral code stressing frugality, loyalty, martial arts mastery, and honour unto death. Born from Neo-Confucianism during times of peace in Tokugawa Japan and following Confucian texts, Bushido was also influenced by Shinto and Zen Buddhism, allowing the violent existence of the samurai to be tempered by wisdom and serenity. Despite these concerns Don still felt comfortable to lavish the film with a score of 7/10.

Hove Book Group ponder the merits of Seven Samurai

Nick praised the film and described how he was transfixed and shell-shocked by the way the finale's images had catapulted him into the rain-drenched violence.  He described the film as "remarkable" and awarded it with a 8/10.

Nigel stated that, as with the book, it was wonderful to finally watch a film that is often cited as one of the greatest films of all time.  Whilst it is a good film, Nigel didn't think the years had been that kind.  He could think of plenty of films from the same era, that he regards as better films, for example, from the same year, On The Waterfront is a better film, and other films from the same decade that he prefers include Some Like It Hot, Sunset Boulevard, A Touch Of Evil, and The Wild One.  Nigel reflected on how some of the action sequences, which are the best part of the film, are now staples of mainstream action filmmaking and this probably accounts for the film's stellar reputation.  The Seven Samurai inspired The Magnificent Seven which ultimately led to the “spaghetti Westerns” of Sergio Leone and others - which Nigel adores. And whilst Seven Samurai is clearly a lot more than just an action film - Nigel found too much of it a bit slow moving.  The themes of sacrifice, friendship, and camaraderie were not enough.  Nigel concluded that he was glad to have seen it but it's more about the great films it's influenced.  Nigel acknowledged that perhaps the cinema is the place to watch it, before rating it 6/10.

Keith was surprised by how much he liked Seven Samurai - a blockbuster in every sense, and a period film conceived on an epic scale, pitting the wise, zen-like leader against the wildcat intensity of the son-of-a-farmer samurai. Along with the five other swords-for-hire what follows is pure cinematic dynamite. Keith had no hesitation in awarding it 7 out of 7.  Magnificent.

Robin stopped the Seven Samurai love-in right in its tracks.  "An abomination" he declared, and a film that "looked like it was made in 1910".  The Magnificent Seven is a much better film as far as Robin is concerned. 2/10.

Hamish said he agreed with Robin and "switched off after an hour".  3/10.

Tristan thought there was some good cinematography, a lot of over acting and some below par sword fighting.  5/10

Average rating of 5.5/10

And so, with Hove Book Group coming to some very disparate conclusions about Seven Samurai, we bade each other farewell and wandered into the cool night air.  

See you again next time.