Read Women discussion

I'm happy to be leading our February fiction discussion for The Cure for Death by Lightning by Canadian author Gail Anderson-Dargatz.

THE NOVEL:

"The cure for death by lightning was handwritten in thick, messy blue ink in my mother’s scrapbook, under the recipe for my father’s favourite oatcakes: Dunk the dead by lightning in a cold water bath for two hours and if still dead, add vinegar and soak for an hour more."

The Cure for Death by Lightning takes place against the backdrop of daily life on a farm in remote Turtle Valley, British Columbia, during World War II. Beth Weeks is fifteen years old and lives with her parents and rebellious older brother. Strange things are happening: a classmate of Beth's is mauled to death; children go missing on the nearby reserve; and Beth herself is being hunted by an unseen predator. The valley is home to a host of eccentric but familiar characters -- Nora, a Native girl in whose friendship Beth takes refuge; Filthy Billy, the hired hand who is thought to be possessed; Nora's mother, who has a man's voice and an extra little finger; and Beth's haunted mother, who recipes are laced throughout the novel, providing luscious descriptions of food, gardening, fruit-picking and preserving, and remedies, both practical and bizarre.

THE AUTHOR

GAIL ANDERSON-DARGATZ has been published worldwide in English and in many other languages in more than fifteen territories. Her first novel,The Cure for Death by Lightning, met with terrific acclaim and was a finalist for the prestigious Giller Prize. This international bestseller also won the UK’s Betty Trask Award, the BC Book Prize for Fiction and the VanCity Book Prize, and was a finalist for the Chapters/Books in Canada First Novel Award.

Saturday Night magazine has said that the inclination to write about rural characters sets Anderson-Dargatz apart from many writers of her generation, who tend towards urban fiction. What does she find so fascinating about small-town and country life? "Once you step off the concrete,” she says, “life stops being abstract and starts being very real, very immediate, very fundamental and very sensual." On this topic, the Financial Post said, “Anyone who thinks rural characters in Canadian fiction are dull and bland should pick up one of Gail Anderson-Dargatz’s novels. … The only certainty in her world view is that anything can, and very often does, happen.”

Anderson-Dargatz’s fictional style has been called "Margaret Laurence meets Gabriel García Márquez" because her writing tends towards magic realism, but she says the magic in her writing arises not from literary influences, but from family stories of the Thompson Shuswap region, which she carefully transcribed. "My father passed on the rich stories about the region I grew up in, which he heard from the Shuswap men he worked with. And my mother told me tales of ghosts, eccentrics and dark deeds that haunted the area."

Who is planning to join us this month?

The novel has 42 chapters. Shall we divide the book into roughly four parts, reading about 10 chapters a week? Or do we want to read straight through and begin discussing sometime around mid-February?

Either way is fine for me!

I'm in, this book sure does look bizarre! I don't mind which way either Story

Not sure yet Story, am on second round of antibiotics for a nasty throat infection so feeling a bit washed out, and still catching up on last month's buddy read.

So sorry to hear that, Alwynne. Take care of yourself and join in when you're better.

Hannah and Kate, let's take the 10 chapters a week approach, then.

Happy reading! (I loved this book so much when I first read it in 1997 that I called in sick to work so I could finish it--something I'd never done before or since. Now I'm nervous that it won't have aged well.)

I'll be joining in about mid-way through the month but please choose whatever option suits everyone best. I can join in later if you decide to divide the book into 4 parts.

Alwynne wrote: "Not sure yet Story, am on second round of antibiotics for a nasty throat infection so feeling a bit washed out, and still catching up on last month's buddy read."

Take care of yourself Alwynne, hope you feel better soon x

Sounds good! Hope you feel better soon, Alwynne!

So, how are you finding the story so far?

I'm on chapter 12 and am finding the book quite different from how I remembered it from when I read it shortly after it was published. I'm enjoying the setting, especially as it's a place I used to visit as a child. I think Anderson-Dargatz has done a good job creating a Gothic atmosphere. I remember that region as being quite spooky, with dark, dense forests that seemed filled with hungry bears and potentially lurking Sasquatches. As a child, I definitely found it an unsettling place.

