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The Parliamentary Book Club was set up in July 2006 and you can read about the books they have been reading below.

At the top is the latest information from them and below that are earlier updates

She intrigued us after stating that when she won the Nobel prize for Literature she was overwhelmed with all the attention and wouldn’t be writing anything else! So many of us who hadn’t read any of her books were wondering why she was so special? Some of us found “The Golden Notebook” very dated. We know it was ground breaking when it was first published seen as a daring experiment where we, as readers, are taken through the multiple notebooks reflecting the life of Anna Wulf who, it seems, like Lessing, wants to run away but remains trapped by chaos, emotional angst and total hypocrisy from so called ‘revolutionaries’ whirling around the Communist/Socialist parties of the time.

We didn’t feel it was feminist in being ‘anti man’ rather that it portrayed Lessing’s own failures in love and marriage and the ability for those with the means and political ideology to try and say they have a better view of running the world when, in fact, half the time they create another generation only who will replicate their failings. So, not all of our favourite choice of reading matter.

Some of us did dip into her other book “The Good Terrorist” which is more ironic about the people with good intentions swinging from idealism to terrorism linked to the IRA, and a young girl Alice who becomes more embroiled in the revolutionary fray. It was an easier read and more interesting.

For this month’s book choice we have gone for American author John Irving and “The World According to Garp”. This perhaps strange novel was later turned into a film starring Dustin Hoffman. Irving himself was a professional wrestler in the USA and has added a similar character into the novel. Sounds strange but perhaps intriguing.

Instead of a booked room, we have agreed to meet on Tuesday 22nd July – in Central Lobby for lunch. Perhaps the Terrace or Top Floor restaurant at 7 Millbank.

Let me know if you’d like to come along and meet up or join us for the first time perhaps!

UPDATE: 23 June - The planned meeting of this months Book Club(1-2 p.m. on 24 June) has unfortunately had to be cancelled.

The next meeting of the Book Club will be on 24 June 2008 from 13:00 - 14:00 in Room M Portcullis House, where"The Golden Notebook" by Doris Lessing will be under discussion.

After winning the Nobel Prize for Literature world famous author Lessing famously said "I don't feel I now want to write anything else"! so we are delving into some of her past books including this one which famously generated a lot of talk about sexual liberation for women when published in the 1970s.

UPDATE: 3 June 2008

Hello All,

At our last Book Club meeting we were talking about the wonderful read "The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox," by Maggie O'Farrell which movingly tells the story of the discovery by a young woman of a long lost relative who had been locked in a mental asylum for over 60 years. As someone who'd worked in such a place in the early 1980's I remembered many case notes similarly telling such sad tales of a previous generation left incarcerated because of misguided morals. The link to Britain's colonial past and this view of alleged 'insanity' are brilliantly conveyed in this gem of a book.

We talked about a number of books we were reading at the moment including Tim Butcher's "Blood River" and the office comedy "And then we came to the end" but have decided to choose one of Doris Lessing's past books "The Golden Notebook" to read this month.

I have never read anything by Lessing but was intrigued by her recent announcement that she 'wasn't able to write another thing' after having so much media attention at her age (80+) when she received the Nobel prize for Literature.

There are still some places left at the Radio 4 Book Club Reading/discussions which are recorded at the BBC for the event with Colm Toibin in June and if you'd like more information go via their website at www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/arts/bookclub.

Our next Parliamentary Book Club meeting is on Tuesday 24th June at 1-2 p.m. in Room M Portcullis House. Hope to see you there.

Philipa
Contact ext 0207 219 2553 or email coughlanp@parliament.uk

UPDATE: 2 April 2008

Our recent meeting discussed Dave Eggers “What is the What? The Autobiography of Valentino Deng.

There were fairly supportive views about the book generally – although it is long and follows hard on the heels of our reading of a young boys experiences growing up in Afghanistan.

In Eggers book he uses the voice of the narrator in a very interesting and engaging style to tell of someone else’s autobiography/life.

From the beginning the heart wrenching upbringing of young Valentino Achak Deng is drawn out even though he is now older and ‘safer’ in the US to his story about Sudanese enemy soldiers, liberation rebels and deadly militias. This is an epic story covering a huge backdrop about Sudan but if you want to know what really goes on in trouble torn African nations you would do better to read this book than scan news reports or policy papers.

Various new titles were offered for the group – “Notes from an Exhibition” by Patrick Gale is selling well at the moment but evocatively relates the unravelling of a woman’s life through a totally different approach.

“The Diving Bell and The Butterfly” by Sean D Bauby is based on a true story of a man who recently died after many years in a vegetative state and which is also now out as a film. A seemingly tragic and uncomfortable story is gracefully put over in the novel and will require thoughtful reading.

We previously read Anne Enright’s “The Gathering” but have been alerted to her most recent short story collection “Taking Pictures”. The Man Booker prize winner is not one to read if you’re depressed but her very gritty telling of real life issues relating to marriage, death and sex probably do reflect modern life than we’d like to admit.

We are also dipping into William Hague’s biography of “William Pitt The Younger” – more details later.

But our next chosen read is Maggie O’Farrell’s “The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox”. Esme has been locked away in an institution for 60 years when a young woman suddenly finds she has sole responsibility for her distant and until that point unknown relative. The unravelling of generations of silence, shame and lost lives is very well written.

Our next two meetings have been booked – Tuesday May 20^th and Tuesday June 24^th – both in Room M Portcullis House from 1-2 p.m.

New members always welcome. For more information contact Philipa tel 0207 219 2553, office of Nick Palmer MP or email coughlanp@parliament.uk

UPDATE: 31 March 2008

Our next meeting will be on Wednesday 2^nd April 12.30- 1.30 p.m. in Room W3.

We will be discussing – as hopefully we have managed to complete reading - “What is the What? The Autobiography of Valentino Deng” by Dave Eggers.

New suggestions for future books are very welcome as are any staff with an interest in reading – beyond politics!.

Over the past year we have read a wide variety of books and also had the chance to meet and question authors such as PD James and Ken Follett.

All are welcome!

For more information contact Philipa ext 2553 - Office of Nick Palmer MP email coughlanp@parliament.uk

UPDATE: 23 January 2008

The first meeting of 2008 took place this month to discuss Khaled Hosseini’s first novel – now being featured as a movie -“The Kite Runner”. Some of our group had already seen the film and there were the usual comparisons between book and movie adaptations – some more favourable than others.

The book is a very good insight into the real lives being lived in Afghanistan during the years of many tumultuous events, from the fall of the monarchy in the country through the Soviet invasion, the mass exodus of refugees to Pakistan (including Amir and his father the subjects of the book) to life in America and the return of an adult Amir not only to experience the harsh reality of the Taliban regime but to resolve some personal relationships and traumas from his early life. The book is an ideal read to gain some knowledge about life in Afghanistan and also a very personal insight into how a father/son relationship can be torn by human frailty, loss and abandonment.

Many have also praised Hosseini’s follow up book “A Thousand Splendid Suns” which deals with women’s experiences under the Taliban – images that many of us in the west perhaps don’t want to read about but should. The theme of life in Afghanistan and the religious and political turmoil has also been recently portrayed in the movie “Charlie Wilson’s War” and it is good to see both novels and films reflecting real life in a country still so scared by upheaval and conflict.

We had a few suggestions for our next book and have decided to choose “What is the What? The Autobiography of Valentino Deng “ by Dave Eggers.

Other suggestions to follow up in the book related world are to visit Persephone Books Ltd, 59 Lamb’s Conduit Street WC1N 3NB which reprints neglected novels – check out there website www.persephonebooks.co.uk

Our next meeting will be on Tuesday 26^th February 12.30 in Room M Portcullis House.

For more information about the book club or if you’d like to come to our next meeting call Philipa (Nick Palmer MP’s office) 0207 219 2553 or email coughlanp@parliament.uk

UPDATE: 27 November 2007

At our recent meeting we discussed our recent choice the Man Booker Prize Winner “The Gathering” by Anne Enright. In the tradition of a lot of Irish literature it is a grim reality novel about Veronica Hegarty’s large (12 children) family of brothers and sisters and how they ‘gather’ back at the family home in Dublin at the funeral/wake of one brother Liam who was found drowned off the beach at Brighton. Some felt the rawness of Enright’s writing seemed to expose a note of autobiographical link to the sad stream of events in the book – notably highlighting the curses of Ireland – drink, religion and sexual abuse. But the way Enright links to other family memories particularly of her grandmother Ada give the book slightly more literary depth and although it’s not a happy read it’s an absorbing one and perhaps makes us all wince at the true emotions we sometimes feel within our own relationships or close families. Well worth a read we thought.

Our next choice is the first novel published in English by an author from Afghanistan – Khaled Hosseini. “The Kite Runner” soon to be seen at our cinemas tells the story of Amir his love of literature and his journey through not only Afghanistan but to America. We see the country from pre-civil war, Russian invasion and then Amir’s involvement with the Taliban.

We won’t be meeting officially in December except perhaps for a Xmas drink!

So the next main meeting will be on Tuesday 15^th January - 12.30 p.m. in Room N in Portcullis House.

New members always welcome – for more information call Philipa ext 2553 (Nick Palmer MP’s office) or email: coughlanp@parliament.uk

UPDATE: 30 October 2007

We held our first meeting of this Parliament to discuss two books from the recess.

