June Book Club

‌Elena Knows by Claudia Piñeiro

Obviously, it being June and the middle of a heat wave, we spent a fair bit of time talking about the weather at the start of this month's book club! 🥵 Are we even English if we can't talk about how hot it is?!

Anyway, we did eventually make it onto the topic of the book and generally agreed this was a slow paced book, which reflected really effectively the way in which Parkinson's can affect your life.

Language and pacing was used in a really clever way to show the effects of the disease and the frustration and limitations that sufferers have. We thought it could be really interesting to see if that effect was influenced in any way in its translation from Spanish to English.

Overall, the book had strong themes of bodily autonomy. This started with how that autonomy is restricted by disease, through to restrictions on the right to choose and women's decisions about their bodies, and also to the restrictions women face, in particular, due to caring responsibilities. The Ultimate being the autonomy we have - or don't - regarding death.

We talked about the medical issues raised in the book and Dr Jane was able to  confirm that the scene about the gynaecological procedure is in fact a thing. Without giving too much away, this is the one where she was essentially, inflated! We all agreed we never want to experience this. We also learned about how Parkinson's can impact someone physically and psychologically, from the limitations on mobility and facial expressions through to how the presentation of emotions can be affected.

The patriarchy is strong in this book, which is interesting considering we don't really see male characters for long at all. Rather, Piñeiro managed to create a forboding theme that heavily influences the actions, interactions and decisions of the characters' own lives and of those around them. None of the characters were particularly nice. Some of us liked Elena, but others didn't. We all agreed Rita was pretty awful!

It was quite split with views on whether we enjoyed the book, probably the most divisive yet on that score. Some really liked the reflective style and pacing. Others could appreciate the technique and style of writing but didn't enjoy the story. And some were in the middle, very much appreciating the style and kind of liking the story. We agreed it was an interesting book and were divided in whether we would recommend it to a friend.

Sparks ⚡️: 3/5

Coming Up‌

‌Big Swiss by Jen Beagin

In celebration of Pride Month and our upcoming Prestwich Pride, one of our members set us the challenge of 'Unhinged Queer Romance'. Whilst the most unhinged - considered TOO unhinged - wasn't in the final vote, we think we've risen to the challenge well (and you'll have to join book club to find out which book even we thought was too much!).

We'll be meeting to chat about the book at the end of July, at the Spark studio, and would love for you to join us. Get in touch, book online, or just turn up on the evening, whichever works for you. And remember, the first rule of book club is you're welcome whether you've read the book or not!