Our first Fiction Lab – a monthly book club at the Royal Institution dedicated to great science novels – was a rousing success. A diverse collection of scientists and non-scientists gathered to pick apart Philip Balls’ The Sun and Moon Corrupted in the atmospheric old Library, along with a couple of TV producers who are considering whether the event might be a good thing to broadcast in future. The author was a good sport about stopping by at the end to answer questions, and we all decanted down to the pub afterwards to continue the lively discussion.
One of the things we discussed over pints was how best to carry on choosing books, and what sorts of books we want to read. Unfortunately, there are not enough new lab lit novels published to sustain a monthly book club devoted to this genre, so we all agreed that we wouldn’t mind reading older novels, or novels in which the science was a bit more peripheral. We will use a democratic process to choose our reading material from August and beyond, but for the 14 July session, I’ve chosen Brazzaville Beach by William Boyd.
First published in 1991, Brazzaville Beach is one of the novels on LabLit’s growing list of titles that I have not yet had the pleasure of reading. But I love Boyd’s writing – his most recent title, Restless, was a marvelous spy thriller. Brazzaville Beach explores the life of ecologist Hope Clearwater during three stages of her complicated life: her marriage to a troubled mathematician, her time studying chimpanzees in Africa, and a subsequent period of reflection in which she looks back and tries to make sense of everything that has gone before. Reviews suggest that the book has a lot of science in it, but that the various complex details are handled (as A New York Times reviewer put it) like “a considerate host showing a guest around his house, [telling us] exactly what is going on and where to find the light switches”.
One of the things about the first meeting that everyone particularly liked was the chance to speak about the novel with the author. Although I obviously won’t be able to entice authors along to every gathering, I thought that perhaps it might be an idea to invite along a local scientist who is an expert in the science featured in that month’s novel. So if any of you knows a mathematician or an animal ecologist who enjoys reading and discussing books, let me know and I’ll add their name to my wish list.
In the meantime, it’s not too late to buy the book from Amazon and come along on the 14th! We’ll be in the newly refurbished RI bar from 7 PM. Drinks are available, admission is free and there is no need to book.
Drinks are available,
that’s it: I’m moving back to the UK.
So easily pleased…
Have you tried Australian beer?
shudder
and come along on the 12th!
You meant to put the 14th I presume…?
No, that’s two days of drinking.
Don’t you know nuffin’?
Is that how long it takes to get drunk on Australian beer?
I wouldn’t know, Stephen. I’ve not been able to stand it that long.
Thanks, Stephen – obviously a mathematics expert will come in handy on the night.
Ooo, ooo, I read that about 10 years ago. I can’t remember much about it, but recall enjoying it. I might pop along to refresh my memory, although I doubt I’ll be able to add much insight.
Try asking Rory Howlett, Nature editor extraordinare, he is clued up in both these areas — and he’s an avid reader (though I don’t know if he’s read this particular book).
Good idea, Maxine. I know Rory (we play in the same band!), and you’re right, he’d be the man. Matt, it would be great if you could come along.
ahh… I would’ve loved to come along and talk about that book but alas, I am stuck in the States ;)
If this continues though, the book club meetings (which I think seems likely), I might be able to pop by in the fall time.
Enojy that day of French liberation!
Åsa, you would be most welcome. We need more biologists in the group!
Have the French been locked up recently?
Have the French been locked up recently?
not that I know of… but it is the “Quatorze Juillet” aka “Bastille Day”. the day where the Bastille was ‘stormed’ and the prisoners released in 1789 (1790?). And now celebrated as the Day of the Federation, and a national holiday in France :) lots of flag waving and singing and celebrating if I remember correctly.
I guess it might be as the 4th of July for the Americans… or the 17th of May for Norway. I’m not sure that the UK has a day like that?! Maybe St Andrew’s day in Scotland? Or the Queen’s birthday?
—
I’d be happy to come along if I am at least on the ‘right’ side of the Atlantic Ocean.
I miss the 4th of July. There is nothing like it here by any stretch of imagination.
Can I ask you a quick question about the book, which hasn’t arrived from Amazon yet? As far as the science goes, do you think the math is more prominent, or the ecology? I know it’s been a long time since you read it, but which stands out more? I want to find an expert to join us and am not sure which camp to pursue.
funny enough I don’t remember the math…. just the ecology of the chimps moving and the investigation of that. How the researchers investigated the chimps and thier behaviour and staying up at night.
Mind you, maybe check with Matt (further up in the comments he stated that he’d read it too), since it might be the fact that I was very facinated with the ecology whereas the math would have seem more ‘common place due to family’?!
We will use a democratic process to choose our reading material from August and beyond, but for the 14 July session, I’ve chosen Brazzaville Beach by William Boyd.
That’s my kind of democracy right there!
>:)
It’s been fun playing God for two months, Ian, believe me.
It’s a great book. I read it about 2 years ago and was a bad boy and never wrote a review on my blog. But Grrrlscientist wrote a good review on her blog.
Any spoilers therein?
Grrrl writes great reviews, but I don’t want to know too much.
OK, an ecologist it is. Off to traipse through the UCL directory and have a chat with Rory.