60MBC7: Discussion time!
Join us next Tuesday 22 July for a virtual 'Garden Party' to discuss this Katherine Mansfield classic.
Happy Friday everyone,
It’s been a tough month so forgive me for cutting to the chase today!
We meet next Tuesday 22 July - a little earlier than the usual last week of the month, but not to panic, as ‘The Garden Party’ will take you 30 - 40 minutes tops to read.
On the surface it may appear a frothy tale about frivolities, fancies, and other things beginning with f which don’t come to mind right now, but below it lies a poignant coming-of-age story about that moment we all realise a certain truth about life.
And don’t forget, if you want to join us next Tuesday to discuss it ‘in person’, you’ll need to be a subscriber (free or paid), as the link will be shared in our chat.
Scroll on for all the details, and look forward to seeing some of you there!
Emma x
📆 60MBC7: ‘The Garden Party’ discussion
When? Tuesday 22 July 2025
What time? 6:00 PM CEST (9am PST / 12pm EST / 5pm BST)
How? We'll connect via Google Meet. For privacy reasons, the link will be shared in the Scrambled Eggs subscriber chat only. If you have any trouble finding it, please reply to this email directly.
Not subscribed yet? Join now for free, you don’t need to be a paid subscriber to participate, but you do need to subscribe to receive the private link.
What to expect: Sixty minutes of informal chat about the story, with no prior analysis needed. I do my best to make these sessions a fun and friendly space to talk about the story, how it made us feel and what stood out to us about the work.
Here's an idea of what we’ll discuss this time:
How does Laura’s perspective on class shift over the course of the story? What moments seem to challenge her upbringing most deeply?
Would you agree that ‘The Garden Party’ is a coming-of-age story? What does Laura ‘grow into’ by the end, if anything?
How are beauty and death juxtaposed in the story? Consider both the garden party itself and Laura’s encounter at the cottage.
Why do you think Mansfield ends the story so ambiguously, with Laura saying ‘Isn’t life—’? What was your reading of the ending?
Feel free to bring your own questions, comments or favourite parts - this is always what makes the conversation come alive!
And don't forget to join the chat for the Google Meet link!
See you then.
Emma x
