The result of the latest Classics Club Spin has been revealed today.
The idea of the Spin was to list twenty books from my Classics Club list, number them 1 to 20, and the number announced by the Classics Club represents the book I have to read before 29th March 2026. The number that has been selected is…
2
And this means the book I need to read is…
Trouble With Lichen by John Wyndham
Francis Saxover and Diana Brackley, two scientists investigating a rare lichen, discover it has a remarkable property: it retards the aging process. Francis, realising the implications for the world of an ever-youthful, wealthy elite, wants to keep it secret, but Diana sees an opportunity to overturn the male status quo by using the lichen to inspire a feminist revolution.
As each scientist wrestles with the implications and practicalities of exploiting the discovery, the world comes ever closer to learning the truth . . .
Trouble With Lichen is a scintillating story of the power wielded by science in our lives and asks how much trust should we place in those we appoint to be its guardians?
~
I hadn’t really expected to get this one, for some reason, but I’m glad I did as I’ve enjoyed all of the other Wyndham novels I’ve read. It’s nice and short as well!
Have you read this book? What did you think of it?
She Reads Novels 
I think you must have some influence over the result because I got The Prisoner of Zenda which you said you enjoyed
I apologise in advance if you don’t like it! š I thought it was fun and hopefully you will as well.
I haven’t read any Wyndham, but I haven’t even heard of this one, so I’ll be interested in what you think.
I’ve read all of Wyndham’s more famous books, so I’m reading the lesser known ones now. I’m hoping this will still be a good one.
I have never even heard of this book, but I’m curious to see how you like it. If you do. Does have an interesting premise. Happy reading! š
It does sound interesting and I’ve loved some of Wyndham’s other books so I’m hopeful that I’ll love this one too!
I’ve not heard of this book, but it looks good. I’ve enjoyed all of the Wyndham novels I’ve read, so I’ll be interested to see what you think of it.
Yes, I’ve enjoyed everything I’ve read by him so far as well. I’m hoping this will be another good one!
I hadn’t even heard of this one but it sounds like an interesting premise and I look forward to seeing your review for it. I really hope you enjoy it.
Thank you! I don’t read much science fiction but I’ve really enjoyed the other books I’ve read by John Wyndham so I’m looking forward to reading this one.
I don’t know this author, but this does sound fun, if not slightly absurd.
Science fiction is often a bit absurd, I suppose, but Wyndham’s books are usually entertaining anyway!
I was a huge fan of Wyndham’s books back in the day but it’s years since I’ve tried one. I know I read this one but I remember nothing about my reaction. I hope you enjoy it, Helen.
I only started reading him fairly recently, not being much of a science fiction fan, but I’ve enjoyed everything I’ve read by him so far. I’m hoping I’ll enjoy this one as well!
I haven’t read Wyndham since my teens, and I’m not sure if this was one of them. So look forward to your thoughts!
I never thought I would like Wyndham, so didn’t try any of his books until relatively recently – but I’ve found that I usually love them. Looking forward to reading this one!
I haven’t read any Wyndham, I think I had The Day of the Triffids on my list at some point but bumped it off, I hope you enjoy this one as much as his others
The Day of the Triffids is a good one, but I think my favourite is The Midwich Cuckoos. I’m hoping this will be another one I enjoy!
I read this (and most of Wyndham’s work) EONS ago, so can’t remember *anything* about it! I do remember really liking his work overall though and how BRITISH it was when compared with American SF I was reading at that time. I hope you enjoy it!
Yes, that’s a good point – his books do feel very British, which makes a change from all the American science fiction out there. I’m looking forward to reading this one!
You might also like ‘The Death of Grass’ by John Christopher. Its part of the Penguin Classics series and is, like Wyndham *very* British SF.
Hah, I was intending to complete this soon anyway, so I shall probably be reading it in parallel with you!
It will be interesting to compare thoughts!
I haven’t read this one, but I enjoyed The Day of the Triffids, so will be interested to hear what you think of this one. š¤
Yes, I enjoyed The Day of the Triffids too. I’m hoping this one will be just as good!