Book Circle
The Book Circle meets monthly in members’ homes.
Each month we all have the same book to read, ordered by our group leader and provided by Ash Library. The choice comes from members’ suggestions, and we aim to choose books that are both enjoyable and thought provoking.
Lively discussions on the book take place at each meeting and everyone’s opinion is respected, no matter how opposed it is to that of others. After our discussion, we give each book a score out of 10 and a one-word reaction. All this is followed by tea and biscuits, and sometimes cake!
We don’t charge a subscription, but do ask for a small contribution of about £5 a year to cover library reservation costs. If you are interested in joining, then please contact the group leader.
Some books that we have read recently, with ratings out of 10, are :
- Frenchman’s Creek by Daphne du Maurier 7.7
- The Mayor of Casterbridge by Thomas Hardy 8.5
- Akin by Emma Donoghue 8.4
- The Day of the Jackal by Frederick Forsythe 8.0
- Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J K Rowling 9.1
- The House of Glass by Susan Fletcher 8.2
Here is a brief review of this month”s book:
Frenchman’s Creek is a story set in 17th century Cornwall, and tells the tale of a young aristocratic wife, who leaves her drinking and gambling husband in London and decamps to their estate in Cornwall, along with her 2 small children and their nurse.
While out walking one day, she comes across a French pirate ship hidden in a creek (hence the name of the book). She is enamoured by the charismatic young captain, and they begin an affair. Dressed as a cabin boy, she participates in his piratical activities, including stealing a ship and its cargo from a local big-wig.
Eventually the pirate is found and put in prison pending a death sentence. To find what happened next, you need to read the book.
The group found the book entertaining and easy to read, summing it up as a “fantasy romance”, putting aside the moral problems it raises.
Next Meeting: November 20th 2:30pm – the book of the month is In Order to Live by Yeonmi Park.
Day & Time: 3rd Friday in the Month at 2:30pm
Venue: Members’ Homes
Last updated on 21 October 2026 by Graham (Chair)