'The Death of Ivan Ilyich and Other Stories' by Leo Tolstoy

On Thursday 29th March 2012, Hove's premier book group once again convened at The Poets Corner pub for another evening of top flight cultural debate, crisps, ale, insight and conviviality. Keith, who chose the book, explained how much he loved 'War & Peace' and how much he wanted to revisit Leo Tolstoy's writing.  He concluded that a book of shorter stories would be the perfect choice for the intelligentsia that comprises Hove Book Group. 
Keith enjoyed the "big themes" and enjoyed Tolstoy's descriptive writing.  He was particularly taken with the idea of marriage as, in Tolstoy's words, "licensed debauchery".  

In addition to 'The Death of Ivan Ilyich and Other Stories', Keith had also asked us to read the preface to Leo Tolstoy's 'The Kingdom Of God Is Within You'.  Turning to this book, Keith described it as "powerful stuff" and, like Leo Tolstoy, Keith called for "an end to Government".  Who would heed Keith's call?  Keith suggested we award a score out of ten for both books as a combined package before awarding them with an impressive 9/10.  Lavish.

The group then turned to Tristan for his all important verdict.  Tristan praised Leo Tolstoy's "clear and concise prose style" and stated that 'The Death of Ivan Ilyich' was "great".  Tristan particularly enjoyed the parallels between Ivan Ilyich playing his role as a legal professional and the role played by the doctor who was treating Ivan Ilyich once he became ill.  Tristan lavished 'The Death of Ivan Ilyich and Other Stories' with 8 out of 10, suggesting that perhaps he hadn't got round to 'The Kingdom Of God Is Within You'.  Tasty.


Hamish explained that this was the first book he'd read on a Kindle.  He did not enjoy the experience as much as he'd hoped.  Was this the precursor to a savage review?  Don looked on with an expression of detached curiosity.

Hamish explained how he had studied the history of Russia at University and this knowledge had contributed to a sense of keen anticipation.  Unlike 'War and Peace', Hamish did not get such a clear sense of Russia whilst reading 'The Death of Ivan Ilyich and Other Stories' and was slightly disappointed by this.  That said, he dug the likeable characters in "The Devils", and he wondered what Tolstoy thought was the true nature of love.  We all pondered this question, and - whilst we were pondering - Hamish awarded the book a 7 out of 10.  Knowledgeable.

Keith

Nigel was "very happy" with Keith's of 'The Death of Ivan Ilyich And Other Stories' having meant to read some Tolstoy "for eons".  Short stories seemed like an ideal entry point and to an extent this proved to be the case.  

Nigel thought that the main story - 'The Death of Ivan Ilyich' - was profound and shocking, as it takes a hard and unflinching stare into the abyss as Ivan Ilyich's realises how his material and career successes have come at such a significant moral cost.  An "amazing tale" that is as relevant today as it was in late 19th-century St Petersburg as so much of what Tolstoy describes still rings true.  Nigel admired the story's structure.  Ivan Ilyich's death is announced at the story's inception and immediately we learn the reactions of some of his colleagues. In essence all that concerns these people is is what the death means for their career and circumstances.  Part of the story's power lies in the realisation that Ivan Ilyich is a reasonable person, an everyman, and whilst not perfect, he's certain in no way a bad person.  He doesn't deserve to endure his physical and mental tortures and the hellish realisation that his life has been one long succession of mis-steps.  

Don

Nigel wondered what this story tells us about our own lives.  A number of themes emerged. The importance of living a good life. Tolstoy believed that the more simply a man lived, the better his life would be - hence the significance of the Gerasim, who offers kindness and honesty, in contrast to Ilyich's family.  The other is the attack on the hypocrisy and pointlessness of many middle class lives.  Like cleanliness, simplicity seems to be closest to Godliness.  A literary masterpiece.

Nigel was unimpressed by 'The Kreutzer Sonata'.  The novel appears to advocate sexual abstinence.  Nigel thought the message was very dated and the story was far too long and rambling due to so much unnecessary detail.  Nigel was curious about how the novella's message fitted in with Tolstoy's religious convictions.  Tolstoy believed it was the Church - and not Jesus Christ - who promoted marriage.  A true Christian's only loves God and his neighbour, and therefore carnal love (and marriage) is self-serving and so gets in the way of serving God and humankind.

Nigel

By the time Nigel got onto 'The Devil' his appetite for Tolstoy was starting to wane.  In this tale Tolstoy's moralism informs a couple of endings - both, unsurprisingly, show how Eugene's lustfulness brings about disastrous results.  Nigel wondered what Tolstoy would have made of the way society changed in the Twentieth Century.

