Into the Darkest Corner by Elizabeth Haynes

'Disturbing discussions in the Darkest Corner of the Angel Inn'

....  Our book club is fast approaching its 10th anniversary and we have just finished this 55th book.  A compelling page turner, full of suspense, but not to be read alone in the dark.  This book generated lots of debate on the central issue of domestic violence.  It brings up questions about victim behaviour, divorce settlements and fact that you never know quite what goes on behind closed doors.

It also gave rise to interesting discussions on recent sex abuse cases and why it is that some people are not believed.  We all enjoyed reading this book because if was refreshing and different and quite definitely disturbing.

....  We met at the The Angel of Corbridge, as it was a mid-week night we had not reserved a table. On arrival, we were amazed to find the restaurant closed and the bar bustling. After a short wait we squeezed onto a table in the corner. A friendly welcome, the offer of drinks and a menu were in short supply. When the menus finally came the choice was limited. We had a Basil Fawlty moment, 'when is a sandwich not a sandwich?', answer, when it's after 6pm! Also, another interesting question, 'when is a pud not a pud?', answer, when the chef's gone home!. Never mind, it did us all good just to have a main course.

....  On a lighter note, the 'in house' entertainment was very amusing, if you are easily amused!  Rude Beer Mats - Enter the 'Rude Beer Mat Challenge'  Leave a comment and let us know where you found your really silly beer mat.

....  The Angel bell has tolled, it's time to pay and go.  11 am, an early night for the hussies.  £21.00 per hussie, no tip.

....  Please join us next month for our erudite critique of, what we hope, will be an excellent crime thriller.

THE PERSUADER by LEE CHILD







 

26 October 2012

My Dear I Wanted to Tell You by Louisa Young

'Mixed Reviews'

....  There were mixed reviews regarding this book.  The story was weak although it does give a good insight into the horrors of war.  Some felt this was a very similar book to 'The Officer's Ward'.  Same wartime angle wrapped around a love story.

....  Way off the beaten track tonight with a trip up to Wark to dine at The Battlesteads.  We were expecting a small pub and found a gem.  Very good food.  Much larger than the average pub and much better food than an average restaurant.  Try it!

....  Join us and share your views on a book recommended by TV book clubs alike ...

INTO THE DARKEST CORNER by ELIZABETH HAYNES

August 2012

Why be Happy When you Could be Normal by Jeanette Winterson

'Very Well Written'

....  Although on the whole the group did not understand this book, they all agreed it was very well written.  Some interesting insights, but disappointing and on occasion frustrating as we wanted to know more about the authors upbringing. We would recommend reading the  novel 'Oranges Are Not The Only Fruit' by Jeanette Winterson, this was made into a television drama some years ago and was very popular.

....  Back to the Black Bull in Corbridge. This turning into quite a favourite.  You have to choose wisely, but the ambiance and service are good.

....  Back to a wartime book.  Share our views on ...

MY DEAR I WANTED TO TELL YOU by LOUISA YOUNG

8 July 2012

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel by Deborah Moggach

'New and Interesting'

....  This was a very easy read, and dealt with an interesting subject, questioning ideas of retirement. The book tackled the issue of growing old in away that was both humorous and sad.  The casting of the film made it very watchable and very funny at times, with a touch of melancholy.

....  Previous visits to the Queen's Head Great Whittington have been very good.  However, this time it was a complete let down.  The Queen's Head had been closed for some time and has now been reopened under new management.  There was one very good starter and we all wished we'd ordered that!. Lets hope next time will be more of a success.

....  A controversial book for next month.  Let us know what you think of ...

WHY BE HAPPY WHEN YOU COULD BE NORMAL by JEANETTE WINTERSON

March 2012



The Best British Short Stories for 2011 by Nicholas Royle

'Not the Best'

 

 

 

 

 

....  This was not a popular choice at all.  Most of the stories were just plain weird.  Out of the whole choice we couldn't say one was particularly good or inspiring.

