Literally Leander discussion

The month of May featured Namina Forna's The Gilded Ones. Please note that there are likely to be spoilers for the novel in this thread.

This month, our discussion prompts were written by a staff member. And, as always, they're merely prompts to get the discussion rolling--if you don't need them, don't worry about it! We look forward to seeing anything you have to say about this novel.

1. The Gilded Ones introduces us to a very large fantasy world. Which part of this setting was the most interesting to you? Was there anything that you wished the author would have expanded upon?

2. Think about the word “alaki.” Deka learns that it means “worthless” and “unwanted.” Does the meaning of this word change for Deka over the course of the novel? What do you think are possible other meanings for the word?

3. Describe Deka’s relationship with White Hands. Were you surprised to discover her true identity as the general of the Gilded Ones?

4. Compare Deka as she was in the beginning of the novel to who she is at the end of the novel. In what was has she changed? Do you think she is capable of being a leader?

5. Are you planning on reading the second novel, The Merciless Ones? What do you think will be in the future for Deka and her companions?