Nigel was surprised to discover that 'The Kingdom Of God Is Within You' is a key text of Christian Anarchism.  Christian Anarchism? Who knew?  Nigel confessed that he didn't read much of the book as he found the old fashioned language too distracting, however he did research the ideas which he thought were interesting.  

Christian anarchists believe that there is only one source of authority to which Christians are ultimately answerable, the authority of God as embodied in the teachings of Jesus. Christian anarchists denounce the State as they claim it is violent, deceitful and, when glorified, a form of idolatry.  Take Britain.  Britain defines itself as a Christian country and yet so flagrantly and frequently ignores the commandment 'Thou Shalt Not Kill'.  When it suits Britain, its citizens have been actively encouraged to go out and kill.

Nigel explained that it was the Roman Emperor Constantine who is responsible for the birth of modern Christianity. Constantine legalised and actively promoted Christianity but in doing so transformed it from a humble bottom-up sect to an authoritarian top-down organisation.  Constantine ignored those teachings of Christ that did not suit his agenda and more actively promoted the idea of baby Jesus and the virgin birth.  Our celebration of Christmas originates from Constantine's approach.  Christian anarchists refer to this as the "Constantinian shift".  The moment  when Christianity became identified with the will of the ruling elite, ultimately becoming the State church of the Roman Empire, and in some cases (such as the Crusades, and the Inquisition) a religious justification for violence.

Robin

Tolstoy's book argues for the principle of non-violent resistance as a response to violence.  Tolstoy sought to separate Orthodox Russian Christianity (which was merged with the State) from what he believed was the true gospel of Jesus Christ - specifically the Sermon on the Mount.  Tolstoy argues that all governments who wage war are an affront to Christian principles.  Turning the other cheek means exactly that.  Tolstoy rejects the interpretations of Roman and medieval scholars who attempted to limit the scope of this commandment.  Tolstoy suggests that those who oppose a non-violent society have a vested interest in retaining power - and that the modern church is a heretical creation.

The book was an inspiration to Gandhi.  The book, along with Tolstoy's 'A Letter to a Hindu', inspired the idea of passive resistance.  Gandhi used the idea to organise nationwide non-violent strikes and protests between 1918-1947 which ultimately helped achieve the overthrow the colonial British Empire in India. 

Nigel awarded the combined selection of short stories and 'the Kingdom of God' a 6/10.  Comprehensive.

Don explained how he was "dreading" the book.  However his sense of dread soon turned to "surprise" and feelings of enjoyment, positivity and delight.  Don enjoyed the style and language.  He said it was a contrast to "the awful Joyce" (see previous entry).  Don then explained how after 'The Death of Ivan Ilyich' he started to experience a sense of predictability and, finally, he became "tired of the darkness".  Overall he felt the stories warranted a 6.5 out of 10.  The Don had spoken. Finality.

Finally, for the literary selections, all eyes turned to Robin.  Robin took a deep breath, milking the anticipation for all it was worth, before wondering why there wasn't more discussion on the subject of death.  Robin then explained that, like Ivan Ilyich, he started to experience a pain in his side whilst reading the book, and also in common with Ivan Ilych, by the end of this book Robin had come to understand the worthlessness of his life.  Robin explained that, paradoxically, this realisation elevated him above "the common man" who avoids the reality of death and the effort it takes to make life worthwhile.  Robin explained how "Ivan Ilyich's life had been most ordinary and therefore most terrible".....before concluding that the book "was not as good as Dostoyevsky".  7/10.  Insightful. 


A very respectable average score of 7 for both books from Hove's finest literary critics.

For his musical selection Keith had decided to chose The Libertines: Time For Heroes - The Best Of The Libertines.  Keith explained how a libertine is one devoid of most moral restraints, which are seen as unnecessary or undesirable, especially one who ignores or even spurns accepted morals and forms of behaviour sanctified by the larger society. Libertines place value on physical pleasures, meaning those experienced through the senses. As a philosophy, libertinism gained new-found adherents in the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries, particularly in France and Great Britain. Notable among these were John Wilmot, 2nd Earl of Rochester, and the Marquis de Sade.  A "libertine" is generally defined today as "a dissolute person; usually a person who is morally unrestrained".  

Keith thought it difficult to state exactly what The Libertines contributed in their mercifully short time together other than a brief military jacket fad, a handful of okay tunes and a quite tragic, boring narcissist in love with celebrity self-mythology. He was - in short - underwhelmed having not previously heard much of their oeuvre. Unmoved.

Tristan was more enthused and said he liked the music but was concerned about this material being "the best".  What on earth - he wondered - was their worst stuff like?

