Engleby is a first person narrative set in southern England during the '70s. A time when many of our book club members were still at Uni, so there was partial convergence of experience with the unreliable and occasionally amnesiac narrator: Mike Engleby. There is very little that is likable about Engleby, but this adds rather than detracts from the enjoyment of the novel. The reader learns about the principal female character, Jennifer, mainly through her diary, so she is not as well rounded as Engleby. The story covers Engleby's youth and early working life and his reactions to others in each phase. Each discrete phase: boarding school, university and life as a journalist was convincing, with the other characters clearly drawn, some of whom, although only playing a cameo role, are vividly memorable.
As a group we very much enjoyed Sebastian Faulks' Birdsong, many of us going on to read the author's full oeuvre. But Engleby was a departure from what we know of Faluks's works, but nevertheless a riveting read. Many of us could not put the book down - it's that engaging!

An interesting read, but like much non-fiction not a great book for discussion. I would prefer to get my bookclub history via fiction/faction.

Enjoyed lengthy discussion on the themes of this book. Amazed at how little society has changed, relatively, since this book was written. Emma is a memorable and flawed character - unforgettable.

Stock characters: older(wiser) male investigative journalist (detective) plus "weirdo" (Asperger's/punk/Goth/anorexic) female sidekick with bad/sad childhood (hidden past/depths?) tackle 40 year old cold case. Text sprinkled with literary allusions like frosting on a 2 day old cupcake; add some gratuitous bad sex/sadism and sign up for "best seller". Almost 500 pages smelled badly of the fairly bluntly signposted red herrings. Forget the roll-mops find better. Agree with review at: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/14/books/review/Berenson-t.html

discussion questions at: http://www.litlovers.com/guide_wolf_hall.html

Fabulous read, which draws the reader in by using the present tense story telling. The author makes the setting of Tudor England fresh and exciting, by taking Thomas Cromwell's perspective, even though most readers would already know something about this historic period. Glorious language, great character development, and lo, it's just the first part of a planned trilogy. Great! 2 more books like this to look forward to!

a book of it's time, the language and petty sexism seem out dated

The eponymous hero is recently widowed and has now lost his job. At 59 he see no further point and plans his own demise. The early chapters feel something like individual episodes of a sitcom, but gradually,as the author reveals his past, the reader becomes more sympathetic towards Ove.

Some great characterisation particularly of the neighbours and the cat. Makes for fun discussion, but ultimately not a great read, as there is little to reflect upon.

The characters in this novel were not well drawn enough to me to be in any way convincing. Joan is an unreliable narrator, perhaps depressed, but fails to convey how her relationship with Joe lasted for so long. The denouement, in the last 20-30 pages, was no big surprise, not even the death of one of the players. There are many, better books out there, and some may even live up to the 'hilarious' quote on the blurb - but not this one!
Discussion questions here:
http://www.litlovers.com/reading-guides/13-fiction/1159-wife-wolitzer?start=3

Set in the mid '50's, this book reflects the social mores of the time and yet the story, of the power dynamic in a marriage, is itself timeless. Superb, immersive writing and endless discussion points make this a great book club pick.

An unreliable narrator and a poet as author makes for an engaging read. Slightly weak ending. Would make a fantastic movie as the settings are all beautiful places.