I thought I would post questions for Mansfield Park this week before the craziness of Thanksgiving makes me forget. I will hide the text like Jennie did so I don't spoil anything for those who might not be finished yet.
1. Though it was very successful, Jane Austen deemed Pride and Prejudice "rather too light." Austen hoped to address more serious issues in her next novel, Mansfield Park. Many readers and critics think Mansfield Park is Austen's most serious and most profound novel. How does it differ from other Austen novels? How are her treatments of class, gender, relationships, and most especially, faith, more nuanced and more mature?
2. Describe the social positions of the three Ward sisters: Lady Bertram, Mrs. Norris, and Mrs. Price. How did they arrive at such different circumstances and how have their circumstances presumably affect their personalities? How do the sisters treat each other and how much of this is a result of their respective status?
3. Describe the family's feelings for Fanny as the novel develops. How does the treatment of Fanny by Mrs. Norris and the Bertram sisters distinguish her from the rest of the children? How does Fanny feel about the Bertrams and how do her feelings change?
4. Mansfield Park was divided into three volumes, published separately. Why do you think Austen chose this structure, and how does it affect your reading of the book?
5. From the moment the idea is suggested, Edmund is against the staging of a play. Why is the play seen as inappropriate by both Edmund and Fanny? Why, once it is decided upon, does Edmund accept a part in the play, even though he would appear a hypocrite? What is the significance of their choice of plays, Lover's Vows?
6. Describe the similarities and differences between the courtship of Edmund and Mary and that of Fanny and Henry. What are the stumbling blocks in these two courtships that cause them to fail? To what extent were the trials of these courtships responsible for Edmund's change of heart toward Fanny?
Monday, November 24, 2008
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Potato Peel Society
I am finally posting my review! Sorry it took me so long - will you excuse the crazy lady with schoolwork?
I also really enjoyed this book - on the surface, it was breezy and fun, but with a bit more to it than that.
1. What was it like to read a novel composed entirely of letters? What do letters offer that no other form of writing (not even emails) can convey?
I actually liked that fact that you jumped into the middle of this correspondence between friends, and started the new one with Dawsey at the same time. It's fun figuring out the dynamics of the relationships based on what you learn through each letter. First I though that Juliet and Sidney were destined for one another, but I realized only later that theirs was too much of a brother/sister relationship.
I adore letters - they convey so much of what the person is thinking at the time. E-mail is too quick. When I'm writing a letter, I take the time to get the right words in my head before I put them on paper. You kind of get the difference in the book with the letters v. the telegrams and quick notes.
2. What makes Sidney and Sophie ideal friends for Juliet? What common ground do they share? Who has been a similar advocate in your life?
Sidney and Sophie were ideal friends for Juliet because they had her best interests at heart - no ulterior motives. They "got" her, really understood her quirks and what she had gone through in her life. They were the kind of friends you don't have to explain yourself too. For me, Sariah and my mom would be similar advocates. And Aaron. And Rebecca and Annette (just had to throw you two in there!). The kind of friend that pushes you to do something that you know you want to do but are afraid of doing.
3. Dawsey first wrote to Juliet because books, on Charles Lamb or otherwise, were so difficult to obtain on Guernsey in the aftermath of the war. What differences did you note between bookselling in the novel and bookselling in your world? What makes book lovers unique, across all generations?
Differences between bookselling in the novel and in my world? Um, I can get anything I want with free shipping? I can't imagine not having nearly every book imaginable available to me at all times. I can get used, rare, out-of-print books and the latest bestseller. I can get books in any language if I want to.
What makes book lovers unique, in my mind, is that we tend to obsess about our favorite authors or subjects. I, personally, have a smidge of an obsession with Jane Austen. Love her books. Love books about her. There's even a book on Jane Austen and food that I read at culinary school. I also love books about Asia - India, China, Japan, Vietnam. Fiction, non-fiction. Bit of an obsession with me. Dawsey developed a passion for Charles Lamb and pursued it. I would do the same had it be me on Guernsey, reading Jane Austen for the first time.
4. What were your first impressions of Dawsey? How was he different from the other men Juliet had known?
Truthfully, I didn't even consider him as a prospect for Juliet - I thought he was too old! He seemed good and kind. The other men in Juliet's life were a bit flashier, more modern. Fast-paced kind of men. Nothing wrong with either, but she obviously hadn't found what she wanted with them.