Nigel explained how he took an interest in The Libertines back in the early 2000s when he heard they were being produced by Mick Jones of The Clash.  Nigel quite liked them but was never that enthusiastic.  Listening to them now, Nigel was struck by how they are even less interesting and relevant than he'd remembered.  In the same way that the music of Gary Glitter is forever tainted, so is the music of The Libertines.  For Nigel, Pete Doherty is a symbol of all that is wrong with youth culture.  Delusions of profundity; glamourising the junkie lifestyle; fecklessness; and so on.  Essentially a celebration of squalor, unreliability, and image over substance.  At their best The Libertines distantly evoke the passion of The Clash, alas those moments are few and far between.  Their relative prominence in the early 2000s showed the extent to which indie guitar rock was a spent force by the turn of the century.  Nigel conceded that he liked 'Fuck Forever', a song by Babyshambles - Pete Doherty's post-Libertines band, and quite enjoyed a few of the other Libertines tracks: Can't Stand Me Now, Don't Look Back Into The Sun, and Time For Heroes. Overall though, he wasn't "feeling it".  Dismissive.

Finally we briefly discussed the film 'Gandhi' directed by Richard Attenborough.  'The Kingdom Of God Is Within You' was an inspiration to Gandhi.  The book, along with Tolstoy's 'A Letter to a Hindu', inspired the idea of passive resistance.  Gandhi used the idea to organise nationwide non-violent strikes and protests between 1918-1947 which ultimately helped achieve the overthrow the colonial British Empire in India. 

Keith heralded the film as an "epic interpretation" of the forces which shaped Gandhi and how these filtered into his relationship with India.  He went on to state that the film depicted Gandhi as "a man of deep simplicity".  Awestruck.

Nigel admired Ben Kinglsey's mesmeric performance however felt that, overall, the film was far too long; felt a bit muddled and disjointed; was too traditional; played it too safe; and was ultimately a bit boring.  Nigel wondered if the real Gandhi was quite as saintly and perfect as this film suggested, and if the US journalists played by Candice Bergen and Martin Sheen even existed. If the journalists were real did they really play such a large part in Gandhi's story?  Or was it just a question of getting some more American stars into the cast?  And were the British really so arrogant and objectionable, and as responsible for everything that went wrong?  

Nigel answered some of his questions via a bit of online research that suggested the real Gandhi could be stubborn, tyrannical, difficult to communicate with, and almost impossible to please. He was an abusive father, he demanded his wife be utterly obedient and subservient to him, was obsessed with the working of his bowels, suffered long bouts of depression, and sometimes would not talk to anyone around him, letting his associates bicker and quarrel and create problems amongst his friends and allies. Even into his 80's Gandhi slept naked with the young women who were always around him to test his ability to resist worldly pleasures.  These aspects of his personality suggest the Attenborough chose to only focus on the positive stuff.  Perhaps a more balanced portrait might have resulted in a more watchable and engaging film. Critical.

And so, after more crisps and ale, we bade each other another fond farewell.  Before we left Hamish unveiled his choice for next time, one that sticks with the Russian theme.  We will be discussing 'Snowdrops' by AD Miller.  

Watch this space.  

Expectant.

'A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man' by James Joyce

On 23rd February 2012, Hove's premier book group gathered at The Poets Corner pub for another evening of cultural discourse, ale, insight and bonhomie.

The biggest shock, and biggest disappointment, was that Nick - who had made the selections - had to unexpectedly work late and so we were not able to hear his thoughts about the text he had set us.

At Nick's behest we read 'A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man' by James Joyce.

Nick would probably have said something like, "James Joyce’s 'A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man' is a novel of complex themes developed through frequent allusions to classical mythology.  The myth of Daedalus and Icarus serves as a structuring element in the novel, uniting the central themes of individual rebellion and discovery, producing a work of literature that illuminates the motivations of an artist, and the development of his individual philosophy."  Probably.  Alas, we'll never know for sure.

Nick

Don kicked things off by describing the book as "dense".  He then added it was "uninspiring and turgid".  He stopped reading at page 99.  Joyce's description of hell was too disturbing.  Don had read enough.  5/10.  A pass.  Apparently.

Tristan described how the book inspired great emotion within him...anger...and irritation.  He thought James Joyce was a bit of a dick.  Whilst he liked some of the period detail and some of the prose, he wondered what was going on with James Joyce.  The Dedalus character annoyed him and he found much of the book dense and intractable. 3/10.  

Robin gave up on the book at page 200.  He observed how the book saw a mature artist look back over his youth, perceiving what was significant to his development, estimating what was vital, and what was transitory, in that evolvement.  Robin thought that by observing and graphically depicting what confines man, and how man overcomes this confinement, and he might live once he is free, James Joyce helped him to understand the motivations and the outlets for human expression.  Robin stated that - like Daedalus and Icarus - Stephen Dedalus assumed the role of "a persecuted hero" who must overcome his personal weaknesses, and the oppression of his environment, to gain spiritual enlightenment. 6/10.

