Every two months we organise an evening in which we discuss a particular book. Works include mainly new and older literary texts, as well as non-fiction about current social and political matters. The sessions are open to everyone and free of charge.

In the next session we’ll discuss The Years by Annie Ernaux. ‘The Years’ is a collective autobiography of our time. It is the story of the period 1941 to 2006 told through the lens of memory, impressions past and present, language, books, songs, radio, television, advertising and headlines. Annie Ernaux succeeds in finding a form that is at once subjective and impersonal, private and collective, a new kind of autobiography, in fact, which tries to capture the past. As a mixture of autobiographical fiction and sociology, ‘The Years’ is a monumental contribution to twentieth-century French history as reflected in the life of one woman.

There will be no central presentation of the themes in the book. Instead, you’ll discuss your views, thoughts, favourite passages, points of critique and further suggestions informally in a small group.

The last 20 minutes of the evening are spent in deciding collectively which book we will read next. You’re welcome to join this discussion and to propose a book.

The discussion of Annie Ernaux’ ‘The Years’ will take place online on Monday 14th December at 20:00 hrs. If you want to participate, please send your skype name to readinggroup(at)amsterdamalternative.nl