Book Notes: A Memory of Violets elicits favorable response
In March the Book Club read the historical novel, A Memory of Violets, by Hazel Gaynor. The story, set in 1912 London, follows a young woman who is starting her job at a home for orphaned and disabled girls. The founder of the home is a fictional character based on the real-life social pioneer, John Groom. Our heroine, Tilly, finds in her room a box containing the diary of a previous worker. The diary tells the worker’s story of losing her blind sister. The novel flashes between 1876 and 1912. There are many coincidences and parallels between the 1876 and 1912 stories, which focus on sister relationships and deceit, stepmothers, and more!
Most of the group enjoyed the book and how it ties in societal issues and the historical Queen Alexandra Rose Day, still celebrated in London on June 26. The language of flowers, mystery, and spiritual presence make the story more intriguing.
Some members commented that although it was sweet and predictable, they still enjoyed the “light” read compared to some of the “heavier” subjects that we have been covering of late.
Others felt the beginning was depressing, painting a picture of poverty and destitution that was hard to read about. Many members enjoyed reading about the period of history that’s covered.
I would highly recommend A Memory of Violets for those who like historical fiction and a happy, though bittersweet, ending.
— Joan Mitchell, Book Club member
Book Club to discuss A Memory of Violets at March Meeting
Fri, Mar 16 2018, 2pm
Club member Joni Mitchell will lead the discussion. The Book Club meets on the third Friday of every month except December. Meetings are held at the 1666 Coffman Building, which is on Larpenteur Avenue near the St. Paul Campus. Newcomers are welcome! For more information contact Pat Tollefson at [email protected].
Upcoming Events
Our July 15 "hike" is going to be a kayaking adventure on Bde Maka Ska (formerly Lake Calhoun) and Lake of the Isles! If you don't have a kayak (or paddleboard), Wheel Fun Rentals, located next to the new concession stand rents single kayaks at $15 an hour and double kayaks at $25. The second hour is free if we rent before noon. Life jackets are provided with the rental.
Laura Ericksen will lead the discussion of How Stella Learned to Talk by Christina Hunger, a true story by a speech-language pathologist who taught her dog, Stella, to communicate using buttons associated with different words.
Our August 5 hike will be a reprise of our hike last summer at William O'Brien State Park. This is a beautiful park with a winding trail and a great view of the countryside. The hike is about 5.5 to 6 miles and we'll go at a moderate pace with frequent water breaks. After the hike, we will eat lunch at Rustic Roots Winery, a half mile north of the park.
Kathy Cramer will lead the discussion of The Bookbinder by Pip Williams, a book set in 1914 Oxford chronicling the life of Peggy who works in the University bindery, but craves a life beyond binding books but to being a scholar herself.
Enjoy a two-hour cruise on the Jonathan Padelford, leaving from the Harriet Island dock in St. Paul, boarding time at 5:30 p.m. We will have a brief program on board by Patrick Nunnally from the River Life Program of the Institute on the Environment.
August 31 is the due date for annual reports and updates. Annual Reports, Toolkits, web page updates, operating document updates and archives collections are all due each year on this date.
Autumn is a wonderful season in Minnesota so plan to join UMRA at the Andersen Horticultural Library at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. Kristen Mastel, head librarian and curator, will reveal its treasure trove of publications and artifacts relating to plant history, horticulture, and natural history. After the tour, those who are interested may stay to eat lunch together, sitting outside if the weather is nice. Later, you are invited to a one-hour tram tour of the entire Arboretum that includes natural areas of flowering shrubs, bogs, and forests, family garden and landscaping showpieces, and the red barn farm
After a summer break the UMRA Photo Club will next meet September 10, 2024 in the meeting room of the Hennepin County St. Anthony Branch Library. For those interested in lunch, meet at the Great Dragon at 11:30 am. For September the THEME will be Curves
We will continue to discuss the pros and cons of Medicare Advantage. You will also hear about notable non-health plan and non-broker resources.