Robin

Nigel wanted to like it and was excited about reading it; he was attracted by the lack of a traditional narrative and the book's reputation and Joyce's reputation. Nigel enjoyed the early descriptions of his family, the descriptions of his school days especially when he had a fever, the questioning of his faith especially the vivid description of hell (though he felt this was perhaps a few pages too long), and the way he finally overcomes the pressures of country, family and Catholicism.  Some descriptive passages were memorable and powerful, for example the play, and the evening where Dedalus ends up on the beach.

Nigel thought the book was probably of greatest interest to scholars and academics and those interested in the history of literature (and in particular the modernist phase).  He likened it to experimental music whilst it makes an important statement it doesn't necessarily make for a good listen, or in this case a good read.  Nigel felt the lengthy university conversations towards the end of the book were particularly tedious.  Ultimately he was unsure what Joyce was trying to say, and wondered about the point of the book.  He didn't feel he'd gained very much by reading it, and would not recommend it. He said, "It's perfectly fine, but vastly overrated by many." 5/10. 

Keith

Keith described it as "challenging" whilst also being "a bit of a ramble".  He conceded that, whilst many novelists choose their own young life as the subject for their first book, very few subject themselves to the intense self-scrutiny of Joyce.  Keith enjoyed the way Joyce wrestled with the pressures of his family, his Church and his nation, and yet thought the book was far from a straightforward youthful tirade. Keith concluded that the novel was "daringly experimental" and "took us deep into Stephen's psyche".  He then concluded by giving the book the highest score of the night.  8/10.  Nick would have been so proud.  

An overall rating of 5.4 from Hove's finest.

Next we discussed Nick's film choice 'The Guard'.

Keith thought it was fun, but didn't bear much scrutiny, and then awarded it with 8/10.

Nigel thought it was funny, provocative and clever, and he gave it 9/10.

Robin gave it 7/10, and added that he preferred 'In Bruges'.

Hamish thought it was a good romp and gave it 8/10.

Tristan enjoyed it very much and gave it 7.5/10.

Don........had gone home.





Finally we discussed a Simple Minds' compilation 'Early Gold'.  Nick had distributed the music under the moniker ‘Mystery Celtic Sounds’.

There was a lot of love for Simple Minds from Nigel and Hamish.  Keith was more dismissive.  We enjoyed a  great discussion on the UK/Irish bands that made it in America and those that didn't.  And what Simple Minds lost when they went "stadium".

Hamish said he was obviously initially disappointed that the ‘Mystery Celtic Sounds’ emerging from his speakers were not the opening bars to "Rattle and Hum" but he also acknowledged that "you can’t have everything".  He described how his mid-teenage years saw ample airplay for U2, Simple Minds and Big Country.  He was particularly keen on U2 back in those halcyon days.  Hamish was interested to note that Jim and Charlie said U2 had based 'Unforgettable Fire' on 'New Gold Dream'. 

Hamish could not think of another band that went from being so effortlessly cool, to being so completely and utterly uncool, as Simple Minds.  And on that bombshell we bade each other could night and wended our way out into the cool night air.

Next time we will be discussing Keith's picks.  Watch this space.

'Room' by Emma Donoghue

Hove Book Group's first gathering of 2012 was on Thursday 12 January to discuss 'Room' by Emma Donoghue.

Tristan explained that he chose this book because it was not a biography and was written by a female author.  He thought the escape scene was dramatic and the TV interview was the heart of the book. Tristan thought it was original, well written, great and gripping.  9/10

Don reached page 82 before leaving the book in a hotel room.  He liked the first 82 pages.

Robin chose not to read the book.  He was reading another book and didn't want to read a book about "child abuse".  Robin wondered if the author made a cynical move to write about a topic that would sell.  Robin's comments sparked a debate about the extent to which the book was about child abuse and the author's motivation.

Keith thought the book was ambitious however thought that the device of the five year old as a narrator stretched credibility and wondered if - consequently - the book lost more than it gained. That said he awarded the book 8/10.

Hamish agreed with Robin and wondered if anyone should be writing about this subject.  He didn't feel the book was very realistic and declined to give it a score.

Nick declared that he was a libertarian and that the author can write anything she wants and that society is judge and jury. Overall Nick was very impressed by the book and gave it 8/10.

Nigel found the early part of the book annoying and distasteful but, after the escape, warmed to it considerably.  Whilst unconvinced that a five year would narrate the story in this way he thought the book was ambitious and occasionally very moving.  Like Tristan, he thought the TV interview was wonderful, describing it as the best thing in the book as it exposed the shallowness and easy stereotypes of most of the mainstream media 8/10.

Jason's partner's all female book group had read and enjoyed the book.  Jason thought it was really interesting how, as males, this book group was more agitated by the content.  Jason devoured the book and thought it was a well told, compelling tale 8/10.

