Dear All,

Today’s make up meeting was about a novel of the cruelty of war, and tenuousness of life and the impossibility of love.

Richard Flanagan's story — of Dorrigo Evans, an Australian doctor haunted by a love affair with his uncle's wife — journeys from the caves of Tasmanian trappers in the early twentieth century to a crumbling pre-war beachside hotel, from a Thai jungle prison to a Japanese snow festival, from the Changi gallows of Singapore to a chance meeting of lovers on the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The novel takes its title from 17th-century haiku poet Basho's travel journal, The Narrow Road to the Deep North is about the impossibility of love. At its heart is one day in a Japanese slave labour camp in August 1943. As the day builds to its horrific climax, Dorrigo Evans battles and fails in his quest to save the lives of his fellow POWs, a man is killed for no reason, and a love story unfolds.  The novel had strong feelings from all of the members and there was a lively discussion about both the lead character, and the minor characters.  The challenge for any meeting is always to find a novel that raises questions and has enough that it encourages discussion.  Carol loved the novel, although Betty and Faye and I were not quite so convinced, we were certainly caught up in the narrative.  We also discussed the difference between fiction and non-fiction when it comes to war stories and also discussed the moral questions that rise from war.  Once again, thank you to Florence for always facilitating the discussion and keeping everyone abreast of the changes, but also to all the members that came today.  Next meeting will be led by Theresa, discussing “The Girl Who Came Home. 

Here, we are very thankful to Clive who will replace Joe for our December leader.  Joe will have a trip to China Mainland in Dec.  We Also welcome Emma Tsai who comes back our Book Club, she is our previous member, she owns a very sweet family and successful career and her English is extremely well. 

Our Oct. 12 Activity:

Book: The Girl Who Came Home

Author: Hazel Gaynor

Leader:  Theresa Liu

Date: 1:00, Oct 12, 2016

Place: Qubit Cafe, No.175, Mei-shu Guan Road, Gu-Shan District, Kaohsiung 美術館路175號 (靠近皇苑國際館邊, 觀雲大樓)

Tel: 07-5559477

http://qubit.bais.com.tw/?page_id=3

Parking: by the street or at the parking lot of Art Museum

We look forward to seeing you, soon

                                  Florence