Lit Collective: An Online Reading Retreat discussion

Discussion

I just finished this. Has anyone else?

Yes! Hi, Becca! It's certainly an impressive piece of historical fiction and what a story! Or several stories. I found it a little difficult to start a completely different story with new characters every 30 or 40 pages. But the effort was worth it. Of course, Hanna's story was a continuous thread. I'd like to read this link http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarajevo... again more carefully before our twitter chat, to clarify the historical facts. I'm so glad that it survived all its trials and is really on display now in Sarajevo. It mentions Brooks' book, and also shows examples of the illuminations.

As I read, I was reminded of The Eight, which I enjoyed a lot, despite some aspects of the writing. Of course, its artefact (a mythical chess set) made that book's genre historical fantasy. The Lady and the Unicorn is probably closer in spirit, since it was about a real set of tapestries on display in Paris.

Hey everyone, I've had a bit of a crazy summer. My dog has been sick and he's developed a few more issues this summer so it's been a struggle keeping up.

That being said I just got the audiobook of People of the Book from the library and will start it likely tomorrow. I'm hoping it's not too late for this one already!

I hope you can finish it, Darlene!

Lucy, I felt the same somewhat. Most of the stories were interesting, but it was hard also to start new stories knowing there was no need to get invested in the characters. I haven't read The Eight or Lady and the Unicorn!

I did finish the audiobook a bit ago and I agree it is an impressive look into history. I did however find it difficult to follow in places but that could have been due to it being on audio as there was a lot going on with the different story lines. I'll have to check out that link Lucy. I'd be interested to learn more. I'm glad I read it though. I thought it was very good.

Hi everyone! I'll be hosting the Twitter chat (#litcollective) this Friday evening (10/3) at 8:30CST. Below are the discussion questions we will cover. Thanks!

1. When Hanna implores Ozren to solicit a second opinion on Alia's condition, he becomes angry and tells her, "Not every story has a happy ending." (p. 37). To what extent do you believe that their perspectives on tragedy and death are cultural? To what extent are they personal?


2. Isak tells Mordechai, "At least the pigeon does no harm. The hawk lives at the expense of other creatures that dwell in the desert." (p.50). If you were Lola, would you have left the safety of your known life and gone to Palestine? Is it better to live as a pigeon or a hawk? Or is there an alternative?

3. When Father Vistorni asks Rabbi Judah Ayreh to warn the printer that the Church disapproves of one of their recently published texts, Ayreh tells him, "better you do it than to have us so intellectually enslaved that we do it for you." (p.156). Do you agree or disagree with his argument? With the way he handled Vistorni's request?

4. What was it, ultimately, that made Father Vistorini approve the Haggadah? Since Brooks leaves this part of the story unclear, how do you imagine it made its way from his rooms to Sarajevo?

5. Several of the novel's female characters lived in the pre-feminist era and certainly fared poorly at the hands of men. Does the fact that she was pushing for gender equality—not to mention saving lives—justify Sarah Heath's poor parenting skills? Would women's rights be where they are today if it weren't for women like her?

6. Have you ever been in a position where your professional judgment has been called into question? How did you react?

7. Was Hanna being fair to suspect only Amitai of the theft? Do you think charges should have been pressed against the culprits?

8. How did Hanna change after discovering the truth about her father? Would the person she was before her mother's accident have realized that she loved Ozren? Or risked the dangers involved in returning the codex?

9. There is an amazing array of "people of the book"—both base and noble—whose lifetimes span some remarkable periods in human history. Who is your favorite and why?

(Questions taken from LitLovers.com)

Urban Wife wrote: "Hi everyone! I'll be hosting the Twitter chat (#litcollective) this Friday evening (10/3) at 8:30CST. Below are the discussion questions we will cover. Thanks!

1. When Hanna implores Ozren to sol..."

Thanks!

930 on a Friday evening might be a challenge for me but if I am not out with John I will be there! Great questions too!

Becca wrote: "930 on a Friday evening might be a challenge for me but if I am not out with John I will be there! Great questions too!"

Totally optional, as you know.

Yes, great questions! Urban Wife has been a Godsend to me with this set of books. :)