Engleby
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glezer55
May 22, 2008, 3:36:47 AM5/22/08
to The Purple Wearers BookClub
Hi all,
I finished reading Sebastian Faulks' Engleby last night. This is quiet
an interesting read. It took me a while to get into it but once I
understood what this book was about I became engrossed. It starts off
telling the story of a uni student and at first I thought this was
going to be a young adult angst book but then some of the things that
the main charactered started doing became disturbing.It is towards the
end that the true nature of Engleby is revealed and the gulf between
what he thinks of himself and his true nature seen by his actions and
the opinion of others is huge. In the end when his madness has
completely taken over he still sees himself as superior and still
thinks he his smarter than others but can't walk down the main street
without becoming scared. One of the reason that I enjoyed this book is
because I am a psychiatric nurse and have nursed people like this.
What this book gave to me is a better understanding in what is going
on in some of my patients heads. It is difficult to see how unreal
they see themselves in the world.
There isn't a book nominated for June. Can I suggest Geraldine
Brook's People of the Book. This is the story of the Sarajevo
Haggadah, a Jewish book over 500 yrs old. I read it recently and
enjoyed it.
Cheers
I finished reading Sebastian Faulks' Engleby last night. This is quiet
an interesting read. It took me a while to get into it but once I
understood what this book was about I became engrossed. It starts off
telling the story of a uni student and at first I thought this was
going to be a young adult angst book but then some of the things that
the main charactered started doing became disturbing.It is towards the
end that the true nature of Engleby is revealed and the gulf between
what he thinks of himself and his true nature seen by his actions and
the opinion of others is huge. In the end when his madness has
completely taken over he still sees himself as superior and still
thinks he his smarter than others but can't walk down the main street
without becoming scared. One of the reason that I enjoyed this book is
because I am a psychiatric nurse and have nursed people like this.
What this book gave to me is a better understanding in what is going
on in some of my patients heads. It is difficult to see how unreal
they see themselves in the world.
There isn't a book nominated for June. Can I suggest Geraldine
Brook's People of the Book. This is the story of the Sarajevo
Haggadah, a Jewish book over 500 yrs old. I read it recently and
enjoyed it.
Cheers
Jill Glennsansum
May 22, 2008, 9:43:03 AM5/22/08
to purpl...@googlegroups.com
Gosh some one has already finished this!! I am sorry but for various reasons I am really behind. The last one that I manged to get hold of and read was the Holy City!! I did also read the history of love which was Rebecca's book.
You may recall that I ordered the commoner from my library. They have just notified me that they are unable to get it. I'm afraid I may have to miss that one out! Coralie has purchased Engleby, so I will be able to read that after her. Hopefully before the end of the month so that I am back on track!!
The book that has been suggested for June, I have just now ordered from my library and as it is in stock at a Peterborough branch, hopefully it won't take them long to get to me!
Have the rest of the British contingent seen that Ali is coming to the UK on the 8th of June?? Maybe we could have that Purple Wearers
meeting this year???? Finally?? Di is here too.
Which reminds me Di, I really hope that things are OK with your parents and that you are coping OK. I would email you, but I don't seem to have an address for you. Hopefully Ali, will have told you about a nice little treat waiting for you in Cardiff!! I hope it brings a smile to your face!
Right enough waffling! I am supposed to be resting as I have very high blood pressure at the moment. I get quite tired sitting at the computer.
Hope veryone has a good week.
Jill.
Wendy
May 23, 2008, 6:44:32 PM5/23/08
to The Purple Wearers BookClub
Well I am waiting for the "Engleby" book to arrive - ordered a cheap
copy from Amazon. I'm afraid I've given up on the Commoner until it's
out in paperback. Rebecca will be waiting for my copy of Engleby so
we are even further behind. I thought Debs was choosing for June -
have updated the book choice page.
On May 22, 2:43 pm, Jill Glennsansum <jill.san...@btinternet.com>
wrote:
copy from Amazon. I'm afraid I've given up on the Commoner until it's
out in paperback. Rebecca will be waiting for my copy of Engleby so
we are even further behind. I thought Debs was choosing for June -
have updated the book choice page.
On May 22, 2:43 pm, Jill Glennsansum <jill.san...@btinternet.com>
wrote:
Cobby Family
May 26, 2008, 7:15:27 AM5/26/08
to purpl...@googlegroups.com
It is such a long time since I have done a posting to you all. I have no
idea where this year is going to!
