Reading Discussion
Question Description
This is the link for this reading
Please make one attachment for each part
https://worldfabibooks.files.wordpress.com/2013/10...
Reading Discussion: Cuckoo (Part 1)
Reading Discussion: Cuckoo (Part 1)
Answer any three of the five questions:
- What do you think of Cormoran Strike? What do you think of Robin Ellacott?
- Using a hard-bitten investigator assisted by a young, ambitious "Girl Friday" is a classic detective-story trope. What does her character bring to the story? How does their relationship work or not work in your opinion?
- When we meet Strike, he is not at a personal high point. What are some of his struggles? He is further developed as the book proceeds – what did you find most interesting or surprising as we learned more about him in Part 1?
- Why do you think Strike is so passionate about investigation and being a detective?
- How does Strike’s disability affect his investigation? How does it affect how he relates to others? Why do you think his prosthesis pain/discomfort frequently is mentioned?
Everyone must answer this question:
- Does the fact that the book was penned by J.K. Rowling affect you view of it? "In speculating as to why J.K. Rowling might have written The Cuckoo's Calling under a pseudonym, the New York Times wrote, "Ms. Rowling may well have felt that the reaction, both critical and commercial [to Casual Vacancy, her first effort after Harry Potter], was distorted by her fame." Why do you think she felt compelled to use a pseudonym? If you've read her Harry Potter books, do you detect any similarities, either in style or structure?
Reading Discussion: Cuckoo (Part 2)
Directions
Answer ANY four questions:
- Who do you think the killer is right now?
- Who do you think is being honest in the story so far?
- Do you think Lula's multiple calls to her uncle, Tony Landry before she died were significant? If so, why?
- Do you think any of the characters we have met were really friends with Lula or were they all just interested in her fame?
- How do you think Lulu got her expensive jacket? She implied she had the means to get it herself - how do you think she earned it?
- Do you believe Bristow or do you think that Lula did actually commit suicide?
Reading Discussion: Cuckoo (Part 3)
Direction
Answer ANY four questions:
Questions
- The book is dedicated "To the real Deeby with many thanks." As we read this book, some of us have wondered if Lula, Duffield, and/or Deeby were modeled after any British or American celebrities. What do you think?
- The first romantic relationship we're exposed to is that of Robin & Matthew. Their flurry of romance seems to peter out markedly the longer that Robin is employed with the private detective. What did you think about their relationship; is his often cold demeanor and belittling attitude toward her job a "red flag" (i.e., an indicator of a potentially emotionally abusive relationship) or simply the "growing pains" related to the new stage of their relationship? What else did you think about Robin & Matthew?
- The second relationship we see is one that is imploding. As Charlotte flees Strike's office, Galbraith describes her as "livid, yet strangely exhilarated," (13) feeding into the stereotype of "unstable" women who take advantage of their significant others -- and feed off of it. As the story of their relationship unfolds, we learn more about their tumultuous past -- and not even Strike is sure what to think! What do you think about their relationship dynamic as we learn more about it? Do you think she is being intentionally manipulative and controlling? Why or why not?
- While reading this book, there is this focus, as Lady Gaga puts it, on The Fame Monster and what fame does to those seeking it and those ensconced in it. On top of that, Galbraith's juxtaposition of war and celebrity was reminiscent of The Hunger Games' use of those concepts. Our culture seems obsessed with celebrity, violence, and fame - why do you think that is? What do you think Galbraith was trying to say about these concepts?
- How would you assess Strike’s skills as an investigator? How is his talent evidenced in his interviews with suspects? How does his military experience influence his skills?
- There is a motley grouping of supermodels, fashion queens, sleazy movie execs, trophy wives, and upper- and lower-class Brits. Which characters did you find most entertaining/ amusing? Do any of them seem vulgar to you, and if so, does this add or detract from their entertainment value as you read?
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