by Anne Chambers
Great discussion around Ken Whitaker. I think the general consensus pretty uniform and in line with Jim’s appreciation – although he may well be the most generous.
The general concern was over the lack of critical attention and prospect that the author simply was too close and clearly too much in awe of the subject. A worthy subject but one probably deserving of a deeper analytical appreciation of others perspectives on this beyond his own recollection. Possibly a good overview of his life but one that could have been accomplished in far fewer pages or of the same magnitude with deeper balance and thoughtfulness. I believe I recall marks on the night ranging from 5-7 with no one feeling that they had wasted their time in reading the book but expecting more from the subject matter.
The book chosen, the popular and Mann Booker prize winner:
The Narrow Road to the Deep North by Richard Flannagan