I'm also quite enjoying all the domestic details such as Beth's mother's Hoosier cupboard and the ways they prepare and store foods. These details are taking me back to some of my earliest memories as my great-grandmother lived in a farming hamlet not unlike Promise and hadn't modernized her kitchen since the 1910s. I remember being fascinated by her cast iron stove and Hoosier cupboard.

I also enjoyed Beth's visit to Bertha's home. The description of the very social nature of the people living on the reserve seemed very much what I experienced on the three reserves I've visited.

I'm finding the menacing situation Beth and her mother find themselves in quite intense. (view spoiler)[Having said that, I'm cringing at some of the author's choices--especially the repeated use of the word 'squaw'. I know this is a realistic depiction for its time. I even know there are still people who use the word. But it makes me flinch every time. I'm also a little uncomfortable with what could be seen as appropriation of First Nations culture, including the theme of Coyote the shapeshifter. (hide spoiler)]

Looking forward to hearing others' reactions!

I hope you are feeling better Alwynne.

I've decided to join in with reading this selection. I am up to chapter 11. I have a lot of questions that I suppose will eventually be answered.
Not sure if I missed it somewhere but the story seems to be told as a recollection by Beth but at what age? I mean, is she now elderly or some other adult age?
The scene between her father and herself where he commands her to go to her room (view spoiler)[ and she pulls up her dress, am I misinterpreting this or is there an abusive relationship here? (hide spoiler)]
I am finding the gruesomeness pretty dark, drowned kittens, squashed turtles, and Beth's father's surgery on the cow. Are these common scenes from living in a remote place during those times or is this part of the sinister scene of the story?

I'm struggling to get into this, I'm only up to chapter 4. I know it's set in a different time but I find the way they talk about the 'indians' to be troubling and also the expectations on the women. The author doesn't seem to doing much to challenge any of this and uses the term 'half breed', which I find to be very offensive. I'm struggling to look past this and focus upon the story

Hannah wrote: "I'm struggling to get into this, I'm only up to chapter 4. I know it's set in a different time but I find the way they talk about the 'indians' to be troubling and also the expectations on the wome..."

I'm struggling with these things too, Hannah, but I think she was accurately reflecting the society of the time. Certainly words like half-breed were in common use even when I was a child in the 70s and are still used by some people today. ( I recently fired a client who lives in rural BC for using similar language and holding viewpoints about her First Nations neighbours that could have stepped right from the pages of this book.)

I think the author is challenging the stereotypes in a subtle way by creating a rarely-seen (in the 90s or before) sympathetic view of First Nations characters in that so far they are the only compassionate and humane characters aside from Beth's mother,

I am a little over halfway through and not liking much of what is going on. (view spoiler)[It infuriates me and makes me sad that Beth's mother does not believe what Parker has done to her not once but twice. But then she instructs her to clean herself out. rrrgghh! (hide spoiler)]
I think Beth's mother is just as damaged as her father.

Hannah and Sophie, if you're disliking the book, feel free not to finish it. Life is too short to read books you don't like.

Thanks for the good wishes, just been given a cancer referral so a bit discombobulated.

Oh Alwynne, how stressful for you and in a time that's already awash in stress too. We'll be thinking of you.

Alwynne, sending many hugs and well wishes. Here's hoping that it's just precautionary. We will all be thinking of you

Story, I have been reflecting upon your thoughts about this book. I often find it hard to determine whether it is a book/author who is being offensive or whether it is certain characters within that book and inclusion of these characters is simply realistic. I think you're right about the author's subtle challenging. I've read a little more with this in mind and I am enjoying it more. I think it is a book I need to read slowly.

