July 31, 2011 - Meeting at Celia's

Submitted by Lori:


We had a small group for book club yesterday, and although the absent
members were very much missed, the small number allowed us to fit
easily for into Celia's gazebo for an extremely pleasant afternoon.
While enjoying copious (and delicious) appetizers and wine, we
discussed "The Widow's War" by Sally Gunning. Most in the group
enjoyed the book immensely, while a few felt it was perhaps a bit too
simplistic or romantic. The book generated discussion about whether or
not personal desire really would have won out over social mores in
those days of strong religious restriction- and we determined that if
the personal desire was strong enough and the social dictum repugnant
enough, yes, the events in the book could have happened. We also
discussed the status of women in the US, realizing that even as little
as 20 years ago, it was difficult for women to own property and get
credit without a husband or father to cosign. It was fun to hear
Patricia talk about the Brewster area (where this story was set) as it
was 40 years ago and still undeveloped. There was also a lively
discussion about the main character's relationship with Sam (the
Indian man), with opinions ranging from that a white woman wouldn't
have jeopardized herself to such a degree back then to some that felt
she should have ended up with him in the end. As usual, it was a
wonderful afternoon.

Because of the number of people that have had to miss summer meetings,
there has been talk of taking a break for a few months each summer.
Those of us at yesterday's meeting decided that we would prefer to
continue through the summers, both for continuity and because the
meetings are still wonderful, even when smaller.

Another point that came up yesterday- we had only appetizers and
wonderful Key Lime Pie prepared by Celia, and felt that it was a
sufficient amount of food for the afternoon. As much as we all like to
prepare food for each other and eat it, we should continue to try to
keep the food offerings simple at these meetings.

The next meeting will be Sun, Aug 21 at Pembrook (Kathy will confirm
the time). It has been moved up one week for Augest since a number of
us will be here already for one of Kathy's trips. The book to be
discussed in August is "Major Pettigrew's Last Stand" by Helen
Simonson.

A book was chosen for the Sept. 25th meeting. By an overwhelming
majority, it was decided that we would read "The Girl that Fell from
the Sky" by Heidi W. Durrow. We did not decide on a place for the
Sept meeting, and are still looking for volunteers. I am always happy
to host in Jamaica Plain, but perhaps there is someone else that would
rather host in NH. We can determine the place at the next meeting.

We missed all of you that couldn't make it yesterday, but still
managed to have a wonderful time :-)