Well, here is my first official post for Middlesbrough Book Group – hope it’s a good one!
Firstly, I’d like to say a big ‘Hello’ and ‘Welcome’ to everyone who attends the group. I hope I can continue the good work our previous book group leader has delivered.
Our September read was an interesting one. How to Paint a Dead Man delivers on many levels, although a few of our readers – including myself – found it a very hard read which was difficult to follow and seemed disjointed in areas.
We had mixed view points on the style, voice and plot of the novel and the general feel of the group was that this book would not be one they would recommend.
Having said that, we did have some great discussions on how the four stories of the book came together in their subtle ways, and also picked up on issues such as loneliness and coping with death.
Here is an interview with Sarah Hall which I found on the Man Booker Prize website: http://www.themanbookerprize.com/perspective/articles/1262
We did sift out a few questions in the meeting: Why is the title as it is and are the chapters named after paintings? I will endeavour to find out these answers!
The next meeting is on Tuesday 18th October and we will be discussing The Possessions of Doctor Forrest by Richard.T.Kelly.
See you all there!
Tees Valley Book Group 