Women, War, What-the-@#*k, and Why

Barb, Cherilyn and McLassie found themselves in states other than at Kathy's place at Frederick Street on Wednesday 17 July but all remaining book clubbers turned up and missed the missing, while the resident ginger/tortoiseshell el pussycato (Pumpkin) reoriented herself with her guests.

Thanks to David Rowe for "Trump - me the people"

Rainy cold weather had set in over the land in the last few days, but we all agreed things weren't as grim here as they were in USA, with the prospect of the orange psychopath now bobbing ever more vigorously on the horizon.  

To divert our fears Kathy told us of her news that after Matt's (and fiancé) recent visit to Adelaide she had told Matt of her wise decision not to travel to Panama for the wedding; and Mog is looking forward to a very full house over Christmas with the visit from her American family (and friends) crossing over with her interstate lot.  (Whether the USA arm of her family return is a question waiting for an answer). 

But some of us wondered whether these conversations were a diversion - because there may have been an element of reluctance to re-enter the pages of our two troubling books  about women and war.  Just then, Megan valiantly stepped forward and launched us into Iraq and the fractured world of the Yazidi community in Kocho - torn apart when ISIS stormed into that part of the middle east in 2014.  The Last Girl, by Nadia Murad (with Jenna Krajeski), was an autobiographical account of the genocide, and all agreed it made for a very difficult and troubling read.  You can read Megan's excellent research and summary here https://docs.google.com/document/d/1YEE4v9cPu2VXtC10cyyqkc2BCGO_dGDfIGSVQs6OcYY/edit

Discussion about the book revolved around Nadia's incredible courage - in surviving, escaping, telling her story and taking the Yazidi genocide to the world in an effort to obtain justice.  All readers agreed that despite, and even because, of the grim subjects it traversed, the book was a significant contribution to recording the catastrophic effects of extreme religious fervour.  We discussed whether the Yazidi would be described as a 'cult' in the west, but decided that was very much a second order issue.   One lone voice thought there could have been more background to set the scene of the time, particularly the lasting effects of the US/UK/Australian invasion of Iraq (2003-2011), resulting in the civil wars and the rise of ISIS when they exited in 2011.  But there were no takers on this as most bookclubbers considered this aspect was beyond the book's scope, and all took the view that Nadia's story was important to tell in its own right. 

Fortunately, as you can see from the video, the Yazidi have found some joy since, with Nadia gaining the 2018 Peace Prize along with western support to rebuild the homelands.  Her work to redress the failure of the international community to take action on the ethnic cleansing of the Yazidi is ongoing, while on a personal level, she has married and resettled in Germany.    A tough but important read was the general view -  to find out more about Nadia's work go to https://www.nadiasinitiative.org  

Kathy then whipped us back to the late 1960's early 70's and USA/Vietnam with The Women, by Kristin Hannah, and you can read her extensive background research and book summary here https://docs.google.com/document/d/1YWDfKGUTVIgS543tA2TyFqdn5Xn-E1DWiqBN2BCW1VA/edit

Also here is an interview of Kristin Hannah talking about her book (its 17.5 minutes so settle in with your cup of tea and choccy biscuit)

Everyone agreed on some things about the book: firstly it told an important story about the women on the front line in the Vietnam war whose role was not acknowledged; secondly that Kristin Hannah did her research meticulously; and thirdly that the book conveyed the atmosphere of the turbulent times well.  But there were some caveats - and here they come

• As Frankie faded with PTSD in the second half, so too did the narrative, with twists and turns in the storyline, some of which channelled 'Mills and Boon' - particularly the romantic elements which some thought were sentimental, cheesy and predictable.  
• The reconnection with Rye stands out, as does the finale with James (honestly!! - we were led to believe both died in the war and yet they separately return from the dead, with James' reappearance contributing to the book's happy ending and 450+ page count).  
• Then there was the affair and engagement with psychiatrist Henry Acevedo - who despite his professional expertise, amazingly does nothing to assist her through PTSD even while witnessing all the pill popping and alcohol consumption.  
• The parents estrangement from Frankie also came in for some critical walloping - and Kathy reflected that the lifestyle from 'a country club existence' probably contributed to their detached perspective

Despite these misgivings, we agreed the book was interesting and readable, and that the standout characters were the women and their lasting friendship - Frankie, Ethel and Barb - which was probably what the author wanted us to go away with.  So its a success there!  

Pumpkin purred her way into the room as we were winding up, no doubt keen to hoover up the crumbs of the delicious apple cake we wolfed down before making our way homewards.

Next meeting, on 11 September 2024, (probably McLassie's place but stay tuned), we're going to Greece with Margy's book selection - The Book of Fire, by Christy Leftery: and a mystery trip probably to somewhere else with McLassie yet to confirm her selection.

UPDATE:  McLassie's book brings us back home - Chai Time at the Cinnamon Gardens, by Shankari Chandran

Book recommendations - or not - were

• The Forest of Wool and Steel by Natsu Miyashita (recommended by Cherrie)
• The Guest Cat, by Takash Hiraide (continuing the Japanese theme)
• The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek, by Kim Michele Richardson (recommended by Megan)
• When we were Orphans, by (Sir) Kazuo Ishiguro (recommended up until 2/3rds through the book by Julie)