Book info

• Title The Reading Group
• Author Elizabeth Noble
• Year 2003
• Genre Contemporary

Five women meet for their first reading group, little realising this social gathering over books and glasses of wine might see them share more than literary debate ... and will, in fact, take each of them to places they'd never imagined. Harriet and Nicole are the ringleaders, best friends who can't quite admit - to themselves or one other - they might be trapped in loveless marriages. While Polly, a determined single mum, finds herself tipped off course by an unexpected proposal. Susan, usually so carefree and happy, is forced to face a shattering reality and Clare, quiet and mysterious, plainly has more on her mind than next week's book choice. Over the coming year their worlds will intertwine in delightful, unexpected and surprising ways. Stories will be re-written as dreams are made and broken, but through it all they'll have the Reading Group, with friendship, tears and laughter featuring in every chapter of their lives.

Thoughts

The loves and lives of a group of women who get together once a month to discuss their book of choice, and get together more frequently to discuss their families. Lots of different situations, lots of twists and turns along the way, but most importantly, a happy ending.

There’s Harriet who is clever but unsatisfied, Nicole who’s dealing with a straying husband, Polly whose daughter is about to become a mom herself and Susan who is losing hers.

The book is really, really, formatted. There’s a book a month and then each month is split into headings of the different peoples names, whoever that particular section is about. I like the style of writing and the story comes across really well, it was just a little bit too “young family” orientated for me.

Rating: 3 / 5