About the Author: Sebastian Faulks was born on 20 April 1953 and was educated at Wellington College and Emmanuel College, Cambridge. He was the first literary editor of The Independent and became deputy editor of the Independent on Sunday before leaving in 1991 to concentrate on writing. He has been a columnist for The Guardian (1992-8) and the Evening Standard (1997-9). He continues to contribute articles and reviews to a number of newspapers and magazines. He wrote and presented the Channel 4 Television series 'Churchill's Secret Army', screened in 1999. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature.His first novel, A Trick of the Light, was published in 1984. His other novels include The Girl at the Lion d'Or (1989), set in France between the First and Second World Wars, and the bestselling Birdsong (1993), the story of a young Englishman called Stephen Wraysford and his harrowing experiences fighting in northern France during the First World War. The main narrative is intercut with scenes from the life of Stephen's granddaughter, Elizabeth, a young woman living in the 1970s who travels to France to discover more about her grandfather's life. The Fatal Englishman: Three Short Lives (1996) is a multiple biography of the lives of the artist Christopher Wood, airman Richard Hillary and spy Jeremy Wolfenden.His fifth novel, Charlotte Gray (1998), completes the loose trilogy of books about France with an account of the adventures of a young Scottish woman who becomes involved with the French resistance during the Second World War. A film adaptation of the novel, starring Cate Blanchett, was first screened in 2002. His next novel, On Green Dolphin Street (2001), is a love story set against the backdrop of the Cold War. Human Traces, a book set in the 19th century and telling the tale of two friends who set up a pioneering asylum, was published in 2005. His latest novel is Engleby (2007). He has recently written Devil May Care, a new James Bond novel commissioned by the Ian Fleming estate to mark the centenary of Ian Fleming's birth in 2008.
About the Book: The narrator is a young man, Mike Engleby, who is a fresher at Cambridge in 1973. He appears to be from his journals, somewhat of a loner, a voyeur who watches others live their lives and appears to feel part of it albeit with no apparent direct engagement with his associates. He has an addiction for prescription drugs and his life so far has been on the fringes of society, having engaged in petty theft and drug dealing. He is from a dysfunctional family with hints of domestic violence. Despite this he has succeeded in achieving a scholarship to Cambridge. He alternates between having a photographic memory and periods of amnesia. Although on the face of it he has a social life, he attends lectures with Jennifer, whom he appears to lust after, there are evenings at the folk club and university 'socs.' But the reader waits for a proper conversation to take place. Although he is physically present in the events that are described his 'friendships' appear to be imaginary. The reader comes to realise that he is a 'wierdo'. The narrator describes in the unravelling of memories which the reader tries to piece together and these are intertwined with the apparent disappearances of three women, in which there are hints of suspense.
The Review; The key messages from the group were those of poor authorship and an implausable story line leading to a difficult and uncomfortable read. For some this was the first introduction to the author whom they would not read again. For others more credence was given to the authorship and intended readers' reactions. For example, sympathy with the character at a younger age and as a victim of physical abuse (within the family)and bullying (physical and emotional) at school. Empathy dulled as new and progressively deviant behaviours were revealed with Engleby as the perpetrator. The group discussed the muddying of fantasy and reality and points in the story line as intended fact and those that were a distortion and fantastical reinterpretation by the character as he moved out of touch with those around him. A voyeur who latched on to situations and people. None were surprised by his capacity to murder, but the portrayal of the normalising intellectual narrative, vague and confused retrospectives, caused most discomfort.
All members struggled with the book in different ways but more commonly referenced in discussions was the implausible character and the plot setting, the insufficient clarity in the writing to secure the readers access to the intended fantasy and reality, and many had difficulty engaging with the character whom they disliked.
Many however identified with the University setting and period through musical and place references. They also felt credence to the author's intention to take the reader through an uncomfortable journey. Some consideration and understanding was given to mental health nd personality disorder diagnostic issues. Many recognised the high intellect and the failure in emotional capacity to deal with relationships in life.
In all, the underlay of class issues and the isolation and dis-jointed experience of the character gave an 'out of place' feel linked to emotional despair and mental health issues. However while members recognised that there were interesting moments in the book and resonances, it did not straddle the environmental (place and time) and internal individual psychological journey particularly well. What can be said is that this book brought out a high pitch of reaction in the readers.
The choice of books for the next read was; The Stars Tennis Balls: Stephen Fry
Stark: Ben Elton
A load of old balls:Jo Brand
Having a lovely time:Jenny Eclair
The selected book was; The Stars Tennis Balls: Stephen Fry
Thanks to Rob for hosting the meeting and to Mike for the venue.
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