Next Book Club meeting will be on Tuesday 24 September, at 17:30 in the Members Bar

Written by Member Janet Pennington

The story is about the aftermath of the death of Bondi life-saver, Ted, a well-respected community man. Secrets that have been kept for decades are revealed which have a devastating impact on family members. Ted had led a double-life, which his doctor-wife, Connie, had kept secret from everyone – including their son. Even Connie is shocked as details of the double-life unfold.

Our book club members found the book an easy read, (some said a ‘holiday read’) enjoying the Bondi setting with generally relatable characters and circumstances. There was some discussion on the writing style, which was thought to reflect the author’s background as a journalist.

The major debate centred on the dilemma of whether the motive for keeping secrets justifies deception – in this case, not just by Ted and Connie but family from the early days of their youth in country New South Wales. Would different choices have been made? Was there any consideration of the future impact on family and friends?

Overall, the group felt that honesty would have been the best policy – but as one of our participants stated: “Who are we to judge?”.

Three-word summaries reflect the range of views: ‘Untruths Diminish People’; ‘Family Secrets Undone’; ‘Good Story Line’; ‘Closet Causes Chaos’ and ‘Holiday Read Snooze’.

The score: 6 out of 10.

Our next meeting will be on Tuesday 24 September, at 17:30 in the Members Bar. It’s the perfect opportunity to share your thoughts on the book, explore its themes, and connect with fellow members who share a passion for literature.

The Book Club will be discussing “Blood on the Altar” by Tobias Jones. This gripping true-crime investigation, set in the southern Italian town of Potenza, delves into the mysterious disappearance of Elisa Claps and the tangled web of secrets, lies, and corruption that surrounded the case. Jones’s powerful narrative explores themes of justice, faith, and the human cost of silence, making it a must-read for anyone interested in true crime and social commentary. Don’t miss out on this chance to be part of our vibrant reading community.

To RSVP Please email events@tattersallsclub.org

If you would like to join the Book Club please membership@tattersallsclub.org