Next Meeting: 11th August at 6:30pm to discuss Oblivion by Patrick Holland.
The Wayward Bus was published in 1947, and was Steinbeck’s 16th novel. While not considered one of his more acclaimed works, it was, apparently, a commercial success. Personally, I would read a shopping list if Steinbeck wrote it.
It was interesting to note, in a recent article by Paul Giles that, when Steinbeck was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1962, the NYT commented that the Swedish Academy should have chosen a writer who had “made a more profound impression on the literature of our age.”
This, apparently, expressed the general opinion of the east coast “intelligentsia” who found Steinbecks’ work, including The Gapes of Wrath and East of Eden, a little too “folksy” for their taste.
The plotline of this book is incredibly simple. A group of individuals board a rather well-worn bus, “Sweetheart”, at Rebel’s Corner, a roadhouse operated by Alice Chicoy and her husband Jaun. It soon becomes clear that the bus will be unable to complete its journey along the normal route to San Jaun de la Cruz due to the weather, and by consensus, an alternate route is undertaken. A decision that ultimately leads the group to become stranded when the bus is literally “ditched” by its driver Jaun.
This narrative is totally character driven. The first three chapters are almost completely devoted to describing the landscape in which Rebel’s Corner sits and its residents. Apart from the Chicoy’s, there is Norah who works with Alice in the restaurant and Pimples/Kit Carson who helps Jaun in the garage. Nearly a whole page is devoted to a “little night laden fly,” who makes its way from the underside of a leaf to a coconut cake inside the lunch room, only to then meet its demise. That’s the sort of detail that we are confronted with in this novel.
By the fourth chapter, we realise that “Sweetheart” has broken down the previous day and the passengers have spent the night at Rebel’s Corner: The Pritchards, Mr and Mrs and daughter Mildred, emerge from the Chicoy’s lounge/bedroom; Ernest, a travelling salesman from Norah’s room and eventually, elderly Mr Van Brunt from Pimples/Kit’s accommodation. They are soon joined by “Camille”, a dancer bound for Los Angeles.
With the exception of Alice Chicoy, this entire cast of characters board Sweetheart for the journey. Alice stays behind, with the intention of becoming completely inebriated. A goal she successfully achieves with a few more “fly” moments to break the monotony of her self-loathing.
By the time the bus leaves Rebel’s Corner, the reader could be forgiven for thinking that they are more than well acquainted with those aboard, however, it is during the journey itself that we are confronted with the conundrum that makes us human: we are not one dimensional creatures. At times this makes for an uncomfortable read.
Ratings: Lesley 4.5, Margie 4, Hetta 4.5, Viviane 4, Janet 4.5, Sandy 3.5, Lynda 3.5, Kim 3.5.
We look forward to seeing you again at our next meeting at 6.30pm, Tuesday 11th of August
to discuss Oblivion by Patrick Holland.
About Us
We are a group that gets together once a month to discuss good books. Each of us gets to choose a book on a rotational basis, preferably one outside our personal comfort zone – we try to keep the trash to ourselves. After the discussion, we comment on other books we read that month. Most of the time we remain friends after the meeting.
We normally meet at Room 2.1 of the Robina Community Centre’s Boadroom. This building is located opposite the Auditorium entrance of the Robina Library on the second Tuesday of every month from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
A small contribution is required towards the rent of the room, but not if you are a first timer. The amount depends on the number of people attending.
One book title is chosen each month and we all read that book. There is a ‘host’ who introduces and co-ordinates the discussion. The role of host is rotated around the group so that each member has the opportunity to nominate their book (it could also be an author, theme or genre). The host also acts as chairperson for that meeting.
Although we are not a social club (we are readers), we occasionally attend literary events, relevant movies or plays here at the Gold Coast, Brisbane or Byron Bay. We conform to basic meeting practices, and everyone has an equal opportunity to express their opinion. Everyone’s interpretation is valid, as long as it’s expressed respectfully.
We welcome any new members who share our aims and are happy to contribute to our group. Newcomers are not required to have read the book to attend the first meeting and no contribution is required from them at the first meeting attended.
Feel free to have a look at our Book List and Newsletters in the sidebar. If you are reading this blog in a mobile device find the menu at the bottom of the page.
CONTACT DETAILS
For more information use the contact form.
Gold Coast Book Lovers 