Online Book Club Session 1

At long last, our first virtual book club meeting was held on 21 August, with 18 members present. The technology was mastered by most with ease!

Starting with the Lone Pine Series, we kicked off with Mystery at Witchend and the 'around the room' discussion covered characters, landscapes, spies and wartime restrictions. Irritations with some characters and language included, for many,  Mr Sterling’s fussiness and, for some, the use of the terms 'Mummy' and 'Daddy'!

Most - but not all - of the experienced readers felt that, whilst they enjoyed the book, the best of Saville’s writing is yet to come! Some members had only read abridged versions and now appreciated what they had been missing.

Initially envisaged as a platform for those in the Society who are (for reasons of avoiding divorce or disinheritance!) reading the books to become familiar with them, perhaps for the first time, we found our members to be the keenest of the keen, with extensive knowledge. Their joy is rereading them and having a chance to discuss the books with fellow devotees.

A few amicable disagreements on some matters, firm agreement on others and a few laughs along the way - a success all round!