On average Hove Book Group gave 'Room' by Emma Donoghue a score of 8.2.  The book provoked an interesting and, at times, feisty discussion.

Tristan also chose the film 'Somers Town' which is directed by Shane Meadows.

Tristan cuts Shane "a lot of slack" - he liked the music and the cinematography but thought the tale was unbelievable 6/10.

Robin thinks 'Dead Man's Shoes' is "a masterpiece" and so also cuts Shane "some slack".  This is a sweet film but not in the same league as DMS 7/10.

Nigel is also an admirer of the work of Shane Meadows but thinks this is one of Shane's less interesting films  6/10.

Keith was expecting something grittier and characterised this as a tale of youthful innocence 5/10.

Nick is a "massive, massive" Shane Meadows fan and think he is a "genius film maker".  Nick gave this film 7/10.

Next time out the book group will be debating Nick's Celtic-tinged choices.  Watch this space.

Hove Book Group Xmas Meal 2011

Hove Book Group - 13 December 2011 @Leonardo's Restaurant, Hove

On 13 December 2011 the Hove Book Group got together to celebrate Christmas, another year of enjoyable cultural discourse, and to review the year.  

We missed Don and Jason who could not make the meal.  

I made copious notes of our review of 2011 however I appear to have lost them, so the following is based on what I can remember.... 

1. What was our favourite book that we read this year?

After agreeing a scoring system - and each nominating a favourite and a runner up - the winner (by quite a long way) was... 

"The City and The City" by China Mieville 

Congratulations to China Mieville for his highly original and stimulating novel that captured our imaginations (well most of us).

Philip K Dick's "The Man In The High Castle" came second.  

We realised that, of the nine books we read in 2011, five were biography or memoir.  We resolved to try and read more fiction in 2012.

2. What was our favourite film and music?

Our favourite film was Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, that beat off stiff (ahem) competition from The Wall live DVD, David Lynch's Mullholland Drive and Robert Altman's The Long Goodbye.  

Apropos of not much, one member of the group described The Social Network as "boring".  Clearly the trauma of a trying journey from London to Hove had clouded his judgement.

Our favourite music was a selection of big tunes by Fleetwood Mac.  

3. What was the best book we each read this year?

Alas, the loss of my notes, means I cannot remember who mentioned what except that I really enjoyed "The Reluctant Fundamentalist" by  Mohsin Hamid and "Apathy For The Devil" by Nick Kent.

4. What defined 2011 for us?

We talked about holidays, the recession, the Murdochs, the riots, the Euro, and the amount of dramatic news stories.  And some other stuff.  Probably.

5. What was the best thing about Book Group in 2011?

That would be the free sandwiches at The Poets Corner pub, and The Poets Corner pub itself, which is our pub of choice.  We *really* like The Poets Corner pub.  

What else?

The rest of the evening was a mix of Harveys, pizza, Peroni, bonhomie, wine, seasonal tunes and good vibrations.  

In conclusion...

The Hove Book Group has been going strong since January 2005, and 2011 (our seventh year) has been another thoroughly enjoyable 12 months.  

Lloyd's sabbatical continues.  We wondered if it will ever end.  

Don's work has meant he can't always attend and we lamented this.  

Jason has moved to the country however, we are delighted to say, is still managing to make quite a few of our gatherings.  

New boy Keith has settled in and is no longer a new boy.  Hurrah.   

Robin, Nick, Hamish, Tristan and Nigel are pretty much ever presents.  

Here's to the next 12 months.

"Different for Girls: A girl's own true-life adventures in pop" by Louise Wener

The Hove Book Group met on Wednesday 23rd November at Jason's house in Stanmer Village to discuss "Different for Girls: A girl's own true-life adventures in pop" by Louise Wener (which has also been published under the title "Just For One Day: Adventures in Britpop").

Jason knows Louise, in addition to two other members of Sleeper, so was keen to read this book.  

Jason enjoyed it.  It resonated with his own experience of the music industry.  Jason enjoyed Sleeper's visit to Japan where he had also had a similar experience with young Japanese fans.  6/10

Keith is a Sleeper fan and enjoyed the book although he wouldn't recommend it to a non-fan. 7/10

Nigel really enjoyed it - particularly Louise's childhood recollections and the early years.  Nigel would recommend to anyone young person who craves fame and was interested that Louise wants her own kids to be accountants. 7/10

Tristan was struck by the misogyny of the traditional music press in the 1990s and overall found the book very entertaining. 7/10

Hamish appreciated the chatty, modern style and shared a similar experience of taping the charts with a cassette player (Binatone not Panasonic though triv fans).  Hamish gave Britpop short shrift though and wondered what Louise really thought about the other bands. 6/10

An overall rating of 6.6 from Hove's finest.  

