The discussion this morning was on 'Seascraper' Benjamin Wood; the session was extremely well-led by Merril who challenged us with some thought-provoking questions in regard to the characters and text

There were 'differing of opinions' on various topics, firstly the ending of the book, secondly Toms mothers character and impact on his life, also Toms response to Edgar, specifically Edgars mother.

Some felt that the ending came far too quickly and they were left with a sense of loss that there was no further direction regarding where life took Tom, or rather where Tom chose the direction to be. Some saw this as a positive and that really the direction of Toms life was left to the imagination of the reader. Most in the group felt that there was hope to Toms life in the future, some felt that Tom would return back to the predictability of his life.

Regarding Toms Mother, again a differing view of her being a controlling and coercive character in Toms life or rather, that of a mother who was trying to cope in extreme poverty in a community that isolated them both due to the circumstances surrounding Toms birth. It was possible that it actually was a symbiotic, co-dependent relationship.

A question posed and discussed was the impact of Edgar on Toms future pathway. Could it have been anyone that turned up in the local area that turned Toms head? Did Tom view Edgar differently to others in the past who had been caught up with Edgar? Did Tom see Edgar's skills and passion that others, mainly his mother, were now dismissing due to Edgars previous and ongoing mental health issues? Should Tom have taken the offer of money from Edgars mother given his circumstances, or was it this refusal that led Edgars mother to possibly open further opportunities for Tom? So many questions and such differing thoughts on these

The 'near death' experience was discussed at length as some saw it as an 'interruption' in what was otherwise a very down to earth book. Some felt given the dangerous nature of 'seascraping' this near death experience for Tom brought about all his quashed, not discussed', feelings regarding his father; a void both physically and emotionally in his life.

The scoring ranged from 6-9.5, with an average of 7.4

In short; so much content in such a 'compact' book. Interestingly some felt that the discussion had changed their view on some aspects of the book, this is exactly why 'Reading for Pleasure' in a short time has become such a great group!