Summer DO!

We had our summer do at a local pizzaria in August, we had very enjoyable time as the photos show - these are the first photos we have taken as at last someone remembered a camera! The staff were exceptionally patient and the food as always was excellent.

I thought I would take this opportunity to introduce the PCRG members.

Here we are the originating members of the Poets Corner Reading Group. Cathrine on the left and Gaynor (me PCRG Blogger!).

We talked about everything as usual as this is something we all do very well, talk........as many of these pictures show..........

Rob and Steve, who is Deborah's other half..........

And Deborah - it's obviously all to much for Rob at this stage!

Our waitress who kept smiling all the way through - patience galore!

....and Lorraine and Charles, Cathrine's other half....

and Mary and Mike Lorraine's other half............

......the chefs......

and where is my other half.......behind the camera!

The Star's Tennis Balls by Stephen Fry

PCRG meeting held at Tom and Gaynor’s on Tuesday 1st July 2008

Venue: T & G’s garden. Weather – purrfick!

The book chosen for review was The Star’s Tennis Balls by Stephen Fry published in 2001. The group was given the choice of 4 books written by ‘comedians’ namely Ben Elton, Jo Brand, Jenny Éclair and Stephen Fry. Stephen Fry was chosen by a length whereas Ben Elton received ‘nul points’.

At the time of choosing it had been accepted that this would probably be a superficial read but that it would be fun. The group’s overriding impression was that this book was not fun at all. Based very closely on ‘The Count of Monty Christo’ it is the story of a young, well educated and somewhat arrogant man who is ‘fixed up’ by his so-called friends who plant drugs on him. By a series of co-incidences this prank escalates out of all proportion and he is incarcerated in a secure mental asylum in Sweden where he is all but stripped of his identity. He is (re) educated by a fellow prisoner and eventually escapes to wreak his revenge.

The book received fairly negative reviews from the majority of members. Most felt the plot was unbelievable and some of the characterisation was weak. One member felt that the name of Rolf as one of the leading protagonist’s tormentor’s was totally inappropriate! A number of people felt that the book was in some ways a reflection of the author as an outsider and as someone who has invented a persona for himself. Comments like “hard going”, “not witty”, “shallow”, “unbelievable” and “self indulgent” were made. One member described it as “dreadful”.

However not all comments were negative. One member described it as “a good read but not a good book” and another enjoyed it but felt guilty about having enjoyed it. It was suggested that with hindsight the group might have read the Dumas original at the same time in order to make a comparison. Another member complained that it lacked the subtlety of the original. Most agreed that there were good passages – one member particularly liked the visit to the Flask in Hampstead as he had enjoyed his visits there. All seem to enjoy elements of his education to some degree.

It was generally agreed that the book had an element of autobiography and the relevance of Fry’s manic depressive episodes was discussed. In summary this was not one of the Group’s most well regarded books but, as usual, it was agreed that it was a good experience to have chosen it. (Gaynor – I think I made the last bit up but I couldn’t think how to finish this piece!).

Engleby:Sebastian Faulks

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.

The Shadow of the Sun:My African Life by Ryszard Kapuscinski

About the Author: Ryszard Kapuscinski was born in 1932 in a multinational market town in Pinsk, near the eastern borderlands which is now Belarus. He grew up witnessing the horrors of war and of displacement. He kept the same child's eye for injustice when he became a correspondent in Africa for the Polish Press Agency (PAP). There was scarcely a revolution that he did not witness in the 1960's and 70's as he reported on the decolonisation of the Africa. He lived through dozens of coups. To each he brought the eye of a commoner; he carried his own water flagons and waited for hours at overcrowded bus stations. In part, his point of view was forced him by the economic stringencies of his new agency.

About the Book; He himself writes; 'I lived in Africa for several years. I first went there in 1957. Then, over the next forty years, I returned whenever the opportunity arose. I traveled extensively , avoiding official routes, palaces, important personages, and high level politics. Instead, i opted to hitch rides onpassing trucks, wander with nomads through the desert, be the guest of peasants of the tropical savannah. Their life is endless toil, a tormenet they endure with astonishing patience and good humor(sic).

This is therefore not a book about Africa, but rather about some people from there - about encounters with them, and time spent together. The continent is too large to describe. It is a veritable ocean, a separate planet, a varied, immensely, rich cosmos. Only with the greatest of simplification, for the sake of convenience, can we say "Africa". In reality, except as a geographical appellation, Africa does not exist.'


