The Dinner Club Paperback – 6 Mar. 2022

I came across and bought this book originally because I’d met the author, Helen Aitchison, at a course I attended last week (May 22), in what I thought was an act of support. That now seems a tad patronising of me, given the book is one of the loveliest I’ve read and the effect and enjoyment of it will stay with me for a long time. Although I’d seen the earlier reviews, and I was excited for the book to arrive and the thought of setting some time aside from my busy schedule to start the read, I had no idea the impact it would have on me. From the very first page I was hooked by the characters Helen has created, the story itself is truly lovely with some surprising lightbulb moments for me. The characters were quite simply brought to life for me by her amazing human insight and ability to illustrate their personalities and characteristics. I felt I really got to know these people, or at least that I wanted to know them and even be a part of their life. I enjoyed every minute of the read and the only dilemma I faced was when I realised I was quickly heading towards the end of the book and I really didn’t want it to end. But again, even this didn’t disappoint, and I read the final chapters through tears – tears not only of sadness but also of happiness for how Helen cleverly portrayed the future for these wonderful characters. This is an incredibly lovely and moving read and I can’t wait for the next book from Helen. Thanks Helen, the end was beautiful, and your story made me cry and laugh throughout – you have a wonderful gift.

The Dinner Club by Helen Aitchison (cover of my paperback copy shown in image)I love to read debut novels and this one was an enormous pleasure. Through social media, I’ve discovered Helen Aitchison is an interesting person – an experienced professional who works with charities that support people in all kinds of demanding situations that health and life can bring.In The Dinner Club, the main character, Derek, is on the brink of change in his personal life, determined to be true to himself. He recruits three others in his local area who will appreciate a good homecooked dinner and like-minded company, taking it in turns to host. He saw a television programme that sparked the idea – many readers will recognise the format.The difference with Derek’s Dinner Club is the readiness with which his fellow diners support each other, forming lasting bonds, and helping one another overcome crises. Many aspects of the human condition are included – but this is a gentle story with some amusing touches. Acceptance and mutual understanding form the bedrock of this novel.For me, the draw included the amount of “self-help” advice that Helen wove into the story. It is not a manual as such – most definitely fiction – yet I learned tips for anxiety and ways to view the world more openly. The other ingredient is food! Mouth-watering descriptions of the meals the characters cook for themselves and each other. Helen Aitchison could produce a Dinner Club cookbook (for one of the charities she supports).This is an important as well as entertaining book, published at a time when we are all seeking to understand each other better. I will be buying more copies as gifts for my friends.(Please note: I am not benefitting from book sales – only as the recipient of my purchases).

Such a wonderful, heartfelt story about five people Derek, Florence, Eddie, Violet and Cara. The author Helen Aitchison narrates very skilfully through their five different POVs…so the storyline flows beautifully.The main protagonist is Derek, a man on the brink of a huge change in his personal life. Determined to be true to himself he recruits three other like-minded people…around the idea of a dinner club. Each one taking it in turns to host dinner.Florence an elderly lady whose mind is still sharp but her health is failing, Eddiea widower who is struggling to deal with the death of his wife. And Violet, an abused wife desperate to leave her husband but hasn’t the strength to do so.Also In this story there is Cara, a young woman who has been in and out of the care system for most of her life. She is determined to make something of her life. These characters are united by their baggage, love, pain, secrets, loneliness and a common love of food.Although this at first seems like a lighthearted read…Boy does it deals with a number of sensitive issues. Domestic abuse, child welfare, ill health, grief and sexual prejudice which Helen handles beautifully without being exploitative.This is definitely a story that will make you laugh and certainly bring a tear to your eye.In my honest opinion whatever genre you gravitate towards I honestly believe you will thoroughly enjoy this funny, emotional read.

The Dinner Club is a beautifully written book that restores your faith in simple human kindness, that guides the reader through a very personal and at times tragic story of five strangers who come together and find desperate solace in each other at a time they each need it most. Each new member of The Dinner Club is juggling a personal crisis of their own, from grief to being trapped in a horrific domestic abuse situation and the author handles each of these life changing events with such a delicate and beautiful approach that somehow manages to not only allow the reader to cry tears of sorrow for each character but to feel like a blanket of kindness has been wrapped around them. A story of human fragility and at times despair, but more importantly of hope, resilience and the hope of a much better tomorrow. Beautifully written, poignant, hopeful and so delicately balanced. An outstanding read and each character was a joy to get to know. Highly recommended and cannot wait for more from this author.

