The Glass Butterfly (38 page)
Discussion Questions
1.
Tory Lake's practice as a therapist was enhanced by her psychic gift, which she called her “fey.” In what way did her fey help her protect herself from Ellice Gordon? In what way did it fail her?
Tory Lake's practice as a therapist was enhanced by her psychic gift, which she called her “fey.” In what way did her fey help her protect herself from Ellice Gordon? In what way did it fail her?
2.
Giacomo Puccini often referred to his wife, Elvira, as his “policeman.” Does that resonate with the character of Ellice Gordon, since she's a sheriff's deputy? Can you see other parallels between the memories Tory has of Torre del Lago in 1908 and her current crisis?
Giacomo Puccini often referred to his wife, Elvira, as his “policeman.” Does that resonate with the character of Ellice Gordon, since she's a sheriff's deputy? Can you see other parallels between the memories Tory has of Torre del Lago in 1908 and her current crisis?
3.
Tory, with nothing but a bit of cash in the lining of her coat, has to create an entire new life, symbolized by the photographs of strangers she buys and displays as if they were her own family. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to start your life over as someone else? Do you think you could do it?
Tory, with nothing but a bit of cash in the lining of her coat, has to create an entire new life, symbolized by the photographs of strangers she buys and displays as if they were her own family. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to start your life over as someone else? Do you think you could do it?
4.
The presence of the butterfly paperweight is a connecting thread running through the plot of the book. The paperweight belonged to Puccini and then, briefly, to Doria, before it was passed down through the Manfredi family to Tory. In what ways does the butterfly symbolize the relationships between the principal characters?
The presence of the butterfly paperweight is a connecting thread running through the plot of the book. The paperweight belonged to Puccini and then, briefly, to Doria, before it was passed down through the Manfredi family to Tory. In what ways does the butterfly symbolize the relationships between the principal characters?
5.
Classical music, especially opera, is Tory's passion, the one area in her life that allows her to release her emotions. Doria Manfredi also loves opera. Iris Anderson loves jazz, and Jack Lake likes rock music. Do you think musical preferences help to define characters? In your discussion group, who likes which kind of music?
Classical music, especially opera, is Tory's passion, the one area in her life that allows her to release her emotions. Doria Manfredi also loves opera. Iris Anderson loves jazz, and Jack Lake likes rock music. Do you think musical preferences help to define characters? In your discussion group, who likes which kind of music?
6.
Doria Manfredi lived at a time when servants were all but slaves to their employers. In the remote village of Torre del Lago, Villa Puccini offered the best possible job for a girl of low birth. What other life choices could Doria have made? Can you understand why she would tolerate Elvira Puccini's abuse in order to hold on to her job?
Doria Manfredi lived at a time when servants were all but slaves to their employers. In the remote village of Torre del Lago, Villa Puccini offered the best possible job for a girl of low birth. What other life choices could Doria have made? Can you understand why she would tolerate Elvira Puccini's abuse in order to hold on to her job?
7.
In what ways does the dog, Johnson, help Tory to heal?
In what ways does the dog, Johnson, help Tory to heal?
8.
Tory's son, Jack, is shocked to find that he, too, has the fey he has previously dismissed, and is not completely happy about it. Do you think Nonna Angela was right when she told Tory that the fey was both blessing and curse? Have you ever had a psychic or intuitive experience you couldn't explain?
Tory's son, Jack, is shocked to find that he, too, has the fey he has previously dismissed, and is not completely happy about it. Do you think Nonna Angela was right when she told Tory that the fey was both blessing and curse? Have you ever had a psychic or intuitive experience you couldn't explain?
9.
Madama Butterfly
is one of the most famous and most beloved of all operas. Can you see why Doria Manfredi identifies with Cio-Cio-San, the little Butterfly?
Madama Butterfly
is one of the most famous and most beloved of all operas. Can you see why Doria Manfredi identifies with Cio-Cio-San, the little Butterfly?
10.
Are you convinced, at the end of the book, that Ellice Gordon is gone for good, or do you think this is an instance in which Tory's feyâand Jack's alsoâmight fail them?
Are you convinced, at the end of the book, that Ellice Gordon is gone for good, or do you think this is an instance in which Tory's feyâand Jack's alsoâmight fail them?
KENSINGTON BOOKS are published by
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Kensington Publishing Corp.
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New York, NY 10018
119 West 40th Street
New York, NY 10018
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Copyright © 2012 by Louise Marley
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All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of the Publisher, excepting brief quotes used in reviews.
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Kensington and the K logo Reg. U.S. Pat. & TM Off.
ISBN: 978-0-7582-7996-5
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