THE ESSENTIALS – Appointment in Samarra

Another one none of us had heard of!

Appointment in Samarra is John O’Hara’s acclaimed 1934 novel about the rapid, self-destructive downfall of Julian English, a wealthy young man in the fictional Pennsylvania town of Gibbsville over three days during Christmas 1930. Driven by alcohol, social pressure, and impulsive acts, Julian alienates his wife and society, leading to his tragic end, which mirrors the ancient fable of a man trying to flee his fated appointment with Death in Samarra. The book is celebrated for its sharp social commentary on class, status, and the dark side of the American dream.

Join us as we talk about this roller coaster of a book – it’s really very good and we think you should read it even if you can’t make it to club.