Drinks & Discussion; To Rise Again at a Decent Hour

A small underground wine bar in the capital was the location of the To Rise Again at a Decent Hour drinks and discussion night. It was a glorious evening of anecdotes and quotes complimented by an excellent Cabernet Sauvignon. I mean, really, does an evening get much better that wine, cheese and a relaxed conversation dancing and darting between chapters of a  book which links everyone together. It was a humble affair, rather than an great crowd which meant there was time for each person to dip into speech, to say their opinion without feeling like they had to stand up and button their jackets in an attempt to hold the floor.

Joshua Ferris's main character Paul O'Rourke provided much of the conversation, much of which was of how likable or unlikable he was. Was this part of a clever and dynamic skill of the Author- to purposefully create a character that at times would make you're skin itch at annoyance? If the character was unlikable in his manner and opinions then Ferris had tapped into that human conditioning of how sometimes a person can just be quite annoying and you can't put your finger on why. To be able to convey this by the use of words deserves praise.

O'Rourke's need to not only be accepted, but to dedicate his own life to those of  the families of his girlfriends was another intriguing discussion. Many felt that this should have been taken deeper as this would help us understand why O'Rourke spent much of his time obsessing and researching into ancient religion which took up a considerable amount of chapters. If there was a bit more background of O'Rourke's own family or of what his family thought of his atheist beliefs then a consensus felt that a clearer understanding of this Dentist's insecurities would come to light.

The main subject of having an identity being copied through the use of social media was praised by all as everyone at the table admitted to having a profile one of the many networks referenced in the book; facebook, twitter, a business website, making comments on online newspaper articles etc. This was an element that grew anxiety through the whole group; a truthful stab showing how open we are to the world. We easily objectify ourselves with screens and it doesn't take much, as we learnt from this book, that even close friends and colleagues might believe the screen personality over the person they are in physical contact with.

This book caused suitably varying opinions and it was a pleasure to hear everyone highlight thier own views. For little snippets of sentences to have been marked by several members of the group.
For that blasted 50-page in C word to spark interesting conversation.
For us all to connect on a Thursday evening.
Thank you to all who came.

Please could everyone think of questions they would like to ask Joshua Ferris and I will have a interview with him for the blog and I would love you all to make you mark. Email me your questions.

The next Drinks/Discussion night will be on We Are Completely Beside Ourselves"; so go and grab that little yellow book and begin reading!

http://www.bedford-strand.com/