I see I need to pick a book for June - I am a bit behind the eight ball at
the moment so don't have a suggestion yet, but will let you know very soon.
Just to update you, Di is in England as her Dad is not well. Her Mum passed
away last year when she went back home, so things are pretty tough on her
right now. If you are reading this Di, all the best and let me know your
number.
idea where this year is going to!
I see I need to pick a book for June - I am a bit behind the eight ball at
the moment so don't have a suggestion yet, but will let you know very soon.
Just to update you, Di is in England as her Dad is not well. Her Mum passed
away last year when she went back home, so things are pretty tough on her
right now. If you are reading this Di, all the best and let me know your
number.
Deb
Ali Hughes
May 26, 2008, 8:43:53 PM5/26/08
to purpl...@googlegroups.com
Hi- spoke to Di at the weekend. She is doing OK. Her dad is in a home, but not happy with that. I am heading over next Saturday 7th Juen for 2.5 weeks work, but Di and I are running away together for the weekend of the 14th thanks to jy wonderful friend Jilly who has given us tickets to the Springsteen concert in Cardiff (Jill- we LOVE you :).
I have not read anything lately that does not involve ICT in education as am desperately trying to get ahead with my studies before I head away. I will send lots of Kiwi love to Di. She is struggling to get access to the internet so not sure she is picking up these messages.
xx
Ali, Howard & Thomas Hughes
+64 3383 8426 or +64 21 764 553
I have not read anything lately that does not involve ICT in education as am desperately trying to get ahead with my studies before I head away. I will send lots of Kiwi love to Di. She is struggling to get access to the internet so not sure she is picking up these messages.
xx
+64 3383 8426 or +64 21 764 553
Jill Glennsansum
May 27, 2008, 6:12:57 AM5/27/08
to purpl...@googlegroups.com
If it is Deb who should be choosing the book for June and she hasn't yet chosen................ who on earth was it last week who said they had chosen "People of the book" by Geraldine Brooks???????
Jilly.
Ali
May 27, 2008, 6:40:35 AM5/27/08
to The Purple Wearers BookClub
It was Glenn from Aussie who had suggested that book, but Wendy has
directed him to the book of the month list. You are right it is Debs
choice this time. Thanks.
directed him to the book of the month list. You are right it is Debs
choice this time. Thanks.
coralie glenn-sansum
May 28, 2008, 8:53:41 AM5/28/08
to purpl...@googlegroups.com
Engleby By Sebastian Faulks (May's Choice)
I loved this book, I'm glad a brought it as I will read it again. I chose it because it is the latest work of Sebastian Faulks, who is one of my favourite authors.
The first Faulks book I read was Birdsong, which is a beautiful and heartbreaking story of life in the trenches during the first world war. I have re read it 3 times and its so emotive, I cry each time! His other books I have liked to various degrees but if you liked Engleby, please try his other books.
Engleby is the story of a mans life. The first half is an interesting narrative of Mike Engleby's childhood and adolescence. The style of writing makes it easy to get into and the story held me from the start even though it seemed fairly unextraordinary.
The second half is a lot darker and reveals a lot more about Engleby. There are no dramatic twists and turns just a clever rhythm to the story that reveals just enough on each page to make you turn to the next.
Towards the end of the book there were 6 or so pages where I got a little lost, Engleby is describing a lot of psychological erm "things" (not sure how else to describe it!) and asking a lot of deep thinking type philosophical questions, a bit much for me! I was left wanting a little more from the ending although I am not sure what. I think a few things just needed neatly wrapping up for me.
I have made it sound a bit disappointing at the end but its not, I think I'm just a bit demanding of the author. It is not a light read, but its not hard going either. Its a well written book that challenges the way we perceive ourselves, the way we interact with each other and the effect our actions may have on each other.
Get Started!
I loved this book, I'm glad a brought it as I will read it again. I chose it because it is the latest work of Sebastian Faulks, who is one of my favourite authors.
The first Faulks book I read was Birdsong, which is a beautiful and heartbreaking story of life in the trenches during the first world war. I have re read it 3 times and its so emotive, I cry each time! His other books I have liked to various degrees but if you liked Engleby, please try his other books.