 

....   A trip out to Ponteland tonight, Fratellis.  This was a nice change and we all really enjoyed the food.  Ponteland is very small, but it has a lot of very nice restaurants for such a small place.

 

....  The next choice of book was chosen because of the film which was already released.   This time we had to read the book after the film to see if the film was true to the book!  Join us with your thoughts for ...

 

 

THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL by DEBORAH MOGGACH

 

 

 

 

 

March 2011

Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert

'Generally Enjoyable'

 

 

 

 

....  This was generally enjoyed by all.

 

....  A Bazaar experience tonight at The Thai Restaurant in Hexham.  It's a room off the Coach and Horses.  There was no heating on.  The staff couldn't or wouldn't speak very good English so many things were lost in the translation, ie. no fizzy mineral water.  A sewerage smell coming from the back.  Surprisingly, though, the food was quite good.  No credit cards accepted, so it was a trip up to cashpoint for everyone!  A very strange night!

 

....  A total change of book tonight.  A book of short stories.  Let us share view on ...

 

 

THE BEST BRITISH SHORT STORIES FOR 2011 by NICHOLAS ROYLE

 

 

 

 

 

December 2011

The Lazy Bones by Mark Bellingham

 

'Popular Crime Fiction'

 

 

 

 

....  Mixed views on this very popular crime fiction.

 

....  The Wellington at Riding Mill was our choice of venue for tonight.  Typical Pub Grub

 

....   Back to old fashioned literature.  Join us for our views on ...

 

 

MADAME BOVARY by GUSTAVE FLAUBERT

 

 

 

 

 

October 2011

 

 

 

 



The Lady Elizabeth by Alison Weir

'Interesting'

 

 

 

 

....  Most of us found this an interesting read, but nothing special.

 

....  Back to The Rat at Anick.  This visit was disappointing as the menu was very similar to last time, ie. too much meat.  The only fish available was cheaper quality fish at quality fish prices. 

 

....  Back to crime fiction for the next choice  Join in with your views on ...

 

 

LAZYBONES by MARK BILLINGHAM

 

 

 

 

 

August 2011

Salmon Fishing in the Yemen by Paul Torday

'Amusing Easy Read'

 

 

 

....  We found this a very amusing easy read.  Good characterisation, but not a page turner.  This book was quickly turned into a film which we thoroughly. enjoyed due to the excellent casting - although it was not true to the book, it was still very enjoyable.

 

....  A new restaurant has opened in Newton, The Duke of Wellington, same old name, new owners, totally revamped premises, very impressive.  Wish we could say the same for the food.  Over priced and over rated.  The portions were very small and posed very poor value for money.  As it was our first visit, we will go again.  We may just have had a bad night, so will revisit to give the benefit of the doubt.

 

....  Taking you back in History again.  Join us for ...

 



THE LADY ELIZABETH by ALISON WEIR

 

 

 

 

 

30 March 2011

 

 

 



 

 

 



The Host by Stephanie Meyers

'Too Much Fantasy'

 

 

 

....  Half of the group thought this book contained far too much fantasy, whilst the other half were very impressed with the story throughout.

 

....  A final get together for 2010 was to be at the Black Bull in Corbridge. Although it's just a pub, it's a very cosy pub with above average pub food.

 

....  Join us in the New Year for ...

 

 

 

 

 

18 November 2010

Ordinary Thunderstorms - William Boyd

'Poor Premise'

 

 

 

....  We all thought this book was very poor, formulaic, poor premise with pretentious words.

 

....  We dined at the Lion and the Lamb at Horsley.  Nothing special!

 

....   A bit of Sci-Fi for next month's read.  Join us for ...

 

 

THE HOST by STEPHANIE MEYERS

 

 

 

 

 

26 September 2010

Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh

Nostalgic Novel

 

 

 

 

....  Mixed views on this book, but mostly popular.  We have a lively discussion regarding this Nostalgic Novel.

