by Kit Darling

image001In October we discussed Blue Moon: A Novel by James King. Evelyn Dick, perhaps the most infamous citizen of Hamilton and the country’s most famous female murderer before Karla Homolka. The main focus of the novel is an attempt to imagine the life of Evelyn Dick after her release from prison for the murder of her infant son. King casts her as Elizabeth Delamere, a successful novelist. She moves to Vancouver where she finds employment at Duthie Books, an actual and well known bookstore. 5 of the members disliked the book: 8 liked it. The discussion was lively and wide ranging. The local setting and references to locations and people gave many of us a personal connection to the story. Others felt that it was very farfetched and that Evelyn Dick could not possibly have transformed herself into Elizabeth Delamere the author. Ultimately you will have to read it yourself to decide who you agree with. You might also be interested in this audio from the CBC Archives http://www.cbc.ca/player/play/2375416650/  THe radio play is based on the court transcripts and interviews and  features JJ Robinette as himself.

And here are some recommended reads from our members, all of which are available from the Hamilton Public Library. Visit the Bookmobile at Bennetto Recreation Centre on Tuesday (2:30 to 4:30) and Thursday (6:00 to 8:00).

Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult. Ruth Jefferson, a black labour & delivery nurse for 20 years, is accused by a white supremacist couple of being responsible for their baby’s death. The ensuing trial is deeply thought provoking. The novel examines hate & racism. There are characters & plot twists that hold the readers interest. A good read.

The Paris Wife by Paula McLain This novel takes the reader to the 1920’s into the lives of Hadley and Ernest Hemingway. Hemingway is a struggling with his goal to be a writer while Hadley is struggling to support her husband’s creative talent and maintain their family amid the bohemian atmosphere of 1920’s Paris. At the end of his life, Hemingway wrote that he would rather have died than fallen in love with anybody but Hadley. A story of successes and failures.

Have you read any of our recommendations? Liked any of the same books we talked about or disagreed totally? Let us know at bayareabookclub@bell.net .