Engleby is the story of a mans life. The first half is an interesting narrative of Mike Engleby's childhood and adolescence. The style of writing makes it easy to get into and the story held me from the start even though it seemed fairly unextraordinary.
The second half is a lot darker and reveals a lot more about Engleby. There are no dramatic twists and turns just a clever rhythm to the story that reveals just enough on each page to make you turn to the next.
Towards the end of the book there were 6 or so pages where I got a little lost, Engleby is describing a lot of psychological erm "things" (not sure how else to describe it!) and asking a lot of deep thinking type philosophical questions, a bit much for me! I was left wanting a little more from the ending although I am not sure what. I think a few things just needed neatly wrapping up for me.
I have made it sound a bit disappointing at the end but its not, I think I'm just a bit demanding of the author. It is not a light read, but its not hard going either. Its a well written book that challenges the way we perceive ourselves, the way we interact with each other and the effect our actions may have on each other.
Get Started!
Jill Glennsansum
May 28, 2008, 9:16:47 AM5/28/08
to purpl...@googlegroups.com
Doesn't sound like my kind of thing at all! If you found it a bit deep and confusing there will be no hope for me!
I trust you'll bring it round for me to borrow next time your here!
Love Mum. xx
Wendy
May 29, 2008, 5:06:31 AM5/29/08
to The Purple Wearers BookClub
Well my copy arrived today so will get started on it later. Rebecca
will get it after me but she's busy with exams and end of year essays
at the moment plus her boyfriend will be back from travelling fairly
soon so not sure she will be able to read it just yet!
On May 28, 2:16 pm, Jill Glennsansum <jill.san...@btinternet.com>
wrote:
will get it after me but she's busy with exams and end of year essays
at the moment plus her boyfriend will be back from travelling fairly
soon so not sure she will be able to read it just yet!
On May 28, 2:16 pm, Jill Glennsansum <jill.san...@btinternet.com>
wrote:
Wendy
Jun 1, 2008, 5:37:58 PM6/1/08
to The Purple Wearers BookClub
Well I have finished Engleby and only a day late! But hard to top the
reviews done by Glen and Coralie.
The book is certainly well written. There is a lot of depth to it
with reference to what was going on at the time events are taking
place, i.e. musically, politically etc. The author is either very
knowledgeable or does a lot of research (or both!) To me that's a
sign of a good writer - they've done more than just written down a
story. (Although they may have just had a good researcher and
editor.)
Yes the subject matter is quite dark - and that becomes more apparent
as the story progresses but it's not sensationalised. The book is not
exciting either. I didn't have too much trouble reading it but not
sure that would have been the case if it wasn't the club choice. I
don't think I can honestly say it was a book I enjoyed reading.
I'm not convinced that I would enjoy other books by the author either
- although I have seen the film version of Charlotte Grey. Reading
about life in the trenches doesn't sound appealing at all.
In a different genre althogether, Sebastian Faulkes has written a
James Bond novel - Devil May Care - to commemorate the birth of Ian
Fleming 100 years ago. Now I might be tempted to read that just to
compare the differences.
reviews done by Glen and Coralie.
The book is certainly well written. There is a lot of depth to it
with reference to what was going on at the time events are taking
place, i.e. musically, politically etc. The author is either very
knowledgeable or does a lot of research (or both!) To me that's a
sign of a good writer - they've done more than just written down a
story. (Although they may have just had a good researcher and
editor.)
Yes the subject matter is quite dark - and that becomes more apparent
as the story progresses but it's not sensationalised. The book is not
exciting either. I didn't have too much trouble reading it but not
sure that would have been the case if it wasn't the club choice. I
don't think I can honestly say it was a book I enjoyed reading.
I'm not convinced that I would enjoy other books by the author either
- although I have seen the film version of Charlotte Grey. Reading
about life in the trenches doesn't sound appealing at all.
In a different genre althogether, Sebastian Faulkes has written a
James Bond novel - Devil May Care - to commemorate the birth of Ian
Fleming 100 years ago. Now I might be tempted to read that just to
compare the differences.
Jilly
Jun 10, 2008, 3:39:02 PM6/10/08
to The Purple Wearers BookClub
Hi everyone,
I just finished reading Engleby yesterday. I am not even going to
attempt a review after Coralie and Glenn! I can't compete with them!