The Review; Generally this book was very well received. It had many of us searching the internet for historical evidence and supplementary reading. Kapuscinski's writing shows a deep affection and respect for a continent that has such deep seated and complicated traditional values that it continues to destroy any apparent progress in peace or economic development. Indeed he goes on to say that there is no such continent as Africa, due to the complex constituents of its parts. Through his determination and the purposeful resurrection of old contacts he was one of the very few journalists to enter Zanzibar during the revolution. After a perilous flight he was then taken hostage and only narrowly managed to escape by boat. He talks about Rwanda and gives a very insightful and detailed description into the tribalism that led to the horrific civil war. He describes the end of European colonialism and you can see an almost identical repeat of corruption as each country develops independently. He explains the rise of Amin and generally paints a pretty grim picture of the way in which the politics of these countries was manipulated by the old colonial powers trying to maintain some control You can see why he is often described as a war journalist as he gives amazingly lurid accounts in his despatches from the civil war zones in particular Liberia.

As a result of living with the people he describes the customs and religion with wonderful feeling and vivid description, the reader is transported to heat, the smells and the danger of some of the circumstances in which he finds himself.

Some of the stories of cobra's under the bed, the never to be repaired hole in the road, the Arab salt traders, the witchcraft, the values and the subsequent behaviours that were observed were often chellenging for some members to comprehend - but also came as a welcome light relief from the more typical topics of Trbalisms, Genocide, Drought, Starvation, War Lords and Child Soldiers.


The book wasn't without it's critics, one of the group dismissed it out of hand as 'a pure work of fiction'. Others felt that there was very little if any redemptive spirit in the book and there was no sense that anything was likely to improve. You could say that as a journalist he can and should only tell us what he sees.

The next book: Sarah's Key : Tatiana de Rosthnay

Thanks to Mary for hosting this meeting.

Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay

About the Author : There was no information about the author on the cover of the book and the assumption was made that this might be Tatiana Roy’s first novel. However a Google search established that Tatiana de Rosnay was born on September 28th 1961 in the suburbs of Paris. She is of English French and Russian decent. Her father is French scientist Joel de Rosnay, her grandfather was painter Gaetan de Rosnay. Tatiana's paternal great grandmother was Russian actress Natalia Racheweskia, director of the Leningrad Pushkin Theatre from 1925 to 1949. Tatiana's Mother, Stella Jebb, daughter of Lord Gladwyn, is I.K. Brunel's great-great-granddaughter. Tatiana is also the niece of historian Hugh Thomas. Tatiana was raised in Paris and then in Boston, when her father taught at MIT. She moved to England in the early 80's and obtained a Bachelor's degree in English literature at the University of East Anglia, in Norwich. Returning to Paris in 1984. Tatiana became press attache for Chrissie's and then Editor for Vanity Fair magazine till 1993.

Since 1992, Tatiana published 8 novels in French (publised at Fayard and Pion) . Tatiana also works as a journalist for French ELLE and is literacy critic for Psychologists Magazine.

Tatiana de Rosnay is married and has two teenagers, Louis and Charlotte. She lives in Paris.

About the Book; Though a work of fiction, it is fact-based, recounting though a work of fiction, it is fact-based, recounting the horrific events that occurred in occupied France in the summer of 1942, and in particular the Valedrome d’Hiver round up of Jews which took place on 16th July 1942, in the heart of Paris. As the author herself said – “This is not a historical work and has no intention of being one. It is my tribute to the children of the Vel’ d’Hiv’. The childen who never came back. And the ones who survived to tell.”
The narrative is based on a dark period in the history of France and one seldom mentioned, when thousands of Jewish families were forcibly kept in the Velodrome d’Hiver before being separated from their children and being sent in to transit camps such as Drancy prior to being despatched to the Nazi death camp at Auschwitz. The chilling fact being that this was perpetrated by the French Authorities. The author alternated between the events of 1942 and the present day. The past centring round a 10 year old Jewish girl Sarah Strazynski to go to the Vel’ d’Hiver with her mother and father having left behind her 4 year old brother locked in a secret cupboard with the promise she would return to him soon. The present revolves round an American writer, Julia Jarmond, married to a Frenchman whose family was connected to the deportation of Jews, and her subsequent involvement to the exclusion of all else.

