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