Thank you for a very interesting discussion about Norma last night! We would love to continue discussing the novel.
1. Did you enjoy the book? If you have read any of Sofi Oksanen’s other books, how does Norma compare? 2. What genre would you place the novel in? Do you feel like it is relevant to place it in a certain genre? 3. Explore Norma’s powers. What does her hair enable her to detect in her environment and in those around her? Does she consider her hair to be a blessing or a curse? 4. Examine Helena’s character, paying close attention to the events that lead to her collapse. What life experiences do Helena and Anita share? Why does Anita first suggest that Helena begin smoking Norma’s hair? What are the side effects of this habit? What act leads to Helena’s institutionalization? How does this incident affect the lives of Alvar and Marion? 5. Discuss the political implications of the novel. Who has the power, who is exploited and why? Consider issues of gender, race, class, and country of origin. Did you find the political aspects interesting? Why or why not? 6. Discuss the theme of motherhood. What risks does one take when one decides to become a mother? What are one’s responsibilities as a mother? Does Anita fulfill these responsibilities? Why or why not? 7. Discuss the theme of mental illness. Which characters are believed to be mad by those around them? Is “madness” an accurate diagnosis? Why or why not? 8. Discuss the theme of beauty. Which individuals hold the most influence over societal standards of beauty? What does the novel suggest about the lengths to which some people are willing to go for beauty? 9. Discuss the ending - what happens between Norma and Alvar? What is the outcome of their alliance? Do you believe that Lambert, Alla, and Marion are dead? Is Norma really safe?
1. Did you enjoy the book? If you have read any of Sofi Oksanen’s other books, how does Norma compare?
2. What genre would you place the novel in? Do you feel like it is relevant to place it in a certain genre?
3. Explore Norma’s powers. What does her hair enable her to detect in her environment and in those around her? Does she consider her hair to be a blessing or a curse?
4. Examine Helena’s character, paying close attention to the events that lead to her collapse. What life experiences do Helena and Anita share? Why does Anita first suggest that Helena begin smoking Norma’s hair? What are the side effects of this habit? What act leads to Helena’s institutionalization? How does this incident affect the lives of Alvar and Marion?
5. Discuss the political implications of the novel. Who has the power, who is exploited and why? Consider issues of gender, race, class, and country of origin. Did you find the political aspects interesting? Why or why not?
6. Discuss the theme of motherhood. What risks does one take when one decides to become a mother? What are one’s responsibilities as a mother? Does Anita fulfill these responsibilities? Why or why not?
7. Discuss the theme of mental illness. Which characters are believed to be mad by those around them? Is “madness” an accurate diagnosis? Why or why not?
8. Discuss the theme of beauty. Which individuals hold the most influence over societal standards of beauty? What does the novel suggest about the lengths to which some people are willing to go for beauty?
9. Discuss the ending - what happens between Norma and Alvar? What is the outcome of their alliance? Do you believe that Lambert, Alla, and Marion are dead? Is Norma really safe?