The Review; The group’s discussion opened with agreement that the book was fascinating in illuminating an event that was unknown to all. General comments were, intriguing, a good read, thought –provoking and depressing. Most agreed that the attention was held and one was totally absorbed in the first half of the book, but that when Sarah was out of the picture it lost its impact. The ensuing narrative of unfolding events was considered to be laboured and trite, but necessary to cover the question of guilt caused by suppression of secrets and subsequent start of the healing process.
The discussion widened to cover the parallels of collaborators in Holland and Italy, the reluctance of most Jewish people to discuss events, anti-Semitism in general and posing the question – what if it had happened here? Would it have been any different? One member had a personal contribution to make regarding family history and another had moving account of a visit to Auschwitz. So we are left to ponder how easily unchallenged, passive indifference and intolerance, when fired, escalate to active persecution and brutality. Why do we never learn from the past?

In summing up the book was poignant and gripping and its value for stimulating through across a wide spectrum involving many moral questions relevant today overrides any shortcomings in the story line itself.

The three books out forward by the host were:

Blood of Flowers by Anita Amirrezvani
Notes from an Exhibition by Patrick Gale
Engleby by Sebastian Faulks

Thanks to Mike and Lorraine for hosting the meeting

The Screwtape Letters - CS Lewis

About the Author - Famous for his seven Chronicles of Narnia the most well known 'The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe' CS Lewis was born Clive Staples Lewis (nicknamed Jack) in 1898 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. At the age of 10, he was sent to school in England following the death of his mother and later studied at Cherbourg School, Malvern. From here he won a scholarship to University College Oxford in 1916. A few months later he enlisted in the British Army and and was billeted at Keeble College Oxford for officer training. He was sent to the frontline in the Somme Valley, France on his 19th birthday. He was injured and recuperated back to duty, however his roomate 'Paddy' Moore was killed in battle and was buried just south of Peronne in France. 'Jack' was discharged in Decemmber 1918. His first publication 'Death in Battle' appeared in the February edition Reveille. He then resumed his studies at University College Oxfordwhere he received a First in Honour Moderations, (Greek and Latin Literature) and a First in Greats (Philosphy and Ancient History) and a First in English. Lewis became atheist in in 1929 and gace in the same yeara dmitting God was God. In 1931 he became a Christian and J R R Tolkien a Roman Catholic were amongst the firends who had been a significant influence during this time. He wrote prolifically on a Christian theme and in 1941 from May 2 until November 28 The Guardian published 31 'Screwtape Letters'

The Review

The Screwtape Letters comprise thirty-one letters written by Screwtape a senior demon to Wormwood his nephew who as a junior demon has been given the task of turning the ‘patient’ - the ‘patient’ is an ordinary man in war-time England - away from God ‘The Enemy’ and towards the Devil the ‘Father Below’.

Screwtape’s letters constantly encourage Wormwood to undermine the Patient’s faith as well as to tempt him into committing sins which will ultimately result in his damnation.

In what was quite a lively discussion the following key points came out: -

The book was probably more disliked than liked. Not everyone found it easy to complete the book and a few didn’t.

Some felt that the satirical style was too cynical and that generally it had preaching overtones which were not for them. Others enjoyed the humour and wit although most of us felt that the writing and language was dated. Maybe we didn’t understand the meaning of the words sufficiently as one of the group put it ‘It’s clever but I feel as though I have been to a banquet and have had endless food put in front of me most of which has gone to waste. It’s an uncomfortable feeling’.

A couple of members of the group picked up on the fact that the letters were written as a weekly instalment and were never really intended to be read continuously the way we read them. In fact a couple of the group without realising this dipped in and out of the book and read individual letters not necessarily in any order.

It did have some supporters. There was some good humour a couple of nice quotes were ‘Do not attempt to use (real) science as a defence against Christianity’. And ‘Jargon, not argument, is the best ally (in debate)’.

Those that finished the book were impressed with the toast. This was written in 1959 and is not a letter but rather an after dinner speech given by Screwtape at the Tempter’s Training College for young demons and neatly summarise the message contained in the letters.

The books tabled were:

Mr Pip by Lloyd Jones

The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski

After some deliberation and a vote under the new democratic process the next book is; -



The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski



Thanks to Steve and Deborah for hosting this meeting.

Christmas Do!

On 13th December the PCRG had our Christmas get together. It was a fresh crisp evening and many members walked to our chosen selected hostelry situated up a desceptively steep hill a short distance from Poet's Corner.

We arrived at our reserved table where some members were already engaged in the evenings activity of supping wine and interesting conversation. All members (even our 'virtual member' )were present and our table soon filled the room with intelligent conversation, argument and laughter (some louder than others) which was only briefly interrupted when ordering or eating.