Firstly the classic “Tom Jones” by Henry Fielding which is a long and sometimes flowery flow of language book. But the story of orphan Tom and his life growing up in a world of deceit, romps and often down right obnoxious surroundings sheds light on a era that we usually don’t associate with such excesses in literature, although there is a lot of satire on the society in which Tom is brought up in. Some readers found that they needed to be selective in their reading through the text as each Book within the novel begins as a rambling introductory chapter before the main events start. But it is worth persevering as this classic tale has remained a firm favourite and has also transferred to a highly popular recent TV series and a past classic film.

Our second choice was Mark Haddon’s “A Spot of Bother” which didn’t disappoint after his first best seller. Readers follow the story of George, recently retired but now facing a family gathering as his daughter Katie is getting remarried back in the heart of a slightly dysfunctional family. In a very sympathetic but funny style George is followed as he goes through a nervous breakdown in front of his family and friends. It’s funny and sad but reveals a life affected by despair at its most touching.

Our next choices are : for the main read straight off the top of the Booker Prize pile – Anne Enright’s “The Gathering” which follows the story set in Dublin of Veronica, a 30 something mother and wife who escapes the clutches of her huge Irish family but is dragged back to a dark family history after her brother commits suicide in England and Veronica has to collect the body to bring in back to rest in peace in Ireland. Lots of raw personal wounds are reopened.

Other suggestions are: Philippa Gregory’s tale about “The Other Boleyn” and many of us are enjoying and can recommend Ken Follett’s new epic “World Without End” after Ken visited us earlier in the year to discuss the background to this massive (1111 page) novel!

Our next meeting will be on Tuesday 27^th November 1-2 p.m. in Westminster Hall Room W2.

We also hope to organise a social get together for the December/Xmas event so do join us!

Philipa Coughlan Email coughlanp@parliament.uk or tel ext 2553

UPDATE: 22 October 2007

The Parliamentary Book Club will now hold the first meeting of this session on MONDAY 29^TH OCTOBER – 1- 2 p.m. in Room R Portcullis House. This replaces the previously booked event on Tuesday 30^th.

We will be discussing our chosen books during the summer recess :- Mark Haddon’s “A Spot of Bother” and the classic Henry Fielding’s “Tom Jones”

New members are always welcome and as well as discussing our monthly book club reads we have had guest speakers including PD James and Ken Follett over the past year.

Just come along (no need to have read the books!) if you are interested in hearing more or spending an entertaining hour talking about books ( or the non political variety!)

Philipa Coughlan

Email coughlanp@parliament.uk

Or tel ext 2553

UPDATE: 11 September 2007

Hi All,

Hope you've all managed to get some sort of break over the recess and had plenty of relaxing time to read! I seem to have got through a lot of books - some of which are on the best seller lists, some really tacky ones and some classics I've revisited.

Our two choices for the book club were
- Mark Haddon's "A Spot of Bother" - which I felt was ok, easy to read but not up to the high standard of his best seller "A Curious Incident"
- I've started on Henry Fielding's "Tom Jones" but need to smarten up my reading on some of the earlier classics as I'm struggling with some of the language with which it is written.
Do let me know if you've read them so far and what you think - or if any other books have really got you hooked and you'd like to recommend them to others please pass on the info.

As Conference season is looming and MPs don't actually get into harness until 8th October I've given us all some time still to get reading and booked the next Book Club meeting for Tuesday 30th October - 1-2 p.m. in Room R Portcullis House.

Have a look at James Naughtie's Bookclub newsletter. I'm an avid listener to the events he does with authors on Radio 4 - some of us enjoyed a recording visit to meet Alison Weir earlier this year and I notice he's interviewing Alice Sebold who wrote the remarkable "Lovely Bones." These events are good fun and are held in the early eve at the BBC - well worth a try if you'd like to book a place-they do offer a glass of wine!

All the best

Philipa

New members always welcome - contact Philipa Coughlan ext 2553 or coughlanp@parliament.uk

UPDATE: 7 August 2007

Hi All,

Summer recess has started – and I know many of us are still working, but I hope you do all have a break some time over the next few weeks.

Recently at our meeting the Book Club have chosen the following two books as our reading matter for the summer:

“A Spot of Bother “ by Mark Haddon (bestselling author of The Curious incident of the Dog fame), and
“Tom Jones “ by Henry Fielding – this is a classic read that many of us thought we re visit over the holidays

But other suggestions if you have time and the inclination are:

“Suite Francois” Irene Nemirovsky,
“First Lady” Michael Dobbs,
“Dancing to Almendra” Mayra Montero,
and try anything if you haven’t by Douglas Kennedy

Perhaps some of us could meet up during Conference – if not I will organise the next meeting for October when Parliament restarts.

Whatever you read – do enjoy! And let us know some of your thoughts on the various books and other suggestions if you find something really great we’ve missed!

Philipa

New members always welcome - contact Philipa Coughlan ext 2553 or coughlanp@parliament.uk

UPDATE: 23 July 2007

Just a reminder for those that can make it (with thanks to those who have said already they can’t) about meeting up tomorrow (Tues 24^thJuly) at 6 p.m. in Bellamy’s Bar for an ‘end of Parliamentary session’ get together and to choose some summer books.

I’ve already had some suggestions;

anything by Douglas Kennedy,
Cecilia Ahern – “A Place Called Here” Ahern (the daughter of Irish Premier Bertie ) Chick lit writer weaves a fairytale story about missing things, people and places.
Anthony Capella – “The Wedding Officer” Naples during the war sees inexperienced soldier James Gould experiencing the smells, tastes and love of Italy
Rose Tremain –“The Road Home” - An east European immigrant in London adjusts to a whole new culture
Mayra Montero “Dancing to Almendra” – Cuban author evokes a time before Castro takes power in wild hedonistic Havana

I’ve also still got hold of Ken Follett’s proof copy of “World Without End “ although we’d need all those 12 weeks of summer recess to read it I think!

Any other ideas more than welcome ! Look forward to seeing some of you tomorrow!

Philipa

UPDATE: 27 June 2007

June’s Book Club meeting was delighted to welcome best selling author Ken Follett to come and talk to us primarily about his epic book “Pillars of the Earth”.

Readers more used to Ken’s usual espionage and spy thrillers were treated to a brilliant – if long at over 1000 pages! – historical drama tale set in the middle ages about characters involved in the task of building a cathedral.

Doesn’t sound exciting or dramatic? Doesn’t sound sexy? Well believe us when we tell you it was all of those plus a lot more!

Ken gladly answered a mass of questions about detail and research for a book. It was a labour of love taking over three years and had Ken checking detail with historians to base architectural, religious and daily life drama in true context for those centuries .At the time of its publication (1989) the book didn’t sell too well but as the years have gone by it has proved to be a hit, mainly by word of mouth and has now become one of those “must read” books.

Ken also gave us a sneak preview of the forthcoming sequel to that book “World Without End” which is to be published this autumn. Needless to say this is another epic - but based two centuries later with the Black Death ready to strike the human race - and one which on first glancing through the proof copy given exclusively to the Book Club looks like being a run away success as soon as it hits the bookshelves.

Ken also told us about his life and how though he may be associated with lots of activities and causes “ writing always takes priority”.

Our next meeting is due before the summer recess and we’d like suggestions for reading over the holiday break.

One suggestion is for us to meet at for a drink in the evening possibly on Tuesday 24^th July – 6 p.m. in Bellamy’s Bar perhaps?

Let me know?

New members always welcome - contact Philipa Coughlan ext 2553 or coughlanp@parliament.uk

UPDATE: 30 May 2007

Next Book Club meeting – Tuesday 19^th June 1-2 p.m. Room N Portcullis House. See below for details.

Our Book Club had lots of books to discuss this month.

Many of us had to admit we’d struggled with Toni Morrison’s “Beloved” but if there any readers who have not done so and have some positive feedback please let us know.

We’d been suggested – by PD James who came to our last meeting - to dip into Ian McEwan’s new novel “Chesil Beach” which was short and very sweet although with McEwan’s now usual tragic scenario within the plot!

The day and night reflection on the youthful sexual awakening in the early 1960s is a gem of a book – or rather extended short story/novella perhaps.

It tells of the first honeymoon night of Edward and Florence and delves into deep and soul searching heartache, desire and future needs.

Some of us have come late to Ian McEwan’s writing but can all heartily recommend his books – we suggest also trying “The Innocent”, “Enduring Love “(now a film) and “Saturday”.

We’re also reluctant to leave our detective/crime writers but will have to clear a space in our reading time for our next Book Club book.

It is Ken Follett’s mighty (1082 page) best seller “The Pillars of the Earth”. A medieval tour de force surrounding master stone mason’s building a magnificent cathedral it also draws in Ken’s excellent skill to create good character plots and intrigue. He is promising a sequel to be published later this year.

Are you a Ken Follett fan? Well we are delighted that he will be joining us at our next Book Club meeting – Tuesday 19^th June 1-2 p.m. Room N Portcullis House and if you’d like to come along to meet him you’d be very welcome!

New members always welcome - contact Philipa Coughlan ext 2553 or coughlanp@parliament.uk

UPDATE: 17 May 2007

Reminder about the forthcoming Book Club meeting – next Wednesday 23^rd May 1-2 in Room M.