5. Discuss the poets, novelists, biographers, and other writers who capture the hearts of the members of the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. What does a reader’s taste in books say about his or her personality? Whose lives were changed the most by membership in the society?
I can't remember much, but the woman who was so excited when she was introduced to Pride and Prejudice I immediately related to.
6. Juliet occasionally receives mean-spirited correspondence from strangers, accusing both Elizabeth and Juliet of being immoral. What accounts for their judgmental ways?
7. In what ways were Juliet and Elizabeth kindred spirits? What did Elizabeth’s spontaneous invention of the society, as well as her brave final act, say about her approach to life?
8. Numerous Guernsey residents give Juliet access to their private memories of the occupation. Which voices were most memorable for you? What was the effect of reading a variety of responses to a shared tragedy?
9. Kit and Juliet complete each other in many ways. What did they need from each other? What qualities make Juliet an unconventional, excellent mother?
10. How did Remy’s presence enhance the lives of those on Guernsey? Through her survival, what recollections, hopes, and lessons also survived?
11. Juliet rejects marriage proposals from a man who is a stereotypical “great catch.” How would you have handled Juliet’s romantic entanglement? What truly makes someone a “great catch”?
I'm a bit passive aggressive, so I would most likely have handled it the same way - got caught up in the romance of it all and in the end realized he was so wrong for me! But I would have to escape him first to really know it. Oh wait, this IS MY LIFE! Thank goodness for my own Guernsey Island (known in Jennie's history as Hyde Park NY and Seattle WA) where I realized how wrong he was and then found Mr. Right-for-Me.
12. What was the effect of reading a novel about an author’s experiences with writing, editing, and getting published? Did this enhance the book’s realism, though Juliet’s experience is a bit different from that of debut novelist Mary Ann Shaffer and her niece, children’s book author Annie Barrows?
At least they had a first-hand knowledge of the process. I can relate a bit, especially to Juliet's lack of inspiration that drives you far away from what you know so you can find it again.
13. What historical facts about life in England during World War II were you especially surprised to discover? What traits, such as remarkable stamina, are captured in a detail such as potato peel pie? In what ways does fiction provide a means for more fully understanding a non-fiction truth?
14. Which of the members of the Society is your favorite? Whose literary opinions are most like your own?
15. Do you agree with Isola that “reading good books ruins you for enjoying bad ones”?
Yes, yes and YES!
I also really enjoyed this book - on the surface, it was breezy and fun, but with a bit more to it than that.
1. What was it like to read a novel composed entirely of letters? What do letters offer that no other form of writing (not even emails) can convey?
I actually liked that fact that you jumped into the middle of this correspondence between friends, and started the new one with Dawsey at the same time. It's fun figuring out the dynamics of the relationships based on what you learn through each letter. First I though that Juliet and Sidney were destined for one another, but I realized only later that theirs was too much of a brother/sister relationship.
I adore letters - they convey so much of what the person is thinking at the time. E-mail is too quick. When I'm writing a letter, I take the time to get the right words in my head before I put them on paper. You kind of get the difference in the book with the letters v. the telegrams and quick notes.
2. What makes Sidney and Sophie ideal friends for Juliet? What common ground do they share? Who has been a similar advocate in your life?
Sidney and Sophie were ideal friends for Juliet because they had her best interests at heart - no ulterior motives. They "got" her, really understood her quirks and what she had gone through in her life. They were the kind of friends you don't have to explain yourself too. For me, Sariah and my mom would be similar advocates. And Aaron. And Rebecca and Annette (just had to throw you two in there!). The kind of friend that pushes you to do something that you know you want to do but are afraid of doing.
3. Dawsey first wrote to Juliet because books, on Charles Lamb or otherwise, were so difficult to obtain on Guernsey in the aftermath of the war. What differences did you note between bookselling in the novel and bookselling in your world? What makes book lovers unique, across all generations?
Differences between bookselling in the novel and in my world? Um, I can get anything I want with free shipping? I can't imagine not having nearly every book imaginable available to me at all times. I can get used, rare, out-of-print books and the latest bestseller. I can get books in any language if I want to.
What makes book lovers unique, in my mind, is that we tend to obsess about our favorite authors or subjects. I, personally, have a smidge of an obsession with Jane Austen. Love her books. Love books about her. There's even a book on Jane Austen and food that I read at culinary school. I also love books about Asia - India, China, Japan, Vietnam. Fiction, non-fiction. Bit of an obsession with me. Dawsey developed a passion for Charles Lamb and pursued it. I would do the same had it be me on Guernsey, reading Jane Austen for the first time.
