We’ll come on to share what we’ve been reading this month, but first, 15 mins on our November book, A Fortunate Man by John Berger.
Getting straight to the nitty gritty, what do you think about this quotation below? Is Sassall ‘a fortunate man’? Do you think this is a useful means of valuing a life? How does this make you think about your own life - in this context, would you say you’re fortunate or not?
As an art historian, Berger really portrays Sassall as an artist too. Sassall does what he enjoys, creates and destroys through his practice and, as we discover late in the book, suffers the darkness which is both a creative and destructive force in the lives of many artists. To see Sassall as a singular man is not to excuse him, but perhaps allows us to enter into the intensity of his life and responsibilities. To note that the vital care given him by his wife is overlooked, is a familiar situation common to histories of artists until recent years. In her recent book Polly Morland achieves a superb balance of the place, the people, and the doctor's practice, and so partially redeems the apparent failures of Berger and his subject without diminishing or giving hard-won ground.
And Diane emailed with these. I've heard such good things about Assembly - I must give it a go:
Regarding books, I’m ploughing through The Magic Mountain after reading Colm Toibin’s The Magician, fictional biography on Thomas Mann. Radio 4 did an excellent abridged reading of The MM which helped.
I asked Waterstone’s for a quick, easy read this weekend to take to a health spa and they gave me Assembly, Natasha Brown’s first ‘novel’ (novella?). Intriguing literary form, episodic, read easily during the day.
I’m in the middle of reading mark carneys values (ex Bank of England governor). Interesting premise but so far it’s been a little too textbooky in style for me although still half to go.
I had some lovely recommendations from another new joiner, Andre:
I've also been reading "Spring cannot be cancelled" by Martin Gayford and David Hockney and having good fun with it, jotting down notes on places, artists and concepts all the time. It is also an inexpensive way to go back to Normandy. Earlier this year I read a Portuguese translation of "Family Lexicon" by Natalia Ginzburg and I'm considering having a go at it in Italian, even though I don't speak the language. It's a wonderful translation but I'm just too curious to know how it all sounds in its original form. Other than that, I read and reread Anete Melece's "The Kiosk" to my kids every other night.
Claire Keegan's Small Things Like These is a brilliant book - short but incredibly perceptive - the hero is a man with great integrity - whether it makes him fortunate is another matter
I have been reading the film director Michael Powell's autobiographies - A Life in Pictures and Million Dollar Movies - big books full of adventures although very old fashioned views. He had a long-standing love affair with Deborah Kerr who played Sister Clodagh in the Black Narcissus film. Just started December's book - certainly a contrast with The Fortunate Man
I've just read The Promise by Damon Galgut for my Age UK Camden book group - it had a lot in it, but to be totally honest I wonder if it was a little overhyped....
Is there something as well as about the order of rural life in the 60s which allowed a greater clarity about the roles of the 'expert' doctor and the 'everyday' local community? Now we don't accept in the same way.
Sorry I’m late on: frantic Black Friday Xmas shopping this morning! Sadly I think while he is very fortunate in many ways, as he cannot stop striving, reaching for something beyond what he can reasonably do (psychoanalysis after supper) it is not always a content one ...
It was a challenging read -reconciling the narrative of what happens with the philosophical reflections. The film of the discussion in the Forest of Dean demonstrated how uncomfortable it made some people feel. Rather dismissive of Berger - maybe his world view doesn't fit with life now very easily. A point made there was the importance of looking at the photos as much as reading the text.
An issue that kept on coming up in our other discussions was how tricky it was to distinguish between the viewpoints of the Doctor and of Berger. And of course there are Mohr's photographs alongside.
This book literally made my brain sweat ... but then I'm much better at reading fiction or narrative non-fiction. I got on much better with pen and paper at the ready.
Did you find it a tricky read? Did you enjoy the challenge?
This idea of being "fortunate" in pursuing what we wish to pursue has really resonated with me. It's especially made me feel really lucky in spending time developing our book club. On our walk, it seemed like it struck a chord with some of the artists in the group. How did it make you feel?
Fortunate isn't the first word that comes to mind but I think Sassall is an honourable man doing good but questioning himself. Hard to say whether I am fortunate or not - fortunate enough to be alive perhaps (and get to go to the walking book club of course)
📚 🚶Our November Thread
As time ticks on, please add your final recommendations below.
Any latecomers to the thread, please do add a comment or recommendation anytime!
As an art historian, Berger really portrays Sassall as an artist too. Sassall does what he enjoys, creates and destroys through his practice and, as we discover late in the book, suffers the darkness which is both a creative and destructive force in the lives of many artists. To see Sassall as a singular man is not to excuse him, but perhaps allows us to enter into the intensity of his life and responsibilities. To note that the vital care given him by his wife is overlooked, is a familiar situation common to histories of artists until recent years. In her recent book Polly Morland achieves a superb balance of the place, the people, and the doctor's practice, and so partially redeems the apparent failures of Berger and his subject without diminishing or giving hard-won ground.
