ICE Breakers
THE PURSUIT OF LOVE
BOOK OF THE MOMENT
If you were reading this book for a second time, how did it compare and did you enjoy it as much? Also consider other Nancy Mitford novels such as 'Love in a Cold Climate' and 'The Blessing'.
Is Linda a feminist and ahead of her time?
What did you make of Linda’s abandonment of her daughter?
Do you think Fanny was genuinely happily married as she believed? Do you think she lived in awe of Linda’s carefree lifestyle?
Do you think there was any real depth to Linda and Fabrice’s relationship and why do you think Linda was willing to be at his beck and call?
Nancy Mitford grew up in a large country house with 5 sisters – how much of this book do you think is based on her own experiences?
Did you see the recent BBC TV series and how do you think it translated to screen? To those who have read other books by Mitford, do you think these could translate to the screen too?
Has this left you wanting to read more by the famous Mitford family?
THE WINTER SOLDIER
MISSED OPPORTUNITY
Daniel Mason is a physician and a Professor of Psychiatry – how do you think this informs his writing?
What did the state of these soldiers’ minds tell you about the mental impact of war?
Were you surprised how “cold” Sister Margarete could seem at times? Do you think this was her natural manner or do you think this was a coping mechanism?
What do you think was the turning point for Sister Margarete to suddenly release her feelings towards Lucius?
Sister Margarete says to Lucius about Horváth “You are keeping him for his sake. Not ours, I hope.” Which do you think Lucius was doing?
Did you like the ending and was it what you expected?
BY GRAND CENTRAL STATION I SAT DOWN AND WEPT
“Love? Stuff and Nonsense!” my mother would say. Do you think Elizabeth Smart feels isolated in her love?
Do you think this book is more like a work of art?
Can you relate to the vulnerability of the writer?
Do you imagine that the intensity of her love is reciprocated?
Do you think this re-imagining of intense love can ever be practical, or the norm for most people?
Are you envious of the depth of Elizabeth’s feelings of love?
Do you think love is one of the primary driving forces of life?
THE WILD CARD