We still have to feedback on a previous month’s read “Beloved “ by Toni Morrison – I myself have to admit I really struggled with it but would be interested to hear what others thought.

From last month – principally suggested by our guest PD James we decided on the shorter read of Ian McEwan’s new novel “On Chesil Beach” - again I had problems getting a copy from my local library so started on another of his novels “Saturday” which I really enjoyed and have just managed to finish his new one this week ( certainly a quick read – I managed it in a days train journey to and from work so you’ve got time to get through it!).

It’s now been confirmed that author Ken Follett will be able to come along to our June meeting – Tues 19^th – Room N 1-2 p.m. and is keen to hear what we think of his novel “The Pillars of Earth”.

He will also be speaking about the sequel to that 1989 book with “World without End” which is to be published later this year – so if you know of any fans of his work let them know he’ll be at our meeting!

Our next meeting will be on Wednesday 23rd May 1-2 p.m. in Room M Portcullis House. New members always welcome - contact Philipa Coughlan ext 2553 or coughlanp@parliament.uk

UPDATE: 25 April 2007

Our next meeting will be on Wednesday 23rd May 1-2 p.m. in Room M Portcullis House.

This months Book Club meeting was the eagerly anticipated visit of PD James. For 87 years of age I think we all agreed she was a remarkable lady with a clear and detailed mind who kept us entertained and well informed about her detective writing for well over an hour. She also seemed to enjoy meeting us, signed copies of her books and immersed herself in our choices of favourite crime novels and authors.

It was good to see her in person as her books are so popular and she gave us what we thought was an exclusive about future plans for her Detective Chief Inspector Adam Dalgliesh! Books we shared with her were: Peter James (no relation!) 'Dead Simple', Raymond Chandler 'The Big Sleep' Dick Francis, Patricia Cornwall, John Grisham and an all time classic Wilkie Collins "The Moonstone".

Baroness James was enthusiastic and informative about all our books, answering all questions and showing a great knowledge of all writing, not just crime. She also spoke about her role as a BBC Governor, about the state of the
Beeb at present and the pros and cons of book adaptations on TV and film!

PD James writes her books methodically, likes to use places she's visited in which to set her plots, never goes near a computer and always uses black pens! We have been intrigued by her autobiography "Time to be Earnest" and she discussed her career in the NHS and Home Office, bringing up her family when her husband suffered ill health and
how her life changed after the publication of her first novel "Cover Her Face " in 1962 and then broadened our discussion to the current state of book publishing.

She was asked to pick her favourite detective today - who was Ian Rankin's Rebus although one of her favourite authors remains as Dorothy L Sayers and she recommended us to read "the Nine Tailors" and "Murder Must Advertise". PD James also read from her novel "The Murder Room " where it topically describes a hypothetical plan to murder the Lord Chancellor on the Woolsack! We later prodded her on her views about the Prime Minister but
that remains with us! Our thanks to her for taking time out of a still busy schedule to come and meet us.

Next month we still need to review our ongoing topical read about slavery "Beloved " by Toni Morrison but as partly suggested by PD James and of a lighter vein we also suggest a look at Ian McEwan's latest "Chesil Beach"(http://www.ianmcewan.com/).

Our next meeting will be on Wednesday 23rd May 1-2 p.m. in Room M Portcullis House. New members always welcome - contact Philipa Coughlan ext 2553 or coughlanp@parliament.uk

UPDATE: 18 April 2007

Next meeting of the Book Club takes place on Tuesday 24^th April 1-2 p.m. in Room N Portcullis House.

We are delighted to be joined by Baroness (PD) James the world famous crime writer, whose creation Inspector Adam Dalgliesh is well known to many TV viewers.

If you would like to come along please do contact Philipa ext 2553 or email coughlanp@parliament.uk

UPDATE: 22 March 2007

The recent meeting of the Book Club discussed “When we were orphans” by Kazuo Ishiguro. This is a compelling and evocative read which brings pre-war Shanghai and London society to life.

We follow the life story of Christopher Banks from a young boy left orphaned in Shanghai who is brought to England in the 1930s and works his way to establish himself as a leading detective. But his detection skills face their hardest plot to resolve the real mystery that he grows to learn about the unravelling circumstances behind his parents’ disappearance.

A world in turmoil with ideological and emotional clashes are brought together in a book whose author still creates a wonderful style of writing which slowly peels away the layers of this story. Read – and enjoy!

Our next book is topical – Toni Morrison's “Beloved” about the slave trade.

Next meeting: Tuesday 24th April: But we are also setting our sights on uncovering our favourite crime writers/novels because we are delighted to be welcoming PD James to the next meeting in April (Tuesday 24^th)

This is a great opportunity to meet the world famous crime writer and share an hour discussing how, why and who dunnit!

For details about the meeting or the Book Club group contact Philipa Coughlan ext 2553 or coughlanp@parliament.uk

UPDATE 13 March 2007

Next meeting: 1-2pm Wednesday 21st March - Room N, Portcullis House

We are reading “We are orphans” by Kazuo Ishiguro.

Baroness James –international crime writer PD James - will be speaking at our April Book Club meeting.

There were certainly a huge variety of responses to our latest book read “”If Nobody speaks of remarkable things” by Jon McGregor. The previews had raised expectations I think and although it was interesting to delve into a completely different style of writing a novel although it proved to be difficult in some aspects to read.

Some thought it worth carrying through although the beginning part of the book doesn’t explore the characters at all and may prove a huge disappointment. Perhaps a case of sticking with it as some interesting little scenarios develop. The sense of anticipation about ‘what the incident ‘ that happens somewhere in the book proved too much sometimes – one reader, scared to continue ( a plaudit to the writer’s description perhaps) was put off completely. But be reassured it’s not wholly traumatic and in fact fits pretty much into something many of us may have seen in our local street or town. It’s Life I suppose was the conclusion and sometimes that’s boring, sometimes emotional and sometimes one event affects the whole community around the place in which we live.

For next month we’re suggesting Kazuo Ishiguro with “When we Were Orphans”. From the author of “Remains of the Day” which was made into a film Ishiguro now tells a tale of childhood mystery recollections from when the main character was being brought up in Shanghai. With great insight into another culture and somewhat of a mysterious past to delve into this book sounds a very interesting read. Our next meeting will be on 21^st March.

Alongside one book some of the group have been reading PD James’s extremely entertaining autobiography (or one year diary book) “Time To Be Earnest”. A tremendous insight into her life which is wonderfully written. We all wanted to find out more about her – and we will have that chance.

Baroness James has very kindly agreed to accept an invitation to come along to our April meeting to talk about crime writing. If you are a member of the group who would like to meet her or want to find out more please contact me for further information.

Philipa Coughlan (coughlanp@parliament.uk or tel ext 2553)

UPDATE 24 January 2007

Next meeting: Tuesday 27th February 1-2 p.m. Room M Portcullis House

Well those of us that have managed to read through Alison Weir's epic book about Eleanor of Aquitaine certainly know far more about history in the Middle Ages than we'd ever covered in most of our school lessons!

For many this was a book we'd probably never have chosen and although in places hard going because of its intense detail, Weir's descriptions of life in that period and the tremendous backdrop of a Royal Queen in a constant battle not only over land and power but with the men in her life certainly opened our eyes to many of the hardships of living in that time.

Unfortunately by the very nature of that period in history little factual evidence is available to really bring to life Eleanor as a woman in her own right. But her longevity and strength of character did shine through the immense trauma and personal tragedy that befell her and many of her family. Viewing as we do from a world where emotions are freely made public and women are equal (well in most European countries) it is hard as a first time reader of this period to adequately understand how Eleanor struggled through the life that Alison Weir has written about with so much authority.

To us in Parliament Weir's descriptions of Court at Westminster Hall are fascinating and strange to think that for so long the French ruled us all! We are certainly all keen to read other works by this author.

But for next month (Tuesday 27th February 1-2 p.m. Room M Portcullis House) some suggestions:

Our main read will be "If Nobody Speaks of Remarkable Things" by John McGregor which tells of life on one day in an ordinary street and has received much acclaim. He is an unfamiliar name to some of us but we are guaranteed a good read. See: www.bloomsbury.com/authors/microsite.asp?id=206&section=1
Also a wonderful autobiography/ diary from PD James, "Time to be in earnest". Now in the House of Lords Baroness James is of course the master of the detective novel but in this engaging and frank book she reveals not only her childhood and her family life but an insight into how an acclaimed writer gets her ideas. More news about PD James to follow - so if you are keen on her work keep in contact!!

Some of us will be off to the BBC next week for the Radio 4 Book Club with James Naughtie and Alison Weir so look out for information about how we got on.

Philipa Coughlan (coughlanp@parliament.uk or tel ext 2553)

UPDATE 3 January 2007

A Happy New Year to all Readers!

I hope everyone had a restful Christmas and New Year recess and allowed themselves some time to do plenty of reading. Often the trouble is you end up with yet another pile of books you plan to read when you are still trying to finish the ‘must reads’ from 2006!

Our next Book Club meeting is on Tuesday 23^rd January from 1-2 in Rm M Portcullis House.

We are currently reading Alison Weir’s epic historical tale of Eleanor of Aquitane – a detailed account of not only the controversial French Queen’s life but of the whole historical context in which Europe and the wider world were living at that time.

