After receiving more than its fair share of great reviews, The Hidden Heart of Emily Hudson by Melissa Jones is a new reading group favourite, so we're sharing the reading group notes with you to help you make the most of your group's discussions.
And if you haven't read The Hidden Heart of Emily Hudson yet, we've included the reviews here so you can see them for yourself!
‘This is a wonderful book and it will not disappoint’ Independent 'A beguiling erotic read' Glamour 'Historical pleasure …a rich, romantic novel' Woman and Home ‘My favourite book in a long while: a spellbinding tale’ Julia Gregson, author of East of the Sun 'A passionate and beguiling story' Kate Furnivall, author of The Russian Concubine 'An elegant, persuasive and engrossing novel.' Fay Weldon
DISCUSSION NOTES for READING GROUPS
1) How much does knowing that the book was inspired by a true story affect your enjoyment of the novel?
2) Emily’s ambition to paint and her ways of seeing are a constant theme in the book. In what other ways does Melissa Jones examine the connection between life and Art?
3) What insight into the nineteenth century do you gain from reading this novel?
4) There are several contrasting women characters in the book: Augusta, Mary, Miss Drake, Caroline and, of course, Emily. What does the story and character of each tell you about the period?
5) Would you describe William as a benign or malign influence on Emily’s life?
6) Romantic love is a major theme in the book. What other forms of love are there?
7) What does it take to make a hero or heroine in the world of this book?
8) What importance do letters play in the book? What do they show you about their writers?
9) Are you inspired by this book to read more nineteenth century novels or explore Henry James’ work and life?
Posted 08/02/2010 12:23:22 by Emily Rowland with 1 comments.
Our bookgroup listened to a talk by Melissa and her sister Sadie, on giving their novels a convincing period feel, as part of the Essex Book Festival. It was very well received; both authors taking the time to answer questions and sign copies of their novels. We really enjoyed meeting them and will be watching out for their next novels.
2/4/2010 15:46