Questions About Spill Simmer Falter Wither

by Sara Baume

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Answered Questions (5)

Could someone please explain the twist and ending to me?

Rebecca

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John I agree with Frank and Michelle about the ending. But, boy what a novel ! Poetic, lyrical ; I just wish I could write like this. For me the greatest g…moreI agree with Frank and Michelle about the ending. But, boy what a novel ! Poetic, lyrical ; I just wish I could write like this. For me the greatest gift of this novel is Sara's empathy. As a counsellor I often see the disintegration that happens in people's lives. But to be able to describe it with such clarity, without sentimentality, is a true gift (less)

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What is the meaning of the title and/or sections? Why is it called Spill Simmer Falter Wither? What are your assumptions regarding the title?

Laurabte I think it refers to the 4 seasons: spring, summer, fall, winter. There is a poetic parallel to the words spill (the narrator's life falling apart), s…moreI think it refers to the 4 seasons: spring, summer, fall, winter. There is a poetic parallel to the words spill (the narrator's life falling apart), simmer (warming up to the dog's impact on him), falter (when things start to get messy), and wither (when the narrator recedes from life more and more). Not sure if this is what the author intended, but it gives me a visual framework. (less)

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Hi. I'm sorry - I'm new to this website and don't know where else to leave this message to say thank you foe a giveaway book - please could someone advise me how/where to leave a message next time?! I'm just about to go away and found out I have won a copy of this in a giveaway. I am really looking forward to receiving the copy and reading it when I get back as it sounds like a great story.

Nancy Brady I don't think there is one way to thank right way to thank for agiveaway. This is how I do it. I try to thank the person on the site, but I also send …moreI don't think there is one way to thank right way to thank for agiveaway. This is how I do it. I try to thank the person on the site, but I also send a snail mail thank you note to the address that is on the package or is included in the package (often an email address is included so that works, too). Just reading the book and mentioning a thank you in the review may be enough. N(less)

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what does the ending mean?

Louise I believe One Eye is running to save the man from himself as he had found his life was of no return so had decided to go over the cliff but wanted to …moreI believe One Eye is running to save the man from himself as he had found his life was of no return so had decided to go over the cliff but wanted to set one eye free as he did not want him to be trapped as he did mention to One Eye that he did not belong to him. So did he or did he not kill himself? We will never know...(less)

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Unanswered Questions (3)

Has there been a movie made of it ?

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Which of Sara Baume's newest novels would you teach to undergrads? I've been assigned a course in Irish Lit and have to make some quick decisions. Thank you! Karen

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