After our wildly successful Jane Austen year in 2023, Deep Cuts Book Club is back with another round of female writing that changed literature! Most casual literature lovers recognize the names of Charlotte and Emily Brontë, but did you know that they had another sister who was also a novelist? Did you know that all three wrote books as children? Did you know that the sisters’ isolated childhood home in Yorkshire may have inspired them to write novels in such a passionate and frank style, at odds with the more social justice-focused novels of their time?
Rather than focusing on just one Brontë, this year we will examine all three sisters as a literary unit, comparing and contrasting the themes in their work. We will also read North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell, a fellow novelist who was Charlotte Brontë’s good friend and biographer. North and South is a perfect (and swoonworthy) example of the socially focused novels of this era—addressing the social injustices created by the Industrial Revolution.
Read alongside your favorite booksellers, at your favorite bookstore, with tea and snacks! Staff members Stephanie, Kristin, and Donna will lead discussion on a different novel for each of our four in-person meetings.
Perks that make this not your average book club: For each book we will host an evening “read-in” for DCBC members at Kepler’s from 6:00–8:00, in which members can discuss the book in community with others; an introductory email for all books that include themes to pay attention to while reading, historical context, and recommendations for our favorite adaptations; and a chance to hang out at Kepler’s after hours!
Join us for our third meeting on Monday, September 23 at 6:00 PM to discuss The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Brontë.
A subsequent meeting will take place:
November 18 at 6:00PM: North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell
Like last year, we will be offering an option to purchase entry AND each book together. If you just want to attend a few events, you can buy books and meeting entry individually. If you would prefer to read your own copies, you are welcome to! We will be asking for a $15 club fee for each meeting to cover food, drink, and staffing costs.
Last year was a blast, and we can’t wait to continue our literary journey with you all!
Hope to see you there,
Donna, Kristin, and Stephanie
Masks are required for everyone over the age of 2 years old and must be worn at all times in the store, and throughout the duration of the event.