| | 
|
|
 |
|
Make Believe
Joanna Scott. Back Bay Books: 2000 (paperback). ISBN: 0316776661. 246 pages.
|
| |
|
About the Author
A collection of detailed biographical information on Joanna Scott, including excerpts from interviews in which Scott interprets her own work.
Scott, who has been called “the absolute cream of her generation” of writers by no less than David Foster Wallace, claims that an interest “in the illogic of childhood” was one of several inspirations for writing this novel. Find out about some of the rest in this section.
All in the Family
A synopsis of the literary traditions and genres with which Scott’s novel is affiliated, and a brief explanation of those connections, giving you the opportunity to understand the novel in a larger literary perspective.
Believe it or not, Scott’s book can be evaluated both in terms of its use of postmodern techniques and its dependence on ancient myth and fairy tale. Check out this section for more details on just how this works.
Talk Back to the Critics
A Selection of excerpts from some major critical reviews of Make Believe from authoritative journals, newspapers, and magazines. We encourage your group to argue with expert opinion.
Some critics argue that Scott’s novel encourages its readers to think about race, about black and white, in subtle and complex ways. But others argue that Scott’s representation of race relations is less than central to the story, or even that her depiction of black and white offers an example of “how political correctness can ruin good literature.” Flip to this section to read up on this debate.
Character Tree
A list of the major characters in Make Believe and their dominant characteristics and values, showing characters’ relationships to each other.
As you look through this section, you may be surprised to reflect what an influence some of these minor (and imaginary!) characters have in Bo Templin’s life. And it’s a good chance to think about who is “making believe,” and how he or she is doing it.
Streams of Themes
A breakdown of potential major discussion themes in Scott’s novel, including ways that these themes are connected.
As she sinks into the lake, Marge Gantz realizes that “change was total in this world, inexorable.” Most of Scott’s thematic concerns in this novel rest and revolve around the concept of change as the only constant—but does that mean they must relinquish a certain amount of control of their own lives? This section leads you through the web of Scott’s complex and compelling thematic centers.
Doorways to Discussion
A chronologically and thematically organized list of discussion questions, which function to explore, in a logical and thoughtful manner, the questions and possibilities that Scott’s work evokes.
Make Believe is a compact little book, but it raises a huge number of questions to consider in discussion. We were forced to limit our number of questions about the novel to 45—and even then, we’re sure you’ll come up with some more! One to get you started thinking: Who are the “strangers” in this novel, and do they tend to bring good things or bad?
Taste Test
A selection of other books on subjects similar to those in Make Believe to consider for future book group meetings or private reading.
Lucky for all of us, Make Believe stands in pretty good company, as you will see when you look at these lists of other great recent American fiction that deals with issues of family and race.
|
Read more about
the book
|
| |
| |
contact us
