Book Reviews

Today I presented Orbital, by Samantha Harvey to the group.

There is much contained within the 136 pages of this book, which some likened to a poem. It describes a single day in the lives of 6 astronauts and cosmonauts onboard the International Space Station. Short chapters are divided into orbits, ascending and descending. In just 24 hours, Roman, Shaun, Chie, Anton, Nell and Pietro circle the earth 16 times, experiences 16 sunrises and 16 sunsets at 90-minute intervals, passing over a silent blue planet, through seasons, over glaciers, mountain peaks, deserts and oceans. Crew members describe themselves as an international family, merging with each other and with the ship. Each character is individual and well developed.

From low orbit space, perspectives change, political boundaries disappear, humanity becomes one, individuals sense their own smallness in the scheme of things. The earth appears at the centre of everything, a wounded, vulnerable world shaped by human needs.

Space travellers are likened to explorers of the past, setting sail into the unknown, forging further and deeper, now to the moon or Mars. A human being was not made to stand still. (p.133)

Apart from perspective, we discussed the wonderful imagery, the role of memory, the structure of the book, deep philosophical questions, the experience of space travel and much more.

Thank you to all present, for the wonderful discussion.

Book: In the Margins by Gail Holmes (printed 2024)

In the Margins is a historical novel inspired by the life and books of Frances Wolfreston who lived from 1607-1677. Frances was a remarkable seventeenth-century book collector who collected and preserved hundreds of rare literary works, including the sole surviving copy of Shakespeare’s first published work, Venus and Adonis (1593). This collection is one of the most significant surviving collections of the period. It is also one of the scant records to exist that shows what women may have read at a time when female literacy was only around ten per cent. Many of Frances’ books were thin quartos and octavos, some unbound. In addition, Frances wrote in almanacs later in her life.

There are only a few biographical details known about Frances and as a result the author of this book has drawn on Frances’ detailed will and a brief memorial made by her children.

Francis was a hard-working clergyman’s wife who ran a busy household and had many children, including a child with a disability whom she cared for until she died in 1677.

The book is set in 1647 England. As civil war gives way to an uneasy peace and Puritanism becomes the letter of the law, Frances is required to inform authorities where parishioners have failed to attend the new Protestant church. Often these parishioners

were Catholics who could not accept the new church. Recusancy charges could ensue. Penalties could include fines and/or imprisonment and even forfeiture of their lands. As a direct result of this conflict, Frances fails to report a reclusive and mysterious midwife so as to delay the woman being sent to gaol. Francis’ task becomes particularly challenging when her mother, Alice, is arrested and fined for recusancy. Frances attracts the ire of a patron of the parish and is faced with an impossible choice to either comply with the new laws, or risk everything to free the women she cares for.

Frances enjoyed a close relationship with her mother who inspired Frances’ love of books.

The book generated interesting discussion including:

women of the times as book collectors
contrasts between of the day and women of today
equality in marriage
changes in religious beliefs
life and relationships in general
the effects on the community of land repossession and the withdrawal of traditional common land
attitudes to disease for example, small pox and vaccination;
support and solidarity of the women in realising:
o a new confidence and respect
o trustworthiness
o improved relationships with children.

Summary:

Beautifully written and deeply moving, In the Margins, is a testament to the way literature can illuminate our inner lives and set us free when the world around us is covered in darkness. The Group agreed that they had each enjoyed reading the book.