Thank you to those who joined us for a lively discussion of The Unit at Scandinavia House! We'd love to hear more about what everyone thought of the book here. Some of these questions are thanks to Other Press, and others are inspired by our group discussion today. As always, feel free to answer any of these questions, ask your own, or share any thoughts you have about the book in general.
1. Do you think the dystopian premise of deeming people dispensable and sequestering them in a unit like this one has parallels with our real-world political climate and attitudes? Does it seem especially Swedish to you, or is there a broader resonance?
2. Dystopian stories often feature a rebellious main character. Would you describe Dorrit as rebellious? Is she obedient?
3. Dorrit's mother discouraged her from getting "caught in a trap" by having children and getting married, yet she lives to see a time where a woman's value is directly linked to being a mother. Had Dorrit become a product of her time, yet also trapped by it?
4. Several times throughout the novel, the society is referred to as a democracy. In what sense is it a democratic society? Are the people in the wider community truly free?
5. Dorrit develops what may be some of the most intimate relationships of her life while residing in the unit. Why do you think that is?
6. Why do you think Johannes makes his final donation without telling Dorrit and saying goodbye? Was his decision selfish or selfless?
7. What happens after Dorrit steps outside of the unit at the end? Why does she return?
8. Dorrit describes the unit as "significantly more humane than I could have imagined." Do you agree? Is it possible for a unit like this to be humane?
9. Does The Unit remind you of any other dystopian stories, and would you recommend this book to others?
1. Do you think the dystopian premise of deeming people dispensable and sequestering them in a unit like this one has parallels with our real-world political climate and attitudes? Does it seem especially Swedish to you, or is there a broader resonance?
2. Dystopian stories often feature a rebellious main character. Would you describe Dorrit as rebellious? Is she obedient?
3. Dorrit's mother discouraged her from getting "caught in a trap" by having children and getting married, yet she lives to see a time where a woman's value is directly linked to being a mother. Had Dorrit become a product of her time, yet also trapped by it?
4. Several times throughout the novel, the society is referred to as a democracy. In what sense is it a democratic society? Are the people in the wider community truly free?
5. Dorrit develops what may be some of the most intimate relationships of her life while residing in the unit. Why do you think that is?
6. Why do you think Johannes makes his final donation without telling Dorrit and saying goodbye? Was his decision selfish or selfless?
7. What happens after Dorrit steps outside of the unit at the end? Why does she return?
8. Dorrit describes the unit as "significantly more humane than I could have imagined." Do you agree? Is it possible for a unit like this to be humane?
9. Does The Unit remind you of any other dystopian stories, and would you recommend this book to others?