4. What were your first impressions of Dawsey? How was he different from the other men Juliet had known?
Truthfully, I didn't even consider him as a prospect for Juliet - I thought he was too old! He seemed good and kind. The other men in Juliet's life were a bit flashier, more modern. Fast-paced kind of men. Nothing wrong with either, but she obviously hadn't found what she wanted with them.
5. Discuss the poets, novelists, biographers, and other writers who capture the hearts of the members of the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. What does a reader’s taste in books say about his or her personality? Whose lives were changed the most by membership in the society?
I can't remember much, but the woman who was so excited when she was introduced to Pride and Prejudice I immediately related to.
6. Juliet occasionally receives mean-spirited correspondence from strangers, accusing both Elizabeth and Juliet of being immoral. What accounts for their judgmental ways?
7. In what ways were Juliet and Elizabeth kindred spirits? What did Elizabeth’s spontaneous invention of the society, as well as her brave final act, say about her approach to life?
8. Numerous Guernsey residents give Juliet access to their private memories of the occupation. Which voices were most memorable for you? What was the effect of reading a variety of responses to a shared tragedy?
9. Kit and Juliet complete each other in many ways. What did they need from each other? What qualities make Juliet an unconventional, excellent mother?
10. How did Remy’s presence enhance the lives of those on Guernsey? Through her survival, what recollections, hopes, and lessons also survived?
11. Juliet rejects marriage proposals from a man who is a stereotypical “great catch.” How would you have handled Juliet’s romantic entanglement? What truly makes someone a “great catch”?
I'm a bit passive aggressive, so I would most likely have handled it the same way - got caught up in the romance of it all and in the end realized he was so wrong for me! But I would have to escape him first to really know it. Oh wait, this IS MY LIFE! Thank goodness for my own Guernsey Island (known in Jennie's history as Hyde Park NY and Seattle WA) where I realized how wrong he was and then found Mr. Right-for-Me.
12. What was the effect of reading a novel about an author’s experiences with writing, editing, and getting published? Did this enhance the book’s realism, though Juliet’s experience is a bit different from that of debut novelist Mary Ann Shaffer and her niece, children’s book author Annie Barrows?
At least they had a first-hand knowledge of the process. I can relate a bit, especially to Juliet's lack of inspiration that drives you far away from what you know so you can find it again.
13. What historical facts about life in England during World War II were you especially surprised to discover? What traits, such as remarkable stamina, are captured in a detail such as potato peel pie? In what ways does fiction provide a means for more fully understanding a non-fiction truth?
14. Which of the members of the Society is your favorite? Whose literary opinions are most like your own?
15. Do you agree with Isola that “reading good books ruins you for enjoying bad ones”?
Yes, yes and YES!
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Potato Peel Society - thoughts from Annette
I loved this book. I found it very human, very touching. Jerry and I don't often read the same type of fiction but he was desparate for something to read towards the end of our trip (and was running out of books) so I suggest PPS. He loved it as well.
1. What was it like to read a novel composed entirely of letters? What do letters offer that no other form of writing (not even emails) can convey?
I liked this format for this story. It easily allowed the story to switch "points of view" without cumbersome narrative. And since part of the story line was uncovering how the war effected different people in different places, I found this a very effective way of conveying that information. The author had the ability of making each character's letters easily convey their personalities and histories.
2. What makes Sidney and Sophie ideal friends for Juliet?
Having been an only child (and having raised an only child), I personally know and understand the importance of and the trueness of choosing friends who become your family. I've often said that you have the family you are born with and the family you choose (and if you are lucky there is some overlap). Maybe its even easier to have that honesty and uncompetitive love amongst friends you choose as family...maybe there isn't the baggage (the good and the bad) that comes with siblings and family history? hmmm...don't know for sure since i wasn't raised with siblings. But I know that my husband although close to his brother was never close with his sister...ever.
What made Sidney and Sophie special was their honesty, their appreciation of intelligent thought, and I believe they offered Sophie, unconditional love (which she returned). I really enjoyed watching their relationship unfold throughout the book.
3. Dawsey first wrote to Juliet because books, on Charles Lamb or otherwise, were so difficult to obtain on Guernsey in the aftermath of the war. What differences did you note between bookselling in the novel and bookselling in your world? What makes book lovers unique, across all generations?
