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November meeting

BOOK: Extinctions

AUTHOR: Josephine Wilson

General overview

Our meeting on Tuesday was a more subdued affair than the uproar at Kathy’s meeting in October, but still a lot of fun, and thanks to all who were able to make it. I’m glad you all survived the stairs, the exhaustive (read “exhausting”) questions and the book itself. 

Generally, the book was considered lightweight on character building, with the main character (Frederick) being insipid, self-centred and “boring”, and some of the minor character being far more interesting, but given a thin veneer by the author.  Some of the recurring themes around regret and the ownership of possessions may have developed the story further. The general view was that actual theme of “Extinction” (whether of a species or individual) was largely unexplored and left the reader feeling unfulfilled.

It was agreed that the unrealistic ending wrapped up the main themes and characters too neatly and that the minor characters’ stories were left hanging without resolution.  All in all, not the best read. Most members were astonished that this book was the Miles Franklin Award winner for 2017, and many wondered “what were the judges thinking”.

Why did I choose this book?

My mum gave be a copy of The Age Newspaper’s monthly book review mag a few months ago.  She does it every month after she’s read it, and I dutifully promise myself to have a look (but never do- I already have too many books I haven’t read yet).  This time, however, with Book Club upcoming, I took a peek. Hoping for a good impression for my first book, I selected (what was then Miles Franklin shortlisted) “Extinctions”. Woe betide me- never again!

Rating and Pithy Comments

Hope I got you all connected to the correct comments….

Anne Marie:        6/10- A bit trite

Tahnee:               4/10- Too many stories not realised. I would have liked to have known more about Caroline.

Colleen:               4/10- Unbelievable mismatched collection of characters.

Tamara:               5/10- Like driving with an erratic driver

Mel:                      5/10- 33% done, and no more!

Trilby:                   4/10- Incomplete

Kaye:                    3/10- Not a complete waste of time

Meaghan:            4/10- A disappointment of unfulfilled characters and storyline.

NOTE: Next meeting is Colleen’s.  She has selected “A Drover’s Wife” by Henry Lawson.  She explains

it is a short read, so even those with limited time in the lead up to Christmas can get this one
knocked over.  Thanks again!