All I have to say is that this was my first Sebastain Faulkes and I
don't think I'll read any of his others!
I found the first part about his childhood boring, for the most part
and I didn't like all the bullying stuff. It's not what I want to
read about. I worked out quite early on that he was basically mad and
that he killed Jenny. After that I lost interest and only finished it
because it was the book club choice! Sorry, Coralie.
I have just been notified by my library that they cannot get The
Commoner. They even requested it from the British library which I
thought had a copy of every book published, but no luck. I may try
and get it if it comes out in paper back. For the time being I shall
have to forget it. Sorry, to whoever chose it!
Has Deb chosen for June yet? We seem to all be getting behind due to
our other commitments.
Before I go... A special message for Ali and Di who are both in the
UK........ I hope you have a fantastic time on Saturday. If it had
been Donny, I may have even come with you!!! I hope we get to meet
up at some point.
Jilly.
I just finished reading Engleby yesterday. I am not even going to
attempt a review after Coralie and Glenn! I can't compete with them!
All I have to say is that this was my first Sebastain Faulkes and I
don't think I'll read any of his others!
I found the first part about his childhood boring, for the most part
and I didn't like all the bullying stuff. It's not what I want to
read about. I worked out quite early on that he was basically mad and
that he killed Jenny. After that I lost interest and only finished it
because it was the book club choice! Sorry, Coralie.
I have just been notified by my library that they cannot get The
Commoner. They even requested it from the British library which I
thought had a copy of every book published, but no luck. I may try
and get it if it comes out in paper back. For the time being I shall
have to forget it. Sorry, to whoever chose it!
Has Deb chosen for June yet? We seem to all be getting behind due to
our other commitments.
Before I go... A special message for Ali and Di who are both in the
UK........ I hope you have a fantastic time on Saturday. If it had
been Donny, I may have even come with you!!! I hope we get to meet
up at some point.
Jilly.
Ali Hughes
Jun 10, 2008, 4:39:45 PM6/10/08
to purpl...@googlegroups.com
Thanks Jilly-at least you read it. I am afraid unless the book helps my doctoral studies at the mo I do not get to read it. Have bought some cheap paperbacks to read and leave over here, and will pass them onto Di.
I spoke to her on Sunday-her dad is doing much better, and he is feeling a lot brighter with life, which is good news.
Di and I are heading down to Wales this weekend as our wonderful friend Jilly has donated 2 tickets to the Bruce Springsteen concert- we are so looking forward to it.
Take care and love to all xx
I spoke to her on Sunday-her dad is doing much better, and he is feeling a lot brighter with life, which is good news.
Di and I are heading down to Wales this weekend as our wonderful friend Jilly has donated 2 tickets to the Bruce Springsteen concert- we are so looking forward to it.
Take care and love to all xx
----- Original
Message ----
From: Jilly <jill....@btinternet.com>
To: The Purple Wearers BookClub <purpl...@googlegroups.com>
From: Jilly <jill....@btinternet.com>
To: The Purple Wearers BookClub <purpl...@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Wednesday, 11 June, 2008 7:39:02 AM
Subject: Re: Engleby
Hi everyone,
I just finished reading Engleby yesterday. I am not even going to
attempt a review after Coralie and Glenn! I can't compete with them!
All I have to say is that this was my first Sebastain Faulkes and I
don't think I'll read any of his others!
I found the first part about his childhood boring, for the most part
and I didn't like all the bullying stuff. It's not what I want to
read about. I worked out quite early on that he was basically mad and
that he killed Jenny. After that I lost interest and only finished it
because it was the book club choice! Sorry, Coralie.
I have just been notified by my library that they cannot get The
Commoner. They even requested it from the British library which I
thought had a copy of every book published, but no luck. I may try
and get it if it comes out in paper back. For the time being I shall
have to forget it. Sorry, to whoever chose it!
Has Deb chosen for June yet? We seem to all be getting behind due to
our other commitments.
Before I go... A special message for Ali and Di who are both in the
Subject: Re: Engleby
Hi everyone,
I just finished reading Engleby yesterday. I am not even going to
attempt a review after Coralie and Glenn! I can't compete with them!
All I have to say is that this was my first Sebastain Faulkes and I
don't think I'll read any of his others!
