19/12/2023
Book 282: Bodies of Light
Tuesday, 12 December 2023 at Judith’s
Our Christmas get-together was kindly hosted by Judith, with everyone except Jane (Covid strikes again!) present and in good spirits – even better after several bottles of bubbly were polished off!
Overall, a fairly positive response to Bodies of Light from most of the members, with some more muted reactions from Judith and Charlie. General points of agreement were that the writing was good, the better parts were set in Australia and it was a story that needed to be told. The neonatal deaths and the obvious comment on Kathleen Folbigg (very topical now) were very important and something that needs to be examined in society – the readiness to blame the mother etc.
As with many contemporary books that deal with forms of mental illness, Charlie found it unsatisfactory (he knows too much!) and just an amalgam of many case studies from work. The end (he called it the “Shantaram section”), he found unconvincing – he did not believe she could reinvent herself so easily. He found the American section boring but overall liked the writing. He and others felt that the section with Judith was really good and showed what the effect of one good person in a troubled life can achieve.
Judith felt it was too long, the end was boring and she felt that Maggie showed no feeling for any of the men – even the nice ones! She didn’t like it.
In contrast, Brigitte loved it! She empathised completely with the heroine and found the pace enjoyable. She found the story convincing and really wondered about her innocence or guilt. A real story of survival against the odds.
Simon W. also felt it was too long but found the writing accomplished though he thought the voice did not always match the background – it was too “educated” at times. He felt the second half became tedious.
Helen B. and Karen were impressed by how well she showed the terrible effects of childhood trauma on people and their subsequent difficulty navigating relationships, even with good people. Helen felt the issues raised were well-handled and convincing. She felt there was a type of peace achieved at the end and found the whole thing very sad and affecting. She was struck by how such a middle-class, well educated and seemingly well adjusted author could write so convincingly of a totally different life.
Also in the positive corner was Simon P, who couldn’t put it down! He felt though there was a little too much of the soap opera about the constant stream of dramas and living on the edge. He was not sure about the ease with which Maggie could become someone else, though perhaps back in the 90’s it was easier?
Helen P. like the style and found she was very emotionally engaged, that it told an important story which was informative but not enjoyable. She found it faded from her mind very quickly however.
Maureen liked it and found the story worked well for her. She understood the need for Maggie to become someone else and enjoyed it to the end, though she also felt the beginning was the best section.
Mark found it a good audio book in general, with a few tedious patches. The beginning was so true, he was reminded of the lives of many students he deals with on a daily basis. Karen had raised the issue of the importance of “one good teacher” in a life, but Mark pointed out that often they still have to go home and suffer. He felt it can be unwise sometimes for privileged white authors to take on roles such as these but here, she did a good job at raising issues. He found also that the story disappeared quickly from his mind.
It was a lively and fun evening, despite the traumatic nature of the novel! Thanks again to Judith – and to all the Book Club members, who make it such a joy to meet every month. Looking forward to many more good reads next year.
Marks:
Karen 7 Charles 6 Maureen 8
Brigitte 8 Judith 6 Simon W 7
Helen B 8 Simon P 8 Helen P 8
Mark 7
Average: 7.3
Authors cower and gnash their teeth before it. Publishers pose and fawn in despicable attempts to curry its favour. But all is in vain. The Purple Book is incorruptible.
The Purple Book 