Late March 2009
A general view that it was hard going - certainly the first half, though both Mark Th. and Chris E got into it more as the book progressed. Some of the things discussed were:
Some good descriptive bits (dogs, rain and diamonds springs to mind) but a contrary view that an occasionally inspired sentence doesn't make a novel
Some very funny passages and in particular some good one-liners from the folks living in Johnson's house
Does a novel set in a historical context need to tell /inform you anything about the history (Chris - no, me - yes). Whichever, a general view that it didn't.
Felt to be an interesting book about social behaviour and settings of the period (if you're interested in that kind of thing)
Given our oft-discussed point about whether we warmed to the characters - a general view of not doing so, whether that be Johnson, Queeney, Mrs Thrale or whoever.
Apart from the somewhat strained concept of returning to the theme at the end when Johnson died, some confusion about the point of the opening scene (though was widely felt to be the best bit of the book).
So, not highly rated, though Steve, Mark Th. and Chris enjoyed it to an extent.
3.94
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