Most of our members stated at the start of the meeting that they did not like this month’s book, ‘The List’ by Yomi Adegoke, and found it hard to read. However, interestingly, when we started to discuss it, many positive comments were made!
Following discussion, it was apparent that the main difficulties our group had with the book were more about the differences between our own life experiences and social mores and those of the protagonists in the book (those being young, black, media professionals living in London) rather than the storytelling or the themes.
We all struggled with the Multicultural London Enhlish (MLE) dialogue. We all agreed that to keep looking up the meanings of unknown words and phrases led to a disjointed reading experience.
Some found it hard to engage with the main character Ola, and felt she too quickly believed that her fiancé Michael was capable of misogynistic abuse and that he should not need to prove his innocence. Others empathised because of the #MeToo movement and the necessary cultural shift in our lifetimes in believing the victims of abuse. Ola, in working for a feminist publication, was so conflicted in her hitherto absolute belief in victims' accounts and her emotional response to seeing her fiancé's name on the list of abusers.
Positive comments were made about how necessary a book such as this is, when it is possible these days to anonymously accuse someone of anything online, with the accusation remaining whether or not there is any evidence to back it up. Discussions covered the addictive nature of social media, particularly for young people, and the fact that when something appears in print it assumes a cloak of truth.
Members liked the detailed critique of relationships in the book, particularly over issues of trust. We all agreed that everyone has something in their life that they are ashamed of or wish they had never said or done. All liked the plot twist at the end, when a new character was introduced who turns out to be the jealous partner of Michael's ex-girlfriend. In making the accuser a man, we felt the author had reinforced the message that some men want to control or manipulate their partner's lives before, during and after their own relationship with that person.
A worthwhile read and a very interesting discussion.
The next book to be read will be "Paris Echo" by Sebastian Faulks.
This will be discussed on Friday 12th September 2025.