The Literary Gathering: October 2010: Little Bee by Chris Cleave

And you can read all of Chris Cleave's columns about his kids here: http://www.chriscleave.com/category/my-column-in-the-guardian/

Discussion Questions:

General impressions – did you like the book? Why or why not?
In Britain, Little Bee was published under the title The Other Hand. Which do you think is a better title for the book? What aspects of the novel does each title highlight?
Why do you think Andrew refused to cut off his finger but Sarah was able to? Do you think you would have?
Do you think Little Bee is as culpable in Andrew's death as he was in her sister's?
Suicide comes up several times in the novel. Do you think there is a difference between the refugee's suicide in the barn and Andrew's?
Why do you think it is a comfort to Little Bee to imagine how she would kill herself in each new place she goes? Why don't you think she killed herself in the end?
How did it affect your reading experience to have two narrators? Did you trust one woman more than the other? Did you prefer the voice of one above the other?
Did you learn anything new about the oil wars in Nigeria? Did you learn anything new about the way refugees are treated in Britain? What will you do with that knowledge?
In what ways are we culpable for the real life Little Bees if we choose to move on after hearing stories like this?
Why do you think Little Bee feels hope at the end of the novel despite her dire circumstances?

Meeting Details:

Where: Kate’s house, 2181 Lancaster Cres., Burlington, ON L7P 3G4

When: Thursday, October 21^st at 7:30pm (Discussion to begin at 8pm)

Menu: "Afternoon Tea...in the Evening”

Scones

Clotted cream (for the scones)

Best cucumber sandwiches- Tessa

Fruit salad (no recipe supplied)

Tea (and other drinks) & Jam for scones - Kate

Pages