Raw Reading Club 2026

How many classics have you read lately? Are your bookshelves groaning under the weight of novels by Dickens and Tolstoy? Or does the word ‘classic’ make you feel intimidated? Whatever your answer to these questions, you’re warmly invited to our new monthly reading course, in which we’ll read and discuss some great works and discover that they are perfectly approachable and enjoyable by anyone who likes reading, regardless of their academic background.

It’s not necessary to read thousands of pages to be a good reader. The important thing is to read well. So we will concentrate on the novella – works of 100-200 pages, longer than a short story but shorter than a novel. Examples are Kafka’s Metamorphosis or Claire Keegan’s Small Things Like These. You’ll be given plenty of notice of the titles so you have time to read in advance. In our monthly meetings, we’ll consider style, background, themes, and interpretation. Small numbers (eight participants maximum) will ensure everyone has a chance to contribute. The emphasis is on growing as a reader, but if you’re a writer, well remember, if you want to write well you have to read well!

First Wednesday of each month: Exeter Phoenix 14.00-16.00

January 7th, February 4th, March 4th, April 1st, May 6th, June 3rd 2026