Book Club for Introverts discussion

Here's the place to talk about the first 3 chapters. Please don't spoil it for others; if you want to talk about something in a later chapter, I'll be posting topics for the other chapters as well.

It’s definitely been easy to read so far and there’s been enough little details that makes you want to find out what happens between the three main characters.

Jen - I agree.
I finished chapter 3 yesterday and I’m definitely eager to find out what happens next. I’m wondering if there’s some foreshadowing or if we’ll be misled as the main character seems to be suffering from dementia. I’m going in blind though, I didn’t read the description and admittedly only chose the book based on the cover 😳😆

I had to get my thoughts together before posting my thoughts on chapters 1-3. I AM Frances. I struggle with small talk and rehearse conversations in my head before hopelessly flubbing them. I have literally hidden in plain sight knowing someone saw me but dreading the stilted conversation that would follow. I enjoy watching other people’s lives, content to stay hidden, absent. I too avoid situations I fear will be disappointing and often revisit places hoping for a better outcome. I highlighted a few passages. My favorite, I think is “He shuffles on his chair as though he has an itch in his pants. Maybe the flake extends under his clothes. I don’t want to think.” On to chapters 4-6.

I am really excited about this book and am enjoying it so far. I'm looking forward to figuring out why the narration is the way it is because I didn't expect it to formatted this way (go between present and past). I love the writing too, it's visceral and just gritty enough to suggest that hint of suspense and sinister things to come. Perfect fall/winter book for me so far!

deana everett wrote: "I had to get my thoughts together before posting my thoughts on chapters 1-3. I AM Frances. I struggle with small talk and rehearse conversations in my head before hopelessly flubbing them. I have ..."

Yes! I relate to her also, and I'm nervous about what that's going to mean as the story unfolds! But, I re-read the couple sentences where she veers off the road and hides behind the tree because I have always wanted to just blatantly avoid someone that way but have never had the guts to do it!

I also identify with Frances! I guess most introverts would. I am really enjoying the imagery and what seems to be foreshadowing.

My absolute favorite part was how the author worked in the current event of the time through the newspaper the fish was wrapped in. I love seeing how authors do this and this one was brilliant.

Yes I also relate to Frances.

It actually took me a while to realise what decade the novel was set though.

The switch between past and present is good!. Makes you wonder what happened with both Peter/Cara in the past and Frances in the future.

Also intrigued about how the vicar is involved too.

Just finished chapter 3. I had to google images of Palladian Bridges to see what they looked like. The side characters in this book are intriguing to me. Why did Frances’ father leave? What’s the story with Victor the vicar? Interested to see how her relationship with Cara and Peter develops.

The secondary characters are definitely interesting. Frances’ mother sounds like she could be a piece of work at times.

I’m reading this book totally blind as well. I have NO idea what it’s about. Can’t say i loved the first 3 chapters and found them a bit slow, but never being one to bail out on a book, I’ve kept reading. I’m also not a born introvert (but have become one much more so as I get older) so I find her struggles eye opening to the internal thought process of an introvert.

I can’t say that I feel pulled in yet by the first three chapters, but I am wondering where things are headed. I can relate somewhat to the difficulties Frances has with small talk and fitting in, but it seems a bit extreme. I’m wondering if there’s more going on with Frances than meets the eye.

There’s a whole lot more to Frances. It’s revealed in bits and pieces. I had a little bit of a time getting into it at the beginning but once I figured out the pace, I enjoyed sitting back and seeing where it went.

After a hectic couple of weeks I did finally get started on this a couple of days ago, but I'm only up to chapter 4 and finding it all very... odd. There are distinct flashes in the narration when I think 'Yes! I am actually Frances!' but then other bits that just make no sense, like going into the church for water. Churches here are old stone affairs, as a general rule there's not a kitchen or anything (unless there's a related church hall) and it's really not the obvious place to stop for a drink. As for hippy vicars in the Church of England - my friend's dad was a vicar and even wearing jeans at non-working times was frowned upon, and that was in the early 90's. I'm not sure I'm going to be able to cope with this weirdness, but I'll persevere!

Katy, I'm so glad you weighed in! I wondered about some of the details like the vicar. Knowing now that some of the details are weird, I think they lend themselves to the entire odd situation of the book.

Hang in there, I think they will make more sense. :)