We are seven handsome and charming* guys who meet at a different restaurant every month or so, having read a book in common, and discuss whatever we want--generally the assigned book, but usually many other timely topics as well. We rotate the responsibility to suggest titles, but the group has the final say. Our book club rules: 1) Anything goes, fiction or nonfiction; 2) paperbacks are preferred; and 3) staying under 300 pages is desirable (N.B., we violate this one all the time). We rate all books and restaurants on a 5-point scale.

* All other adjectives were vetoed.

June 14, 2021

The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov (Salut)

This book, apparently a classic of Soviet literature, received mixed reviews from our group.  Written as a political/religious satire, it employs magical realism or fantasy to present its collection of inter-related stories, thus leaving some of us wondering what it is really all about.  Its flashing, daring humor, nevertheless, bubbles up throughout.  

Our dinner together was the first such occasion since the beginning of the pandemic and the balmy spring evening provided the ideal atmosphere.  The service was a little slow at Salut and the food was undistinguished.

Our next book is Jill Ker Conway's True North, a continuation of her personal story telling that began with an earlier book we read about her life in the Australian outback.  Other titles considered were Backman's A Man Called Ove and Diaz's' Postcolonial Love Poems.  We plan to meet next time on July 15 when Roger will suggest the future reading assignment.

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