Monthly Book Group

Each month I host an open meeting in Woodbridge in Suffolk. We used to meet in the town's bookshop but now gather together in a nearby hall. We usually focus on modern fiction and the discussion regularly attracts around 20 people, men and women, of all ages. Everyone is welcome to join in but please let me know you are planning on coming along. Sign up to the e-newsletter here to receive details. Scroll down to take a look at the titles we've read over the year, and view the archive for past discussions.

NEW - Book Group in Framlingham at Ottie and the Bea - details here

Woodbridge Book Group List for 2016

28th November 2016
by Gavin Extence

An intriguing and entertaining novel raising issues of Aspergers and euthanasia with a touching friendship across generations.

31st October 2016
by Hannah Kent

For some, knowing how the book was going to end proved difficult, but it was tremendously atmospheric and powerfully bleak in its description and characterisation. A fascinating novel, beautifully written.

26th September 2016
by Alice Munro

Despite much anticipation for this author, most of the group were disenchanted with the title story and uninspired to explore further. Keen fans of Munro stressed the appeal of the bleak subject matter.

30th August 2016
by Elizabeth Jane Howard

Interestingly the younger women were distressed by the plight of the narrator. The older women accepted that was 'just what happened'. All agreed the writing was beautiful, but some came away from the book more downhearted than others.

25th July 2016
by Benjamin Johncock

An astonishing book enjoyed by all. So much to discuss regarding the science, the history, the relationships, the merging of fact and fiction, and the author's skill in making us believe.

27th June 2016
by Kent Haruf

A slim book but so much to discuss - about old age, companionship, loneliness, love, regret, guilt, happiness, community, family, commitment, compromise, personal sacrifice. A beautiful, delicate, poignant short novel.

23rd May 2016
by Patricia Highsmith

Almost unanimous in this being a good read, though dated and puzzling. Not representative of a master thriller writer, but many will be reading her other books.

25th April 2016
by Javier Marias

An intelligent, clever, thought-provoking book for some, but the majority of this group felt that it was too much philosophising and not enough plot.

4th April 2016
by Xiaolu Guo

A whole range of responses were recorded with this book. Beautiful writing, a compelling and moving story, thought some. Others felt the characters unengaging and the structure flawed.

29th February 2016
by Calvin Trillin

Lots of laughter and lots to share in this unlikely tale about parking a car. Some wanted it turned into a sitcom, others were delighted with the design (incorporating a free bookmark), and only a couple gave up on it entirely.

25th January 2016
by Anthony Doerr

Almost unanimous in our praise for this book - beautifully written, intriguing ideas, wonderful characterisation. Every page a delight, although a few people felt the descriptions overblown and the short chapters disjointed.