I think we all agreed that this was a book none of us would have chosen, unless prompted, but as it turned out we all found it an interesting and enjoyable read, one which provoked a lively discussion regarding special needs and disability, the dilemmas faced by the parents and carers of babies born with…

There is no way a group of women (one would hope men, too) can read and discuss The Handmaid's Tale without distress. But that was surely Atwood's intention. We were saddened that this superb work of "speculative fiction" was just as relevant today, 40 years after it was written. Those who had read it in…

The Cellist of Sarajevo broke our hearts.  For some, it was just too much.  Characterisation was astute and beautifully crafted.  Did we feel sorry for Arrow, or admire her?  Did she have a choice if she wanted to remain true to herself?  What would the book have been if she had been male?  Ordinary people who…