Radio Free - Maine?

We had a really interesting book club meeting with author, Ali Littman joining us to discuss her book, Radio Underground. We learned more about how she came to find the letters written to Uncle Lanci in the archives of Radio Free Europe at Stanford. We learned that the names of some characters were based on friends she made while living in Budapest. We also learned that the difficulties she expressed in the marriage between Eszter and Ivan drew on issues between her own parents' and their disintegrating marriage. Interesting the layers and influences that come into play when writing a book!

In our follow up discussion, some expressed their rather strong dislike for the book, citing a failed development of the characters and a lack of set up to better understand what was happening and why. It did require a certain basic understanding of the 1956 revolution and the Cold War, which most of us sorely lack! It also could have gone much further in describing places and actions which could have painted a much more detailed picture of the times.

That said, I, for one, appreciated the attempt. Written in her early twenties, and a first novel at that, wasn't bad! She made me want to know more about the times and the book certainly sparked considerable discussion about numerous issues/topics.

In spite of some of the strong feelings, the book ranked a 3.

Elizabeth Strout's Burgess Boys ended up with an equal score of 3, but was more uniformly liked by all. The characters in this book were fully developed, even though most of them were not likable! Our conversation skimmed some of the issues brought up in this book: familial dysfunction, racism, and the integration or lack thereof of refugees in a new country. Strout seems to capture every day people very clearly. Her stories are often dark, or just not very cheery. This book was much better received.

At the end of our discussion, Helene dropped the news that she is stepping down from the club. Citing a pile of books to read and not feeling able to keep up with life's demands, she is saying goodbye. We'll miss you, Helene.

Our next meeting will be held on Saturday, March 2 at Hilarie's home. We will be reading:

The Comfort Food Diaries: My Quest for the Perfect Dish to Mend a Broken Heart by Emily Nunn

and

Imagine Me Gone by Adam Haslett

Lonnie will select our next list of books.