Book Club: Without Words by Lisa Gurine
Dear Readers,
Welcome to the Gabriel's Horn Book Club on Zoom!
In her old age, Shadow writes the stories of all those she knew. In doing so, she discovers the value of a life of silence--a life spent listening--and the gift she has given to so many.
We, the readers, find an endearing, gentle soul who sees the good in everyone, even as we learn the history of the South Dakota settlement, in the re-telling of the author's own family history, woven together through the eyes of Shadow.
We, the readers, find an endearing, gentle soul who sees the good in everyone, even as we learn the history of the South Dakota settlement, in the re-telling of the author's own family history, woven together through the eyes of Shadow.
We had a great group: Susan, Susan, Roxie, Christine, Dana, Miriam, Shawn, Chris, and Becky, along with myself and Lisa.
We talked about some of Lisa's own family history that led to this story, about how those experiences were fictionalized or re-told, about the peculiar relationship between Hulda and Shadow, and the question of whether certain stories should be told for the benefit of others or kept quiet for the family.
One discussion I found interesting was the question of what happened to Shadow's parents and why some readers liked the fact that we never find out. A comment I particularly liked was Susan's remark that having often felt women aren't listened to, she saw through Shadow's eyes that maybe men often feel they need to keep quiet or can't speak their feelings. The book, she said, gave her a deeper appreciation for men and what their experience might be.
One of the things I love most of Lisa's book is that, though sometimes fictionalized somewhat, every story comes directly from her own or her husband's family history, or from South Dakota historical records. One that we talked about is the multiple drownings at Amsden Dam. One of our book club participants told of how this scene hit her personally, as she remembered being at the local cemetery and seeing the row of graves of people who all died on the same day.
One discussion I found interesting was the question of what happened to Shadow's parents and why some readers liked the fact that we never find out. A comment I particularly liked was Susan's remark that having often felt women aren't listened to, she saw through Shadow's eyes that maybe men often feel they need to keep quiet or can't speak their feelings. The book, she said, gave her a deeper appreciation for men and what their experience might be.
One of the things I love most of Lisa's book is that, though sometimes fictionalized somewhat, every story comes directly from her own or her husband's family history, or from South Dakota historical records. One that we talked about is the multiple drownings at Amsden Dam. One of our book club participants told of how this scene hit her personally, as she remembered being at the local cemetery and seeing the row of graves of people who all died on the same day.
Without Words is Lisa's first published novel, released February 1, 2020. Congratulations, Lisa!
Coming next Monday, April 27, 2020, 7 pm CST is my first novel, Blue Bells of Scotland.
Coming next Monday, April 27, 2020, 7 pm CST is my first novel, Blue Bells of Scotland.
Our weekly book club will be held on Zoom and are free and open to the public. You can attend if you've read the book of the week or even if you're interested in reading the book of the week. Most weeks, the author will be present.
Our meeting schedule is listed on the GABRIEL'S HOR FACEBOOK EVENTS page. Individual events give the links to join the meeting. You can also find the information, including the links at the GABRIEL'S HORN BOOK CLUB page.
Look for our upcoming book club selections. Grab them early and read ahead!
April 13, 2020: Without Words, by Lisa Gurine
April 20, 2020: Blue Bells of Scotland, by Laura Vosika
April 27, 2020: The Smart Kid, by Bob Miller
May 4, 2020: The Feet Say Run, by Dan Blum
May 11, 2020: See That House, by Judith Granahan
May 18, 2020: Daughter # 5: Baby of the Family, by Genny Kieley.
June 1, 2020: My Gypsy War Diary, by Shawn D. Brink
June 8, 2020: A Dream of Dragons, by Lauretta & Michael Kehoe
May 18, 2020: Daughter # 5: Baby of the Family, by Genny Kieley.
June 1, 2020: My Gypsy War Diary, by Shawn D. Brink
June 8, 2020: A Dream of Dragons, by Lauretta & Michael Kehoe
The Battle is O'er is now available!
Start from the beginning: Prelude One
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Meeting Margaret: the Conclusion
Ross Tarry Mysteries
PTL Perrin's Terra's Anthem
Meeting Margaret: the Conclusion
Ross Tarry Mysteries
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