 

....  A new and different venue for tonight.  The Bay Horse in Stamfordham.  Very disappointing food which was a shame because it was a lovely setting.

 

....  Our next choice, which, we hope you will join us in, is ..

 

 

ORDINARY THUNDERSTORMS by WILLIAM BOYD

 

 

 

 

 

16 June 2010

The Girl who Kicked the Hornets Nest by Stieg Larsson

'Should we have Started with the Last Book First'

 

 

 

 

 

 ....  This book hds mixed reviews from the club members.  Some thought it too long and similar character names caused confusion, as did reading the book out of sequence.  Others, however, really enjoyed the story and felt the book could stand along as most of the history of the first two books is covered again in the third.  Stieg Larsson died just prior to the pubishing of these books.  The first film was made very quickly in Swedish and later again in English.  Although the films were good, they were not as good as the book.  The suspense in the book did not convey.

 

....  A Spring night at the Errington Arms.  As always a good choice of food from the blackboard and fires burning to keep the chills away.

 

....  Back to war-time Britain for the ever popular .....

 

 

BRIDESHEAD REVISITED by EVELYN WAUGH

 

 









 

 

 

24 March 2010

One Day by David Nicholls

'Mixed Reviews'

 

 

 

 

....  This book was enjoyed by some, whilst others thought it to be very good.  It has since been made into a movie, however, no one has seen it to comment.

 

....  We visited Danielle's Bistro in Hexham for this meeting.  The food, as always was very good, however, the waiter was rather intrusive.  Not sure whether this was due to the quietness of the evening or not!

 

....  Join us next month for a new blockbuster ...

 

 

THE GIRL WHO KICKED THE HORNET'S NEST

 

 



 

 

 

14 January 2010

The Janissary Tree by Jason Goodwin

'One Word   -   D I R E'

 

 

 

....  No one had anything good to say about this book.  The history was very hard to follow and the story was unappealing.  It was as if a student was writing a thesis for a degree course and to try and make it more interesting they wrapped a poor story around it.  Everyone thought it was dire.  There was no other work for it.

 

....  We forgot to make a note of where we ate tonight. When we remember, we will let you know.

 

....  The book choice for next month is ....

 

 

JULIET NAKED by NICK HORNBY

 

 

 

 

 

August 2009

 

 

 

Slumdog Millionaire by Vikas Swarup

 

 

 

'Very Enjoyable'

 

 

 

 

....  This book was very enjoyable.  It was like lots of short stories rolled into one all wrapped around a love story to give a real 'feel good' factor.  This book was originally given a different title and was not very well known.  However, the movie certainly took it to another level.  Some members found the book better than the film, but, all agreed the film was very good.

 

....  Due to a lack of babysitters, the book group are housebound tonight.  Better keep our critiques to ourselves!

 

....  A dip back into history for the next book ....

 

 

 

THE JANISSARY TREE by JASON GOODWIN

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 2009

The Reader by Bernhard Schlink

'Good Book & Good Film'

 

 

 

 

....  Nothing but positive reviews on this book.  We all thoroughly enjoyed the book and the film.  It was very interesting to read a war-time book from another perspective... what would you have done ?

 

....  Across to Ponteland tonight to dine.  Cafe Lowrey, bistro style food.  Very good, if not a touch expensive.

 

....  Let us know what you think about our next choice of book.  The ever popular ....

 

 

SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE by VAS SWARUP

 

 

 

 

 

May 2009

Engleby by Sebastian Faulkes

'Chillingly Good'

 

 

....  The thoughts and comments which came across after reading this book were, quote, 'frustratingly good, thought provoking and Chilling.  Very different to his other books.

 

....  The Rat, Anick, Hexham has been taken over by the owners of The Green Room in Hexham.  The Rat, as usual, is a very homely pub and the food is definitely an improvement.  There were some comments about it being too meat orientated. Would definitely suit carnivores.

