BOOKCLUB NOTES: I Who Have Never Known Men

“Even a person raised in captivity learns to want, yearns to see beyond their cage. How much of our humanity is intrinsic? How much remains, when all else is stripped away?”

THE BOOK: We had two fascinating discussions about this book – and it opened up so many questions about life and existence and survival. Some of us found the lack of answers to be frustrating, and others felt a sense of power in coming to terms with not knowing. The book stripped away reality as we know it, and forced us (and the lead protagonist) to rebuild our understanding of what it means to exist. It challenged us to reconsider what gives us the purpose to survive in a world of nothingness.

Most of us found this book to be a pretty bleak read, but it did uplift and inspire us to think differently about the world. We are glad this book found a new audience so many years after its publication! It scored an average of 4.1 ✨  on the night!

THE WINE: Championes! 2023/24 was a big hit on both nights. A wine we released at Highbury Library to celebrate the Arsenal women winning the Champions League last season. Picked to represent the freedoms, choices and opportunities we have as women in society today, unlike the reality the women faced in the book. A light to medium red which is juicy, fruity, earthy and complex.

We then chose Carbonnay Carboy 2023 from Ham Street as an example of what lush land can produce. Lucie & Jules planted vines 7 years ago on a previously empty plot of land. Biodynamic farming methods have resulted in a thriving ecosystem and vines which are producing high quality fruit. A stark contrast from the barren landscape which our protanganist travels through until she finally settles. Even the library of gardening books wouldn’t help grow anything in that environment. A beautifully textured skin contact expression of Chardonnay with smokey characteristics.

We are back on Wednesday 29th October and Thursday 30th October for a special, spooky Halloween, 40th edition of Read Between The Wines! We are very excited to be reading Pet Sematary by Stephen King. Tickets will be available here from Sunday 28th September at 12:30pm