Stella Project discussion

Discussion for The Natural Way of Things by Charlotte Wood. It won the 2016 prize.

So Between a Wolf and a Dog broke me. And now I’m being told this will too. When will Stella have books that don’t completely shatter me?!

I’m a bit reluctant about this one as well Emily.

I’ll be sure to post photos of my sobbing my heart out again 😉

At least we’re in it together!

I finished this one last night and am still sitting with my feelings about it. But holy crap.

I finished the book last night and woke thinking about it. I can see why it won the Stella prize. It was a very uncomfortable read but it should be. I had the print and audio versions and would alternate depending on how I was feeling (sometimes it was too much to listen to).
I was reminded a little of the more recent Ghost wall by Sarah Moss (has anyone read it?) The way the women were stripped of their clothing and identities and given tunics to wear. What are your thoughts?

I would very much like to discuss the ending when everyone has finished.

Hi Tanya,

I’m not familiar with Ghost Wall but will check it out.

I also found it uncomfortable and upsetting - probably heightened by the fact that each woman’s story was based on an actual woman from the media at the time. I also feel like society now is a place where someone with enough money and influence could actually get away with something like what is portrayed.

I would also like to discuss the ending when everyone is done.

Cheers

Sue

I read this a few years back and didn't enjoy it as much as you all are. I think mostly this had to do with the time I was reading it—I hadn't quite matured as a reader at that point.

I mentioned in the few lines I wrote for my review that I was disappointed by the ending, but now I only vaguely remember it?

Also, Sue feel free to use the spoiler tags < spoiler> < /spoiler> (without the spaces) if you want to discuss the ending in more detail.

Hi Sue,
Once again Ghost Wall is an uncomfortable read but very compelling. I didn’t realise Wood had based things on actual events, although they did sound familiar. Thanks for sharing that. I think you are right about money unfortunately.

What are we reading in July?