ICE Breakers
YOU ARE HERE
BOOK OF THE MOMENT
Did you enjoy the setting of the Lake District and how do you think this landscape enhanced the story?
Have you done this walk or been hiking in the Lake District and do you think Nicholls captured this experience?
Michael says “It’s a big deal at our age - to fall for someone” Do you agree that it is much harder to start a new relationship when you’re middle aged?
Have you read any of Nicholls other novels and if so how did this compare?
What qualities does Nicholls bring to all his writing?
What was your view of the dialogue between Michael and Marnie?
Who would you cast as Michael and Marnie in any future TV adaptation?
BRIDESHEAD REVISITED
MISSED OPPORTUNITY
Have you met characters like Sebastian and his family? Do you think their flaws were inherited or did were they always master of their own destiny?
Did you experience strong friendships growing up and do you think Charles was too much of an observer and could have been more proactive in helping Sebastian fight his demons?
Did you feel any sympathy for the Flyte family and were there any likeable characters?
For those who have recall the wonderful television series of 1981, was this a nostalgic read for you or did you have a different appreciation of the novel and the characters?
Do you empathise and recognise Waugh’s nostalgic memories of youth? What makes his narrative so evocative and relevant for today?
Have you read any other Waugh novels and how does this novel compare?
THINGS REMEMBERED AND THINGS FORGOTTEN
Have you read any other Japanese novels or stories, such as 'Men Without Women' by Haruki Murikami, read and reviewed in the Den? How does it compare?
Did you enjoy the fusing of history with supernatural elements within the collection and do you think this enhanced the stories and provided a stronger connection and understanding of Japanese life and culture?
The collection has a number of translators involved? Did you appreciate this and does it matter?
Did you enjoy the writing style and have you been moved by an object and the stories associated with that piece?
Did you enjoy the twists in the stories and do you think this is a pre-requisite for short story writing?
How do the stories match your own experience of Japanese encounters or experiences?
THE WILD CARD