Book discussion: Fire and Hemlock, Parts One and Two
Here is the first of two discussion posts for Fire and Hemlock, by Diana Wynne Jones. It may be the case that we've all read the whole book already (I certainly found it hard to put down), but let's keep to the original plan and discuss only Part One ("New Hero") and Part Two ("Now Here") in this post so we don't accidentally spoil anyone who hasn't read beyond that part.
Two more organizational matters: I've been informed that one participant has a non-LJer friend who might like to join in the discussion, so I've gone ahead and posted this as a public post. But if any f-listers would feel more comfortable to have this f-locked, I will certainly do that; just let me know. (But unless that happens, anyone who sees this post and would like to join in the discussion is most welcome.)
Also, I've got an out-of-town friend coming next weekend, so I might not be able to do a discussion post so easily then. So [edited:] Based on feedback from the group -- and the recent Pottermore distractions ;) -- let's say that the second discussion post, for Parts Three and Four, will go up on Tuesday, August 13.
And now, let's start the discussion!
Short summary
Two more organizational matters: I've been informed that one participant has a non-LJer friend who might like to join in the discussion, so I've gone ahead and posted this as a public post. But if any f-listers would feel more comfortable to have this f-locked, I will certainly do that; just let me know. (But unless that happens, anyone who sees this post and would like to join in the discussion is most welcome.)
Also, I've got an out-of-town friend coming next weekend, so I might not be able to do a discussion post so easily then. So [edited:] Based on feedback from the group -- and the recent Pottermore distractions ;) -- let's say that the second discussion post, for Parts Three and Four, will go up on Tuesday, August 13.
And now, let's start the discussion!
Short summary
- Part One, "New Hero": In which Polly gate-crashes a funeral by mistake, meets Mr. Lynn, and acquires the Fire and Hemlock photograph. Polly and Mr. Lynn begin their hero business, and there are the curious matters of Seb's warning, the circus horse, and Thomas Piper's Hardware in Stow-on-the-Water.
- Part Two, "Now Here": In which Polly finds the heroes of the Dumas Quartet and becomes friendly -- or something -- with Seb, while experimenting with superstition, stealing a photograph, and beginning to suspect that Mr. Leroy somehow knows when she and Mr. Lynn have been in contact...and can punish them for it.
- Any thoughts on the story so far? Is it compelling? Does it hold up to Mr. Lynn's own standards when he forces Polly to clarify how the magic works?
- Anything to say if we look behind the scenes at how the events of the narrative are constructed or ordered?
- Characters? Any thoughts on them, themselves, or on how DWJ constructs them?
- Symbols -- of course there are lots of resonances here with old stories. This may be a tricky point to pursue without spoiling, but, do any symbols stand out to you, either just within the framework of this story, or based on their connection to outside sources?
- Anything else? Likes, dislikes, ideas, interesting things?