August 2017 group read: An Unsuitable Job for a Woman, by P.D. James

[Nancy, Co-Moderator]

In just over a week we begin our discussion of P.D. James' An Unsuitable Job for a Woman. I haven't read a book by PD James in eons, so it will be a good chance for me to reacquaint myself with her once again. Most of you know her work from her Dalgliesh novels, but I chose one of her lesser known books with a woman PI at the center of it all.

Let's have some good chatter, my friends!

[jennsquared]

I am very excited!!! I've never read any of her work before! I have the audio book all queued up!!!!

[Nancy, Co-Moderator]

Cool. I'll be rereading this one before the 1st.

[Gisela]

I've read this one such a long time ago, I can only remember some. I think it was my first P.D James as well. I'll try and get to it.

[MissLemon]

I only listened to the audio book for the first time in April, but as I can't get hold of a copy of We have always lived in the castle I'm going to 're read' this instead.
It was my first PD James (I thought it was about time!) and I certainly intend to read the other book in the series and of course Adam Dalgleish.
I know I enjoyed this when I listened but I don't retain books in my head well if I listen to the audio so will be listening again so I can take part in the discussion.

[Nancy, Co-Moderator]

Gisela wrote: "I've read this one such a long time ago, I can only remember some. I think it was my first P.D James as well. I'll try and get to it."

Cool, Gisela!

[Nancy, Co-Moderator]

Carolyn wrote: "I only listened to the audio book for the first time in April, but as I can't get hold of a copy of We have always lived in the castle I'm going to 're read' this instead.
It was my first PD James..."

We'll look forward to your comments!

[Colin]

Have just joined the group and downloaded this book to my Kindle. Hope to join discussions from the 1st August.

[Nancy, Co-Moderator]

welcome aboard!

[Britney]

I've only read one book by P.D. James. It's been so long ago that I don't remember her writing style. This one looks good.

[Nancy, Co-Moderator]

Britney wrote: "I've only read one book by P.D. James. It's been so long ago that I don't remember her writing style. This one looks good."

I certainly hope so! I'm putting my other books aside for the moment so I can get going on this one.

[Donna]

I picked it up from the library yesterday - my first P.D. James.

[Nancy, Co-Moderator]

Donna wrote: "I picked it up from the library yesterday - my first P.D. James."

Awesome.

[Marian]

Another here Nancy who is currently reading it and I must say,I am enjoying it:)So far I am 30% in it.

[Nancy, Co-Moderator]

Marian wrote: "Another here Nancy who is currently reading it and I must say,I am enjoying it:)So far I am 30% in it."

That's great, Marian! I'm starting it tomorrow.

[Marian]

Nancy wrote: "Marian wrote: "Another here Nancy who is currently reading it and I must say,I am enjoying it:)So far I am 30% in it."

That's great, Marian! I'm starting it tomorrow."

Excellent!

[Tawallah]

Cordelia Gray is an interesting PI. I read this in 2016 as part of an omnibus with other Adam Dalgleish novels. I can remember some of the story but will see how much as the discussion proceeds.

[Nancy, Co-Moderator]

We'll look forward to your input, June!

[Skye]

Nancy, two questions: I would like to read this, but I still haven't ordered it; is there time?

Second, where is the discussion for Black Water Lilies?

[Nancy, Co-Moderator]

Skye wrote: "Nancy, two questions: I would like to read this, but I still haven't ordered it; is there time?

Second, where is the discussion for Black Water Lilies?"

Of course there's time! We have the month of August. I saw your comment on Black Water Lilies just now, so I'll assume you found it.

[Skye]

Yes, immediately after I posted.

[Marian]

I was looking up some web sites about this book and apparently this was a title of a TV series of four dramas developed from that novel.Somewhere in 1997??

[Skye]

That sounds so neat. I sent you an e-mail.

[Marian]

And I answered it as honest as I could:)

[Nancy, Co-Moderator]

I'll have to find the series, Marian. Thanks!

[Marian]

Your welcome Nancy:)

[Marian]

I found this Nancy:

Four separate feature-length dramas were contained in the series – entitled An Unsuitable Job for a Woman – in which Cordelia Gray was portrayed by Helen Baxendale between 1997 and 2001.
1. Sacrifice was first broadcast from 24 October 1997, consisting of three separate 60-minute episodes.
2. A Last Embrace was first broadcast from 19 February 1998, also consisting of three separate 60-minute episodes.
3. Living on Risk was first broadcast from 27 August 1999, consisting of two separate 60-minute episodes.
4. Playing God was first broadcast on 16 May 2001, as one 120-minute episode.

[Nancy, Co-Moderator]

were they on PBS?

[Marian]

I don't think so Nancy...I saw no mention of that.

[Nancy, Co-Moderator]

Okay - found it on dvd. I may take it on vacation -- we'll see.

[Marian]

Ohhh,you found it on DVD?Where Nancy?

[Marian]

I think the one thing that jumps out at me with this book is the title,itself.Gender,social status and of course womens intelligence.You know first hand that this book is a classic:)

[Nancy, Co-Moderator]

amazon -- it's a bit pricey, but hey - my birthday's coming up soon and I also have tons of Amazon gift certificates so I won't feel badly.

[Marian]

Thank you for letting me know Nancy and yes,I totally think you should get the DVD for your birthday:)

[Skye]

Thanks for your honest e-mail, Marian, and Happy Birthday, Nancy!

[Marian]

Your welcome Skye:)

[Skye]

:))

[Marian]

This has been a treat to read so far and Im really think of getting the other books in this series Skye..what were reading here is book 1.

[Skye]

I am going to order it, Marian, just thinking of a third book to get that I really want to read.

[Marian]

What about a Michael Connelly book?

[Nancy, Co-Moderator]

Skye wrote: "Thanks for your honest e-mail, Marian, and Happy Birthday, Nancy!"

Thanks! I still have a few days to go (August 5) but thanks!!

[Nancy, Co-Moderator]

I've just arrived at Chapter 4 -- so I should be ready when we actually get started.

[Marian]

Nancy,is it just me, or was there no time period mentioned when the novel took place?Im on chapter 5 by the way.

[Nancy, Co-Moderator]

1970s, I believe.

[Marian]

I know the book was written in 1972 Nancy..there's nothing in the book to suggest the time period in which it is supposed to actually take place.

[Nancy, Co-Moderator]

Mark was born in 1951 and died at age 21. That makes it 1972.

[Nancy, Co-Moderator]

Let me welcome you all to the discussion of An Unsuitable Job for a Woman, by PD James, which officially begins today. I finished the novel over the weekend, and I'm sure it will merit some good talking points.

I have this thing about revealing specific parts of the book that help to unravel the crime, so please, if you wouldn't mind, don't blurt but use spoiler brackets. If you don't know how it works, feel free to ask -- someone will be more than happy to help.

I'll look forward to seeing what you all think about this novel !

[Marian]

Nancy..have you bought those DVD's yet of Cordelia Gray?I have a link for you to read up on..by P.D.James and just scroll down to a paragraph that starts with the words 1972...

http://www.spinetinglermag.com/2010/0...

Not sure if you still want to watch the DVD's or not..

[Nancy, Co-Moderator]

I did, and I read all the bad things people had to say, but I don't care. I want to watch them anyway. But thanks!!

[Marian]

Ohh ok...I just found this link this morning or I would have posted sooner to you,but as long as your ok with it:)