We then discussed the music.  Most of us felt the music was enjoyable if a little dated.  Keith is still an avid listener.

Overall we had another splendid evening.  Next up we'll be discussing "Room" by Emma Donoghue in January 2012.

'See No Evil' by Robert Baer

On Wednesday 19 October 2011, Hove's premier book group came together for another evening of top literary and cultural discourse.  We gathered to discuss Robin's choices.  

BOOK: 'See No Evil' by Robert Baer

MUSIC: 'The Ultimate John Barry' by John Barry

FILM: Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011)

'See No Evil' by Robert Baer


Just as Robin was about to launch into his review some sandwiches arrived.  The Landlady of the very wonderful Poets Corner pub in Hove had promised us some sandwiches and that's what we got.  Tasty, lovely sandwiches - lots and lots and lots of sandwiches.  Some with a particularly potent spicy Mexican cheese. 

After sampling the sandwiches Robing explained how we really enjoyed the book and bandied words like "fascinating" and "interesting".  He lavished the book with 7.5/10. 

Jason was expecting an airport thriller based on the cover.  Most of us, including Jase, had an edition with this cover.  Jason was depressed but satisfied and awarded 7/10.  

Tristan thought it was very interesting and gave it 6/10.  

Keith was less satisfied after reflecting on the book.  6/10  

Don was unable to attend however emailed a review...  I have not finished the masterful tome unleashed upon us by Robin.  Here's a few thoughts.  I will continue reading until I have finished, not because I am captivated by the writing…lets be clear the guy is not an author so I can’t hang him for that…but the accounts resonate with me one way or another.

First there is the political dimension. The foot soldier, who is trying to do the right thing getting shafted by a Mullins looalike. Yes I had to mention him. I can imagine this Chris Mullins-type character sitting there in his office saying ….’I know it’s the wrong thing to stitch him up, but I am worried about how this will make me look’…….Mullins you port swilling loathsome toady. Its you and your kind I despise…..in fact the more I read of the book, the more it’s the behind the scenes stuff that pisses me off. And that’s why it resonates. Liam Fox and his poncey mate sucking up to bloated bureaucrats lining there pockets and looking after their own self interest whilst the ‘good guys’ are out there trying to protect our hallowed soil……..

Its no good I am spitting nails as I write. To be honest I have nothing intelligent to add, I will leave that to Tristan…..on that I point Mr T I think the time line add up..I checked. 7.5/10

The book had a particular resonance for Nick as he has spent a lot of time in the Middle East.  Nick agrees with Robert Baer that the culture requires regular conversations.  Nick described it as a cafe culture.  Nick rated the book highly and awarded it a rock solid 8/10.

Here's my review.  In a nutshell: For all of Robert Baer's interesting tales, I feel the book could have been considerably shorter and, whilst interesting, it's not essential. The basic messages could be distilled down to a couple of pages. There's also no reference to the CIA's more dodgy dealings (destabilising democratically elected governments, sponsoring torture and death squads etc.)  I'm sure there's a fascinating book to be written about the CIA (maybe there already is) but this is not it. 6/10 


Hamish also submitted a written review:  


The first chapter started the book well.  Secretive organisation.  Assassinating Saddam. A man facing charges from his employer following his courageous efforts to spy on their behalf in various difficult countries.  It should have led to an intriguing and gripping book.

But for several chapters from No. 2 onwards things went downhill.  

To start with, Mr Baer seems to have attended virtually every major piece of social unrest since WWII  I think we have now discovered the real identity of the person stood in front of that tank in Tiananmen Square!  Truly unbelievable however quirky his mum was.  Then of course he became world downhill skiing champion and fluent in about 76 different languages.  Remarkable.  I expect he is currently occupying Wall Street. Single handedly. I found Mr Baer to be too full of himself for me to trust him.  He seems to think he is the only one who knows what is going on in the world and how to sort it out. Which made believing his book difficult.  

His writing style.  Also not a plus point for me.  It seemed to involve jumping from one subject to another without much hesitation or explanation.  I found it hard at times to understand what was really going on, particularly when he introduced new shady characters and seemed to think the reader would already have heard of them.  perhaps he wrote this for an audience of fellow spies or perhaps Americans are just more familiar with the Ahmad Chalabis of this world.

Part 3 " You're on your own" was the highlight of the book for me, whilst still fairly confusing and all over the place.  The conflict and tension between Washington and agents in the field became more apparent.  It reminded me of management and workers in my own joyous workplace.  And also the lobbying interests of that nice Doctor Fox and Mr Werritty.  Power corrupts of course and there was ample evidence of the "you scratch my back" attitude of Washingtons high fliers towards the end.  That redeemed the book a bit for me.  Enough for me to rate it higher than "Stumbling through the Amazon armed only with a tennis racquet." 

