Kelly: ‘I have learnt so much about British culture from what we read’ 

The mum-of-two who moved from China to Liverpool 15 years ago joined a Shared Reading group in Halewood Library in 2023 when her children were settled at school. As a result, she says the language barrier is getting smaller all the time. 

“I moved to Liverpool from China in 2010 and had two children. Once they were settled in school, I was looking for something to do for myself. It was important to find something close to my home as my time is limited and I didn’t want the expense of travelling. I walked to Halewood Library and they told me about the Shared Reading group happening every week. 

I went along in May 2023 to my first session, and I felt instantly welcomed by the Reader Leader Michele and the rest of the group. They were reading a large book by George Eliot called Adam Bede, nearly 500 pages and I thought: ‘No, I can’t do that, my English isn’t good enough.’ 

Our Reader Leader handed me a copy of the book and summarised what was happening. Before I knew it, I was immersed into the story and characters - and couldn’t believe how I could understand it. I didn’t understand all of the English words but with the group discussion about what is happening, it all fell into place for me. The group were so helpful and kind and it has become a routine for me every week, I want to know what happens next. I can’t wait. 

Michele provides tea and biscuits for us to share during the session and it was a warm space during the winter. I would never read a big book like this on my own, though now because of Adam Bede, I am trying books a little bit longer and my reading in English is improving.

I like to listen to the other members of the group reading, it helps me. 

For the last part of the session, we read a poem together and discuss a connection from the poem to the story. Michele is great at choosing poems. We read a poem called Comfort by Elizabeth Jennings which reminded us of a character from Adam Bede visiting another character in jail and offering a warm hand. 

One day in the late summer, we had a trip out to The Adam Bede Walk in the Peak District, I was very impressed with it. It was a beautiful day, and we visited Adam’s house, the church and Hetty’s farm. Then we finished with a cup of tea in a local café. It was nice to spend time with the group in this way. It is sociable for me. 

I am very surprised that I have learnt so much about British culture from what we read and also from the other group members and I am grateful for this. I am learning at a fast pace, in a friendly place. I am also learning about the Victorian era which is very interesting as I found out that British people didn’t use to hug each other during that time. 

At Christmas we took a break from the book and read Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. This is different, it’s an English myth and also very funny. 

The Chapters in Adam Bede are numbered in Roman numerals, and this is new for me. The group have helped me to translate them, and I love to tell the time on the clocks around the town. The language barrier is getting smaller all the time. 

I would encourage anybody to give a Shared Reading group a try as you will come to know more about yourself, it is a good social life and I am listening better than before.” 

As a charity we rely on the generous support of individuals and organisations to help us change lives through Shared Reading. A donation allows us to train volunteers, provide resources for groups and help reach more people like Kelly. We want to make sure everyone can attend a Shared Reading group, no matter their background, income or situation, and we'll be so grateful for your help.

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