Fiction

• Book Club Questions:
  • 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?

• Mennonite Literature
• Short Fiction

• Short Fiction