We discussed "The tenderness of wolves" by Stef Penney.
A debut novel and winner of the prestigious Book of the Year "Costa Award" in 2006, this month's selection spurred much lively discussion. Our group rated it 7 out of a possible 10 points.
- Vivid, wonderfully crafted descriptive passages. (perhaps attributed to the fact that the author is also a screenwriter)
- Interesting, complex and tenacious characters in a dramatic environment.
- Historical accounts of life led by Scottish immigrants and the Hudson Bay Company were compelling.
- Well researched and well-written.
- Overly long with some story lines not relevant to the overall plot.
- Too many characters to form a cohesive whole.
- Geography research was at times unbelievable.
- Plot seems to unravel near the end and loses focus
Not a page turner (not necessarily a bad thing...)
Not a mystery in the traditional sense - more a human interest story
Remarkable descriptions considering it was written by someone who has never been to Canada
Each character seemed like an outcast in her/his own way
Favorite characters were Mrs. Ross, William Parker and Donald Moody
Title perhaps refers to William Parker as much as it does to wolves
Indian characters were treated favorably throughout the narrative
Harsh conditions and corruption of the time period were well portrayed
Congratulations to this month's winners of the book giveaways:
- Carmella
- Marilyn
- Jane
- Jean
- Nancy
February's selection for Whodunit:
"Starvation Lake" by Bryan Gruley
