Small Pleasures

Very confused at first but when you reach the end you realise what a heart wrenching story. Unusual topic of 'virgin birth' told explored from various view points and the beautiful portrayal of blossoming romance

St Just Thursday Evening Reading Group 2nd June 2022.

Small pleasures. Clare Chambers.

The group all said they loved this book and found it highly absorbing – several readers neglected other tasks because they couldn’t put it down.

The setting of the book, 1950s London, played a big part in why the readers appreciated it so much; several of us remembered the era and thought that the research was very well done – the limited life-styles and rigidity of outlook, the necessity of preserving suburban respectability, the single-bar electric fires, lino floor-coverings, tinned pears and evaporated milk for dessert, and so on. But the characters also came over very vividly, Jean in particular, and Howard was also popular. The plot progressed nicely: Jean’s evolving relationship with Howard, and her research towards finding out about Gretchen’s pregnancy. Everyone realised that there had been no ‘virgin birth’, but the culmination of this part of the story was in no way a disappointment.

Several readers said that they had forgotten, on their way through the book, about the train crash that is described at the beginning, and only remembered about it when they got to the end and re-discovered it. The ending was interpreted in different ways: did Howard survive or not? And what scenarios would each possible ending generate?

There were only two, very small, negative comments, and these were that Jean occasionally appears to be a ‘superwoman’ in the number of jobs she can get done in the evenings; and that Martha, Gretchen’s lover, is slightly clichéd as a larger-than-life bad-person character, perhaps the only less-than-convincing member of the cast.

Easy to read, well written, thought-provoking, a great snap-shot of the 1950s and the attitudes towards marriage, divorce, and separation; a book which brought back a lot of memories of a gentler, simpler time. Looks like a big hit with this group!

This book was read during May 2022 and the continuing restrictions due to the Covid-19 virus, and so the discussion was not 'live' as usual, but took place via a Facebook group, email and telephone conversations.

A charming, gently humorous book full of endearing characters and set in 1950's suburbia. Wonderfully engaging storytelling even if the story is a bit implausible with obvious outcomes. A delightful read overall.

I loved this book. It was humbling and heartwarming. If you enjoyed Eleanor Oliphant you will love this book.

Slow burning but fully engrossed by the end - which I did not see coming!

Really enjoyed this. Subtle and stirring. It's the holidays and I got lured in and stayed up until 2am to finish it!

Easy to read and interesting premise.

Bristol Virtual Book Club reviews

My perspective on reading Small Pleasures was influenced by having heard the serialisation of the book on Radio 4. I didn’t enjoy the serialisation and stopped listening to it. However having said yes to reading the hard copy for a review I persisted. Persistence was a strong theme on reflection. Persistence of the reporter to uncover the truth. Persistence of the supposed virgin birth mother with what she thought she knew to be true. Persistence of the daughter to choose her best life. The themes of the various protagonists' stories were intricately woven together with seemingly unconnected events in the past having huge significance. And in their significance disrupting the perceived understanding of events. Of course there was a logical explanation … there had to be. And it was simple. Hoarding of sleeping pills and the diversion of long hair & gender.

4 stars - Halina

I really enjoyed Clare Chambers' 'Small Pleasures'. She captures the era well - a time of many spinsters due to the war, bringing women loneliness, responsibilities and some opportunities. The characters and their situations are brought to life with realism and compassion. As readers, we walked in their shoes sharing their highs and lows in a beautifully understated style. The lack of instant communication between characters added pathos and time for reflection, not so easily achieved in modern times. Small Pleasures certainly made me want to read more of her books. In the afterword, the author explains that she knitted two stories together. The inserted rail disaster spoiled the novel for me. The main story was more than strong enough to stand on its own and I feel the book would have been better without the prologue and the final chapter. Thank you so much for sending the book to me. I have really enjoyed and benefitted from the reading group. Thank you.

- Helen

I'm halfway through the book and am really enjoying it. Chambers' writing is so magnetic, and I find it very easy to read. My favourite character is Margaret because she is quirky, cute, and a believable character. The premise of the book is so interesting, and everyone I've mentioned it to has thought it sounds cool too. I'm looking forward to reading more, and I'm intrigued to see what happens to Jean and Gretchen! I would recommend this book to someone who likes a seemingly light-hearted story with a compelling twist.

- Sian

I did enjoy this book. I was drawn in by the characters, wishing things would turn out well for them. There was a definite feeling of loss for few days after finishing it, prompting me to buy another book by the same author. It's hard to say any more about the book without giving away the plot. Do read it!