Looking forward to seeing you on a walk or zoom soon, and hopefully on next month's thread!
thank you
Righty ho... thank you Pat, Gillian and Michael for a wonderful thread!
re DH Lawrence I m still trying to get through Frances Wilson s biography of him . I t needs concentration......
Death in Venice is a nice short Thomas Mann
And Diane emailed with these. I've heard such good things about Assembly - I must give it a go:
Regarding books, I’m ploughing through The Magic Mountain after reading Colm Toibin’s The Magician, fictional biography on Thomas Mann. Radio 4 did an excellent abridged reading of The MM which helped.
I asked Waterstone’s for a quick, easy read this weekend to take to a health spa and they gave me Assembly, Natasha Brown’s first ‘novel’ (novella?). Intriguing literary form, episodic, read easily during the day.
Sarah, another newbie, says:
I am reading Churchill and Orwell A Fight for Freedom which is fascinating.
New joiner Rosanna says:
I’m currently reading Julia Child’s My Life in France and loving every page
I’m in the middle of reading mark carneys values (ex Bank of England governor). Interesting premise but so far it’s been a little too textbooky in style for me although still half to go.
I had some lovely recommendations from another new joiner, Andre:
I've also been reading "Spring cannot be cancelled" by Martin Gayford and David Hockney and having good fun with it, jotting down notes on places, artists and concepts all the time. It is also an inexpensive way to go back to Normandy. Earlier this year I read a Portuguese translation of "Family Lexicon" by Natalia Ginzburg and I'm considering having a go at it in Italian, even though I don't speak the language. It's a wonderful translation but I'm just too curious to know how it all sounds in its original form. Other than that, I read and reread Anete Melece's "The Kiosk" to my kids every other night.
Claire Keegan's Small Things Like These is a brilliant book - short but incredibly perceptive - the hero is a man with great integrity - whether it makes him fortunate is another matter
Sue, a new joiner to our book group recommends Featherhood by Charlie Gilmour - she enjoyed listening to the audio version.
Agree about The Promise Emily
I have been reading the film director Michael Powell's autobiographies - A Life in Pictures and Million Dollar Movies - big books full of adventures although very old fashioned views. He had a long-standing love affair with Deborah Kerr who played Sister Clodagh in the Black Narcissus film. Just started December's book - certainly a contrast with The Fortunate Man
I ve just read elizabeth strout s Lucy by the sea. She writes so sparingly and emotionally. It is set in the pandemic
Lotte, another walking book clubber who unfortunately couldn't make today's thread said:
I only knew John Berger from “Here is where we meet”, which is excellent.
Might be a good one to check out!
I've just read The Promise by Damon Galgut for my Age UK Camden book group - it had a lot in it, but to be totally honest I wonder if it was a little overhyped....
Can we move on to share anything else we've enjoyed reading, or indeed watching, this November?
Is there something as well as about the order of rural life in the 60s which allowed a greater clarity about the roles of the 'expert' doctor and the 'everyday' local community? Now we don't accept in the same way.
Sorry I’m late on: frantic Black Friday Xmas shopping this morning! Sadly I think while he is very fortunate in many ways, as he cannot stop striving, reaching for something beyond what he can reasonably do (psychoanalysis after supper) it is not always a content one ...
reminds me of DH Lawrence and how everyone should be able to value what they do. This doctor is from a privileged class
Or reading the photos rather than just looking at them
It was a challenging read -reconciling the narrative of what happens with the philosophical reflections. The film of the discussion in the Forest of Dean demonstrated how uncomfortable it made some people feel. Rather dismissive of Berger - maybe his world view doesn't fit with life now very easily. A point made there was the importance of looking at the photos as much as reading the text.
An issue that kept on coming up in our other discussions was how tricky it was to distinguish between the viewpoints of the Doctor and of Berger. And of course there are Mohr's photographs alongside.
This book literally made my brain sweat ... but then I'm much better at reading fiction or narrative non-fiction. I got on much better with pen and paper at the ready.
Did you find it a tricky read? Did you enjoy the challenge?
This idea of being "fortunate" in pursuing what we wish to pursue has really resonated with me. It's especially made me feel really lucky in spending time developing our book club. On our walk, it seemed like it struck a chord with some of the artists in the group. How did it make you feel?
Fortunate isn't the first word that comes to mind but I think Sassall is an honourable man doing good but questioning himself. Hard to say whether I am fortunate or not - fortunate enough to be alive perhaps (and get to go to the walking book club of course)
Hello everyone! Welcome to the chat.