On the week-end of January 26-27 the Castelli Book Club met at La Selva, an agriturismo in Tuscany, and celebrated 30 years of the club’s existence. This meant enjoying each other’s company, unhurried and task free, relishing in the glorious weather and beautiful scenery, sharing wonderful meals and rejoicing in the deep and easy friendships that make of our group not simply a coffee klatch of like-minded women but a harbor where we each can “let our hair down” (or hang in our pj’s, as it were) and know that we are surrounded by people who share our lives and, for some, have done so for so many years that the abiding familiarity renders our group a haven that both stimulates and welcomes in equal measure. It was for this reason that we missed Froujke and Jill, and those past members who were unable to come since they, too, are elements of the embracing strength of the club.

In the homey atmosphere and holiday spirit of the week-end it would seem nearly impossible to focus with any intensity on a book but Night Train to Lisbon, which Eva chose after being captivated in just the first few pages – which she read because her daughter had been ready to throw the thing out – not only was up to the challenge but may have been one of the best books our group could have discussed on such a memorable event as a 30th anniversary. Basically a philosophical tract couched in a novel, Night Train to Lisbon is excellent testimony to the vast reach and wealth of human thought. Read carefully, each line can resonate with our lives or make us look at things we’ve accepted as mundane through entirely new lenses (much like the new glasses the protagonist acquires) and nudge us towards a true application of thought to what we have made of our lives rather than the blithe and superficial passage with which we normally pass our days.

For some, most forcefully Eva and Dominique (and Roberta), the philosophical riffs resonated so deeply or with such power that they were ready to read the book again – Dominique in French, in order to take the concepts to an even more personal level than what she thought she got in English, good as it was. For them, the fiction in which the philosophy is housed worked perfectly. As Eva said, how else would the author have persuaded anybody to make the effort. For some of us, however, the novelized skeleton upon which Mercier hangs his treatise bares its bones too much. Some of it is so unbelievable as to take away our appreciation of the meat of the book, and it was uneven. There were parts of the story that were riveting, as though so vividly lived and documented that each word was chosen with great care while other sections seemed a hurried and not too carefully thought out link between one philosophical concept and another. This was more annoying to me, Helle (who at times truly disliked the book), Gillian and Margie than to RoseMarie or Francoise but to a greater or lesser degree did temper our enthusiasm.

Philosophy requires a committed effort to think about things we rarely take the time to consider and with some of us nearly able to quote the passages they found most powerful our group was able to discuss the different concepts to a degree we don’t often reach. Many of the concepts are jewels that can illuminate different aspects in our lives and the book has many, so though we delved into a myriad of issues of serious import – religion, parenting, relationships – we never risked leaving the confines of the book and the hours we were able to spend talking about it flew. While the story itself is more or less enticing the fascinating and profound glimpses into those concepts that define our lives engendered a fruitful and in-depth discussion; perhaps this was abetted by the  sense of no time limits, by the crackling fire and the countryside outside our windows changing from dusk to night in beautiful color but it was most certainly a memorable meeting and one that will live in our hearts and continue to provide us with delightful memories.(T)

Dear girls, I looked into my dictionary to find the English word corresponding to 'Wehmut' : it says 'melancholy' but in German 'melancholy' is a sad feeling, sadly painful and a bit on the edge of desperation. 'Wehmut' is painful too, but a soft, longing, even yearning, beautiful pain - if pain can be beautiful... but I think it can be. And this beautiful pain I still feel remembering our 30th anniversary. What a beautiful place, almost unreal weather and our group so very much at ease with each other - the memory still sounds inside myself and I am very grateful to be with you all in our group ! I hope you all came back sane e salve and I wished you felt  the same beautiful pain - just happiness ! Thank you girls, Roberta included.  Eva

It was so sweet of you to think of sending me a "Programme" with all the messages in the back. It looks as though you had a fabulous weekend - I thought of you all a lot over those two days and wished I had been able to make it. Anyway - not to be! You - Margie - have done an extraordinary job, keeping records of all the books, all the members and keeping us all in touch for 30 years with the website and your emails! Thank you again so much; the continued contact is extra important for those of us who dont live in Italy any more! Looking forward to the 35th! Lots of love, Fi

Dear all,

Many thanks for the booklet and your kind messages.  I know I was wise not to come as I am finding it all quite a challenge. Twenty six family members to provide for for a weekend plus at least 100 for snacks after the memorial service, plus the arrival of my mother’s furniture etc. etc.  I felt quite despondent on 26^th thinking of you all, but luckily Ru turned up out of the blue and we went walking on Dartmoor.

I’m glad you all had a great weekend I will be very interested to hear how the discussion of the book went. I must admit I didn’t think it rang true, it was all too improbable. I tried to focus on the main characters. Gregorious rather uncharismatic and so lonely he wanted to literally enter another man’s life. (Amadeu’s relations seemed amazingly tolerant opening their doors to a total stranger and telling him their closest family secrets.) Amadeu also lonely and inward looking (always dwelling on his unsatisfactory relationship with his parents) but outwardly charismatic. Both brilliant but neither really reached their potential. Interesting descriptions of Lisbon which I don’t know but which I would now like to visit. I believe the translation was poor which didn’t help. Amadeu speech at the graduation ceremony for me was a highlight of the book.

Hope to see you all before the next reunion. Maybe I could join in a meeting when I am in Italy. I will be coming for at least two weeks around Easter and will be fairly free except for a few days when Alessia and Gaia will be staying with me in Lucca.

Love to you all

Christina

Dear all,
Now back in Sweden, I think back on the lovely weekend we spent together, how much fun we had. Further, the brilliant organisation coupled with perfect weather made it a most unforgettable time spent with the best of friends.
Thanks to you all, only wish more  bookclub members could have joined in. As one member present suggested, we should  try to get together for a weekend away once a year. I would certainly second that.
Have fun at the next meeting. We should be back in Italy again  at the beginning of May and hope to be able to join you then.
Much love
Helle.