I just got to the part with the squashed turtles and also found it quite gruesome but also a powerful reflection upon the impact humans (and human mindsets) have on the rest of the natural world. I like how the author is using Beth's pov to challenge the way her father sees the natural world as something that can be easily trodden all over with no thoughts or remorse (the poor kittens and tempermental cows too)

Hannah wrote: I often find it hard to determine whether it is a book/author who is being offensive or whether it is certain characters within that book and inclusion of these characters is simply realistic"

My reading group spent two hours with the author when this book came out and I can assure you that I do not believe she is racist. She includes well-rounded and sympathetic First Nations characters in all her novels, and they are based on her knowledge of them as people who live in her rural community.

So sorry to hear that, Alwynne. Wishing you strength and sending good thoughts your way!

Story wrote: "Hannah wrote: I often find it hard to determine whether it is a book/author who is being offensive or whether it is certain characters within that book and inclusion of these characters is simply r..."

I was agreeing with you Story, and just trying to explain why I was initially hesitant. I had not read enough of the book to make that kind of judgement. I was just unsure of the language but I can see what she was trying to do now amd am enjoying the book :)

Story wrote: "So, how are you finding the story so far?

I think Anderson-Dargatz has done a good job creating a Gothic atmosphere. I remember that region as being quite spooky, with dark, dense forests that seemed filled with hungry bears and potentially lurking Sasquatches. As a child, I definitely found it an unsettling place. ..."

I agree Story. The author did a wonderful job creating a Gothic atmosphere. I haven't been fortunate enough to explore this area but there were a number of times that I felt Beth was very brave to wander around the way she did.

"I'm also quite enjoying all the domestic details such as Beth's mother's Hoosier cupboard and the ways they prepare and store foods..... also enjoyed Beth's visit to Bertha's home"

These environments provide comfort in comparison to the harshness of the outside world. I enjoyed reading all the recipes and associating all this food with celebrations and gatherings of people. I found it interesting that these places of safety are gatherings of women in contrast to the violence and fear that is attached to the masculine world of the farm.

"I'm cringing at some of the author's choices--especially the repeated use of the word 'squaw'. ... I'm also a little uncomfortable with what could be seen as appropriation of First Nations culture, including the theme of Coyote the shapeshifter"

I think that literature, particularly good literature, should be something that opens our eyes to what is happening in the world in a way that makes us uncomfortable so that we understand that things should not be that way. Some of us already know that it shouldn't be that way but there are still plenty of people in the world that need to be educated. So you can't eradicate these things from stories. They are ugly truths about the world we live in, or lived in. The same way that in History books we read about dreadful things that have happened in the past so that we can learn from that and not repeat the same mistakes in the future. The one time in the book that I was really disappointed was when (view spoiler)[ Beth herself used derogatory terminology when speaking to Nora in anger. (hide spoiler)] However, I also felt that it made it more obvious that it was wrong because of the genuine friendship and affection she felt for Bertha's family.

As for the appropriation issue. I don't think this author has actually appropriated anything. The narrator is telling a story about her youth and things that happened. During that time she interacted with people of Indian heritage and they associated evil things that were happening with the Coyote mythology. What I noticed was that it was always a person of that heritage that explained the mythology, and it was generally their interpretation of that mythology so there were differences in what was told depending upon who that person was and whether they believed the mythology. Personally, I found the evolution of that part of the story a little disappointing and felt that it didn't ultimately work.

Sophie wrote: "It infuriates me and makes me sad that Beth's mother does not believe what Parker has done to her not once but twice. But then she instructs her to clean herself out. ..."

I felt the same way. Even more so because later we find out that (view spoiler)[ Beth's mother seems to have been a victim of domestic violence herself with her own father (hide spoiler)]

I also felt that this particular part of the story - the domestic violence side - actually took the Gothic theme to another level. Generally in gothic literature there is the blossoming sexuality of the young girl/woman and the tense situations that she finds herself in but in this book there is actual violence. I haven't come across that before in a novel like this.

