This group focuses on novellas and short stories, with a few exceptions. If a whole novel is chosen, we like to restrict its length to approximately 200 pages or so. Each group member suggests titles which we may wish to read and we come to a consensus as to the choices. If their suggestion is selected, each person will usually give an introduction on the writer and provide any other relevant information about the text. They may either lead the discussion or may prefer it to be a group led session, which will focus on such elements as: themes, narrative style, plot, tone, character and language, illustrated through extracts from the text. Authors have ranged from: Dickens, Hardy and D.H. Lawrence, to more contemporary writers such as: Ian McEwan, Bernard MacLaverty and John Updike. We are a friendly, enthusiastic group and welcome new members.