May 18 Meeting at Pam's

 

April 20 Dual Meeting with Pat & Alice

FOSTER by Irish author Claire Keegan was my choice for March - it was a short novella but had a powerful message and spirit.  Taking place in the 1980's in rural Catholic countryside of the Republic of Ireland, it was rough to read at times, feeling for this family and their struggles. The writing is spare but the love for this 9 year old lassie is clear by her "foster" parents for the summer, relatives whom she's never met before being dropped off with no warning or preparation or goodbye hug from her Da.

There is also a poignant movie now based on the book made in 2022 just after the book was published- the Irish language is spoken throughout and English too- central character young Cait is brought to life visually and every part of her summer.  It was a lovely sight to see this film adaptation of this bittersweet story.  I could watch it a few more times.

Thank you Pat for sharing the evening with my little bit of Ireland.

Slainte.  Alice

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We missed Edna and Grace and welcomed Rennie!!

Enjoyed great food, especially Sylvia's crab quiche, Rennie's lemon cake, and Grace/Pat's ice cream cake ( thanks for the lesson, Grace!). It was fun making it AND eating it!

Lessons in Chemistry was a fascinating and amusing book for us all!  The book is set in the 1960s and is  Bonnie Garmus's debut novel at the age of 64.  We all have many memories from this era!!! And what an inspiration to us all, having a debut novel at 64!  The book stirred memories, inspired, celebrated women, made us laugh out loud, taught us about love, and to me spoke of the beauty of family... not only the one you are born into, but also the one you choose

Pat