Hannah wrote: "I just got to the part with the squashed turtles and also found it quite gruesome but also a powerful reflection upon the impact humans (and human mindsets) have on the rest of the natural world. I like how the author is using Beth's pov to challenge the way her father sees the natural world as something that can be easily trodden all over with no thoughts or remorse (the poor kittens and tempermental cows too) ..."

I like the way you are seeing that.

I have a slightly different recollection of that part of the story, and I apologise if I am getting this wrong because I read it on a Kindle and it is such a hassle to go flipping through to find the part, but I also saw this part of the story as a juxtaposition of her father's behaviour before and after the bear incident. Prior to the bear encounter, her father would stop, enjoy watching the turtles cross, and then try to forge a slow path through so as not to kill any. After the bear encounter, he just flew across without a care as to the slaughter that he left behind him. Of course, now I am wondering if I am just making that up.

I came across this discussion of the book last night and found it interesting. Personally, I had noticed more Gothic elements when I was reading it but after this article I did find myself acknowledging that there were Magic Realism elements to it as well.

https://magic-realism-books.blogspot....

Overall, I really enjoyed reading this. However, I was not really a fan of the ending. It made me feel that the author didn't really know where she wanted to go with some of the themes within her story. What was the point of the (view spoiler)[ Nora romance if the story finishes this way? It felt like a waste of time because it wasn't really dealt with. (hide spoiler)]

I also have to admit that the use of the Coyote mythology really does seem like an excuse for the bad behaviour of male characters throughout the story. This is an issue that could have had a much better resolution. Instead, it felt as if that behaviour was glossed over because (view spoiler)[ instead of being responsible for their actions, the men were under the control of a spirit. (hide spoiler)]

Liesl wrote: "Hannah wrote: "I just got to the part with the squashed turtles and also found it quite gruesome but also a powerful reflection upon the impact humans (and human mindsets) have on the rest of the n..."

No Liesl you're not making that up. This is how I understood it as well and is what I meant by different mindsets. Perhaps mindset isn't the right term. After his encounter, Beth's father was unable to enter the caring frame of mind which he once would have in a situation like this. I was reflecting upon the impact that this has upon nature and how humans can so easily become so destructive.
By Beth's pov being a challenge to this I was referring more to her throwing something (manure?) at him after he had drowned the kittens and also the simple observation of the fact that the cows do not respond well to him and allow him to milk them.

Sorry I am still not very far into this book to be able to comment on other observations

Liesl wrote: I also have to admit that the use of the Coyote mythology really does seem like an excuse for the bad behaviour of male characters throughout the story. This is an issue that could have had a much better resolution. Instead, it felt as if that behaviour was glossed over because [ instead of being responsible for their actions, the men were under the control of a spirit. (hide spoiler)"

I understand why you feel that way, Liesl. When I met the author she explained (view spoiler)[she'd been inspired to write the story partly because of the radical changes in behaviour her husband displayed after developing a brain tumour and later undergoing brain surgery. I think she blended this personal experience with the mythology of Coyote and thus perhaps didn't see the behaviour as 'bad' so much as caused by external forces. Having said that, it would have been good to see at least some of the other male characters either face some sort of justice or show some remorse for their behaviour. (hide spoiler)]

Liesl wrote: " However, I was not really a fan of the ending. It made me feel that the author didn't really know where she wanted to go with some of the themes within her story. What was the point of the (view spoiler)
"

I was reflecting on (view spoiler)[ the Nora part of the ending as well because I also found it somewhat unsatisfying. I guess it's not unusual for teens to experiment with both genders but I wanted Beth to have more of a reaction to Nora leaving and it didn't seem to me like she felt much at all. Then again teens do tend to be flighty emotionally so it's not totally unrealistic. Just unsatisfying for the reader. (hide spoiler)].

Hannah wrote: "After his encounter, Beth's father was unable to enter the caring frame of mind which he once would have in a situation like this. I was reflecting upon the impact that this has upon nature and how humans can so easily become so destructive. "

That's how I read it as well, Hannah.

