The New Book Club # 2 - Hunger by Susan Hill

Hunger by Susan Hill

The second instalment of the (recently renamed) Kindle Club was hosted by the Bakers at their home in Mulbarton.  There was a bit of a slow start to the official Kindle Club proceedings as the group gossiped whilst admiring the hosts’ new-ish kitchen (particularly the wine fridge) and lovely large garden.  Despite promising only “basic nibbles” Rachel had baked up a storm in aforementioned kitchen and offered quiche, crab cakes with home made chutney, home made hummus, haloumi and olives.  The Coxes arrived with home made cinnamon cupcakes, whilst others who were too lazy busy to bake themselves busied themselves removing cellophane and packaging from goodies provided by Sainsbury’s and Waitrose. 

 This session’s book was a short story rather than a novel, and a very quick read.  Despite reassurances that if he popped upstairs he could probably read it before “proper” kindle club business commenced, Steve declined and after a small delay for Simon’s “Tech Support” workshop (which may or may not become a regular feature), we started discussions on the book.

Rachel had chosen the book as she had read work by the author before and thought it would be a good read.  There were some mixed reviews by the group.  Some were disappointed with what was a lack of building of the characters, but we did wonder if this was part of the parcel of a short story as there simply isn’t time.  Those who had read Susan Hill’s work before were especially disappointed as strong characters with whom the reader can develop an affinity is normally a strong feature in her books.  Even allowing for this lack of building of characters being an inherent element of a short story (as opposed to a novel) we agreed that none of the characters were particularly likeable.

Some of the group cited continuity issues, particularly regards a certain well known brand of ibuprofen, but others hadn’t noticed this in their interpretation of the book.  There was some general feeling that this novella felt like the start of something more, and didn’t seem to have a firm end, which some in the group felt more of a problem than others.  Others felt there had been potential for the plot to develop into something more “dark” or sinister, which never actually materialised. 

However, despite this, upon re-reading the book again before the Club, most agreed they had enjoyed the style of writing employed and had enjoyed the book.  All were keen to read more by this author in future.

We also had a lot of debate about the “genre” (if you can call it that) of the short story with some in the group having read more short stories than others.  In “proper” book form, most short stories tend to be available in a “full-length” book with other short stories, and are often compilations of a number of different authors, and we wondered if the e-book could really change this market as short stories are available to be downloaded individually.  All agreed they didn’t read many short stories, with some musing that they may try read more.

Our next kindle club will be at the Frazer’s house in Little Melton and our book, chosen by the Coxes, is Rubbernecker by Belinda Bauer.