Some of us will then be attending Jim Naughtie’s Radio 4 Book Club live recording on Jan 30^th – to meet Alison Weir and hear her discuss her success with a whole list of historical books.

In 2007 we already have lined up a few Westminster connected authors to come and meet the group – let me just say ‘Great Crime Writer ‘ and ‘International Best Seller’ to get you guessing?!

So for more information -or if you would like to come along - or let us know your views on the books we are covering contact Philipa Coughlan coughlanp@parliament.uk or tel ext 2553

UPDATE 14 December 2006

We had our last Book Club meeting of the year this week – and our latest read “On Beauty” by Zadie Smith has received unanimous praise it seems by nearly everyone who has finished it. Smith has an easy style of writing that perfectly portrays the lives of two families across the Atlantic and across the happiness and heartache of family life.

Great characters were not only woven into the academic surroundings in which the two male heads of the households battle against each other against the story of the sadness and lost love of the women in their lives. The portrayal of the children (young adults)was also excellent showing both the academic, social and emotional strains of growing up in the world – issues that cross all ethnic divides.

Interestingly some had picked up on the link to E M Forster’s book “Howards End” and we felt we might like to now read that and see how Smith has interwoven that classic book/film into her writing. If you haven’t read any of Zadie Smith’s other books they too are worth a read as well.

Now for Christmas recess reading and your New Year resolution to read more books! Firstly those attending the Radio 4 recording of James Naughtie’s Book Club at the end of January will be reading Alison Weir’s “Eleanor of Aquitane” but don’t let that stop you if you fancy dipping into a historical novel but an author who is a bestseller in this field.

Also suggested were “The Corrections” by Jonathan Franzen and “Utterly Monkey “by Nick Laird (Zadie Smith’s husband and ghost poet writer for her character Claire in On Beauty!)

The next meeting is booked for Tuesday 23^rd January 1-2 p.m. Room M Portcullis House followed by the radio 4 event on Tuesday 30^th – just come along if you are interested.

Look out next year for some special author guests at one or two of our meetings with connections here at Westminster!!

For any more information on the Book Club tel Philipa Coughlan ext 2553 or email coughlanp@parliament.uk

UPDATE 4 December 2006

Wednesday 13^th December 1-2 p.m. Room P Portcullis House. New members always welcome.

This month we will be talking about Zadie Smith’s “On Beauty”.

For more information contact coughlanp@parliament.uk

UPDATE 22 November 2006

There was a low turnout for our visit to Waterstones in Piccadilly which was a shame as it’s is well worth going and we were surrounded by many other Book Clubs who obviously take time out from the serious business of book reading to enjoy a drink in the 5^th View Bar! Some stayed on to hear the thoughtful, softly spoken author Charles Frazier talk with wonderful atmospheric understanding of past American history about his new book “Thirteen Moons” – another good read from the author of “Cold Mountain” who has a lifelong affinity with landscapes and people.

It would seem we have nearly all struggled with John Le Carre’s “The Constant Gardener” maybe because we were all influenced by the powerful film or that some of the book is quite heavy going and detailed. But then we would expect this from the top spy writer and the book does convey in a more atmospheric way the build up to the reasons for Tessa Quayle’s death as her husband Julian (still seemingly the typical timid English man abroad) seeks revenge for her murder in the murky world of international aid and profit making pharmaceutical companies. I guess recent events may cause John Le Carre to reassess the position of Russia for his next book – post cold war as fact it would seem is becoming as dangerous as any spy fiction!

So for the next book – many readers seem to have taken to Zadie Smith’s most recent “On Beauty” . Set in both London and New England America it revolves around two feuding families – the Belseys and the Kipps. High intellectual morals rub shoulders with past hatreds and new loves. So it is our next choice - happy reading!

The next meeting prior to Christmas and New Year recess is booked back in Portcullis House –Wednesday 13^th 1-2 p.m. in Room P.

For more information contact Philipa tel 2553 or coughlanp@parliament.uk

UPDATE 8 November 2006

For those not able to make the evening meeting suggest a get together over coffee downstairs at Portcullis House Monday 13^thNovember at 2.30 p.m.

But just a reminder the monthly meeting is at 5^th View Bar. Waterstone’s Piccadilly 6 p.m. Tuesday 21^st November. We are currently reading John Le Carre’s “The Constant Gardener” .

For more information about the books we’ve covered and what we do look at our full page notice on the site. Contact Philipa Coughlan ext 2553 or email coughlanp@parliament.uk

UPDATE 19 October 2006:

At our last meeting we discussed “Shadow of the Wind” by Carlos Ruiz Zafon ( a Spanish author) whose book reached number one in many bestseller lists.

This was an evocative and well written novel – translated into English – and set in Barcelona following the Spanish Civil War.

It tells the story of young Daniel Sempere who is taken to the Cemetery of Lost Books by his father where his chosen (or mysteriously chosen for him) book ‘Shadow of the Wind’ leads him on a path of discovery and danger about the author Julian Carax. Interwoven themes cover a decade of Daniel’s life as he uncovers the mysterious author’s pre war past.There were certainly some very interesting minor characters described in the book although overall we felt women weren’t portrayed that well in the situations in which the author put them. But it was generally felt this was a very good read portraying the setting in Spain very well and although long (over 500 pages) with a few contrived answers to some of the plots proved a very enjoyable read and one we felt would make an excellent transition to the film screen!. We will look out with interest for other books by this Spanish author.

Our next read for the book club reverses that theme with John Le Carre’s “The Constant Gardener”. This has already been a successful film but we wanted to try it in book form as it was written by such a well established (John is now well over 70 years old) writer more generally known for his past spy novels and who spent some of his life in the British Foreign Service. It is available on Amazon at the bargain price of £3.99!

Other books that you might want to consider are Roddy Doyle “The Woman Who Walked Into Doors” and the follow up “Paula Spencer” and Zadie Smith’s “On Beauty” the follow up to “White Teeth”.

We hope early in 2007 to attend a Radio 4 Book Club recording led by James Naughtie but for next month have booked a meeting at Waterstone’s in Piccadilly – Tuesday 21^st November - 6p.m. at the 5^th View Bar for a get together with cocktails available! Call me on 0207 219 2553 or email coughlanp@parliament.uk if you’d like to come along as I need to confirm numbers .The meeting is followed by a reading and book signing by Charles Frazier of “ Thirteen Moons” - £3 a ticket if you fancy staying on for that at 7p.m call Waterstone’s 0207 851 2433 if you’d like to go. We may well also have a get together over coffee as well some time – so watch this space and spread the news to your friends!

Philipa Coughlan – Office of Nick Palmer MP, Rm 254 Portcullis House.
Email: coughlanp@parliament.uk Tel: x2553

UPDATE 12 September 2006: We had our meeting this week and had a good turnout to discuss "We need to talk about Kevin " by Lionel Shriver.

We all agreed this was a deeply harrowing tale and showed what dreadful outcome might be produced by a tortured teenager who wants notoriety by killing his peers in a most sadistic way. If you have any thoughts after reading the book yourself let us know

It also throws up questions about parenting and how the world is maybe only more dangerous and evil because we hear more about it than we used to.

The next Book Club Choice is "The Shadow of the Wind " by Carlos Ruiz Zafon, one that features on many bestseller lists and is a mystery thriller set in Barcelona where a young boys' choice of a book leads to life changing experiences.

We will meet again on Wednesday 18th October in Room N Portcullis House from 1-2 p.m. All welcome.

In the future we hope to organise events such as meeting in Waterstones or attending Book Club events elsewhere.

For more information contact Philipa Coughlan coughlanp@parliament.uk or tel ext 2553.

UPDATE 3 August 2006: An update after the first meeting. The two books chosen for the summer from the Book Club are:

"We Need to talk about Kevin " by Lionel Shriver - a disturbing insight into a mother's worst fears when her 16 yr old son shoots and kills fellow high school students and teachers. A fictional recreation of many true incidents in the US that reveals innermost thought provoking family secrets.

"The Case of the Missing Books " by Ian Sansom - a shy Jewish vegetarian turns up in N Ireland to take up his job as a Librarian. But the council has closed the Library and all the books are missing. What will he do now? A funny quirky story full of great characters.

I have booked a further get together for the book club on Tuesday 12th September 1-2 in Room T, Portcullis House to talk about the books and plan future ideas. All welcome and happy reading !!!!!!

Philipa Coughlan Tel 2553 email coughlanp@parliament.uk

UPDATE 17 July 2006: I have now booked the following for the first get together for the proposed Parliamentary Book Club - Tuesday 25^thJuly, 1- 2 p.m. Room T Portcullis House. Anyone interested in being involved or who wants to come along to meet, bring suggestions for books for the summer recess so we can chose a couple to head off for the summer with let me know.

Philipa Coughlan - Office of Nick Palmer MP - Tel ext 2553

ORIGINAL MESSAGE 4 July 2006: I'm wondering if there are like minded souls who might consider the chance to set up a Parliamentary Book Club. After all if Richard and Judy can do it why can’t we? Also the chance to get some links outside our usual political reading perhaps? Anyone interested?

We could try and have one get together before summer recess and head off on our holidays with one book to mull over and chat about in the autumn.

Let me know if want to get together and any ideas for books?

