2020- December Middle England - Jonathan Coe

It is a story about a family and their friends dated from 2011 through to 2018. It came across to me as vignettes of life not attached consecutively to each other and therefore not making a flowing story.  it was 'disjointed' , and tthough it was enjoyable reading, after one or two chapters it was easy to put down and there was no compunction to pick it up again, except in the hope that something might happen. 

As we have all lived through this period and it is fresh in our minds, the thought was expressed that it might later be useful to a Martian who was wanting to know what all the fuss was about during this period.  

It was the third book of a trilogy, which meant that we had not been introduced to some of the characters beforehand, and were expected to know their history.

A couple of readers said that they didn't like any of the characters. 

The writing was quite good though. 

My notes: Interactions within a family group and friends in the 2010-18 time period. It almost seems like little excerpts in life that he tries to link up. I read a bit, then think I'm bored, and come back later and read a bit more. Quite involved in trying to get to know the characters and see where the story is leading.

MS wrote about it: "Have finished the book for the second time and still can't make up my mind what I think about it.

Reading it was quite interesting but basically it was all modern history and I just feel there was not

much imagination in it. I wouldn't read it again but I will give it 6/7."

That was it. the mark was 6. 

Lots more discussion in our Zoom meeting about different topics instead of the book.  It got short shrift.