In summary, I thought the book was okay.  He struck me as a writer who had spent too much time writing factual (and probably pretty turgid) reports.  Sadly he wrote the book in the same style.  I guess this nailed the actual boredom of spying activities, compared to the more traditional romantic and heroic view, but I didn't feel it made it particularly enjoyable.  I do wonder whether I have become so cynical about the world we live in and the political slant to everything but much of what he said was truly depressing. Score 5/10

FILM: Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011)


Robin lauded this film and gave it 7/10.  


I loved 'Let The Right One In' and so had high hopes for Tomas Alfredson's latest outing.  I was not disappointed.  It's superb.  A great evocation of the 1970s.  Amazing cast and stunning performances.  9/10.


Don described the choice of the film to support the book as "a masterstroke".


Keith was impressed too and gave the film 7/10.  Tristan kept the love for the film going with a score of 8.5/10 


MUSIC: 'The Ultimate John Barry' by John Barry

By the time we got onto the music there was only Robin, Keith and me left.  Robin conceded that he  probably shouldn't have gone for this particular compilation.  He felt there was too much "stripper music" - a genre Robin seemed surprisingly knowledgeable about.  Like me, he bemoaned the lack of the theme to The Persuaders.

Keith echoed this sentiment and recommended a listen to the soundtrack to The Scarlet Letter.

I recommended JB's soundtrack to The Knack (the UK's first film soundtrack album triv fans).  Here's a sample"

And here's some of The Scarlet Letter:

And here's The Persuaders theme:

'Lost in the Jungle: A Harrowing True Story of Adventure and Survival' by Yossi Ghinsberg

On Thursday 15th September 2011, Hove's premier book group came together for our first gathering since July.

Don explained how he wanted to find a suitable Summer read for the group and concluded that "a harrowing true story of adventure and survival" would be just the ticket.  Don recounted his own travel experiences and, based on these, could quite understand how Yossi and his compadres came to make an ill advised trip into the Amazonian jungle.  He awarded the book 6 out of 10.

Hamish described this as one of most pedestrianly written books he'd ever read, although conceded the story was a good'un.  1 out of 10.  Ouch.

Robin wondered if the whole thing was made up - or at the very least exaggerated.  5/10

Keith also gave the book short shrift and said he was not well disposed to it from the outset.  4/10

Nick felt there were "too many gaps" (this is what I wrote down and now I wonder what Nick meant by this - he doubtless elaborated but I cannot remember - sorry Nick).  Nick noted that Yossi's Wikipedia page has been deleted due to the lack of evidence.  Is Yossi a charlatan?  Nick gave it 0.75 out of 10.  Double ouch.

I read the book in July and wrote a short review straight afterwards to make sure I could remember my thoughts.  Here it is: The book opens with Yossi Ghinsberg’s ‘Acknowledgements’.  A page and a half of flowery, gushing, quasi-mystical thank yous. This didn’t auger well.  Yossi Ghinsberg’s writing style is pretty basic.  I wonder if this is a translation - which might explain his style.  I have read a few accounts of what could be labelled Travel Misadventures, Personal Disasters, or Idiots Taking Silly Risks & Living To Tell The Tale.  These include, Touching The Void, Into Thin Air, The Climb, and Into The Wild.  For the first two thirds of this book I concluded that “Lost In The Jungle” was not up to the same standard, however I was gripped by the last third of the book and he certainly has an extraordinary tale to tell.  At the end of the book he also touches on how his near death experience shaped the rest of his life and I was impressed by what he has gone on to achieve. It’s worth reading and I feel Yossi’s tale will stay with me.  That said if you’ve yet to read Touching The Void or Into Thin Air, then I would suggest reading those first as I think they’re both more accomplished and interesting books that explore similar themes. 6/10.

Jason couldn't make the gathering but sent through his thoughts: I thought Yossi told a great tale.  Indeed it is probably the quickest book group choice I've read for a few years - I lapped it up in a few nights.  I think it appealed to the part of me which regrets never having done the alternative tourist Trek which lots of my student mates did during or immediately after Uni.  I'm happy to say the regret is now somewhat lessened!  I did have a few interesting points I wanted to raise when I read it weeks ago - but they all escape me now.  One thing occurs though - I'm pretty certain I'd have died out there - wonder if others feel they'd have had the tenacity to keep going with rotting feet and no food.  That rain would jave been the final straw for me, let alone the termites.  I still shudder.....  Jason didn't give a score but - on the basis of what he wrote I reckon it would be an 8 out of 10.

