Penmaenmawr and District u3a

"Songbirds" is a novel by Christy Lefteri which tells the story of Nisha, a Sri Lankan migrant worker who disappears while working as a nanny. The book sheds light on the lives of undocumented female migrants and the challenges they face. The novel explores themes of migration, systemic racism, and the struggle for freedom and… Read more

“A Thousand Splendid Suns", published in 2007, is a novel by Afghan-American author Khaled Hosseini. The story is set in Afghanistan from the 1970s onwards and primarily follows the lives of two women, Mariam and Laila, and their struggles in a male-dominated society. The novel portrays the challenges of family, friendship, and the impact of… Read more

"Slow Horses" is a British spy thriller television series based on the Slough House series of novels by Mick Herron. The series premiered on Apple TV+ and tells the story of a team of British intelligence agents who have all committed career-ending mistakes and subsequently work in a dumping ground department of MI5 called Slough… Read more

"The Fell" by Sarah Moss delves into the themes of isolation, claustrophobia, and the impact of the pandemic. Set in the Peak District over one night in November 2020, the story follows the perspectives of four characters as they navigate their own challenges during this time. The book is praised for its exploration of compassion,… Read more

"The Seamstress" by María Dueñas, first published 2008. It is a tale of adventure, tragedy, love, and war, set against the backdrop of the Spanish Civil War. The story revolves around two young sisters who possess skills in sewing, cutting, and concealing. The novel has been well-received and was a Richard and Judy 2012 book… Read more

“Falling Leaves" is a memoir by Adeline Yen Mah, which provides a poignant account of her life as an unwanted daughter in a wealthy but emotionally abusive Chinese family. The book delves into the impact of family dynamics on Adeline's well-being, portraying her experiences of neglect, abuse, and the struggle for acceptance. It offers insights… Read more

Sally Page’s “The Keeper of Stories" story about the power of storytelling and the connections it creates between people. The book features characters like Janice, a cleaner who collects other people's stories, and Mrs. B, an elderly lady who wants to know Janice's own story. It was first published in 2022, and has received positive… Read more

"The Offing" is a novel by Benjamin Myers published in 2019. It is a coming-of-age story set in post-World War II England. The protagonist, Robert, befriends an older man named Dulcie and a friendship develops as they explore the countryside and discuss life, literature, and the future. The novel explores themes of friendship, self-discovery, and… Read more

Joanna Trollope’s “Mum & Dad" explores the issues at the heart of a modern family, focusing on the challenges faced by the family members as they deal with a stroke suffered by the father and the resulting upheaval in their lives. The story is set in the vineyards of Spain, where the family has built… Read more

"The Birth of Venus" by Sarah Dunant published in 2003, is a historical fiction piece set in Florence, Italy, during the Renaissance. Sarah Dunant weaves a story around Alessandra Cecchi, a young woman with a passion for art, culture, and ideas. The novel explores themes of art, religion, love, and societal expectations during a tumultuous… Read more