Venue: Central London
Date: Thursday, 5th March 2020
Time: 18:30-20:30

Publisher's synopsis of My Sweet Orange Tree, by José Mauro de Vasconcelos

Meet Zezé - Brazil's naughtiest and most loveable boy, his talent for mischief matched only by his great kindness. When he grows up, he wants to be a 'poet with a bow-tie' but for now, he entertains himself playing pranks on the other residents of his family's poor Rio de Janeiro neighbourhood and inventing friends to play with. That is until he meets a real friend, and his life begins to change.

About the Dialogue Society Book Group

The Dialogue Society Book Group explores the capacity of books to provide windows into different cultural and intercultural worlds. We will be choosing a series of quality novels to read and then to discuss together at relaxed, sociable gatherings at the Dialogue Society. Participants are welcome to suggest books for future sessions.

Participants will need to find a copy of the book chosen for each meeting and will need to read it prior to the meeting. Books will generally be available from local libraries.

Over refreshments we will have a conversation about the book and our responses to it. Discussion may cover:

• the quality of the storytelling
• the authenticity and accuracy with which a historical/cultural situation is portrayed
• our personal responses to it

You do not need to be an expert on literature or anything else to join in. The group should be enjoyable for anyone who enjoys a good book and likes discovering new ones.

Prospective books for future sessions (NB we are open to suggestions)

• Arab in America, by Toufic El Rassi
• Buddha in the Attic, Julie Otsuka
• Independent People, Halldor Laxness
• Nervous Conditions, Tsitsi Dangarembga
• Yokohama, California, Toshio Mori