Philipa Coughlan - Email: coughlanp@parliament.uk Tel: x2553



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Parliamentary Book Club Latest Information Last updated: 2 July 2008 The Parliamentary Book Club was set up in July 2006 and you can read about the books they have been reading below. At the top is the latest information from them and below that are earlier updates LATEST INFORMATION Updated 2 July 2008 We have been reading Doris Lessing’s book "the Golden Notebook". She intrigued us after stating that when she won the Nobel prize for Literature she was overwhelmed with all the attention and wouldn’t be writing anything else! So many of us who hadn’t read any of her books were wondering why she was so special? Some of us found “The Golden Notebook” very dated. We know it was ground breaking when it was first published seen as a daring experiment where we, as readers, are taken through the multiple notebooks reflecting the life of Anna Wulf who, it seems, like Lessing, wants to run away but remains trapped by chaos, emotional angst and total hypocrisy from so called ‘revolutionaries’ whirling around the Communist/Socialist parties of the time. We didn’t feel it was feminist in being ‘anti man’ rather that it portrayed Lessing’s own failures in love and marriage and the ability for those with the means and political ideology to try and say they have a better view of running the world when, in fact, half the time they create another generation only who will replicate their failings. So, not all of our favourite choice of reading matter. Some of us did dip into her other book “The Good Terrorist” which is more ironic about the people with good intentions swinging from idealism to terrorism linked to the IRA, and a young girl Alice who becomes more embroiled in the revolutionary fray. It was an easier read and more interesting. For this month’s book choice we have gone for American author John Irving and “The World According to Garp”. This perhaps strange novel was later turned into a film starring Dustin Hoffman. Irving himself was a professional wrestler in the USA and has added a similar character into the novel. Sounds strange but perhaps intriguing. Instead of a booked room, we have agreed to meet on Tuesday 22nd July – in Central Lobby for lunch. Perhaps the Terrace or Top Floor restaurant at 7 Millbank. Let me know if you’d like to come along and meet up or join us for the first time perhaps! Philipa Coughlan, x2553 email UPDATE: 23 June - The planned meeting of this months Book Club(1-2 p.m. on 24 June) has unfortunately had to be cancelled. UPDATE: 17 June 2008 The next meeting of the Book Club will be on 24 June 2008 from 13:00 - 14:00 in Room M Portcullis House, where"The Golden Notebook" by Doris Lessing will be under discussion. After winning the Nobel Prize for Literature world famous author Lessing famously said "I don't feel I now want to write anything else"! so we are delving into some of her past books including this one which famously generated a lot of talk about sexual liberation for women when published in the 1970s. For further information, contact Philipa on 0207 219 2553 or email coughlanp@parliament.uk EARLIER UPDATES UPDATE: 3 June 2008 Hello All, At our last Book Club meeting we were talking about the wonderful read "The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox," by Maggie O'Farrell which movingly tells the story of the discovery by a young woman of a long lost relative who had been locked in a mental asylum for over 60 years. As someone who'd worked in such a place in the early 1980's I remembered many case notes similarly telling such sad tales of a previous generation left incarcerated because of misguided morals. The link to Britain's colonial past and this view of alleged 'insanity' are brilliantly conveyed in this gem of a book. We talked about a number of books we were reading at the moment including Tim Butcher's "Blood River" and the office comedy "And then we came to the end" but have decided to choose one of Doris Lessing's past books "The Golden Notebook" to read this month. I have never read anything by Lessing but was intrigued by her recent announcement that she 'wasn't able to write another thing' after having so much media attention at her age (80+) when she received the Nobel prize for Literature. There are still some places left at the Radio 4 Book Club Reading/discussions which are recorded at the BBC for the event with Colm Toibin in June and if you'd like more information go via their website at www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/arts/bookclub. Our next Parliamentary Book Club meeting is on Tuesday 24th June at 1-2 p.m. in Room M Portcullis House. Hope to see you there. Philipa Contact ext 0207 219 2553 or email coughlanp@parliament.uk UPDATE: 2 April 2008 Our recent meeting discussed Dave Eggers “What is the What? The Autobiography of Valentino Deng. There were fairly supportive views about the book generally – although it is long and follows hard on the heels of our reading of a young boys experiences growing up in Afghanistan. In Eggers book he uses the voice of the narrator in a very interesting and engaging style to tell of someone else’s autobiography/life. From the beginning the heart wrenching upbringing of young Valentino Achak Deng is drawn out even though he is now older and ‘safer’ in the US to his story about Sudanese enemy soldiers, liberation rebels and deadly militias. This is an epic story covering a huge backdrop about Sudan but if you want to know what really goes on in trouble torn African nations you would do better to read this book than scan news reports or policy papers. Various new titles were offered for the group – “Notes from an Exhibition” by Patrick Gale is selling well at the moment but evocatively relates the unravelling of a woman’s life through a totally different approach. “The Diving Bell and The Butterfly” by Sean D Bauby is based on a true story of a man who recently died after many years in a vegetative state and which is also now out as a film. A seemingly tragic and uncomfortable story is gracefully put over in the novel and will require thoughtful reading. We previously read Anne Enright’s “The Gathering” but have been alerted to her most recent short story collection “Taking Pictures”. The Man Booker prize winner is not one to read if you’re depressed but her very gritty telling of real life issues relating to marriage, death and sex probably do reflect modern life than we’d like to admit. We are also dipping into William Hague’s biography of “William Pitt The Younger” – more details later. But our next chosen read is Maggie O’Farrell’s “The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox”. Esme has been locked away in an institution for 60 years when a young woman suddenly finds she has sole responsibility for her distant and until that point unknown relative. The unravelling of generations of silence, shame and lost lives is very well written. Our next two meetings have been booked – Tuesday May 20^th and Tuesday June 24^th – both in Room M Portcullis House from 1-2 p.m. New members always welcome. For more information contact Philipa tel 0207 219 2553, office of Nick Palmer MP or email coughlanp@parliament.uk UPDATE: 31 March 2008 Our next meeting will be on Wednesday 2^nd April 12.30- 1.30 p.m. in Room W3. We will be discussing – as hopefully we have managed to complete reading - “What is the What? The Autobiography of Valentino Deng” by Dave Eggers. New suggestions for future books are very welcome as are any staff with an interest in reading – beyond politics!. Over the past year we have read a wide variety of books and also had the chance to meet and question authors such as PD James and Ken Follett. All are welcome! For more information contact Philipa ext 2553 - Office of Nick Palmer MP email coughlanp@parliament.uk UPDATE: 23 January 2008 The first meeting of 2008 took place this month to discuss Khaled Hosseini’s first novel – now being featured as a movie -“The Kite Runner”. Some of our group had already seen the film and there were the usual comparisons between book and movie adaptations – some more favourable than others. The book is a very good insight into the real lives being lived in Afghanistan during the years of many tumultuous events, from the fall of the monarchy in the country through the Soviet invasion, the mass exodus of refugees to Pakistan (including Amir and his father the subjects of the book) to life in America and the return of an adult Amir not only to experience the harsh reality of the Taliban regime but to resolve some personal relationships and traumas from his early life. The book is an ideal read to gain some knowledge about life in Afghanistan and also a very personal insight into how a father/son relationship can be torn by human frailty, loss and abandonment. Many have also praised Hosseini’s follow up book “A Thousand Splendid Suns” which deals with women’s experiences under the Taliban – images that many of us in the west perhaps don’t want to read about but should. The theme of life in Afghanistan and the religious and political turmoil has also been recently portrayed in the movie “Charlie Wilson’s War” and it is good to see both novels and films reflecting real life in a country still so scared by upheaval and conflict. We had a few suggestions for our next book and have decided to choose “What is the What? The Autobiography of Valentino Deng “ by Dave Eggers. Other suggestions to follow up in the book related world are to visit Persephone Books Ltd, 59 Lamb’s Conduit Street WC1N 3NB which reprints neglected novels – check out there website www.persephonebooks.co.uk Our next meeting will be on Tuesday 26^th February 12.30 in Room M Portcullis House. For more information about the book club or if you’d like to come to our next meeting call Philipa (Nick Palmer MP’s office) 0207 219 2553 or email coughlanp@parliament.uk UPDATE: 27 November 2007 At our recent meeting we discussed our recent choice the Man Booker Prize Winner “The Gathering” by Anne Enright. In the tradition of a lot of Irish literature it is a grim reality novel about Veronica Hegarty’s large (12 children) family of brothers and sisters and how they ‘gather’ back at the family home in Dublin at the funeral/wake of one brother Liam who was found drowned off the beach at Brighton. Some felt the rawness of Enright’s writing seemed to expose a note of autobiographical link to the sad stream of events in the book – notably highlighting the curses of Ireland – drink, religion and sexual abuse. But the way Enright links to other family memories particularly of her grandmother Ada give the book slightly more literary depth and although it’s not a happy read it’s an absorbing one and perhaps makes us all wince at the true emotions we sometimes feel within our own relationships or close families. Well worth a read we thought. Our next choice is the first novel published in English by an author from Afghanistan – Khaled Hosseini. “The Kite