The Night Guest discussion

I probably ought to read it again but I can't be bothered. I'm not sure what really happened in this book. Did Freida kill Ruth? If she did, why? How did Freida die? If she was just trying to con Ruth then why wasn't she nice to her all the time? What was the Tiger all about? I really enjoyed reading this book but don't understand it.

I just got tired of it.

I think the tiger was either Ruth herself, or some metaphorical sense of foreboding which she experiences. I think Ruth died because she was old and overdrugged/ left outside by Frida. However, as to who/what Frida killed when she was fighting the "tiger" I'm not sure.

There was a tiger?

The writing in the book if poignant and explores themes of isolation and interdependence. To me, the tiger is a metaphor for Ruth's impending death and the disintegration of her mind, and it's apt that the tiger appeared just prior to Frida's arrival. I'm glad McFarlane didn't reveal exactly what the tiger represented because it made me stop and think. I also enjoyed the contrast with Ruth's domestic cats with whom she feels safe and the threat of the tiger. There is a sense of foreboding throughout the book, but also moments of exquisite tenderness between Ruth and Frida. Although Ruth is being conned, she relies on Frida just as Frida relies on George. It's a tender and thought provoking picture of ageing.