I went to my other book group tonight and really enjoyed spending time with the group and Christine. I was looking forward to the meeting because we discussed Zeno’s Conscience by Italo Svevo and I wanted to hear what everyone thought. I did manage to finish it but feel like I missed a lot.
The novel is supposed to be Zeno’s journal. He is undergoing psychoanalysis and his therapist encourages him to write this as part of his treatment. The journal is divided into sections on Zeno’s attempt to quit smoking, the story of his marrige, his mistress, his father’s death, and a business partnership.
While I didn’t love the book there were certain aspects I enjoyed, the touches of humor and Zeno, who was hard to dislike even if he was a liar, delusional, self-involved, etc. He seemed very real actually. I guess my problem was that I go more for a narrative and the fact that I read most of the book over the course of a couple of days. Perhaps my reading would have benefited greatly from some breaks in between.
Overall though this novel reminds me of why I enjoy book groups so much. If it hadn’t been for the group I probably would have never read this book. I admit I admire the cover art but one quick read of the blurbs and I may have put it back on the shelf after reading that Svevo was dubbed “the Italian Proust”. So, yay for exploring a new author and a work of literature deemed by some critics as a masterpiece of Italian literature.
I am looking forward to our March selection as it’s Half of a Yellow Sun – a book I’ve had on my TBR list for some time. For now though I’m most looking forward to reading something a bit lighter.
Good for you for taking a chance on the book! Yeah.
It’s good to see your friends at book group.
I hope that you enjoy the next book a bit better.
That sounds like a challenging book group book! I really enjoyed Half of a Yellow Sun, and have been trying to get my book group to read it…hope it makes for a good discussion at your group 🙂
I’m with you about needing a narrative; I know I always read for plot first. I think you’ll enjoy ‘Half of a Yellow Sun’ and if that seems a funny thing to say about a book that deals with genocide then wait till you’ve read it. There are a great many uplifting moments in among the tragedies.
I love that about book groups too — they can introduce you to such great stuff that you might not otherwise read. The Slaves of Golconda group does that on a regular basis.
I miss f2f book groups for that very reason. It was always fun to get together and discuss something even if I didn’t absolutely love it. Congrats on finishing!
Isabel – I’ve been meaning to tell you that now our book group is very well attended once again! We probably have about 12 – 14 members each time. We miss you of course 🙂
Gentle Reader – We have read some challenging books in this group so it’s good for me to sometimes get out of my comfort zones 🙂
Ann Darnton – I understand what you mean though. I am looking forward to the book as I read her first novel and thought it was beautiful.
Dorothy W. – Oh absolutely the Slaves has definitely made me read out of my comfort zone and I’m so glad… I think two of my favorite books have been Island of Dr. Moreau and Street of Crocodiles. I can’t imagine having chosen those on my own and yet they were really interesting and made you think.
Andi – Absolutely… Sometimes even if I hated the book I walk away with more appreciation of it after having a discussion.
So many people have great book groups! I’m glad yours is an inspiring one.
The book sounds like it can be treated and read in individual episodes. It’s one of those books that keep getting in my face–always stumble upon it at the bookstore, either it’s on the book table and is endowed with a word or two from one of the savvy clerks.
I like trying new books, too, but I admit I am more prone to set them aside if I choose them on my own and don’t get one well with it. If I am reading for a book group, I feel more compelled to finish. The Svevo does sound interesting, though–I’ll have to check it out–if only for the cover art! 🙂
jenclair – I’m pretty lucky to have found two groups that I love. Plus, as I’ve been going to both for a while now it makes that that much more enjoyable.
Matt – Absolutely. And, I think I probably should have done that but as I procrastinated I had to hurry up and read it for book group 🙂
Danielle – Me too! Especially once you read the book I think the cover art is just so appropriate. Heh.
Book Group night was fun and the conversations are always lively and interesting. They always make me think that I miss out sometimes on things in books. I have to say it actually made me feel like I experienced this book in particular.
I will certainly miss them and our opportunity to catch up!
Christine – I love that our book group really analyzes and explores the different themes in the book. I’ve gone to book groups were all people said was “liked it”… Well, that’s not much of a discussion! 🙂 We are going to miss you — you’ll have to send in some reports!