Jonathan Coe’s “The Rotters club” was our 80th book so some sort of celebration was in order. Had we started, as usual, in a pub a bottle of champagne would have been out of the question ( and probably stretched the definition) but since this outing doubled as a tour of Simon’s new house I took a bottle round as an 80th Bookclub Birthday cum house warming present. I’d also managed to get hold of a copy of “Hatfield And The North’s” The Rotters Club (The album provided not only the title but also the inspiration for the final section of the book.) so our drink was accompanied by some fairly eccentric prog rock. Well, it was until we turned the sound down - Along with flares and the far right some things are best left in the 70’s. Bringing the CD was not my only misdemeanour. Contrary to form I’d already started in on the discussion. As an unabashed “Yes” fan and child of the 70’s sections of “The Rotters Club” have particular resonance. However, blurting out that I’d almost choked, mostly in embarrassment, at the review of “Tales From Topographic Oceans” is not exactly critique. In fact it’s more of a confession so can probably be forgiven?
The Bo Ha had been booked for 9pm and since it was just around the corner we were able to cut the timing fairly fine. It was a fairly brisk meal so the discussion began in earnest around 45 minutes later. All in all this was a well received book so the discussion was even swifter. With some time on our hands we retired to the Blue Cat where Simon shelled out for some ferociously priced fruit beer. After Dom had berated the owner’s choice in music - it was a Beatle’s medley (but not “Stars On 45”) - we beat a strategic retreat and made our way back to where it all started.
Things are a little hazy from then on. (In my defence I claim the onset of man-flu - I spend the next few of days in bed) I think the discussion continued albeit tangentially until common sense and or age prevailed and we left for our own homes.
Come Tuesday ( I told you I was ill ) The Rotters' Club’s scores claimed the record for the most consistent rating and were enough to secure 13th place.
The Bo Ha had been booked for 9pm and since it was just around the corner we were able to cut the timing fairly fine. It was a fairly brisk meal so the discussion began in earnest around 45 minutes later. All in all this was a well received book so the discussion was even swifter. With some time on our hands we retired to the Blue Cat where Simon shelled out for some ferociously priced fruit beer. After Dom had berated the owner’s choice in music - it was a Beatle’s medley (but not “Stars On 45”) - we beat a strategic retreat and made our way back to where it all started.
Things are a little hazy from then on. (In my defence I claim the onset of man-flu - I spend the next few of days in bed) I think the discussion continued albeit tangentially until common sense and or age prevailed and we left for our own homes.
Come Tuesday ( I told you I was ill ) The Rotters' Club’s scores claimed the record for the most consistent rating and were enough to secure 13th place.