Liesl wrote: "Sophie wrote: "It infuriates me and makes me sad that Beth's mother does not believe what Parker has done to her not once but twice. But then she instructs her to clean herself out. ..."

Liesl wrote:"I felt the same way. Even more so because later we find out that (view spoiler)


This part reminded me of a haunting k.d. lang song about child abuse in a rural area:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKcav...

(I'm not sure if k.d. lang is known in Europe? She grew up on a farm in southern Alberta, the province that neighbours British Columbia.)

The k.d. lang song is totally perfect for the tone of this book. Thanks Story!

I finished reading the book last week. I agree with the observations above that Beth was being sexually accosted every which way without repercussions to the men. Her relationship with Nora (view spoiler)[was a mystery to me as well because of the way it ended with Beth just walking away too easily. (hide spoiler)]
(view spoiler)[ I found the scene with Beth's brother in the barn with the cow totally unnecessary. It did not add to the story. Just my opinion. (hide spoiler)]


I am glad that I joined in reading this book because I like getting fellow readers' perspectives on what I am reading even if I don't come away with a lalala feeling from a book. It is why I so enjoy this group.

Story wrote: "Liesl wrote: I also have to admit that the use of the Coyote mythology really does seem like an excuse for the bad behaviour of male characters throughout the story. This is an issue that could hav..."

Uff, that is quite sad and I can understand why she would want to try and write something about that. I guess my concern here is that what the father does goes beyond simply being moodier, he is physically violent and he (view spoiler)[ sexually assaults his daughter (hide spoiler)], plus there was a young girl who was murdered, violated and cut apart, and there are children disappearing. To link that behaviour to the Coyote spirit seems to be making light of truly horrific behaviour. If it were only the fence dispute, or getting into fights with other men, I could probably tolerate it. Maybe I am being too harsh.

Story wrote: "Liesl wrote: " However, I was not really a fan of the ending. It made me feel that the author didn't really know where she wanted to go with some of the themes within her story. What was the point ..."

It is true that teens can experiment but this relationship seemed to be very important to Beth, and (view spoiler)[ then it was just nothing. There was no contemplation or thought process that led her to realise that it wasn't what she wanted. Plus, the way she ended up with Filthy Billy concerned me because it felt like she was repeating the history of her mother. Not that Billy was exactly like her father because he was really quite caring and helpful, but he did see himself as a conduit to the Coyote spirit and the history of his own father's connection to it implied that the spirit could return again. (hide spoiler)]

Story wrote: "Liesl wrote: "Sophie wrote: "It infuriates me and makes me sad that Beth's mother does not believe what Parker has done to her not once but twice. But then she instructs her to clean herself out. ...."

Wow! Now I feel bad for questioning the ending. I can see how the cycle just continues because that is what the victim learns as they grow up. It is incredibly sad though.

To be honest, I am not sure whether people in Europe have much of a knowledge of k.d Lang. I grew up in Australia so I am very familiar with her. I've actually seen her in concert.

Sophie wrote: "The k.d. lang song is totally perfect for the tone of this book. Thanks Story!

I finished reading the book last week. I agree with the observations above that Beth was being sexually accosted ever..."

Sophie, I totally agree about that cow scene being unnecessary. It really didn't add anything to this particular story. In fact, it just tarnished the one reasonably decent man in the story.

Thank you to everyone who participated in this month's group read. I enjoyed reading your thoughts and reactions to the novel and feel like I came to understand the story in a deeper way.

Thank you Story for leading this group discussion and everyone who participated. I just got my copy fron ther library and will be enjoying everyone's thoughts and the conversation thread as I go along.

Oops! I also wanted to come in and thank you, Story, for suggesting this work and leading the discussion. I enjoyed reading this work, even if I later had some reservations about the way the author dealt with some of the issues we discussed. This is ultimately why I love being a part of the discussions as it challenges us to think about what we are reading rather than just moving on to the next book on our list.

I'm glad you found it worthwhile, Liesl :)