Lady Chatterley's Lover

Lady Chatterley's Lover
by
D.H. Lawrence

Being the well read reading group we are, perhaps we should consider adding a classic to our list of books. I have not read this title by D.H. Lawrence but it sure sounds interesting! The story concerns a young married woman, Constance (Lady Chatterley), whose upper-class husband, Clifford Chatterley, has been paralyzed and rendered impotent. Her sexual frustration leads her into an affair with the gamekeeper, Oliver Mellors. This novel is about Constance's realization that she cannot live with the mind alone; she must also be alive physically.

The contrast between mind and body can be seen in the dissatisfaction each has with their previous relationships: Constance's lack of intimacy with her husband who is "all mind" and Mellors' choice to live apart from his wife due to her "brutish" sexual nature. These dissatisfactions lead them into a relationship that builds very slowly and is based upon tenderness, physical passion, and mutual respect. As the relationship between Lady Chatterley and Mellors develops, they learn more about the interrelation of the mind and the body; she learns that sex is more than a shameful and disappointing act, and he learns about the spiritual challenges that come from physical love.

You should know that this book was banned in several countries prior to publication in Britain after winning an "obscenity" trial in 1960. Having not read the book I cannot say what type of offensive material might be in the story, but there is reference to some strong language and Wikipedia refers to the book as a "significant event" of the sexual revolution in the United States. It might be interesting to compare and contrast it with our reading of Peyton Place.

What do you think? Please let me know if you have another suggestion or if you would like to read Lady Chatterley's Lover. It is not a huge book and the copy I have has a reading guide in the back. I will be happy to arrange to get books for everyone. There is a DVD version of the story as well. I realize May is going to be a busy month but hopefully we can manage a get together before summer!

Share your thoughts about Maisie Dobbs

Spring Greetings!! I hope you enjoyed reading Maisie Dobbs. There were not enough readers and not enough time before spring break to get together a reading group, however, please use the comment link below to share your insights of the book!

I have read all the books in the series except the most recent Maisie Dobbs title by Jacqueline Winspear and have been inspired by the historical value of the story and wisdom of the main character. One of my favorite quotes in the book is: "A coincidence is a messenger sent by truth." Reading about Maisie driving the little MG around the English countryside made me feel like I was there! Although a happy ending with Simon would have been somewhat satisfying, I like a book with an ending that seems more realistic rather than the predictable. Simon and Maisie pick up in subsequent books but I'm not telling what happens! hehe

This series reminds me a little of the Alexander McCall Smith's The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency. I have read all of those and highly recommend them too. Very light and easy reading about a very strong woman main character. Not only do you learn a lot about the culture of Botswana but you are introduced to Precious Ramotswe who will quickly become one of your new best friends. =] HBO has a series that will run this summer based on the novels.

Let us know what you thought about Maisie Dobbs!