Friends, Book Lovers, Cannonballers, lend me your eyeballs!
It is time to post the preview for our discussion topics for Doomsday Book. As some of you may know I have not yet finished myself (80% and counting!), but with so much happening on the page there is plenty to talk about even before I reach the end.
Some of you have already posted glowing reviews of Connie Willis’ book, and those of you that are finishing up should feel free to review before our discussion if you want, or wait if you prefer. June 1st is right around the corner, so remember to join us over on Cannonball Read Book Chat if you haven’t already, since we’ll be chatting here and there throughout the day, starting around noon eastern.
With ten days to go (you are reading, aren’t you?) here’s a rundown of some of the topics we will be discussing.
- What are your impressions of how historians are going about the study of history in 2054? How do you feel about the addition of the scientific method?
- Bells are a constant in the book, both in 2054 and the 1300s. What meaning do they add to the narrative?
- What is Willis trying to tell us about compassion and suffering through Kivrin, Dunworthy, and Father Roche?
- Willis spent five years in the writing of this book and it won the Hugo and Nebula Awards. What elements of craft stood out to you?
- Kivrin is an admirable heroine, which is a change from the contemporary popularity of unreliable narrators. What does that lend or take away from the story?
- Religion is everywhere in this novel. How do you interpret the perceived differences between the religion of the past and that practiced in the future.
Give these a think and make any suggestions you have in the comments and I’ll see everyone for our Discussion Post on June 1st!
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