I found the first part about his childhood boring, for the most part
and I didn't like all the bullying stuff. It's not what I want to
read about. I worked out quite early on that he was basically mad and
that he killed Jenny. After that I lost interest and only finished it
because it was the book club choice! Sorry, Coralie.
I have just been notified by my library that they cannot get The
Commoner. They even requested it from the British library which I
thought had a copy of every book published, but no luck. I may try
and get it if it comes out in paper back. For the time being I shall
have to forget it. Sorry, to whoever chose it!
Has Deb chosen for June yet? We seem to all be getting behind due to
our other commitments.
Before I go... A special message for Ali and Di who are both in the
UK......... I hope you have a fantastic time on Saturday. If it had
Cobby Family
Jun 10, 2008, 5:29:41 PM6/10/08
to purpl...@googlegroups.com
Hi there,
No, I haven't sorry - you sure are right about other committments. Reading
is a real luxury these days.
So for those very reason I am going to pick a book that I read many years
ago but which I want to read again.
Its very different to those read lately but I think you will find it a quick
fun read and I'm sure you will all see a bit of you in the main character.
Glenn, I am sorry - it is a bit of a girly book - but I'm sure you will get
a bit of a giggle if you do decide to read it.
No, I haven't sorry - you sure are right about other committments. Reading
is a real luxury these days.
So for those very reason I am going to pick a book that I read many years
ago but which I want to read again.
Its very different to those read lately but I think you will find it a quick
fun read and I'm sure you will all see a bit of you in the main character.
Glenn, I am sorry - it is a bit of a girly book - but I'm sure you will get
a bit of a giggle if you do decide to read it.
Anyway, enough waffling - the book is
"I Don't Know How She Does It".
Alison Pearson
I DON'T KNOW HOW SHE DOES IT is a comedy about failure, a tragedy about
success; it's the untold story of the professional working mum at the start
of the 21st century. Without a doubt the hottest thing since BRIDGET JONES'S
DIARY, but think Bridget Jones's grownup, sophisticated, literary sister
with two small children and a full-time City career and you're only partway
to the genius of this novel.
WINNER. "Newcomer of the Year Award" British Book Awards, February 2003
"What Bridget Jones did for single women, Kate Reddy (main character) does
for working mothers". This book is for every woman who's ever chaired a
meeting one minute and ducked out for an illicit reunion with her children
the next. HARPER'S BAZAAR
"Enjoy the laughter, tears and delightful dilemma of
She-Who-Must-Be-Good-At-Everything". WOMAN'S DAY
"Heartbreaking"..Anyone who has pumped breast milk in the back of a taxi, or
wept quietly into the laundry hamper after arriving home too late for a good
night kiss, will recognize herself in this sharply observed, sometimes
painfully sad story about the sordid disparity between the ideal and the
reality of 'having it all" NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW
Jill Glennsansum
Jun 11, 2008, 5:06:12 AM6/11/08
to purpl...@googlegroups.com, howar...@xtra.co.nz
Ali,
Did you receive the tickets yesterday? I tried to phone you but I must have the wrong mobile number as it said unobtainable! Hope you're enjoying your trip so far and not working too hard.
Love Jill. xx
Jill Glennsansum
Jun 11, 2008, 5:10:34 AM6/11/08
to purpl...@googlegroups.com
Now this sounds more like my kind of reading! Nice and easy and funny! I have ordered it from the library today, so I should have it soon. Hope everyone has a good day.
Ali Hughes
Jun 11, 2008, 1:20:07 PM6/11/08
to purpl...@googlegroups.com
I texted you to say they had arrived safely-thanks. Hope I texted the right number. My number is 006421764553.
Thanks again xxx
Thanks again xxx
Jill Glennsansum
Jun 11, 2008, 1:26:31 PM6/11/08
to purpl...@googlegroups.com
Hi Ali,
Thanks for the message. I never have my mobile switched on if I am at home, so never received the text. I have the second number correct for you, so I don't know why it was unobtainable!
Hope your trip is going well and that you are getting everything done that you need to. Have a great time on Saturday. I'll let you know in due course how I get on tomorrow.
Love Jill. x
Jill Glennsansum
Jun 11, 2008, 1:28:46 PM6/11/08
to purpl...@googlegroups.com
Sorry everyone, I only just realised that I am sending my personal correspondence to Ali, via the group!!! Sorry! My minds not on the job today!
Jilly.
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