We discussed John Wyndham’s The Chrysalids, also Middlemarch, Persuasion, Vanity Fair, The Mayor of Casterbridge, War of the Worlds and The Go Between. I particularly enjoyed  that the novels were explained in their place and time, with observations about the wider contribution of their  authors, There is something quite remarkable about going so far back and hearing the voices of ordinary lives  yet discovering humour,  relatable personalities and situations.  Beautiful expression, keen observations of human nature and themes of love, morality and human experience that still resonate today make these books classics. What a wonderful  way to spend a Thursday morning!