 

....  Join us again for our next choice.  Another war themed book from another prospective ...

 

 

THE READER by BERNHARD SCHLINK

 

 



 

 

 

19 March 2009

The Appeal by John Grisham

'Formulaic'

 

 

 

 

....  The appeal, was not very 'appealing' to the book group.  It was very dull, badly written and formulaic with stereotype characters.

 

....  We dined at The Black Bull in Matfen.  I local pub often forgotten about.  We have a lovely pub meal and would definitely go back again.

 

....  Join us and blog your thoughts on our next choice of book ...

 

 

ENGLEBY by SEBASTIAN FAULKES

 

 

 

 

 

5 February 2009

The Island by Victoria Hislop

'IRRITATING'

 

 

 

....  The general consensus was that this was an ok book, but was irritating because it was so badly written.  The history was interesting though - regarding leprosy and the leper colonies.

 

....  A curry at the Valley in Corbridge, every bit as good as the Hexham Branch.

 

....  Join us and comment on a John Grisham favourite ...

 

 

THE APPEAL by JOHN GRISHAM

 

 

 

 

 

29 December 2008

Child 44 by Tom Rob Smith

' Russian Based Page Turner'

 

 

 

 

....  This book was very good.  We all agreed it was an easy read and a page turner, but it was good to get an incite to the workings of Russia, all be it with a rather trite ending.

 

....  The Feathers at Hedley on the Hill had won a few foodie awards, so we went to check it out.  Worth the trip.  Very cosy pub with exceptionally good food.

 

....  Join us for a lighter read next month. A popular read with other reading groups ...

 

 

THE ISLAND by VICTORIA HISLOP

 

 

 

 

 

20 November 2008

The Fraction of the Whole by Steve Toltz

'Hard Work'

 

 

 

 

....  We found this book hard work and pointless.  It was very depressing and could be described as an 'Academic Mr Man Book'

 

....  Back to The Queen's Head in Great Whittington, a current favourite.  Lovely food.

 

....  From Australia to Russia for our next choice ...

 

 

CHILD 44 by TOM ROB SMITH

 

 

 

 

 

16 October 2008

The Miller's Tale by Geoffrey Chaucer

'A Surprising Success'



....  Yes, this was a surprising success, once we battled our way through the 'olde' English.  We were proud to have got through it and enjoyed the comedy.  This tale was made into a drama on the BBC which we watched and also enjoyed.

....  We dined at The Queen's Head, in Great Whittington, tonight.  Good Food, as usual.

....  Our next book was listed for the Orange Prize. Let us know what you think!

THE FRACTION OF THE WHOLE by STEVE TOLTZ

4 September 2008 

A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hasseini

'Harrowing Page Turner'

 

 

 

 

....  This book was thoroughly enjoyed by all.  A very good read, but a bit harrowing at times.  You would not believe this book is of our time. 

 

....  After our awful meal at The Hadrian last time, we continued along the road back to the cosy setting of The Barrasford Arms.  Traditionally, good food.

 

....  Join us next time for a real Classic ...

 

 

THE MILLER'S TALE by GEOFFREY CHAUCER

 

 

 

 

 

1 July 2008

Endurance by Alfred Lansing

'Well Worth Reading'

 

 

 

 

....  Well worth reading.  We all enjoyed this very much.  The toil and leadership apparent all the way through.  A good 'true' story.

 

....  This was also a TV production which some of us watched and really enjoyed, although it was not true to the book.

 

....  A trip up to The Hadrian at Wall.  What a disappointment.  The food was very sub-standard. We won't be put off just in case we caught them on an off night.  Hopefully, our next visit see a turnaround!

 

....  As we enjoyed The Kite Runner, book and film, so much, we are going for another Hasseini book.  Join in and let us share views on ...

 

 

 A THOUSAND SPLENDID SUNS by KHALED HASSEINI

 

 

 

 

 

 

2 June 2008