Woodstock Literature Society
The Woodstock Literature Society was founded in 2009 with the aim of presenting high quality talks on literature to local book lovers, offering time to socialise after the talk with refreshment (a glass of wine at evening talks/tea and cake at afternoon talks). Since then, its reputation and membership have grown and we are pleased to welcome members and visitors from Oxfordshire and beyond.
Topics range from classic and contemporary authors, to drama, poetry, and foreign authors in translation. Our speakers include academic specialists, published authors, and literary journalists. Full details can be seen under Programmes. Please note that changes to the programme can also be found on the programme page.
There is a short summer break in our lecture programme, which will resume on Thursday, 19th September.
Visitors are welcome - Entry £8.00 (free admission to under 18s)
Membership cards for this year are coloured purple
Please see Membership for payment details.
Trevor Caldecott's review of Elizabeth Lowry's talk on Thursday, 20th June is now available on Reviews & Gallery.
Elizabeth Lowry was one of the contributors on BBC Radio 4's 'Open Book' on Sunday, 23rd June at 16:00 when 100 years after it's publication, Shahidha Bari revisited Forster's novel: asking why it means so much to writers and askes how well it stands up to the scrutiny of modern readers.
At the time of writing (26/6) the programme is available on BBC Sounds.
OPEN BOOK GROUP
Wednesday, 28th August at 11:30 in Woodstock Town Hall
There is no need to pre-book and all are welcome.
A modest charge of £3.00 (cash/cheque) is made to cover the cost of the room hire.
The Woodstock Bookshop offer a generous discount of 15% on the book for discussion.
OPEN BOOK GROUP
The informal meetings were launched in August 2022 with a discussion of Edith Wharton’s The Age of Innocence. The discussions have proved increasingly popular. A full list of books discussed can be seen on A Good Read.
The group meets two or three times a year in the Town Hall on Wednesday mornings. Anyone, whether a member or not, can drop in to discuss the chosen book (All book group books are available with a generous discount of 15% at the Woodstock Bookshop). There is no booking required and a nominal fee of £3 per person will be requested to cover the room hire.
Attendees are invited to submit suggestions for future discussion, a shortlist is drawn-up and a poll taken to decide the next book.
A selection of images used in publicity posters for previous talks
Whether you are a reader, a writer, or a poet, Woodstock Literature Society welcomes your input and suggestions for future talks.
We hope you will enjoy the reviews submitted to A Good Read by members and friends as part of our conversations about literature. Details of how to submit a piece can be found on the page itself.