Fora reads: Between the Covers

This month we’re discussing Theft - and you’re welcome whether you’ve read every page, just started, or haven’t opened it yet. Thoughts, questions and half‑formed feelings all welcome.

What to bring

If you’ve read Theft:

• Your opinions
• One book to swap - something you’re ready to pass on

If you're new or haven’t read Theft yet:

• A book you love and would recommend (this one isn’t swapped)
• A book to swap

How the evening works

We’ll start with a relaxed intro to Theft, then break into small groups for book chats before moving on to our much‑loved communal book swap. Expect plenty of side‑chat, recommendations and literary matchmaking - and you’ll go home with something new to read.

New to the club?

Perfect. This is an easy-going evening of conversation, laughter and books changing hands. It’s open to anyone who enjoys reading and good company - members, friends, partners, neighbours. If you’re looking to bring more reading into your life, this is a great place to start.

More on this month’s book: Theft by Peter Carey

Michael ‘Butcher Bones’ Boone used to be a very famous painter. Now, after a spell in the infamous Long Bay Prison, he’s living in much-reduced circumstances with his brother Hugh. Together they’ve formed an uneasy alliance in a remote country house. A balance that’s shattered when the mysterious Marlene sashays out of the rain and into their lives. As we lurch from the Australian outback to New York via Tokyo, we hear from both brothers. Things might not be as they seem.

Success and survival, and some blistering writing on the page. This may prove more divisive than last month’s unanimously rated Wild Dark Shore, and all the better for the chats! Hopefully many of us will find Theft funny, moving and fun to read. Most importantly, I think we’ll all have opinions on the Boone brothers.