Barbara's Book Club (3), it's a small club… and you're in it! • Fruits Ablaze

Every month, Barbara Rafer and Jo Guise invite you on a literary journey through two captivating books—one classic masterpiece and one contemporary gem.

Barbara’s Book Club – Edition 3

January 2026

‘Abroad In Japan’ by Chris Broad

Abroad In Japan- review by Barbara Rafer

Well, now that the frenzy of Christmas and the New Year celebrations has
gone what better time to settle down with a good read and wait winter
out. My recommendation for an interesting modern read is ‘Abroad in
Japan’ by Chris Broad. The author writes as a young man who, having left
University, decides to teach in Japan.

If anyone had asked I’d have said I knew about Japan. This book proved me wrong. It explores the culture
and society of modern Japan and made me realize that it is vastly
different to any other country I have encountered. Not quite an
autobiography, not quite a travelogue, this book has its roots in the
world of the modern blogger. Suffice to say it made me go and research
more about this fascinating culture.

‘Therese Raquin’ by Emile Zola

Therese Raquin- review by Jo Guise

January is a month when we need stirring passions to warm us. So I am
holding up a copy of Therese Raquin for your delight.

Zola gives us Paris, a loveless marriage between Therese and her sickly
cousin Camille and a tempestuous lust filled affair between his friend
Laurent and his wife.

Join Therese and Laurent in candlelit rooms, snatching kisses behind
doors and then plotting to murder Camille on a boat trip. Which they
do.

But guilt, paranoia and decay set in – be with them as they descend into
madness and oblivion.

There’s nobody like Zola for knowing how the human heart and mind work.
And expressing it so well.

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