would you rather have your museum empty or full?

Hunting and fishing

I just came home from book club and Hemingway came up in the conversation tonight. We talked about whether or not the book we read this month was a real "women's book" (yes. as usual. unless it's my turn to pick the book), and about what kind of books (fiction) are "guy books". At this point ten out of the twelve women present called out "Hemingway!" Because, supposedly, his work "is all about hunting and fishing". I disagree, and threw in that there aren't many writers who write about love and loyalty and human interaction so touchingly as Hemingway. Unfortunately my statement was interupted by someone screaming "Do you know he was actually gay?! All these women, they were just a cover." Somehow from there the conversation drifted pretty seamlessly towards George Clooney. (they serve a lot of wine at book club)

Looking forward already to March, when I get to pick the book again and can make them all read Hemingway. (I don't think this audience is quite ready for a Grunberg novel)
Btw: my guide at the Hemingway museum talked about Hemingway's work extensively. Was there a bookstore next to the swimming pool though? And a photo of Hemingway surrounded by all four of his (ex) wives, really?

Pappa

I'm just back from the Masai Mara in Kenia, reading Hwemmingway's true at first light while drinking Tusker beer.
That really added to the experience of a safari, altough I missed the guns a little.
And yes I have to admit Hemmingway's is a man's (boys) writer. But than again, If woman want a peek into the brain of macho man, no need to look any further.

Eva

What was the consensus: did this haggle of women think Hemingway was gay or not?

bookstore

All those septuagenerians have the complete oeuvre of Hemingway at home :)

Eva

With the wine consumption at your intriguing book club meeting or even exceeding expectations I have difficulty understanding why the audience would not be ready for Grunberg. Surely the saying "Wein, Weib und Grunberg" counts for something?

Mieke,
I'm 38 and have the complete Hemmingway oeuvre (bound in leather) at home. But then again when I wake up I feel 70, and when I go to bed I feel like 18 again.

mieke

Do you?

leatherbound

I can't resist. Please forgive me.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CFCYL-ATUp8

you're forgiven, I don't have a sofa.

vera

I'm no septuagenerian, not yet. So, I would have been in the shop.

Bernie

Twelve nymphets and a handful of octogenarians.

Eva

It’s hard to miss the pictures of Hemingway’s most important women. Also it’s hard to miss the bookstore next to the swimming pool.
Forgive me for asking but were you drunk? (In Key West starting the day with a cocktail or two seems to be accepted as the norm.)
For you reading group I would recommend “Men Without Women”.

I would suggest " accros the rivers and into the trees"
It's thin and a beautiful story about the love between a young woman and an older man.

Book club

Am I the only one who understands nothing about reading clubs? A book is private and reading intimate, why should you get drunk and share why you liked or disliked the novel or the writer, to me it seems something for very desperate, lonely ego trippers who are looking for any excuse to leave their house, anyone else here member?

Entschuldigung

I was just grumpy I guess, live and let live, I know...

Grunberg 27/01/2010 17:30

You just might have hit the last "taboe" left

At least I am getting interested in Hemingway now.

Arnon

Totally legitimate question: I am quite sure I did have two mimosas upon visiting the museum. So, I was far from drunk actually.
Thanks for the book club suggestion! I haven't read that book myself yet so this is something to look forward to.