Lady Susan by Jane Austen

This novella was written by a young Jane Austen and is unusual in that the main protagonist is quite an anti-heroine. Lady Susan schemes and manipulates her way through life managing to charm some, while alienating others. She leaves a trail of chaos and upset in her wake, ploughing onwards to achieve her rather selfish goals. A quick and easy read, the story unfolds through a series of letters sent between the main characters. As with many complex personalities Lady Susan seems to get what what she wants in the end, avoiding her comeuppance. 

Thanks to a very efficient delivery service from Cogito Books in Hexham 'The Hussies' were able to read their copies of 'Lady Susan' straightaway. Definately worth a try cogitobooksonline.tbpcontrol.co.uk

This month we tried a new venue for our meeting ..... Bistro En Glaze in Wylam, a hidden gem that is definately on our list for a return visit. Reasonably priced , if your selection is in line with your budget. The food was excellent and the sevice friendly and efficient. 

A good Cornish yarn set on the wild and windswept Bodmin Moor provides our summer entertainment. 'Jamaica Inn' by Daphne Du Maurier, Happy reading!

The Taming of the Queen by Phillipa Gregory

                      Sex, sermons and subterfuge at the Court of King Henty VIII

                                   

Some interesting historical facts, wrapped up in a fast moving tale of intrigue and power struggles. Philippa Gregory's latest historical novel highlights the precarious position of a Queen of England unlucky enough to be married to Henry VIII. A little simplistic to paint Henry as a serial killer who happily murdered his wives. There seems to be a tendancy to judge the past on the values of the present. Tudor England was a time of great change in a feudal society and  the motivations of the main players were deeply complex and not done justice in this novel. The writing style was very repetative and sightly patronising. Not to be relied on for historical fact but for lovers of romantic fiction a good read. 

'Bouchon' in Hexham provided the setting for our discussions this month. Not much change to the menu from our last visit but if it works why change it ? 

Join us next month when we will be reviewing classic novelist Jane Austen and her less well known work 'Lady Susan'