We are told from the very start that Rebecca is a murderer. How have Becky’s early experiences affected the way she remembers her brother? Like DIFFERENT CLASS, A NARROW DOOR plays with the idea of memory and its potential unreliability. What is Straitley’s reaction to the changes in St Oswald’s, especially the introduction of girls? How does this prepare him for Rebecca Buckfast’s story?. How has the death of Eric Scoones – and his subsequent exposure as an abuser of his pupils – affected Straitley?. Why do you think the author chose to include a trans character in this book, and how does Ben’s decision to reveal this affect Straitley? Benedicta Wild – Ben – is a trans pupil. What do you think Becky’s childhood monster – Mr Smallface – represents?. Rebecca chooses to tell Straitley her story – a story she has not told anyone before. Straitley has a genuine affection for his “Brodie Boys”. Why do you think Straitley allows Rebecca to prevent him from going to the police, following the discovery of the body by the Gunderson Building?. Why do you think the author chose to introduce this? This book has a strong supernatural element. Why do you think Becky meets with such hostility from the male staff of King Henry’s?. In what ways does she meet this challenge? What aspects of her personality come to the surface? Joining King Henry’s Grammar School is a challenge for the young Becky. How does Dominic’s protectiveness towards Becky and her daughter contribute to her attitude towards men in general?. Why do you think Becky might have difficulty getting used to Dominic’s family?. How does she feel about this? Why does she accept? 
Dominic Buckfast “rescues” the young Becky Price and her daughter from financial difficulty and makes them a part of his life.Why do you think Rebecca’s parents had so little interest in her as a child? Do you feel sympathy for their situation?.In what way do you think this has affected her relationships and friendships in adulthood? Rebecca’s brother Conrad disappeared when she was very small.How does this illustrate their relationship? Like the previous books, A NARROW DOOR is a kind of chess match between Straitley and his adversary – in this case, the new Head, Rebecca Buckfast.
Need themed snacks for your reading group? Here’s a link to a quick recipe for these delicious Liquorice Allsorts no-bake slices… Here’s an article about the pros and cons of single-sex versus co-ed schools. St Oswald’s is finally admitting girls to the School. Find out about some of the longest ones here. Railway tunnels feature strongly in this book. If you’re studying it as part of a reading group, here are a few resources and ideas to get you started.
A NARROW DOOR is the third of my novels featuring Roy Straitley, the Latin master, and the community of St Oswald’s Grammar School, although it can be read alone.
0 kommentar(er)