Tristan arrived after staying late at work, and just in time to read out his own review that he had emailed through:  I quite enjoyed this easy read, in a ripping yarn kind of way. I was a bit worried about the dull backpacker bit at the beginning, but once the characters were introduced, and once they got to the jungle it got a lot better.  Once the silly sods had decided to go off on their own, and once Yossi got swept away, it became much more of a page turner. I liked the thought exercise of 'would you prefer a machete and nothing else or a pack with no machete', and I am still amazed that Kevin managed to get back so easily - sounds like Yossi was just a whingeing lightweight (joke). I liked the revelations at the end, but was disappointed not to find out what happened to Karl and Marcus.  I thought the writing style was competent but unexceptional.  One thing I took exception to was his assertion that there had been some divine intervention. I saw a fair bit of luck, a good lot of common sense, and lots of evidence for the resilience of the human spirit, but that was it.  Still, I feel I learned a lot from this book, the most important lesson of which was do not piss yourself while sleeping in a rain forest.  All in all, I found it lightweight and entertaining, but not much beyond that.  6/10

So there you have it.  A mixed set of responses and it made for a good discussion.

Don 6
Hamish 1
Robin 5
Keith 4
Nick 0.75
Nigel 6
Jason 8
Tristan 6

Average 4.5

After the magic of the Yossi discussion we moved onto a DVD...


Roger Waters 'The Wall - Live in Berlin'



By this time I was on my third pint of Harveys and - ahem - don't appear to have made any notes.  Here's what I can remember.  I apologise for any inaccuracies.  Feel free to add a comment if I misrepresented what was discussed.

Don absolutely loves Roger Waters and The Wall.  He waxed lyrical about a recent concert at the O2 Arena.

Nick hadn't watched the DVD and doesn't really get the Floyd (to put it mildly).

I expressed an intrigue about the Floyd but a lack of knowledge.  I do like Wish You Were Here and Dark Side Of The Moon - and the Barrett years - but haven't ever listened to The Wall (except bits - primarily Another Brick In The Wall) and so didn't know what to expect.  This DVD felt *very* 80s.  

The DVD opens with (who I later discovered to be) The Scorpions emerging from a stretch limo in all their cliche Metal outfits.  I was a bit confused as none of them appeared to be Roger Waters.  Then realised that we were to be treated to a succession of guests that included Sinead O'Connor,  Marianne Faithful, Cyndi Lauper, Tim Currie, Thomas Dolby.  Coincidentally in the lastest issue of The Word magazine Thomas Dolby refers to this gig and states "I went to see it again the other day and it's a pretty dreary thing.  And he (Roger Waters) was a dark character - very, very fastidious.  Intense."  Obviously a lot of money spent on the staging but I felt glad that I hadn't attended.  I guess for Berliners in 1990 this must have had a huge resonance.  As a Hove-ite in 2011 I was less engaged.  I prefer to attend intimate gigs and also prefer a warmer, less austere sound.  Basically I just didn't get it. 

Robin reminded the Group that many moons ago Jason got us to watch the original film version with Bob Geldof and thought this wasn't a patch on the film version.

Hamish was intrigued by the punk (Geldof)/Old Wave (Floyd) collaboration that was the Alan Parker film version.  

The "I just don't get The Wall" view was echoed, to one degree or another by Keith, Robin and Hamish.  I'll try to carry on making notes next time - please add comments if I've forgotten one of your nuggets.  

Jason wrote: Never saw the DVD - but I do remember being very excited about it at the time, and watched it live - only to have much of the sound go down, with the likes of Sinead O'Conner left miming.  It was a great occasion, and wonderfully symbolic, but a bit too much of the Roger Waters show for me - with annoying under rehearsed special guests.  Pink Floyd needs the new boy Gilmour for the epic tunes they did.  I'm assuming the DVD would have put the missing sound back in, and had a chance to mix it properly - so interested to see what everyone else thought - especially Nick!! 

Tristan wrote: As someone who grew up listening to Pink Floyd and especially The Wall a lot, this was all nicely familiar. Plus, having seen the film again recently at a private screening with the director Alan Parker (cough, namedrop, cough) I knew it well. The concert itself was most notable for its amazing staging and set: the huge wall constructed and all the effects and visuals were utterly amazing. The parading of 80s stars was also nostalgic although sometimes cringeworthy (Scorpions? FFS). The scale of the thing was also incredible: wikipedia reckoned there were 250k people, plus another 100k watching! (it must have sucked to be right at the back). I would have loved more crowd shots. I enjoyed this, I'm glad I saw it, but I'm not sure I'd bother watching it again. 7/10

So there you have it.  Another wonderful gathering for Hove's finest.  

At our next gathering we will be discussing Robin's spying-flavoured choices:

BOOK: 'See No Evil' by Robert Baer 

MUSIC: 'The Ultimate John Barry' by John Barry

FILM: Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011)

Excited?  Me too.

PS: Here's Yossi....