This old cover might not have been the best choice if you wanted The Elected Member to fly off the shelves but may reflect some of the despair experienced by central character Norman. August saw the Tyneside Book Club combine dining with discussion as our anniversary meal coincided with reflections on our latest choice, Bernice Rubens' The Elected Member.
The Italian food was certainly easily digested, but how did the 1970 Booker Prize winner go down?
Overall, the quality of Bernice Rubens' writing was noted. Not many members had read her work before and appreciated being introduced to it. Despite being 50 years old, the novel still felt fresh and relevant.
Readers enjoyed her characterisation as well. Central character Norman is hard to engage with because of the crisis he is going through, but there was affection for his father - Rabbi Zweck - who though struggling to work out the best way of helping his son, is a man with good intentions who just wants Norman to be restored to the bright and successful young man he once was.
Members appreciated Rubens' humane approach to her characters. It would have been easy for her to find villains in the mental hospital that Norman finds himself in, but however flawed his treatment, the intentions of staff and family are good. The one more malevolent presence is Norman's mother. She has died, but her presence still haunts events.
There is also a warmth in the depiction of the Jewish family and community. Religious beliefs do cause rifts, but they also bond. Again Bernice Rubens avoids lazy stereotypes, and the temptation to divide people into heroes or villains.
The Elected Member is not a relaxing read though. Norman's mental health problems are distressing, and the author does not pull punches. The reader feels his stress and despair. And there are other dark themes in the novel too - suicide, hints of incest and drug addiction.
Overall, members felt this was a good choice and a useful introduction to an author that is not as celebrated as others from the same period.
The Italian food was certainly easily digested, but how did the 1970 Booker Prize winner go down?
Overall, the quality of Bernice Rubens' writing was noted. Not many members had read her work before and appreciated being introduced to it. Despite being 50 years old, the novel still felt fresh and relevant.
Readers enjoyed her characterisation as well. Central character Norman is hard to engage with because of the crisis he is going through, but there was affection for his father - Rabbi Zweck - who though struggling to work out the best way of helping his son, is a man with good intentions who just wants Norman to be restored to the bright and successful young man he once was.
Members appreciated Rubens' humane approach to her characters. It would have been easy for her to find villains in the mental hospital that Norman finds himself in, but however flawed his treatment, the intentions of staff and family are good. The one more malevolent presence is Norman's mother. She has died, but her presence still haunts events.
There is also a warmth in the depiction of the Jewish family and community. Religious beliefs do cause rifts, but they also bond. Again Bernice Rubens avoids lazy stereotypes, and the temptation to divide people into heroes or villains.
The Elected Member is not a relaxing read though. Norman's mental health problems are distressing, and the author does not pull punches. The reader feels his stress and despair. And there are other dark themes in the novel too - suicide, hints of incest and drug addiction.
Overall, members felt this was a good choice and a useful introduction to an author that is not as celebrated as others from the same period.
RSS Feed