On the first Wednesday of every month, GWL team members and volunteers share what we’ve read recently at our Book Picnic:
Etta Lemon: The Woman Who Saved the Birds by Tessa Boase
This biography of a remarkable woman in Victorian England was recommended by Anna. Etta Lemon was a passionate animal rights activist who founded the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. She worked tirelessly to raise awareness about the dangers of feathered fashion, in regards to both extinction, and working conditions for the women and children in the feather industry. This book explores Etta’s life, her struggles and successes, and the impact she had on the conservation movement in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Anna remarked that the research into the work house and feather industry for this book was phenomenal, and the content was very interesting.
Hear No Evil by Sarah Smith
Anna also recommended Hear No Evil by Sarah Smith, which was mentioned last month in our March 2023 book picnic. You can read about it here. Anna thought it was very well written, and enjoyed the clever weaving of stories.
The Trial of Lotta Rae by Siobhan MacGowan
Recommended by Elaine, this historical fiction thriller follows the story of Lotta Rae, a young woman who is assaulted by a wealthy gentleman on Halloween night in 1906. Lotta decides to take the man to trial, but as she navigates the justice system, she discovers that not everyone is on her side, including her own barrister, William. The novel explores themes of power, privilege, and the difficulties that women faced in the early 20th century, as Lotta attempts to bring these men to justice. It is a story of bravery and determination as Lotta seeks revenge and aims to reclaim her agency in a world that often denies it to her. Elaine enjoyed how the two main characters (Lotta and William) were written, and how their decisions were interlocked.
Lucy by the Sea by Elizabeth Strout
Recommended by Pauline, this is the fourth in the Lucy Barton series. In this novel, Lucy reluctantly agrees to spend the COVID-19 lockdown with her ex-husband, William, in a house by the sea in a small town in Maine. As they navigate their shared past and present, Lucy reflects on her life and relationships, including her on-again, off-again friendship with William. The novel explores themes of family, love, and the complexities of human relationships. It is a poignant and reflective story that captures the emotional upheaval and introspection brought on by the pandemic. Pauline noted that there is no need to have read the first three, but she recommends you do, as Strout is one of her favorite authors.
The Ninth Child by Sally Magnusson
Recommended by Helen, this book was previously mentioned in our April 2021 book picnic. You can read about it here. Helen found the book to be fascinating and engaging, with well written narrators.
Trumpet by Jackie Kay
Recommended by Ren, this novel tells the story of Joss Moody, a legendary jazz trumpeter who has just passed away. However, after Joss’s death, it is revealed that he was actually born female, and had been living his life as a man. The novel explores the impact of this revelation on Joss’s adopted son, wife, friends, and fans, as well as the media frenzy that surrounds the story. Through multiple perspectives and flashbacks, readers gain insight into Joss’s life and the struggles he faced as a transgender man in a society that did not accept him. The novel is a powerful exploration of identity, love, and the complexity of human relationships, as well as a poignant reflection on the price of fame and the dangers of prejudice. Ren was entirely immersed in the story, and thoroughly enjoyed this incredible book.
The Democracy of Species by Robin Wall Kimmerer
This collection of essays was recommended by Gaby, who enjoyed the gentle and kind ways that Kimmerer expressed ideas and knowledge. The essays explore the relationship between humans and the natural world. Drawing on her experiences as a botanist and a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, Kimmerer reflects on the ways in which Western culture has traditionally viewed the environment as a resource to be exploited, rather than a community of beings with their own rights and agency. Through stories and personal anecdotes, Kimmerer argues for a more reciprocal and respectful relationship between humans and the natural world, one that acknowledges the agency and intelligence of non-human species. The essays in this book offer a unique and insightful perspective on environmentalism and the urgent need for ecological restoration and justice. Gaby plans to re-read this book, as it was so full of wisdom on how to think and act in terms of consuming and caring for nature.
What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty
Recommended by Jenna, this novel follows Alice, a woman who wakes up after a fall to discover that she has lost the last ten years of her memory. She believes she is still 29 years old, pregnant with her first child, and madly in love with her husband. However, in reality, she is 39, a mother of three, and in the middle of a bitter divorce. As Alice struggles to come to terms with the changes in her life, she begins to uncover the events that led to her current situation and to question the choices she has made along the way. The novel explores themes of love, family, and identity, and offers a thought-provoking look at the nature of memory and the way our perceptions of ourselves and others can change over time. Jenna enjoyed Moriarty’s trademark humor, as well as the way the book makes you think and reflect on where you could be in 10 years, and how people can change so much in a relatively short period of time.
Finally, we would like to mention our World Book Night event, which will take place on 21st April at 2:30pm. This celebration will feature free books, a book quiz, book-and-poem-based discussion, and tea and cake (of course). You can read more about this event and book in here.
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