Runner” soon to be seen at our cinemas tells the story of Amir his love of literature and his journey through not only Afghanistan but to America. We see the country from pre-civil war, Russian invasion and then Amir’s involvement with the Taliban. We won’t be meeting officially in December except perhaps for a Xmas drink! So the next main meeting will be on Tuesday 15^th January - 12.30 p.m. in Room N in Portcullis House. New members always welcome – for more information call Philipa ext 2553 (Nick Palmer MP’s office) or email: coughlanp@parliament.uk UPDATE: 30 October 2007 We held our first meeting of this Parliament to discuss two books from the recess. Firstly the classic “Tom Jones” by Henry Fielding which is a long and sometimes flowery flow of language book. But the story of orphan Tom and his life growing up in a world of deceit, romps and often down right obnoxious surroundings sheds light on a era that we usually don’t associate with such excesses in literature, although there is a lot of satire on the society in which Tom is brought up in. Some readers found that they needed to be selective in their reading through the text as each Book within the novel begins as a rambling introductory chapter before the main events start. But it is worth persevering as this classic tale has remained a firm favourite and has also transferred to a highly popular recent TV series and a past classic film. Our second choice was Mark Haddon’s “A Spot of Bother” which didn’t disappoint after his first best seller. Readers follow the story of George, recently retired but now facing a family gathering as his daughter Katie is getting remarried back in the heart of a slightly dysfunctional family. In a very sympathetic but funny style George is followed as he goes through a nervous breakdown in front of his family and friends. It’s funny and sad but reveals a life affected by despair at its most touching. Our next choices are : for the main read straight off the top of the Booker Prize pile – Anne Enright’s “The Gathering” which follows the story set in Dublin of Veronica, a 30 something mother and wife who escapes the clutches of her huge Irish family but is dragged back to a dark family history after her brother commits suicide in England and Veronica has to collect the body to bring in back to rest in peace in Ireland. Lots of raw personal wounds are reopened. Other suggestions are: Philippa Gregory’s tale about “The Other Boleyn” and many of us are enjoying and can recommend Ken Follett’s new epic “World Without End” after Ken visited us earlier in the year to discuss the background to this massive (1111 page) novel! Our next meeting will be on Tuesday 27^th November 1-2 p.m. in Westminster Hall Room W2. We also hope to organise a social get together for the December/Xmas event so do join us! Philipa Coughlan Email coughlanp@parliament.uk or tel ext 2553 UPDATE: 22 October 2007 The Parliamentary Book Club will now hold the first meeting of this session on MONDAY 29^TH OCTOBER – 1- 2 p.m. in Room R Portcullis House. This replaces the previously booked event on Tuesday 30^th. We will be discussing our chosen books during the summer recess :- Mark Haddon’s “A Spot of Bother” and the classic Henry Fielding’s “Tom Jones” New members are always welcome and as well as discussing our monthly book club reads we have had guest speakers including PD James and Ken Follett over the past year. Just come along (no need to have read the books!) if you are interested in hearing more or spending an entertaining hour talking about books ( or the non political variety!) Philipa Coughlan Email coughlanp@parliament.uk Or tel ext 2553 UPDATE: 11 September 2007 Hi All, Hope you've all managed to get some sort of break over the recess and had plenty of relaxing time to read! I seem to have got through a lot of books - some of which are on the best seller lists, some really tacky ones and some classics I've revisited. Our two choices for the book club were - Mark Haddon's "A Spot of Bother" - which I felt was ok, easy to read but not up to the high standard of his best seller "A Curious Incident" - I've started on Henry Fielding's "Tom Jones" but need to smarten up my reading on some of the earlier classics as I'm struggling with some of the language with which it is written. Do let me know if you've read them so far and what you think - or if any other books have really got you hooked and you'd like to recommend them to others please pass on the info. As Conference season is looming and MPs don't actually get into harness until 8th October I've given us all some time still to get reading and booked the next Book Club meeting for Tuesday 30th October - 1-2 p.m. in Room R Portcullis House. Have a look at James Naughtie's Bookclub newsletter. I'm an avid listener to the events he does with authors on Radio 4 - some of us enjoyed a recording visit to meet Alison Weir earlier this year and I notice he's interviewing Alice Sebold who wrote the remarkable "Lovely Bones." These events are good fun and are held in the early eve at the BBC - well worth a try if you'd like to book a place-they do offer a glass of wine! All the best Philipa New members always welcome - contact Philipa Coughlan ext 2553 or coughlanp@parliament.uk UPDATE: 7 August 2007 Hi All, Summer recess has started – and I know many of us are still working, but I hope you do all have a break some time over the next few weeks. Recently at our meeting the Book Club have chosen the following two books as our reading matter for the summer: “A Spot of Bother “ by Mark Haddon (bestselling author of The Curious incident of the Dog fame), and “Tom Jones “ by Henry Fielding – this is a classic read that many of us thought we re visit over the holidays But other suggestions if you have time and the inclination are: “Suite Francois” Irene Nemirovsky, “First Lady” Michael Dobbs, “Dancing to Almendra” Mayra Montero, and try anything if you haven’t by Douglas Kennedy Perhaps some of us could meet up during Conference – if not I will organise the next meeting for October when Parliament restarts. Whatever you read – do enjoy! And let us know some of your thoughts on the various books and other suggestions if you find something really great we’ve missed! Philipa New members always welcome - contact Philipa Coughlan ext 2553 or coughlanp@parliament.uk UPDATE: 23 July 2007 Just a reminder for those that can make it (with thanks to those who have said already they can’t) about meeting up tomorrow (Tues 24^thJuly) at 6 p.m. in Bellamy’s Bar for an ‘end of Parliamentary session’ get together and to choose some summer books. I’ve already had some suggestions; anything by Douglas Kennedy, Cecilia Ahern – “A Place Called Here” Ahern (the daughter of Irish Premier Bertie ) Chick lit writer weaves a fairytale story about missing things, people and places. Anthony Capella – “The Wedding Officer” Naples during the war sees inexperienced soldier James Gould experiencing the smells, tastes and love of Italy Rose Tremain –“The Road Home” - An east European immigrant in London adjusts to a whole new culture Mayra Montero “Dancing to Almendra” – Cuban author evokes a time before Castro takes power in wild hedonistic Havana I’ve also still got hold of Ken Follett’s proof copy of “World Without End “ although we’d need all those 12 weeks of summer recess to read it I think! Any other ideas more than welcome ! Look forward to seeing some of you tomorrow! Philipa UPDATE: 27 June 2007 June’s Book Club meeting was delighted to welcome best selling author Ken Follett to come and talk to us primarily about his epic book “Pillars of the Earth”. Readers more used to Ken’s usual espionage and spy thrillers were treated to a brilliant – if long at over 1000 pages! – historical drama tale set in the middle ages about characters involved in the task of building a cathedral. Doesn’t sound exciting or dramatic? Doesn’t sound sexy? Well believe us when we tell you it was all of those plus a lot more! Ken gladly answered a mass of questions about detail and research for a book. It was a labour of love taking over three years and had Ken checking detail with historians to base architectural, religious and daily life drama in true context for those centuries .At the time of its publication (1989) the book didn’t sell too well but as the years have gone by it has proved to be a hit, mainly by word of mouth and has now become one of those “must read” books. Ken also gave us a sneak preview of the forthcoming sequel to that book “World Without End” which is to be published this autumn. Needless to say this is another epic - but based two centuries later with the Black Death ready to strike the human race - and one which on first glancing through the proof copy given exclusively to the Book Club looks like being a run away success as soon as it hits the bookshelves. Ken also told us about his life and how though he may be associated with lots of activities and causes “ writing always takes priority”. Our next meeting is due before the summer recess and we’d like suggestions for reading over the holiday break. One suggestion is for us to meet at for a drink in the evening possibly on Tuesday 24^th July – 6 p.m. in Bellamy’s Bar perhaps? Let me know? New members always welcome - contact Philipa Coughlan ext 2553 or coughlanp@parliament.uk UPDATE: 30 May 2007 Next Book Club meeting – Tuesday 19^th June 1-2 p.m. Room N Portcullis House. See below for details. Our Book Club had lots of books to discuss this month. Many of us had to admit we’d struggled with Toni Morrison’s “Beloved” but if there any readers who have not done so and have some positive feedback please let us know. We’d been suggested – by PD James who came to our last meeting - to dip into Ian McEwan’s new novel “Chesil Beach” which was short and very sweet although with McEwan’s now usual tragic scenario within the plot! The day and night reflection on the youthful sexual awakening in the early 1960s is a gem of a book – or rather extended short story/novella perhaps. It tells of the first honeymoon night of Edward and Florence and delves into deep and soul searching heartache, desire and future needs. Some of us have come late to Ian McEwan’s writing but can all heartily recommend his books – we suggest also trying “The Innocent”, “Enduring Love “(now a film) and “Saturday”. We’re also reluctant to leave our detective/crime writers but will have to clear a space in our reading time for our next Book Club book. It is Ken Follett’s mighty (1082 page) best seller “The Pillars of the Earth”. A medieval tour de force surrounding master stone mason’s building a magnificent cathedral it also draws in Ken’s excellent skill to create good character plots and intrigue. He is promising a sequel to be published later this year. Are you a Ken Follett fan? Well we are delighted that he will be joining us at our next Book Club meeting – Tuesday 19^th June 1-2 p.m. Room N Portcullis House and if you’d like to come along to meet him you’d be very welcome! New members always welcome - contact Philipa Coughlan ext 2553 or coughlanp@parliament.uk UPDATE: 17 May 2007 Reminder about the forthcoming Book Club meeting – next Wednesday 23^rd May 1-2 in Room M. We still have to feedback on a previous month’s read “Beloved “ by Toni Morrison – I myself have to admit I really struggled with it but would be interested to hear what others thought. From last month – principally suggested by our guest PD James we decided on the shorter read of Ian McEwan’s new novel “On Chesil Beach” - again I had problems getting a copy from my local library so started on another of his novels “Saturday” which I really enjoyed and have just managed to finish his new one this week ( certainly a quick read – I managed it in a days train journey to and from work so you’ve got time to get through it!). It’s now been confirmed that author Ken Follett will be able to come along to our June meeting – Tues 19^th – Room N 1-2 p.m. and is keen to hear what we think of his novel “The Pillars of Earth”. He will also be speaking about the sequel to that 1989 book with “World without End” which is to be published later this year – so if you know of any fans of his work let them know he’ll be at our meeting! Our next meeting will be on Wednesday 23rd May 1-2 p.m. in Room M Portcullis House. New members always welcome - contact Philipa Coughlan ext 2553 or coughlanp@parliament.uk UPDATE: 25 April 2007 Our next meeting will be on Wednesday 23rd May 1-2 p.m. in Room M Portcullis House. This months Book Club meeting was the eagerly anticipated visit of PD James. For 87 years of age I think we all agreed she was a remarkable lady with a clear and detailed mind who kept us entertained and well informed about her detective writing for well over an hour. She also seemed to enjoy meeting us, signed copies of her books and immersed herself in our choices of favourite crime novels and authors. It was good to see her in person as her books are so popular and she gave us what we thought was an exclusive about future plans for her Detective Chief Inspector Adam Dalgliesh! Books we shared with her were: Peter James (no relation!) 'Dead Simple', Raymond Chandler 'The Big Sleep' Dick Francis, Patricia Cornwall, John Grisham and an all time classic Wilkie Collins "The Moonstone". Baroness James was enthusiastic and informative about all our books, answering all questions and showing a great knowledge of all writing, not just crime. She also spoke about her role as a BBC Governor, about the state of the Beeb at present and the pros and cons of book adaptations on TV and film! PD James writes her books methodically, likes to use places she's visited in which to set her plots, never goes near a computer and always uses black pens! We have been intrigued by her autobiography "Time to be Earnest" and she discussed her career in the NHS and Home Office, bringing up her family when her husband suffered ill health and how her life changed after the publication of her first novel "Cover Her Face " in 1962 and then broadened our discussion to the current state of book publishing. She was asked to pick her favourite detective today - who was Ian Rankin's Rebus although one of her favourite authors remains as Dorothy L Sayers and she recommended us to read "the Nine Tailors" and "Murder Must Advertise". PD James also read from her novel "The Murder Room " where it topically describes a hypothetical plan to murder the Lord Chancellor on the Woolsack! We later prodded her on her views about the Prime Minister but that remains with us! Our thanks to her for taking time out of a still busy schedule to come and meet us. Next month we still need to review our ongoing topical read about slavery "Beloved " by Toni Morrison but as partly suggested by PD James and of a lighter vein we also suggest a look at Ian McEwan's latest "Chesil Beach"(http://www.ianmcewan.com/). Our next meeting will be on Wednesday 23rd May 1-2 p.m. in Room M Portcullis House. New members always welcome - contact Philipa Coughlan ext 2553 or coughlanp@parliament.uk UPDATE: 18 April 2007 Next meeting of the Book Club takes place on Tuesday 24^th April 1-2 p.m. in Room N Portcullis House. We are delighted to be joined by Baroness (PD) James the world famous crime writer, whose creation Inspector Adam Dalgliesh is well known to many TV viewers. If you would like to come along please do contact Philipa ext 2553 or email coughlanp@parliament.uk UPDATE: 22 March 2007 The recent meeting of the Book Club discussed “When we were orphans” by Kazuo Ishiguro. This is a compelling and evocative read which brings pre-war Shanghai and London society to life. We follow the life story of Christopher Banks from a young boy left orphaned in Shanghai who is brought to England in the 1930s and works his way to establish himself as a leading detective. But his detection skills face their hardest plot to resolve the real mystery that he grows to learn about the unravelling circumstances behind his parents’ disappearance. A world in turmoil with ideological and emotional clashes are brought together in a book whose author still creates a wonderful style of writing which slowly peels away the layers of this story. Read – and enjoy! Our next book is topical – Toni Morrison's “Beloved” about the slave trade. Next meeting: Tuesday 24th April: But we are also setting our sights on uncovering our favourite crime writers/novels because we are delighted to be welcoming PD James to the next meeting in April (Tuesday 24^th) This is a great opportunity to meet the world famous crime writer and share an hour discussing how, why and who dunnit! For details about the meeting or the Book Club group contact Philipa Coughlan ext 2553 or coughlanp@parliament.uk UPDATE 13 March 2007 Next meeting: 1-2pm Wednesday 21st March - Room N, Portcullis House We are reading “We are orphans” by Kazuo Ishiguro. Baroness James –international crime writer PD James - will be speaking at our April Book Club meeting. There were certainly a huge variety of responses to our latest book read “”If Nobody speaks of remarkable things” by Jon McGregor. The previews had raised expectations I think and although it was interesting to delve into a completely different style of writing a novel although it proved to be difficult in some aspects to read. Some thought it worth carrying through although the beginning part of the book doesn’t explore the characters at all and may prove a huge disappointment. Perhaps a case of sticking with it as some interesting little scenarios develop. The sense of anticipation about ‘what the incident ‘ that happens somewhere in the book proved too much sometimes – one reader, scared to continue ( a plaudit to the writer’s description perhaps) was put off completely. But be reassured it’s not wholly traumatic and in fact fits pretty much into something many of us may have seen in our local street or town. It’s Life I suppose was the conclusion and sometimes that’s boring, sometimes emotional and sometimes one event affects the whole community around the place in which we live. For next month we’re suggesting Kazuo Ishiguro with “When we Were Orphans”. From the author of “Remains of the Day” which was made into a film Ishiguro now tells a tale of childhood mystery recollections from when the main character was being brought up in Shanghai. With great insight into another culture and somewhat of a mysterious past to delve into this book sounds a very interesting read. Our next meeting will be on 21^st March. Alongside one book some of the group have been reading PD James’s extremely entertaining autobiography (or one year diary book) “Time To Be Earnest”. A tremendous insight into her life which is wonderfully written. We all wanted to find out more about her – and we will have that chance. Baroness James has very kindly agreed to accept an invitation to come along to our April meeting to talk about crime writing. If you are a member of the group who would like to meet her or want to find out more please contact me for further information. Philipa Coughlan (coughlanp@parliament.uk or tel ext 2553) UPDATE 24 January 2007 Next meeting: Tuesday 27th February 1-2 p.m. Room M Portcullis House Well those of us that have managed to read through Alison Weir's epic book about Eleanor of Aquitaine certainly know far more about history in the Middle Ages than we'd ever covered in most of our school lessons! For many this was a book we'd probably never have chosen and although in places hard going because of its intense detail, Weir's descriptions of life in that period and the tremendous backdrop of a Royal Queen in a constant battle not only over land and power but with the men in her life certainly opened our eyes to many of the hardships of living in that time. Unfortunately by the very nature of that period in history little factual evidence is available to really bring to life Eleanor as a woman in her own right. But her longevity and strength of character did shine through the immense trauma and personal tragedy that befell her and many of her family. Viewing as we do from a world where emotions are freely made public and women are equal (well in most European countries) it is hard as a first time reader of this period to adequately understand how Eleanor struggled through the life that Alison Weir has written about with so much authority. To us in Parliament Weir's descriptions of Court at Westminster Hall are fascinating and strange to think that for so long the French ruled us all! We are certainly all keen to read other works by this author. But for next month (Tuesday 27th February 1-2 p.m. Room M Portcullis House) some suggestions: Our main read will be "If Nobody Speaks of Remarkable Things" by John McGregor which tells of life on one day in an ordinary street and has received much acclaim. He is an unfamiliar name to some of us but we are guaranteed a good read. See: www.bloomsbury.com/authors/microsite.asp?id=206&section=1 Also a wonderful autobiography/ diary from PD James, "Time to be in earnest". Now in the House of Lords Baroness James is of course the master of the detective novel but in this engaging and frank book she reveals not only her childhood and her family life but an insight into how an acclaimed writer gets her ideas. More news about PD James to follow - so if you are keen on her work keep in contact!! Some of us will be off to the BBC next week for the Radio 4 Book Club with James Naughtie and Alison Weir so look out for information about how we got on. Philipa Coughlan (coughlanp@parliament.uk or tel ext 2553) UPDATE 3 January 2007 A Happy New Year to all Readers! I hope everyone had a restful Christmas and New Year recess and allowed themselves some time to do plenty of reading. Often the trouble is you end up with yet another pile of books you plan to read when you are still trying to finish the ‘must reads’ from 2006! Our next Book Club meeting is on Tuesday 23^rd January from 1-2 in Rm M Portcullis House. We are currently reading Alison Weir’s epic historical tale of Eleanor of Aquitane – a detailed account of not only the controversial French Queen’s life but of the whole historical context in which Europe and the wider world were living at that time. Some of us will then be attending Jim Naughtie’s Radio 4 Book Club live recording on Jan 30^th – to meet Alison Weir and hear her discuss her success with a whole list of historical books. In 2007 we already have lined up a few Westminster connected authors to come and meet the group – let me just say ‘Great Crime Writer ‘ and ‘International Best Seller’ to get you guessing?! So for more information -or if you would like to come along - or let us know your views on the books we are covering contact Philipa Coughlan coughlanp@parliament.uk or tel ext 2553 UPDATE 14 December 2006 We had our last Book Club meeting of the year this week – and our latest read “On Beauty” by Zadie Smith has received unanimous praise it seems by nearly everyone who has finished it. Smith has an easy style of writing that perfectly portrays the lives of two families across the Atlantic and across the happiness and heartache of family life. Great characters were not only woven into the academic surroundings in which the two male heads of the households battle against each other against the story of the sadness and lost love of the women in their lives. The portrayal of the children (young adults)was also excellent showing both the academic, social and emotional strains of growing up in the world – issues that cross all ethnic divides. Interestingly some had picked up on the link to E M Forster’s book “Howards End” and we felt we might like to now read that and see how Smith has interwoven that classic book/film into her writing. If you haven’t read any of Zadie Smith’s other books they too are worth a read as well. Now for Christmas recess reading and your New Year resolution to read more books! Firstly those attending the Radio 4 recording of James Naughtie’s Book Club at the end of January will be reading Alison Weir’s “Eleanor of Aquitane” but don’t let that stop you if you fancy dipping into a historical novel but an author who is a bestseller in this field. Also suggested were “The Corrections” by Jonathan Franzen and “Utterly Monkey “by Nick Laird (Zadie Smith’s husband and ghost poet writer for her character Claire in On Beauty!) The next meeting is booked for Tuesday 23^rd January 1-2 p.m. Room M Portcullis House followed by the radio 4 event on Tuesday 30^th – just come along if you are interested. Look out next year for some special author guests at one or two of our meetings with connections here at Westminster!! For any more information on the Book Club tel Philipa Coughlan ext 2553 or email coughlanp@parliament.uk UPDATE 4 December 2006 Wednesday 13^th December 1-2 p.m. Room P Portcullis House. New members always welcome. This month we will be talking about Zadie Smith’s “On Beauty”. For more information contact coughlanp@parliament.uk UPDATE 22 November 2006 There was a low turnout for our visit to Waterstones in Piccadilly which was a shame as it’s is well worth going and we were surrounded by many other Book Clubs who obviously take time out from the serious business of book reading to enjoy a drink in the 5^th View Bar! Some stayed on to hear the thoughtful, softly spoken author Charles Frazier talk with wonderful atmospheric understanding of past American history about his new book “Thirteen Moons” – another good read from the author of “Cold Mountain” who has a lifelong affinity with landscapes and people. It would seem we have nearly all struggled with John Le Carre’s “The Constant Gardener” maybe because we were all influenced by the powerful film or that some of the book is quite heavy going and detailed. But then we would expect this from the top spy writer and the book does convey in a more atmospheric way the build up to the reasons for Tessa Quayle’s death as her husband Julian (still seemingly the typical timid English man abroad) seeks revenge for her murder in the murky world of international aid and profit making pharmaceutical companies. I guess recent events may cause John Le Carre to reassess the position of Russia for his next book – post cold war as fact it would seem is becoming as dangerous as any spy fiction! So for the next book – many readers seem to have taken to Zadie Smith’s most recent “On Beauty” . Set in both London and New England America it revolves around two feuding families – the Belseys and the Kipps. High intellectual morals rub shoulders with past hatreds and new loves. So it is our next choice - happy reading! The next meeting prior to Christmas and New Year recess is booked back in Portcullis House –Wednesday 13^th 1-2 p.m. in Room P. For more information contact Philipa tel 2553 or coughlanp@parliament.uk *UPDATE 8 November 2006* For those not able to make the evening meeting suggest a get together over coffee downstairs at Portcullis House Monday 13^thNovember at 2.30 p.m. But just a reminder the monthly meeting is at 5^th View Bar. Waterstone’s Piccadilly 6 p.m. Tuesday 21^st November. We are currently reading John Le Carre’s “The Constant Gardener” . For more information about the books we’ve covered and what we do look at our full page notice on the site. Contact Philipa Coughlan ext 2553 or email coughlanp@parliament.uk *UPDATE 19 October 2006:* At our last meeting we discussed “Shadow of the Wind” by Carlos Ruiz Zafon ( a Spanish author) whose book reached number one in many bestseller lists. This was an evocative and well written novel – translated into English – and set in Barcelona following the Spanish Civil War. It tells the story of young Daniel Sempere who is taken to the Cemetery of Lost Books by his father where his chosen (or mysteriously chosen for him) book ‘Shadow of the Wind’ leads him on a path of discovery and danger about the author Julian Carax. Interwoven themes cover a decade of Daniel’s life as he uncovers the mysterious author’s pre war past.There were certainly some very interesting minor characters described in the book although overall we felt women weren’t portrayed that well in the situations in which the author put them. But it was generally felt this was a very good read portraying the setting in Spain very well and although long (over 500 pages) with a few contrived answers to some of the plots proved a very enjoyable read and one we felt would make an excellent transition to the film screen!. We will look out with interest for other books by this Spanish author. Our next read for the book club reverses that theme with John Le Carre’s “The Constant Gardener”. This has already been a successful film but we wanted to try it in book form as it was written by such a well established (John is now well over 70 years old) writer more generally known for his past spy novels and who spent some of his life in the British Foreign Service. It is available on Amazon at the bargain price of £3.99! Other books that you might want to consider are Roddy Doyle “The Woman Who Walked Into Doors” and the follow up “Paula Spencer” and Zadie Smith’s “On Beauty” the follow up to “White Teeth”. We hope early in 2007 to attend a Radio 4 Book Club recording led by James Naughtie but for next month have booked a meeting at Waterstone’s in Piccadilly – Tuesday 21^st November - 6p.m. at the 5^th View Bar for a get together with cocktails available! Call me on 0207 219 2553 or email coughlanp@parliament.uk if you’d like to come along as I need to confirm numbers .The meeting is followed by a reading and book signing by Charles Frazier of “ Thirteen Moons” - £3 a ticket if you fancy staying on for that at 7p.m call Waterstone’s 0207 851 2433 if you’d like to go. We may well also have a get together over coffee as well some time – so watch this space and spread the news to your friends! Philipa Coughlan – Office of Nick Palmer MP, Rm 254 Portcullis House. Email: coughlanp@parliament.uk Tel: x2553 UPDATE 12 September 2006: We had our meeting this week and had a good turnout to discuss "We need to talk about Kevin " by Lionel Shriver. We all agreed this was a deeply harrowing tale and showed what dreadful outcome might be produced by a tortured teenager who wants notoriety by killing his peers in a most sadistic way. If you have any thoughts after reading the book yourself let us know It also throws up questions about parenting and how the world is maybe only more dangerous and evil because we hear more about it than we used to. The next Book Club Choice is "The Shadow of the Wind " by Carlos Ruiz Zafon, one that features on many bestseller lists and is a mystery thriller set in Barcelona where a young boys' choice of a book leads to life changing experiences. We will meet again on Wednesday 18th October in Room N Portcullis House from 1-2 p.m. All welcome. In the future we hope to organise events such as meeting in Waterstones or attending Book Club events elsewhere. For more information contact Philipa Coughlan coughlanp@parliament.uk or tel ext 2553. UPDATE 3 August 2006: An update after the first meeting. The two books chosen for the summer from the Book Club are: "We Need to talk about Kevin " by Lionel Shriver - a disturbing insight into a mother's worst fears when her 16 yr old son shoots and kills fellow high school students and teachers. A fictional recreation of many true incidents in the US that reveals innermost thought provoking family secrets. "The Case of the Missing Books " by Ian Sansom - a shy Jewish vegetarian turns up in N Ireland to take up his job as a Librarian. But the council has closed the Library and all the books are missing. What will he do now? A funny quirky story full of great characters. I have booked a further get together for the book club on Tuesday 12th September 1-2 in Room T, Portcullis House to talk about the books and plan future ideas. All welcome and happy reading !!!!!! Philipa Coughlan Tel 2553 email coughlanp@parliament.uk UPDATE 17 July 2006: I have now booked the following for the first get together for the proposed Parliamentary Book Club - Tuesday 25^thJuly, 1- 2 p.m. Room T Portcullis House. Anyone interested in being involved or who wants to come along to meet, bring suggestions for books for the summer recess so we can chose a couple to head off for the summer with let me know. Philipa Coughlan - Office of Nick Palmer MP - Tel ext 2553 ORIGINAL MESSAGE 4 July 2006: I'm wondering if there are like minded souls who might consider the chance to set up a Parliamentary Book Club. After all if Richard and Judy can do it why can’t we? Also the chance to get some links outside our usual political reading perhaps? Anyone interested? We could try and have one get together before summer recess and head off on our holidays with one book to mull over and chat about in the autumn. Let me know if want to get together and any ideas for books? Philipa Coughlan - Email: coughlanp@parliament.uk Tel: x2553 Last updated 3 August 2006 Posted: 4 July 2006	You can also See other Essential New Information items


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