Book Chat - Issue #15

Hello reading friends!

Life is slowly returning to normal as we reach the end of our lockdown period. Shops and cafes are starting to re-open, and many of my friends are excited about the prospect of getting a haircut.

A friend asked me what I missed most in the last four months and I said that apart from not seeing my children (who are adults and live in the big city), what I missed most was going to my book group and swimming at the local pool.

I know there have been a lot of opportunities for online book groups, but it’s not the same as catching up with reading friends over a cuppa. My book group has been meeting for twenty years, so they are like part of my family.

I’ve just finished reading The Covered Wife. It’s the debut novel of Australian writer Lisa Emanuel and an excellent read.

The story revolves around Sarah, a smart young lawyer working long hours at a mid-tier law firm. She meets the handsome Daniel and they fall in love.

He introduces her to a charismatic young couple, Rabbi Menachem Lev and his wife Chani, and despite her initial misgivings, she is drawn to their vibrant community. Growing up as an only child with her single mother, Sarah has always felt like an outsider and longs to be part of a cohesive group.

By the time the couple move to the Jamison Valley, where Menachem and Chani have established a community of believers, Sarah can’t imagine life without the joy, purpose and love she’s discovered. But things take a dark turn when life in the community becomes more restrictive and cult-like, and she wonders whether she has given up too much in her desire to belong.

This is an easy read but very thought-provoking. It would make a great book group choice.

Here’s a lovely piece about the value of libraries in the community. As the author says, libraries are one of the few places in the community where people of all ages can mix in a safe, warm environment. And they’re free.

Like many writers, I have a copy of the Elements of Style on my bookshelf, but it was only recently that I finally got around to actually reading it. It’s excellent! Who knew?

Have you been feeling unenthusiastic about cooking lately? I know I have.

I bought some pistachio halva from an online store recently and then wondered what to do with it. I found a very interesting recipe for tahini and halva brownies, but I haven’t made it yet. It would be good to take to a picnic or a party, so I will make it one day soon and let you know how it turns out.

Here’s the recipe in case you want to try it yourself. If you’re unfamiliar with halva, it’s a sweet made from sesame seeds and nuts.

That’s all for now. I’d love to know what you’ve been reading, so hit reply if you have any book recommendations or just want to say hello.

Warm wishes and happy reading

Marg xxx