Twistical Nature of Spoons, the
A chance encounter. A family secret. Lives bound together and torn apart.
A chance encounter. A family secret. Lives bound together and torn apart.
Blisse has guarded the family secret for her entire childhood. No one can know the origin of her unconventional birthday gifts. Her mother, Ina, has insisted that Blisse never tell a soul – believing it’s the only way to keep her daughter safe from a dire fate. Together, mother and daughter must sift through their own versions of events to understand how the secret has led to the unravelling of their lives. Chock-full of masks and curses, art and magic, seduction and spoons, their stories are both fraught with misdirection and awash in whimsy. Can their revelations negate a tragic prediction? Or is the dissolution of love and family inevitable?
Read an excerpt from the book now!
- The story requires the suspension of disbelief at certain points. What are some of the instances when this occurs?
- Which of these three—spoons, masks, or doves—has the most impact on an emotional level? On an intellectual curiosity level?
- The narrative is riddled with untruths. Taras questions the validity of the quotation “The truth will set you free.” Would the truth have set everyone free?
- What are some of more noteworthy instances of misunderstanding, or different interpretations of the same event, between Blisse and Ina? What motivates each of them to “mask up”?
- What stands out as the most significant betrayal in the book?
- Artistic endeavour, in many forms, is prevalent throughout. To what degree does it define each of the main characters?
- Were Taras and Ina destined to find each other? Is fate a true factor in the story? Did fate play a role in how your book club came into being?
- Love is often discussed, but rarely expressed directly. In which passages does Ina convey her love for Blisse through her actions?
- How does the book’s dual-framed structure add to (or complicate) the narrative’s course?
- When the characteristics of Ina’s relationship with Taras, and Blisse’s relationship with Tweed are compared, are there more similarities or differences?
- False names, nicknames, naming, and pronunciation of names all play a role. How do they serve or enhance the story?
- Ina recognizes that her choices are not always sound, but she forges ahead. Which of her choices requires the most empathetic understanding from the reader?
- For his involvement in the central subterfuge, does Knowlton seem more foolhardy or kind-hearted?
- Upon learning the truth, are Blisse’s reactions justifiable?
- What are the possible/plausible interpretations of the end of the book? What really happened to the spoon?
You may also be interested in these titles
Turnstone Press Ltd.
206-100 Arthur Street
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
R3B 1H3
Quicklinks
Newsletter
Thanks to our Funders
