Before during and after, we gathered around to catch up on all the happenings over the past month: trips, illneses, surgeries and everything else. I think we need a chart of who has what!
We then ajourned to the dinning room to partake of pulled pork sandwiches, cole slaw, baked beans and corn. After dinner, I gave a brief history of the typewriter since the book didn't go in to any detail. My old Smith Corona was passed around for everyone to practice on and reminisce about the good old days before computers and internet.
Sharon, Pam and myself really enjoyed "The Blind Contessa's New Machine", a novel based on the true story of a nineteenth-century inventor and his innovative contraption. I thought Carey Wallace did a amazing job describing the process of going blind and how well Carolina adapted to her new condition with imagination and total recall of her surroundings. Others weren’t thrilled with the choppiness of the story and how it went from one converstion to another. Edna didn’t care for her having an affair and ruining her and Turri’s marriage. I found it interesting that her mother said “"A girl does not have many choices. This is the most important one. There must be no whisper against your name until you are married." ...... "After you are married," her mother continued, "many things may happen. You will not speak of them. Neither will your husband, if he is a gentleman." …….. "Do you understand?" ; as if it’s OK to take on a lover but only after you are married. We all agreed that the ending was not satisfactory, perhaps this was because it was the author’s first novel. I really enjoy historic fiction and although I generally do not like books with a lot of detail, I thought this was essential to visualize ( dare I say this) what this blind Contessa was experiencing.
Next month on June 21, we will meet at Louisa’s and read “The Heist” by Janet Evanovich. I have the ebook which will be emailed soon.
Pat, Alice and Carol, we missed you guys.
Arrivederci,
KAthy G
