The Writing Circle

Over the course of her career, author Corinne Demas has belonged to numerous writing circles. In her most recent novel, The Writing Circle, Demas unravels the complicated histories and entangled lives of members of Leopardi Circle, a writing group whose members include a poet, biographer, adventure writer, historian, and two aspiring novelist. Every Sunday afternoon, without fail, the group of established writers meet to read their work outloud and to give feedback. Through this process of revealing their work, they ultimately begin to share their lives , their personal stories, families, affections and most buried secrets. Each chapter is written in the voice of a Leopardi member, family member or acquaintance. As the story builds, Demas takes us on a roller coaster ride full of eccentric passengers and intricate relationships. This is an engaging novel that delivers a rich and surprising story. Demas introduces characters who have enough heft and sincerity to them that I wish that I could meet them for coffee and a good talk.