Forgotten Fiction Book Club: Frenemies

Forgotten Fiction is a monthly bookclub where we travel back in time to rediscover 'lost' literary gems of the 20th Century. Each session is curated around a specific theme and features two books carefully chosen to provide the basis for our discussion. You can choose to read one/both/neither of the books OR you can search out your own 20th Century gem that fits the theme & bring it along to share with the group. Frenemy:"An intimate friend and a hated enemy have always been indispensable to my emotional life. Not infrequently, friend and enemy have coincided in the same person" Sigmund Freud. On February 21st we dive into the murky waters of friendships gone sour with two novelists who wrote exclusively about the complexity of human relationships. Arguably her darkest novel, Elizabeth Taylor's 'A Wreath of Roses' published in 1949 explores the psychological damage wrought by recent war and the inevitable growing apart of three women formally bound by the closest of friendships. Anita Brookner's 3rd novel 'Look At Me' published in 1982 expertly combines piercing humour with intense sadness in illuminating the life of young, innocent Frances Hinton. Her friendship with the glamorous Dr Nick Fraser & his wife Alix leads to all-consuming infatuation, betrayal and revenge. Our brand of discussion at Waterstones is always light-hearted, informal & strictly non-academic. Our journey will be fuelled by vintage tunes and literary-inspired gin cocktails served in jam jars. Numbers strictly limited, please book promptly to avoid disappointment. Tickets are £8/6 (students) and include gin cocktails. Book online, in store or by phoning 020 7636 1577.    // Further details: 020 7636 1577