Discussion Guide
Alice at Heart
1.
One of the book's major themes is personal transformation. Aren't most
of us secretly hoping for Cinderella moments in our lives?
2.
What is the appeal of the story's major premise--that a secret society
of extraordinary people might live among us? As with similar themes in
books and film, is there a universal desire to believe that something
or someone supernatural really does exist?
3.
Sisterhood is a major plot element in ALICE AT HEART, and the bonds of
women working together are emphasized. Does the modern world encourage
women to form strong friendships? Considering the transient nature of
modern families, is it still possible for most sisters to remain close
and supportive of each other in the ways that were once common?
4.
If you knew that your life span would typically reach 100 years or more,
as the Bonavendiers claim, how would you live your life differently?
5.
How do you envision mermaids, and what is the appeal of the mermaid myth?
Do you see the mermaid as a symbol of powerful strength and allure in
women, or as a frivolous emblem of female seduction?
6.
In ALICE AT HEART, the title character is treated as an oddity and an
outcast by her mother's family, the ordinary Rileys. In real life, don't
both animals and humans tend to ostracize those who are different and
perceived as weak? In some ways, cruel though they may be, isn't that
Mother Nature's mechanism for weeding> out those who shouldn't reproduce?
7.
The wooded barrier islands of the southeastern seaboard are unique and
historic sites much different from the better-known tropical islands further
south. What do you know about the history of famous barrier islands such
as Cumberland and St. Simons (Georgia) and the famous islands of North
Carolina's Outer Banks? What is the difference in the appeal of these
islands compared to the stereotypical image of< life on tropical islands?
8.
In the novel, psychic communication between the "Water People"
is vivid and includes physical effects. Do you believe people are capable
of psychic communication to any degree in real life?
9.
The novel includes a fanciful collection of writings by one of the main
characters, Lilith Bonavendier, in which she relates myths and legends
to explain the origins of the Water People. Clearly, some of these tales
are drawn from universal traditions such as the Great Flood and the story
of Atlantis. Do such fables have any real meaning in modern life? As the
basis for shared cultural touchstones in societies all over the world,
they seem to have some grain of ancient truth in them. What fascinates
you about the creation mythologies from around the world?
10.
Lilith Bonavendier classifies all human beings as descendents of three
mythological couples comprised of three "ordinary" men and three
full-fledged mermaids. As such, most of us are either "Landers"
or "Floaters," according to Lilith. Have you ever wanted to
believe you're part of a secret tradition that might explain your most
whimsical or unusual traits? Why do we try so hard to assign ourselves
to a clan or "tribe" who share our view of the world?
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