We still fortunately have access to a wonderful independent bookseller in the town next to ours. His bookstore is like a treasure trove although it is so messy that it is really more like a treasure hunt! But for the most part we have such easy access to knowledge of books, authors, and history through the internet that it is hard to compare the bookselling worlds at all (hence the demise of small bookstores). We can buy new books and old books online through individuals and large bookstores. In most ways this is really cool...but there is also a little loss of "the hunt" of the anticipation (one of the reason I still love to just blindly walk through used bookstores).
I believe book lovers are curious (in all aspects of that word actually). I believe book lovers enjoy the ability to travel with the mind. I believe we eager to explore other people's worlds and thoughts and beliefs (even if we don't share them).
4. What were your first impressions of Dawsey? How was he different from the other men Juliet had known?
I found Dawsey self contained and centered from the very first. Unlike Anne I didn't immediately see him with Juliet until Juliet actually travels to the island...then it was SO obvious to me that they would be good together. How was he different? I believe that his sense of self and his self confidence was not dependent on other people and in particular not dependent on his reflection in the eyes of a woman. Because of that he had the ability to let other people (juliet included) be who they were without trying to fit them into a cubby that suited him. I liked his ability to be quiet. There was a line in the book where Juliet says she couldn't imagine being with a man who she couldn't be quiet with (or something like that). Dawsey was a man who she could comfortably sit in silence with.
5. ...Whose lives were changed the most by membership in the society?
Wow...this is a tough one for me. Maybe that guy (I can't remember his name) who comes to love Shakespeare? Or perhaps Dawsey...because in the end it was his interest in Charles Lamb that led him to Juliet. It was that interest that ended up bringing her to the island and to him.
6. Juliet occasionally receives mean-spirited correspondence from strangers, accusing both Elizabeth and Juliet of being immoral. What accounts for their judgmental ways?
Now that is the 64 dollar question. They had very narrow views of the world. Whether that came naturally, from religion, through some disaapointment or defeat in life...I can't figure it out. I didn't give it much thought. There are always people like that everywhere who are mean spirited, narrow minded and unfortunately feel a compunction to tell everyone within ear shot how they feel about things. I often think they are people who are angry or unloved or both.
7. In what ways were Juliet and Elizabeth kindred spirits? What did Elizabeth’s spontaneous invention of the society, as well as her brave final act, say about her approach to life?
I agree wtih Anne's comment that they both marched to their own drums different from others and felt comfortable about it. They both were accepting of people's differences, appreciative of intelligence, emotionally brave, a little pig headed (in a good way), and generous of spirit.
10. How did Remy’s presence enhance the lives of those on Guernsey? Through her survival, what recollections, hopes, and lessons also survived?
This is an interesting question that I'm not sure I know how to answer. Remy was another "outsider" like Juliet, who manages to find her own place in really what is quite a remarkable community of friends. She, I think, was a bridge to Elizabeth and perhaps helped bring closure for many people. Perhaps for some their ability to help Remy heal was like a final act of homage to Elizabeth who they ended up not being able to help out of her tragedy. I think that many felt that Elizabeth would have wanted them, perhaps would have expected them, to help Remy. Perhaps it helps the community heal from the war.
11. Juliet rejects marriage proposals from a man who is a stereotypical “great catch.” How would you have handled Juliet’s romantic entanglement? What truly makes someone a “great catch”?
I'm not sure I would have dated him as long as she did...except that I know he was a welcome respite from the grayness and ugliness of London during the war. Perhaps he was like a vacation. But it didn't seem like they ever really talked about anything that mattered to her and that he absolutely didn't understand her true yearnings and intellect. He wasn't a bad guy at all...he just definitely wasn't the right guy.
13. What historical facts about life in England during World War II were you especially surprised to discover? What traits, such as remarkable stamina, are captured in a detail such as potato peel pie? In what ways does fiction provide a means for more fully understanding a non-fiction truth?
Neither Jerry nor I knew that the Channel Islands had been occupied for almost the entire war...that was a complete surprise. I knew about the bombings and deprivations of London and about the children who were sent to the country (they were actually send from all over europe). But what I hadn't realized was that the rationing and shortage of goods went on for so long after the war.
14. Which of the members of the Society is your favorite? Whose literary opinions are most like your own?
Isola, I think. Was she the Jane Austen nut?
15. Do you agree with Isola that “reading good books ruins you for enjoying bad ones”?
1. What was it like to read a novel composed entirely of letters? What do letters offer that no other form of writing (not even emails) can convey?
