.... A quick blogless blog to keep my place in the blogging order!! The hussies turned up at the new, tastefully constructed, club house of Close House, now aptly named No. 19, offering a hearty menu for many a discerning golfer.
.... Pictures and reviews regarding the book and restaurant are to follow as comments dribble in from the hussies. I'm sorry to report that the book wasn't completed by the members and, therefore, a fitting blog could not be produced to the credit of the book.
.... So, all I can say at the moment is - WATCH THIS SPACE!!..
The next book proposal is The Kabul Beauty School by Deborah Rodriguez.
.... Take Two - The Brothers by Ben Elton
.... Finally, a book we all agree upon as 'a page turner'.
.... This is a sensitive and intimate fact based story written with such passion that we were all immediately immersed in 1920's Berlin. Two brothers. Two girlfriends. Two families. Two sides of The Second World War!
.... The book is set in 1920's Berlin and tells the story of loyal and loving twins Paulus and Otto, sharing everything life has to offer, except 'blood' , and ending up on opposite sides during the war. The story delves further into the day to day lives of Jewish families before and during the Nazi uprising which subsequently resulted in their demise - human rights stripped away little by little until they were regarded as worthless human beings. The bond of childhood friendship between the twins, Dagmar and Silke, and the formation of 'The Saturday Club' is tested throughout with the many twists and turns leaving the reader wondering - 'who is Mr Stone'.
.... It was noted that the language and phrasing was not always fitting to the period and that the story could have been more condensed in the middle section where it was a bit repetitive. As the story unfolded, it seemed a little rushed, not spending enough time on the other members of 'The Saturday Club'. Still, the book was enjoyable, it draws you in making you care about the characters which makes for a bitter/sweet end as it was felt some of the characters were a let down as we had come to expect better of them. It was quite an education learning about the Nazi practices and the fact that they thought Jews could be identified by the circumference of their head. The factually correct events such as Kristalnacht. The Jazz age and the depreciation of their currency all add to the education. It is different to other hollocaust books as it is focused on the lead up to the war and concentrates more on how the different personalities deal with the events. Although entertaining and informative, maybe by focusing on the children's aspect, this book may not be considered a classic. On the whole we all finished the book and we all enjoyed the book.
.... There were mixed reviews regarding Number 19 at Close House, Northumberland. This is a newly stone built, contemporary building which sits well in its surroundings. The decor wasn't to everyone's taste and the food ranged from 'disappointing' and 'nowt special' to 'good , after golf, hearty food'. The prices were reasonable and the service was good albeit feeling like a Metropolitan Wine Bar rather than a Country House Golf Club! We were all at the same place, honest!! Maybe it deserves another visit, especially during the day where you can appreciate the views!
.... Join us very shortly to share our views regarding :
The Kabul Beauty School by Deborah Rodriguez
8th November 2014
