At our July meeting we were back in the Benalla Library, social distancing and following all requirements. As we had missed our June gathering, many books had been read. Scrublands by Chris Hammer was set in a small country town in the middle of a drought, a good crime novel by a first-time author. The Half Life of Marie Curie was not so enjoyable as each chapter changed direction. The usual crime thrillers by Lee Child, James Lee Burke, and Ann Tyler - The Redhead by the Side of the Road - were all enjoyed. Lorraine kept us enthralled with descriptions of the crime novels she has devoured over the last two months. Alice Munro short stories written in the style of Elizabeth Strout was very readable as was The Spy and the Traitor by Ben MacIntyre, the astonishing true story of a double agent. Forever Young by Steven Carroll set in the tumultuous time of the 1970’s in Australia, the fifth in the Glenroy series, evoked many memories. Four Blind Mice by James Patterson was an easy read as was Woman 99, a tale of a young woman who rescues her sister from an insane Asylum. Poppy the Street Dog by Michelle Clarke, how an extraordinary dog brings hope to the homeless. On a local level Milko: Dear Milko gives an account of being a milkman in Benalla (Charlie Castles), this brought back many memories to many of us. Lyn enjoyed The Ruling House of Monaco, how the Grimaldi’s took over Monaco in 1297. The Midnight Library a funny, new, heart-warming novel by Matt Haig, and An Accidental Brush with History, 20 year old Elizabeth Marshall’s letters and diaries written during her time in pre-war Germany traces the growth of Nazism, were both enjoyed. Rin Tin Tin, by Susan Orlean, outlines the life and career of the dog in movies and was very interesting. Khaki Town by Judy Nunn set in 1942 - Singapore had fallen and Darwin was being bombed, a worthwhile read. Australian Farming Families by Deb Hunt, a book about the human aspects of life on the land, success and failure, life and loves, hardship and celebration. So, as you can see many varied books were explored and read during this time. Depending on Mr. Covid we will be back in the Library in August.
Geraldine McCorkell
Geraldine McCorkell