I liked this format for this story. It easily allowed the story to switch "points of view" without cumbersome narrative. And since part of the story line was uncovering how the war effected different people in different places, I found this a very effective way of conveying that information. The author had the ability of making each character's letters easily convey their personalities and histories.
2. What makes Sidney and Sophie ideal friends for Juliet?
Having been an only child (and having raised an only child), I personally know and understand the importance of and the trueness of choosing friends who become your family. I've often said that you have the family you are born with and the family you choose (and if you are lucky there is some overlap). Maybe its even easier to have that honesty and uncompetitive love amongst friends you choose as family...maybe there isn't the baggage (the good and the bad) that comes with siblings and family history? hmmm...don't know for sure since i wasn't raised with siblings. But I know that my husband although close to his brother was never close with his sister...ever.
What made Sidney and Sophie special was their honesty, their appreciation of intelligent thought, and I believe they offered Sophie, unconditional love (which she returned). I really enjoyed watching their relationship unfold throughout the book.
3. Dawsey first wrote to Juliet because books, on Charles Lamb or otherwise, were so difficult to obtain on Guernsey in the aftermath of the war. What differences did you note between bookselling in the novel and bookselling in your world? What makes book lovers unique, across all generations?
We still fortunately have access to a wonderful independent bookseller in the town next to ours. His bookstore is like a treasure trove although it is so messy that it is really more like a treasure hunt! But for the most part we have such easy access to knowledge of books, authors, and history through the internet that it is hard to compare the bookselling worlds at all (hence the demise of small bookstores). We can buy new books and old books online through individuals and large bookstores. In most ways this is really cool...but there is also a little loss of "the hunt" of the anticipation (one of the reason I still love to just blindly walk through used bookstores).
I believe book lovers are curious (in all aspects of that word actually). I believe book lovers enjoy the ability to travel with the mind. I believe we eager to explore other people's worlds and thoughts and beliefs (even if we don't share them).
4. What were your first impressions of Dawsey? How was he different from the other men Juliet had known?
I found Dawsey self contained and centered from the very first. Unlike Anne I didn't immediately see him with Juliet until Juliet actually travels to the island...then it was SO obvious to me that they would be good together. How was he different? I believe that his sense of self and his self confidence was not dependent on other people and in particular not dependent on his reflection in the eyes of a woman. Because of that he had the ability to let other people (juliet included) be who they were without trying to fit them into a cubby that suited him. I liked his ability to be quiet. There was a line in the book where Juliet says she couldn't imagine being with a man who she couldn't be quiet with (or something like that). Dawsey was a man who she could comfortably sit in silence with.
5. ...Whose lives were changed the most by membership in the society?
Wow...this is a tough one for me. Maybe that guy (I can't remember his name) who comes to love Shakespeare? Or perhaps Dawsey...because in the end it was his interest in Charles Lamb that led him to Juliet. It was that interest that ended up bringing her to the island and to him.
6. Juliet occasionally receives mean-spirited correspondence from strangers, accusing both Elizabeth and Juliet of being immoral. What accounts for their judgmental ways?
Now that is the 64 dollar question. They had very narrow views of the world. Whether that came naturally, from religion, through some disaapointment or defeat in life...I can't figure it out. I didn't give it much thought. There are always people like that everywhere who are mean spirited, narrow minded and unfortunately feel a compunction to tell everyone within ear shot how they feel about things. I often think they are people who are angry or unloved or both.
7. In what ways were Juliet and Elizabeth kindred spirits? What did Elizabeth’s spontaneous invention of the society, as well as her brave final act, say about her approach to life?
I agree wtih Anne's comment that they both marched to their own drums different from others and felt comfortable about it. They both were accepting of people's differences, appreciative of intelligence, emotionally brave, a little pig headed (in a good way), and generous of spirit.
10. How did Remy’s presence enhance the lives of those on Guernsey? Through her survival, what recollections, hopes, and lessons also survived?
This is an interesting question that I'm not sure I know how to answer. Remy was another "outsider" like Juliet, who manages to find her own place in really what is quite a remarkable community of friends. She, I think, was a bridge to Elizabeth and perhaps helped bring closure for many people. Perhaps for some their ability to help Remy heal was like a final act of homage to Elizabeth who they ended up not being able to help out of her tragedy. I think that many felt that Elizabeth would have wanted them, perhaps would have expected them, to help Remy. Perhaps it helps the community heal from the war.
