We duly met and discussion of The Slap revealed massive discrepancy between the positive recommendations found on the book jackets and the actual content of the book. Major disappointments as readers tried to find the promised gem in the filthy mire. The general message was that it ain’t there – don’t waste your time, find something worth your precious time.

Enough said.

Other books read – and enjoyable too – included The Trawler, Redmond O’Hanlon’s account of his trip on a rusty old vessel packed with sophisticated equipment to locate the elusive fish in the North Atlantic in the worst possible weather. He shares the lives of the crew through terrifying winds and seas, relentless noise, sheer hard graft and the effects of severe sleep deprivation. Next time you sit down to cod and chips spare a thought for the trawlermen – I know I will.

If your taste is for a different kind of thrill – was it suicide or murder? – then try Sister by Rosamund Lupton. A decent read, honest.

Lord knows where our summer reading will lead us to, but we have our eyes on a couple of books to while away our sunny afternoons by the pool:When God was a Rabbit by Sarah Winman and The Hare with Amber Eyes by Edmund de Waal. We are intrigued by the titles and the blurbs, let’s hope for better luck this time.

Next Meeting – TBC – watch this space and the bulletin.