ICE Breakers
FLASHLIGHT
BOOK OF THE MOMENT
What do you think the appearance of flashlights signify in the novel? Is it perhaps searching for the unknown or memories/searching for light in the darkness or only lighting up parts of the story?
What does this story tell you about the need to understand your history and your own roots?
Do you think Louisa was like her father? Why do you think Louisa was unable to feel empathy towards her mother and her condition?
Did the various revelations surprise you or were you expecting them?
What did you make of Tobias and what did he add to the story?
How did you find Choi’s writing? Do you think she was trying to cover too much content and different themes?
How did you find the end of the story? Do you think there were too many unanswered questions, for example what happened to the rest of Serk’s family?
Have you read any other of Choi’s literature and how did this compare?
THE ELEMENTS
MISSED OPPORTUNITY
Did anyone in your group read Boyne's earlier novellas, 'Water' and 'Air' in the quartet (first published in 2023 and 2024). Was it easy to pick up from where you and your book club left off?
Did you enjoy the way the four voices were connected and do you think Boyne effectively explored trauma through the elements of water, earth, fire and air?
Do you think this book works best as a novel of four parts or stand alone novellas?
Do you think any of the main characters (Vanessa, Evan, Freya and Aaron) were ever destined to find peace or is their trauma a tragic flaw that they will never escape from?
How does 'The Elements' compare to Boyne's epic rollercoaster novels such as 'The Heart's Invisible Furies' and where can we expect the writer to head to next with his writing?
FUNDAMENTALLY
Nadia is a complex character, not seeming to fit in with her Muslim faith nor her Western upbringing. What are the reasons for this?
What did you think of Nadia’s behaviour in Iraq and could you understand the mistakes she made?
Were you surprised by the behaviour of the UN workers with respect to their drinking and partying?
Do you think it was the right decision to abduct Sara’s child from their grandparents? Do you think this realistically could happen in Iraq?
What did you think of Nadia’s behaviour towards her mother? What impact did the fact Nadia’s mother had been widowed when Nadia was only a toddler have towards her treatment towards her daughter?
What do you think is the appropriate punishment for ISIS brides who haven’t committed any violet crimes?
Should we contain people just because of their beliefs?
Having read this book do you think the complexities of the situation can be resolved?
THE WILD CARD