Book Club

February 2020 Book Club

Sunday, February 9 after worship

Lovely War

by Julie Berry

In the Washington Post book review by Karen MacPherson, children’s and teen services coordinator for the Takoma Park, Md., library, wrote the following of the novel “Lovely War” by Julie Berry:

Pick an adjective — sweeping, sprawling, epic, Olympian — and yet none quite conveys the emotional width and depth of Julie Berry’s brilliant new novel, “Lovely War.” A heady mix of mythology, historical fiction and romance, Berry’s meticulously researched book spans two wars and two worlds. A significant part of the action revolves around four young people finding love and experiencing loss in World War I, but the overarching story actually is set during World War II and features a romantic triangle starring three Greek Gods: Aphrodite, the goddess of love; her husband, Hephaestus, the god of fire and forges; and Ares, the god of war and her paramour.

If this all sounds like a bit of an audacious mishmash, fear not. Berry — whose previous books include “The Passion of Dolssa” and “The Scandalous Sisterhood of Prickwillow Place” — is a master at weaving disparate elements to craft a truly original story populated with characters who will take up permanent residence in readers’ hearts and minds. Berry also doesn’t neglect the need for some levity…  Though “Lovely War” is being marketed to teens, adults looking for a memorable, well-told tale should not be shy about delving in, too.

Book Club will meet for lunch and discussion at Panera Bread (1624 E. 15th St., just west of Utica on the south side of 15th St.) immediately following worship service (about 12:15pm).

Please contact Fritha Ohlson if you are interested in more information about Book Club.