27 Jan
Croxton's Kitchen & Tap House
Want to discuss great books with like-minded friends in Portsmouth?
The concept is simple. We’re a global book club for likeminded individuals to discuss great books! All members of the book club read the same book over the same period; members then meet up in their respective cities at the end of each month to discuss the book and exchange views.
Grab your seat!What we are reading...
About the book
A Long Petal of the Sea by Isabel Allende
From the author of The House of the Spirits, this epic novel spanning decades and crossing continents follows two young people as they flee the aftermath of the Spanish Civil War in search of a place to call home.
In the late 1930s, civil war grips Spain. When General Franco and his Fascists succeed in overthrowing the government, hundreds of thousands are forced to flee in a treacherous journey over the mountains to the French border. Among them is Roser, a pregnant young widow, who finds her life intertwined with that of Victor Dalmau, an army doctor and the brother of her deceased love. In order to survive, the two must unite in a marriage neither of them desires.
Together with two thousand other refugees, they embark on the SS Winnipeg, a ship chartered by the poet Pablo Neruda, to Chile: “the long petal of sea and wine and snow.” As unlikely partners, they embrace exile as the rest of Europe erupts in world war. Starting over on a new continent, their trials are just beginning, and over the course of their lives, they will face trial after trial. But they will also find joy as they patiently await the day when they will be exiles no more. Through it all, their hope of returning to Spain keeps them going.
Upcoming bookclubs...
GET INVOLVED
The Gloss Membership
An olive branch to start a conversation.
The Gloss is so much more than a book club, we start the conversation around books – but it always leads to deeper more meaningful connection and provides the foundation for lifelong friendships. Join us and discover a wide variety of new books, new authors, new friends and enjoy a glass of wine all at the same time. We’re delighted to welcome you into The Gloss!
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