Does this article resonate with you?

Hello again, readers. I have posted some questions... but, please, take your time. Enjoy your holiday next week. Finish the novel if you need to. And don't be afraid to come back when you're done. I'm anxious to hear from you, even if you're not quite ready to participate. We'll still be here when you get back. Happy Thanksgiving!

A Town Like Alice has been described by some as a book in two parts, by others a book in three parts, and again by others as a string of short stories tied together by the character Jean Paget. Does the novel work as a whole? Would it work better “in pieces”? Besides Jean, how are the threads connected?

The story is told through Jean’s trust’s solicitor, Noel. Does this work? What do you think of Noel himself?

Mrs. Frith suggests that God blesses the traveling women and children through Joe’s sacrifice (p. 111). The suggestion eventually buoys and strengthens the women. Why does it have this effect? Jean doesn’t believe this herself, but she does not discourage others from believing. Why?

Discussion point: Jean survives and even thrives by adapting, playing to and respecting the existing culture of the places she lives. Yet, she remains true to herself.

“Men’s souls are naturally inclined to covetousness; but if ye be kind towards women and fear to wrong them, God is well acquainted with what ye do.”

Jean & Joe: This book is often called an epic romance? Do you agree? What might be the differences between a romance and a love story?

What might Jean have done with her life if she had never received the inheritance? She is an innovative, perceptive and effective entrepreneur… but without the initial capital, would she ever have even realized these strengths and talents?

Random House’s Modern Library had a reader-voted list of the 100 Best Novels. The reader list put A Town Like Alice at #17. What do you think?

Hello happy readers! It's getting close to discussion time... and I'd like to make a call for questions. Here's how it will work:

Use the comment section on this post to submit a question or topic.

I will turn that question or topic into its own post. This will allow topic threads to stay separate... and hopefully keep discussions organized and focused.

I have a few (hopefully) good questions already to go... but I'd love to add yours. Please submit!

I would also like to extend our reading time just a little... so discussion posts may not go up on the 15th exactly. But soon, I promise!

Historical fiction is hugely popular... but how about reading about long ago in a book that was written, um, long ago? Modern historical fiction seems to take into account our modern sensibilities. This is not a criticism; just an observation. "A Town Like Alice" is an interesting read -- forward-thinking and retro at the same time. It cannot take into account any of our modern sensibilities, but somehow manages to pull just that off in places. Other times, you will find it absolutely necessary to put happenings and attitudes into context.

Let's talk about it... Read along with me. 

"A Town Like Alice" is a book about an extraordinary ordinary girl that is perfect for bookish ones. And, hey, it even made BBC's Big Read Top 100 Books.

Come visit Alice with me. Check back for discussion around November 15th.