The Book Club discussion

A good, if not vigorous, discussion of Emma Brockes's memoir. A bit of sense that it had been over-hyped by the NYT. Still, it was a visit to a land (South Africa) of interest to the group from several perspectives -- one of us had visited/lived there (shared her insights and comments about the country, especially as related to the story in the time told), a former (? maybe should more accurately say "absentee") member lives there now, and curiosity by other members about this part of the world. The story itself of family abuse felt as if it belonged to the writer more than being one brought under story-telling control as it sprawled among many members (characters?). The strength of the mother was applauded. The writing we considered "journalistic."

From post-meeting emails:

Book selection for January is All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr (currently available for Kindle at $6.99). Another book for further consideration: Once We Were Brothers by Ronald H. Balson.

Across Many Mountains: A Tibetan Family's Epic Journey from Oppression to Freedom by Yangzom Brauen was mentioned as a decent read of the refugee genre -- original life, difficult flight under desperate circumstances, reconstruction of lives elsewhere, return -- for a fascinating place -- sometimes called "The Roof of the World."

Up for discussion at our next meeting: method to be used for selecting books. And please bring suggestions for titles... books you have read and/or those on your to-be-read (TBR) list.

OK, missed the discussion. Thought it was going to be on the 22nd. The story accurately reflected South Africa. I especially liked the comment about the British accents being more posh than those in Britain. Yes, I agree. Sometimes I think I'm in the theater with British actors. Crime is a problem. I've known teachers that have had their car broken into (3) this year and one teacher who had her handbag stolen in a grocery store. One teacher had the tires stolen off his car while parked. Currently, there are mall robberies, 8 within the last 3 months. When you drive, you keep your purse locked in the trunk so people don't smash and grab it from the inside of the car. Happened to one of the teachers. We only have a staff of 22, so you see how prevalent crime is. On the other hand, I don't feel unsafe, just very alert to my surroundings.

Private security workers are triple the number of police in the country. One in 40 people has been arrested by the police. It all goes back to poverty, and the acceptance that stealing is not really a crime (for at least one part of the culture).

I enjoyed the book as a personal journal. Accurately reflected my understanding of the country. Afrikaners are a different culture. I had a parent last year come to school bare foot (white Afrikaner). Shoes seem to be optional. Guns, hunting, biltong, and resentment of the British thrives among the Afrikaners. This is a stereotype, but based in truth.

I'm still enjoying our stay in the country and love my job. Hope to Skype in when it can be arranged.