October 2016: The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax by Dorothy Gilman

Meeting details:
What: The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax (Mrs. Pollifax #1) by Dorothy Gilman
When: Oct 13 @ 7:30pm, discussion to start 8pm
Where: Emily's house

Menu:
Tortillas (pg 57)
Welsh rarebit (pg 94)- savoury cheese sauce on toast
Cheese and olives (pg 170, 275)
Cornbread (pg 275)

Cakes 'drenched in honey' (pg 94)
Chocolate bars (pg 50)

Mexican dish of choice
Albanian dish of choice (haha! Good luck!)

I will supply drink, including tea, coffee, brandy, maybe I can find raki

Discussion Questions:

1. Did you like the book? Why/why not?

2. Who was your favorite character? How did Mrs. Pollifax’ character (age, disposition, experience, etc.) affect the stories and plots? What is the change of attitude she exhibits upon her return home? What kind of person is Johnny Farrell? Is he a believable character?

Do you see yourself in any of the characters?

3. Describe Mrs. Pollifax's attitude during her time in captivity. What happens to gain her the sympathy of some of the captors? What do her captors think of her?

4. What do you think of the message and the way it is conveyed? Too obvious, inspiring, etc?

 

5. There were a lot of coincidences and lucky breaks for Mrs. P., which probably would not happen in real life. Did they detract from your enjoyment of the books? (Assuming you enjoyed them!) Were some situations too ludicrous for your “willing suspension of disbelief”?

 

6. Did the surprises “work” (were you surprised?) or were they predictable?

7. Since the book was written during the Cold War, it has become outdated. How did that affect your reading? Do you think this book will become obsolete?

 

8. Would you recommend this book? Would you read other books in the series?