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.
Our next talk will be on Wednesday 22nd May at 7.30pm
in the Church of St Mary Magdalen when Dr Sophie Duncan will give a talk entitled:
Doll Wives in Dolls' Houses: Ibsen's Nora and Victorian Marriage
The Doll's House, one of Ibsen's most controversial works both inspired and horrified Victorian audiences. Re-staged and re-written ever since - including with a new ending by Ibsen himself - this talk will examine why A Doll's House has never lost its fascination. The talk will include rehearsed readings from A Doll's House by students from the Oxford School of Drama.
The evening includes our annual summer party from 7.30 onwards - a great opportunity to meet fellow members over a glass of sparkling wine!
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.
SAVE THE DATES
Open Book Group: Summer Meetings in The Town Hall at 11.30am
We are pleased to announce two meetings have been scheduled for this summer:
Wednesday, 12th June – Old God's Time by Sebastian Barry
Wednesday, 28th August – A House for Mr Biswas by V S Naipaul
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.
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. 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. 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.