Black Swan Green

Hindsight is 20/20 or, in what is referred to as Black Swan Theory, a surprise eventuality, which had major impact, something which could have been or should have been predicted, but wasn’t, something, in hindsight, one could always refer to as a learning experience, happened, which was the break up of the couple, in this case the parents of Jason Taylor the 13 year old protagonist in Black Swan Green, by David Mitchell.

On a cool May evening numerous members of the Barga Book Club gathered at the now familiar, but nonetheless warm and welcoming 17th C. palazzo around the long narrow splendidly laid table to enjoy a sumptuous meal and discuss what many considered to be an evenly crafted poignant story of stilted communication and hidden messages which led to the inevitable end of a relationship and parting of ways.

The book is a semi-autobiographical coming of age story marking the end of innocence of a boy with a pronounced stammer and his struggles to communicate and be understood as he stumbles through his thirteenth year.  The setting is Worcestershire in the early 80’s and pays shallow lip service to politics and pop culture of the period and the child's game of hang man is the central image. Cruelty and bullying are recurring themes.

Liz, who had recommended the book felt it was a well written story and a good read. Janet felt it was diverting and took one out of oneself and that the emotions and what he was trying to capture were described incredibly well. Others mentioned engaging, Salene loved the poetic language and evocative imagery.  Cynthia and Pietro mentioned that it evoked childhood memories. Helen thought it was brilliantly written and brought to mind her children and well drawn characters such as the pompous drunken uncle, and family relationships. Marijke mentioned it was reminiscent of a particularly loved Dutch story of an 11 year old, but lacked  its subtleties and finesse.

In sharply dissenting opinions Margaret felt it was forced, trite, and thematically overused and reminiscent of  The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole. Elisabeth cited criticism that no 13 year old would ever have thought like that and that there was a serious dissonance caused by the adult thought processes in a child’s story. 

Thank you to everyone who contributed their very thoughtful comments. Apologies if I have left out any comments. Everyone’s contribution is greatly appreciated.

Here is a recap of the upcoming details, by title, date and venue:

The Passion by Jeanette Winterson, 26 June at Margaret Moore's
A Heart So White by Javier Marias, 31 July at Pietro and Marijke's
The Fever Tree by Jennifer McVeigh September date and venue to be announced.

We look forward to seeing you in June.