We had a lively discussion about the book, also about despotic regimes today, about the intolerance shown towards 'others' - that rise and fall throughout history - and we acknowledged that much of this type of cruelty and persecution continues as we speak. We also talked about the societal responses towards liberalism and increasing freedoms…

We all loved A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles. Its range of eccentric personalities and bizarre characters were compelling. The style covered the development of post-revolutionary Russia with a touch of magical realism woven into the theatrical story of Count Rostov - trapped behind the revolving doors of the Hotel Metropol - and his…

We had a lively, thought-provoking discussion about this book, concerning  women and men, their roles and relationships, misogyny and patriarchy. The author, Anna Funder, incorporated her personal, contemporary 'Wifedom', a welcome panacea for some of us following the brutality and insensitivity of George Orwell's (nee Eric Arthur Blair) cruel, selfish and neglectful treatment of Eileen…