11. Juliet rejects marriage proposals from a man who is a stereotypical “great catch.” How would you have handled Juliet’s romantic entanglement? What truly makes someone a “great catch”?
I'm not sure I would have dated him as long as she did...except that I know he was a welcome respite from the grayness and ugliness of London during the war. Perhaps he was like a vacation. But it didn't seem like they ever really talked about anything that mattered to her and that he absolutely didn't understand her true yearnings and intellect. He wasn't a bad guy at all...he just definitely wasn't the right guy.
13. What historical facts about life in England during World War II were you especially surprised to discover? What traits, such as remarkable stamina, are captured in a detail such as potato peel pie? In what ways does fiction provide a means for more fully understanding a non-fiction truth?
Neither Jerry nor I knew that the Channel Islands had been occupied for almost the entire war...that was a complete surprise. I knew about the bombings and deprivations of London and about the children who were sent to the country (they were actually send from all over europe). But what I hadn't realized was that the rationing and shortage of goods went on for so long after the war.
14. Which of the members of the Society is your favorite? Whose literary opinions are most like your own?
Isola, I think. Was she the Jane Austen nut?
15. Do you agree with Isola that “reading good books ruins you for enjoying bad ones”?
Pretty much...
Rebecca's question about the book ending. I hadn't really thought about it so had to go back and read that section of the book. And although it obviously didn't spoil the ending for me (otherwise I would have noticed it) I do find it a big odd. Especially since it goes back to the "letter" format for one final letter from Juliet to Sidney. However, it kind of fits Isola's quirky nature and is an extension of her love of everything "miss marple".
I have one theory. This book was researched and started by Mary Ann shaffer but was finished by (or was assisted in finishing by) her niece Annie Barrows when Mary Ann Shaffer became ill. She actually died before the book was published (in february 2008...just two months after she wrote the acknowledgements). Maybe they just ran out of steam and used Isola to tie up the loose ends?
A few of my favorite quotes
Page 11> "That's what I love about reading: one tiny thing will interest you in a book, and that tiny thing will lead you onto another book, and another bit there will lead you onto a third book."
Page 8> "I can't think of anything lonelier than spending the rest of my life with somone I can't talk to or worse, someone I can't be silent with".
And now from Guernsey Island it is onto Mansfield Park!
Annette B
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Potato Peel Society
I agree with Rebecca, I really liked this book. Here are some of my thoughts:
1. What was it like to read a novel composed entirely of letters? What do letters offer that no other form of writing (not even emails) can convey?
At the start of the book, I was a bit confused as to who each character was and how they were connected to each other. Once I figured that out, I loved the letter format. I felt like I knew about each character's inside jokes and quirks that really only appear in writing! Letters are so personal, in my opinion, even more so than emails because the person physically touched the paper, pencil, etc. I loved letters from my grandparents when I was little because I felt a small connection with them every time I held their letters.
2. What makes Sidney and Sophie ideal friends for Juliet? What common ground do they share? Who has been a similar advocate in your life?
I loved Sidney and Sophie and wished that they were my friends. They considered Juliet a part of their family, treated her with love, and were not afraid to tell her the honest truth if needed. I felt like they were such good friends because they spent so much of those awkward teenage years together. Those bonds are so often the tightest because friendships are formed without bias.
4. What was your first impression of Dawsey? How is he different from the other men Juliet had known?
I loved Dawsey. I hoped from the very first time we met him in the story that he would end up with Juliet. I loved his calm demeanor, his love of books, and how loyal he was to his friends. I think that he is different from the other men in Juliet's life because he wasn't pushy about his relationship with Juliet and became friends first, not lovers.
7. In what ways were Juliet and Elizabeth kindred spirits? What did Elizabeth's spontaneous invention of the society, as well as her brave final act, say about her approach to life?
Juliet and Elizabeth marched to a different drum. They weren't worried to say what they felt, even if they knew it would end badly. They were passionate about their friends. Most importantly, they disregarded the boundaries that most people believed in. (falling in love with a German, finding a way to help a starving worker, breaking off a seemingly perfect engagement, etc.) I loved the way Elizabeth went about her life and wished that we knew more about her. She was compassionate and resourceful. I wish I was more like her.
8. Numerous Guernsey residents give Juliet access to their private memories of the occupation. Which voices were most memorable for you?What was the effect of reading a variety of responses to a shared tragedy?
