Questions About Perfect Little Children

by Sophie Hannah (Goodreads Author)

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Answered Questions (8)

Did anyone else find the mini plotline to do with Zannah's racist teacher in the middle of the book completely random? I found it just made me lose interest in the twists and turns.

Michelle While it was a bit of a side trip, I liked this part of the story. I really dug how Beth handled it and I liked seeing Zannah lean on her. In the rest…moreWhile it was a bit of a side trip, I liked this part of the story. I really dug how Beth handled it and I liked seeing Zannah lean on her. In the rest of the book, she's the equal or superior of her mom.(less)

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This is more of a "cultural knowledge" question. I get that the GCSE is an exam, but what is doing "revision" for it? Is that some bizarre term for "preparation"? I can't see taking a test and then actually revising it, but hey - what do I know? I took the SAT and GRE back in the late 70s-early 80s. I'm getting sick of reading about it (WAY too many references) and puzzling over it every time.

Joanne Sheppard It means going over what you've previously learnt in school in preparation for an exam or test. So, studying or preparing, basically.

GCSEs are import…moreIt means going over what you've previously learnt in school in preparation for an exam or test. So, studying or preparing, basically.

GCSEs are important exams in the English school system. They're taken at 15 or 16, usually in around 10 subjects, and the grades you get for them can sometimes determine what you then go on to study from 16-18 and occasionally what jobs you can do (eg some entry-level jobs might specify that you need certain grades in Maths and English). So the exams Zannah and her boyfriend are revising for are quite a big deal, hence why Beth and Dom are worried about her lack of revision.

And no, it isn't a 'bizarre' term. It's a British term. There's nothing bizarre about a British author using British words in a book about British people. American English is what you use in America. It's not a default setting. (less)

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Peaches There's a portion in the book where they reflect on how when they were young, they just accepted him as eccentric because they were all just looking t…moreThere's a portion in the book where they reflect on how when they were young, they just accepted him as eccentric because they were all just looking to have a good time, but I also think he became more sinister with age.(less)

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