ICE Breakers
THE ARTIST
BOOK OF THE MOMENT
'The Artist' is set during the period of Cézanne and Van Gogh. Was it easy to imagine Tartuffe as a contemporary and did you enjoy Steeds's storytelling of this world?
Edouard Tartuffe is a domineering artist which Steeds describes in interviews as 'an art monster'. She wanted her audience to consider work that is lost by these 'monsters' and what other pieces and stories may be 'hidden in their shadows'. Did you as readers feel privy to this secret world and the chance to go behind the scenes?
The story of Ettie takes centre stage and perhaps is the main story. Could you see Ettie escaping her life with Tartuffe and was Joseph a suitable match, given what we know and observe?
Is 'The Artist' a worthy winner of the Waterstones Debut Book Prize 2025? What did you enjoy about Steeds's writing?
What other authors have you enjoyed as debut novel writers (The Den for example have enjoyed 'The Names' by Florence Kemp and 'In Memoriam' by Alice Winn this year). How does Steeds's novel compare and can we expect more?
PERSUASION
MISSED OPPORTUNITY
'Persuasion' is favoured by Austen fans as well as Den readers, perhaps because we can appreciate the maturer voice. Did you enjoy this novel and how does it compare to any other novels written by Austen?
Anne grows in confidence in 'Persuasion'. What triggers lead her to be a braver heroine and how does she compare to other Austen characters?
Anne's friend, Mrs Smith, is a young war widow and as such she is a socially vulnerable character in the novel. Do you think Austen accepted gender inequality and how important was marriage for women to gain security?
What did the group learn about the class system and to what extent did the new stream of wealth, provided by the Napoleonic wars, enable a new class in the 19th century?
How relevant is a novel like 'Persuasion' today and is this a classic you would happily recommend?
FLESH
What did your book club think of Szalay’s style of writing?
Were you able to relate to István?
Why do you think Helen was so drawn to István and were you surprised by this relationship?
István’s treatment of Thomas is incredibly harsh and unloving. Did you find this believable and how did it make you feel?
How important is István’s mother to the story? What influence did she have on István?
Why do you think the book is called 'Flesh'?
Do you think 'Flesh' is a worthy winner of the 2025 Booker Prize and have you read any of the other books shortlisted by way of comparison?
THE WILD CARD