I don't know if I could say I had a favorite voice in regards to the memories of the occupation. Each person had such vivid details about their experiences. I was moved by their endurance and was thrilled that they found a love of books together to help them through.
14. Which of the members of the Society is your favorite? Whose literary opinions are most like your own?
I loved quirky Isola. She made me laugh so many times. I loved how she wanted to know more about people and was completely unconventional in how she obtained that information. I loved here literary opinions as well- Pride and Prejudice is one of my all time favorites! I was bothered a little that Isola was the one who told the ending of the book. Rebecca asked that question in her post. I really wish that I could have seen the discovery of Juliet and Dawsey's affection in a letter that maybe Juliet wrote to Sophie, or better yet, a letter that Juliet wrote to Dawsey!
1. What was it like to read a novel composed entirely of letters? What do letters offer that no other form of writing (not even emails) can convey?
At the start of the book, I was a bit confused as to who each character was and how they were connected to each other. Once I figured that out, I loved the letter format. I felt like I knew about each character's inside jokes and quirks that really only appear in writing! Letters are so personal, in my opinion, even more so than emails because the person physically touched the paper, pencil, etc. I loved letters from my grandparents when I was little because I felt a small connection with them every time I held their letters.
2. What makes Sidney and Sophie ideal friends for Juliet? What common ground do they share? Who has been a similar advocate in your life?
I loved Sidney and Sophie and wished that they were my friends. They considered Juliet a part of their family, treated her with love, and were not afraid to tell her the honest truth if needed. I felt like they were such good friends because they spent so much of those awkward teenage years together. Those bonds are so often the tightest because friendships are formed without bias.
4. What was your first impression of Dawsey? How is he different from the other men Juliet had known?
I loved Dawsey. I hoped from the very first time we met him in the story that he would end up with Juliet. I loved his calm demeanor, his love of books, and how loyal he was to his friends. I think that he is different from the other men in Juliet's life because he wasn't pushy about his relationship with Juliet and became friends first, not lovers.
7. In what ways were Juliet and Elizabeth kindred spirits? What did Elizabeth's spontaneous invention of the society, as well as her brave final act, say about her approach to life?
Juliet and Elizabeth marched to a different drum. They weren't worried to say what they felt, even if they knew it would end badly. They were passionate about their friends. Most importantly, they disregarded the boundaries that most people believed in. (falling in love with a German, finding a way to help a starving worker, breaking off a seemingly perfect engagement, etc.) I loved the way Elizabeth went about her life and wished that we knew more about her. She was compassionate and resourceful. I wish I was more like her.
8. Numerous Guernsey residents give Juliet access to their private memories of the occupation. Which voices were most memorable for you?What was the effect of reading a variety of responses to a shared tragedy?
I don't know if I could say I had a favorite voice in regards to the memories of the occupation. Each person had such vivid details about their experiences. I was moved by their endurance and was thrilled that they found a love of books together to help them through.
14. Which of the members of the Society is your favorite? Whose literary opinions are most like your own?
I loved quirky Isola. She made me laugh so many times. I loved how she wanted to know more about people and was completely unconventional in how she obtained that information. I loved here literary opinions as well- Pride and Prejudice is one of my all time favorites! I was bothered a little that Isola was the one who told the ending of the book. Rebecca asked that question in her post. I really wish that I could have seen the discovery of Juliet and Dawsey's affection in a letter that maybe Juliet wrote to Sophie, or better yet, a letter that Juliet wrote to Dawsey!
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Potato Peel Society
I REALLY liked this book!
1. What was it like to read a novel composed entirely of letters? What do letters offer that no other form of writing (not even emails) can convey?
Right away this book reminded me of “Daddy Long Legs” by Jean Webster (great book!) which was written in the letter form. I really like it—letters are personal in a different way than regular conversations and, though cautious, I think there was so much humor in this form! I loved thinking (and remembering in my life) about the anticipation of a letter in the mail. In a tangible way you feel close to the person who wrote you—you are holding the paper they themselves touched! In this modern email world, a written word can be a treasure!
3. Dawsey first wrote to Juliet because books, on Charles Lamb or otherwise, were so difficult to obtain on Guernsey in the aftermath of the war. What differences did you note between bookselling in the novel and bookselling in your world? What makes book lovers unique, across all generations?