Cathrine one of our Founder members had the brilliant idea of providing 'gifts' of books where she had trawled the charity shops for some good titles at no more than one pound. With help, wrapped the 'gifts' for a lucky dip. Each member selected their book and after unwrapping a fruitful exchange of comments on the titles and even the books themselves followed. A brilliant idea and wonderful surprise!

We talked, debated but most importantly laughed throughout the evening and into the next day and were true to form, last to leave the venue! We are all looking forward to the next year's meetings and Christmas DO!.

Blog postscript: I expect you are wondering why there has been such a big gap in these posts and it is now nearing the end of February and we are still writing about December. We have had a bit of a hiccup in our communication strategy which has now been rectified so these posts will fall back into 'sync' for next meeting.

Bad Thoughts:Jamie Whyte

About the Author
Jamie Whyte originates from New Zealand and studied an M.Phil at Darwin College in 1986-1987; he is a former lecturer on Philosophy at Cambridge University. He is married with one daughter and lives in North London. He now writes regular articles for The Times and for numerous journals. He sees this book as a personal ‘confession’.

Jamie Whyte describes himself as "Outraged of Highbury" – someone who endlessly sends furious letters to newspapers complaining about errors in reasoning, sloppy thinking, logical errors, fallacies and muddles. He apparently does the same at parties – and even on trains.

A Google search of the Author revealed numerous articles written by him. This book was given a rave review by the South West London Humanist Group, which also listed Richard Dawkins as a favourite writer. Jamie Whyte also has a fan club following amongst the ‘New Age spiritual communities. His strong anti-Christian [against the God of Jesus that is] stance is too obvious in Bad Thoughts and apparently in many other of his writings.

The Review
The Author claims to be seriously bothered by errors of reasoning and logical error prevalent in the public and private domain of society. He is particularly concerned how these flaws in thinking and reasoning are used to gain political support, money, power and influence from an unsuspecting public. It is asserted that most people do not notice this problem of defective thinking in their own daily lives and in the various media they are exposed to. It is suggested we don’t recognise the problem because most of us are not taught how reasoning can go wrong; schools and universities apparently do little to address this serious issue.

The book is offered as a form of troubleshooting guide to logic and reasoning. It is aimed at everyday users/consumers of reasoning, and covers such errors as are most commonly encountered. Each of the twelve chapters is devoted to one such flaw. The Author claims to use real examples drawn from politics, business, theology, and public/private debate to explain and highlight such fallacies. The twelve fallacies covered are headed as:
Authority; Prejudice in Fancy Dress; Shutup!; Empty Words; Motives; The Right to your Opinion; Inconsistency; Equivocation; Begging the Question; Coincidence; Shocking Statistics; Morality Fever.

The book, provoked a spirited response from the Group, with a range of views from members. The disjointed and apparent lack of any clear theme of logic in the presentation was, ironically, commented on! Some found it heavy going although this was not due to its depth of arguments. It was described by one member as 'curiously uninspired' and its arguments became predictable as all topics were dealt with in the same way some, due to this, did not manage to finish it; others were somewhat angered by his superficial cynicism and ‘straw man’ arguments against the value and importance of belief and faith in the human psyche. It was commonly felt that it did not deliver what it had promised. However, his witty and engaging writing style was appealing, and many points made were appreciated, such as the section on jargon where common sense is often disguised as technical competence and the dishonest way some, especially poiticians carry on their arguments. If you don't mind putting up with Whyte's personal religious opinions being presented as gospel (pun intended), this book is a good starting point, for those who may want to progress to something a bit more substantial.

The goup then went on to consider the next read, CJ Sansom; Dr Fire, a follow on from a previous read , J.A. Thomson; Caught in the Rib potentially a follow on from 'Bad Thoughts' cutting across conventionalism, wisdom to take to the right decisions, taking time out. Although these two books were suggested for the groups interest these were not tabled as the next read.

Tabled were;

C S Lewis, Screwtape Letters

Alfred Lansing, The Endurance (Shackleton's voyage)

Andrew Simms, Tescopoly

Carol Drinkwater, The Olive Route (solo adventure)

Cormac McCarthy, The Road

Described as a benign autocratic decision, the group 'selected' CS Lewis, Screwtape Letters.

Many thanks to Mike for hosting this meeting.

In the meantime we will be having our Christmas do!