Woman on the Stairs

While it was a short discussion about this book, I have been thinking more about it. Such as, why was it an Oprah book? Who really is the protagonist?

Three stereotypical men were portrayed, one being the narrator: lawyer, successful and wealthy businessman, and an artist. Each is obsessed with the woman.She is their muse and their trophy. But she is not. She manipulates them and perhaps Irene is really the primary character and thus the name, The Woman on the Stairs.

It really is a feminist story thus the rationale for it being an Oprah book club selection. I also change my mind about recommending it. Perhaps because it was a second read, I came to this conclusion.

June Update

On the 28th of May we were honored by the presence of the authors of Indianapolis, Lynn Vincent and Sara Vladic. I interviewed them about process and then it was open for questions. They give us a lively and fascinating account of behind the scenes. The newly minted paperback was available along with hardcovers and dvds for purchase and signatures.


Chef Lance prepared a  delicious array of appetizers.

L. to R. Lynn Vincent, Mary Strobbe, Sara Vladic.
Lynn and Sara are in. the midst of a whirlwind book tour promoting the newly released paperback version of this #1 best seller. Their resumes are impressive.





Next month June our book will be The Woman on the Stairs by Bernard "Schlink. He also wrote The Reader.

For July we are scheduled to read, The Immoralist by Andrew Gide. I suggest we also read The Stranger by Albert Camus. Both are very short books and I think it would be interesting to discuss the two of them together.