Although I struggled to get into this one at first, eventually the characters roped me in. Every person in the "dinner club" felt real and pulled on my heartstrings. The bittersweet nature of the ending had me troubled at first, but ultimately I longed to return to the characters and find out what's next on their dinner menu and life happenings.This is the type of book that makes you wonder, "what else has the author written?" Lucky me, her most recent book sounds even more engaging and I look forward to my next journey with new characters. (I ordered The Life and Love (Attempts) of Kitty Cook today!)What ultimately sold me on The Dinner Club is the author's background in charitable and social services. I feel like she knows exactly what she is talking about when she writes about characters who struggle near the fringes of society, and yet Aitchison finds the glimmers of hope for every one of them. To quote Amy Grant, "love will find a way!"

I begin with a confession: Finishing Helen Aitchison's debut novel, I am left with forever missing the lovely, quirky, funny characters she brings to life, each with their unique gifts and struggles. I continue to think about them.This enjoyable, lovely, and easy to read debut novel is about five characters whose lives intersect. This occurs because Derek posts a notice on a billboard in a local grocery store that asks if anyone is interested in forming a local dinner club.The first few chapters are dedicated to learning about Derek, and once read I was ready for the first meal to be served. But I must wait as Aitchison chooses instead to delay the meal and instead go into the backstory of each dinner guest and why they would even consider taking such a risk--dining with complete strangers. Aitchison's descriptions and thorough character development is noteworthy; she draws the reader into caring about, understanding better, and even championing each guest -- again, all before the first course is even served. In this particular case, and for this book, this is a clever and intelligent writing ploy because by the time the five members sit down for that first meal, I'm believing this fictional story is nonfiction; I want it to be real. Furthermore, I want to be guest number six. I want to dine with the five people of whom I have come to care about so deeply.A 'slow burn' that takes its time as it delves into the nuances of each character, "The Dining Club" steadily builds up to the crescendo of setting -- the first meal -- and never backs down. It leaves the reader hungry for more.It's without reservation that I believe this book needs to become a television show! (Paging Ricky Gervais.) It's quite easy to imagine the initial members come to life on the small screen and then follow various protentional want-to-be members whose backgrounds are shared before their first bite. Should everyone find a place at the table of this unique club? I'm not sure about this. Should everyone read this delightful and heartfelt book? Oh yes, I'm very sure about this. I'm also certain book clubs would love reading this book. Well done, Helen Aitchison!

Each of the five characters’ stories are beautifully written, and Aitchison has captured their individual voices expertly. You can’t help but cheer each of them on as they embark on their journeys of self-love, healing, adventure, rediscovery and independence. I grew to love them all in equal measure, and the friendship and support they found in each other was soul-nourishing. And the food! I love cooking for others, so I devoured the descriptions of meals scattered throughout the novel with gusto. As an Australian, I thoroughly enjoyed the northeast English humour and vernacular. I could almost hear it as I read the book. The novel also covers a few heavy issues, but the author’s experience in the health and social care sector shines through in these sections and reading them feels empowering rather than overwhelming. There was so much that resonated with me, especially Florence’s story, but I can’t mention specifics without spoilers, so you’ll just have to read it yourself! You won’t regret it.

Bravo to this Author for sharing her creative writing skills in this fantastic book containing a story full of stories about a medley of characters. Reading this book was easy, fun, sad, and more about five people with complicated situations. The way Helen Aitchison cleverly wove these five people's lives together with a subtle depth made it difficult to set her book down even to eat a meal. I could hear it waiting for me to pick it up to keep reading. My 98-year-old mother-in-law read it after me and also being an avid reader she shares that it was one of the best books she's read that captured her through to the end. This book left me with thoughts of starting a dinner club. Highly recommend reading this book to readers of all genres.

I loved the diverse characters that Helen managed to beautifully pull together. Each had their own relatable reasons and you cheered for each person and became invested in how the story played out. My favourite character was Florence. She reminded me of my great Grandmother. Florence had a heart of gold and you just enjoyed ever moment she brightened the world of the other characters. This story shows the importance and beauty of company, good food and the importance of making the most of each moment; but also the empowerment of being true to your self.