From the Bookshelf of The Roundtable…

This Strange Eventful History

Claire Messud

Start date: June 1, 2025

Finish date: July 15, 2025

Discussion: 2025 Tournament

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2025 Tournament

The big finale - Reservoir 13 vs Reservoir Bitches
By Henk · 5 posts · 13 views

last updated Oct 20, 2025 11:46AM

Round F - Voting
By Henk · 10 posts · 12 views

last updated Oct 16, 2025 02:08PM

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What Members Thought

Aug 22, 2024 Henk rated it liked it · review of another edition

Longlisted for the 2024 Booker prize
A globetrotting family history that touches upon colonialism, templates of relationships and love of parents and grandparents handed down through generations (and the importance of selecting the right spouse) and in general dealing with life's disappointing aspects
Just as I was old enough to have learned that everything is precarious I also was old enough to understand you can’t say that.

Claire Messud writes a family saga which is inspired on her own family hi ...more

64 likes · Like · see review

Jun 21, 2025 Irene rated it really liked it

I loved this account of 3 generations of a French Algerian family. The story spans seven decades from 1940 to 2010. Seemingly ordinary moments are used to reveal much about each person and to draw the reader into the family circle. Over time, each of these moments take on new and deeper meaning.

3 likes · Like · see review