(p.15) “No one in their right mind would take up clerking in a bookstore for the salary, and no one in his right mind would want to own one—the margin of profit is too small. So, it has to be a love of readers and reading that makes them do it—along with first dibs on the new books.” Doesn't this quote say it all? I've never really known a small, independent book shop but I do enjoy the large book stores of our day. Being in a book store somehow feels like an escape from the outside world (provided I'm not reading newspapers or magazines, which I don't do in a book store). I also like the cozy little cafes associated with the bigger book stores.
4. What were your first impressions of Dawsey? How was he different from the other men Juliet had known?
For some reason I at first thought he was a female –I have never heard the name Dawsey before and didn’t automatically think of a man being so passionate about a book. I loved the first description of his character by Amelia. This is the first time in the story that someone else talks about him.
(p.37) “I don’t believe he is aware of it, but Dawsey has a rare gift for persuasion—he never asks for anything for himself, so everyone is eager to do what he asks for others.”
What a compliment and what a rare person to be that selfless. Right then I realized he was a worthy person to know. It took me a while to place his age—at first thought he was a young farmer, then an aged farmer. I never did get quite comfortable with him being 40ish—I have a difficult time visualizing him.
I thought she was going to fall in love with Sidney! I was honestly really suprised when he turned out to be gay! Didn't see that one coming!
5. Discuss the poets, novelists, biographers, and other writers who capture the hearts of the members of the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society.
Well I’m definitely curious about Charles Lamb now! I was dismayed each time an author was mentioned who I was NOT familiar with!
I was fired up right along with Clovis when he was so upset by “The Oxford Book of Modern Verse, 1892-1935” for not including any poetry from WWI because, according to Mr. Yeats, “Passive suffering is not a theme for poetry.” (p.73) What an interesting insight!
10. How did Remy’s presence enhance the lives of those on Guernsey? Through her survival, what recollections, hopes, and lessons also survived?
I feel bad about this but I didn’t ever feel a strong connection with Remy. She suffered the most of anyone in the story (except Elizabeth) and she has arguably the most to overcome in her future, but since she never really bonded with anyone on Guernsey or corresponded with Juliet, she was a distant character for me. Maybe I need to re-read these parts.
13. What historical facts about life in England during World War II were you especially surprised to discover? What traits, such as remarkable stamina, are captured in a detail such as potato peel pie?
The thought of sending my children away, and then not hearing from them for years, is heartbreaking. I can't even discuss it further than this quick mention of it. It puts me in tears.
No news or outside communication for 5 years. Can't imagine! I venture to say this would be more difficult in our day--we are so addicted to news, information at the tip of our fingers. If something like this happened to us now, the isolation would be unbearable.
I thought it was interesting the comparison between the ways the war affected Guernsey vs. the mainland. Guernsey was occupied by German soldiers, short on food, witness to the work camps, etc and it seemed pretty bad. But when you compared it to the bombing of entire cities and neighborhoods, Guernsey almost seemed like they were better off? Any thoughts on this?
In what ways does fiction provide a means for more fully understanding a non-fiction truth?
I liked how I got a feel for the people's everyday lives, without getting too caught up in war details. Non-fiction just can't capture the emotion, bravery, strength in the same way. Even in the midst of war, people still LIVED. That is fascinating--
15. Do you agree with Isola that “reading good books ruins you for enjoying bad ones”?
YES! I love this thought (p.10) “Perhaps there is some secret sort of homing instinct in books that brings them to their perfect readers. How delightful if that were true.” When I read good books I smile, I think, I want to talk about it, I appreciate that it was worth my time. I am so frustrated when my time is wasted by a bad book.
A discussion question of my own: Was anyone else bugged by the change in writing at the end of the book...when the story was told by Isola instead of through the letters? I liked the plot, how Juliet realized Dawsey loved her by keeping "mementos" of her, but I was kind of bugged that I heard it from someone else's voice.
Some of my other favorite quotes (weren't there a lot of good quotes in this book?) These would make interesting discussion points too.
(p70 Juliet) “The war is now the story of our lives, and there’s no subtracting it.”
(p.116 Juliet) “Have you ever noticed that when your mind is awakened or drawn to someone new, that person’s name suddenly pops up everywhere you go? My friend Sophie calls it coincidence, and Mr. Simpless, my parson friend, calls it Grace. He thinks that if one cares deeply about someone or something new one throws a kind of energy out into the world and “fruitfulness” is drawn in.”
(p274 Juliet—last page in book) “Think of it! We could have gone on longing for one another and pretending not to notice forever. This obsession with dignity can ruin your life if you let it.”
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