March Picks at Flaxmere Book Chat

The Violinist of Venice by Alyssa Palombo

What could have more atmosphere than a novel set in 18th Century Venice? This is the story of Anontio Vivaldi and his forbidden love affair with his pupil, Adriana d’Amato. Spanning thirty years you can almost hear the music as you read it. This book is fast becoming one of those books all our book-chatterers want to read.

The Color Purple by Alice Walker

Sometimes you just have to revisit a classic novel to remember what made it so special. ‘The Color Purple’ is one of those stories. Told mostly in letters, it narrates Celie's journey of self-discovery, from her life of abuse at the hands of her father and then her husband, to finding courage and inspiration through the women who help shape her life. Powerful and evocative.

The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski

Born into a family farm in Wisconsin, Edgar looks set to carry on the family tradition of breeding dogs. But Edgar is traumatised when he witnesses the mysterious death of his father while he is unable to get help. He flees into the wilderness with three yearling dogs. This is an unusual and strangely captivating novel with echoes of Shakespeare's Hamlet.

                                      Big Blue Sky by Peter Garrett

This is Garrett’s biography, following his life from an idyllic Sydney childhood through his years of political activism and fronting Midnight Oil, to his time in government with the Australian Labour Party. It is a life lived to the full, and his love for his country, for justice and the environment shines through everything he does. An interesting book about an interesting man.

The Lost Horizon by James Hilton

This novel has been recently reprinted and is another classic, originally published in 1933. It follows what happens when a light plane is hijacked and crashes in the Himilayas. Its four passengers are taken to a remote valley, the mythical Shangri-La, a legendary paradise of peace and beauty. Can they possibly escape? Do they even want to? Enjoy the monastery setting, while thoughts about life’s purpose and spirituality add to the narrative. James Hilton also wrote ‘Good-bye Mr Chips’, which like this book was made into a movie.

Posted by Flaxmere Library Book Chat