Dear Bookclub,
The here-we-go's started, as I believed a predictable book-clubby tale was to be endured with Alice McDermott's "Absolution". I really didn't want to like it. Drawn in by McDermott's Charlene, the bad girl put me in the fast lane, emotionally invested. I really liked it. The later part of the book lost some impact with the reuniting coincidences yet McDermott set herself up with a hard act to follow once Charlene left the pages. Of course the Barbie vehicle has imprinted this book in my memory more than the concept of absolution.
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| "A Plea for Absolution" Frederic Henri Schopin |
Book Club at the Brigantine was lots of fun, although we were down to 4 attendees. Everyone really enjoyed the book. Terry related to it as she and her family were stationed in Thailand (?) in the 60’s and had many “servants” to do the housework, cooking, etc. We discussed the changing attitudes of and about women during this volatile period. Mixed feelings about Charlene, should she be lauded for her strength in navigating and succeeding in a man’s world? She certainly was enterprising and brave! Going to a Leper colony to bring comfort to the stricken was to be commended! The Barbie clothes business was interesting. Terry said one of their housemaids made Barbie outfits for her dolls. Other issues such as the uppers and downers use was mentioned. All of this was a prequel to America’s military involvement in Viet Nam.
Back to our news, Terrie's selections for an upcoming read:
Meanwhile, the dive I took into Saigon Barbie must be shared:
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| random "The Birds" Barbie |
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| "Vietnamese" Barbie? |
Alas, sold long ago on Etsy, the listing still provided an interesting glimpse into OOAK (a new term for me... 'one of a kind') "Miss Saigon Barbie Custom Made in Box Doll Mattel" :
This was translated by the seller in description:
Vintage Custom Made Miss Saigon Barbie
I got this Barbie in a huge lot I bought. It looks like someone made this doll for a woman named Ellen. On the back it says in Dutch: Saigon Barbie Ellen. She is a lovely singer, she makes jokes, she burps, farts, shaves her legs. In other words: just like the real deal. Saigon Barbie Ellen and Ken, collect them all!. Please check pictures for the state, these are part of the listing.
"Honor" Thirty Umrigar
"The Demon of Unrest" Erik Larson
"James" Percival Everett *chosen
Up next:
Happy reading,
LK
