Questions About The Talented Miss Farwell

by Emily Gray Tedrowe (Goodreads Author)

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Answered Questions (5)

Was anyone bothered by the discrepancy in picking up the mail so she could sort out the secret accounts? Spoiler alert - this is how she was caught. But, there are many times when she was traveling or later in the book, working from home. Who picked up the mail then?

Diane I was questioning the same thing! There is no way that in 20 years, she could get to the mail first - everyday! Little things like that really detract…moreI was questioning the same thing! There is no way that in 20 years, she could get to the mail first - everyday! Little things like that really detract from an otherwise excellent novel. And also, how come the town never get audited? Isn't that standard operating procedure? A possible audit was only mentioned once. Otherwise, this is a really interesting book and the fact that is based on a true event makes it even more compelling.(less)

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In Chapter 1 I got the impression Miss Farwell was pregnant. was she or wasn't she?

Allison Nope, it mentions that her father had the flu and she caught it from him.

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The deeper I got into the book, the more I felt she was a narcissistic, OCD, obsessive, non-violent sociopath. Question: What did Becky Farwell look like? There are clues dropped: she is small, she has light red hair, she is attractive. But I don't get a sense of her expression (fake smiles? shrewd? kindly?) or body language. I can't picture Becky; Reba is easier because she is a cover.

Allison It may be intentional that we don’t have a great idea of what she looks like. She’s attractive enough that various men express interest in her, but it…moreIt may be intentional that we don’t have a great idea of what she looks like. She’s attractive enough that various men express interest in her, but it’s to her benefit to blend into the background for the most part. Except when her ego is being stoked by being the hero everyone loves and is grateful for.(less)

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questions for book club discussion?

Allison Since I just re-read this for a book club I will suggest a few:

1. Do you think men or women are more prone to this type of crime? If caught, which one…moreSince I just re-read this for a book club I will suggest a few:

1. Do you think men or women are more prone to this type of crime? If caught, which ones would be more harshly judged or sentenced?
2. Could you imagine a scenario where you or someone you know could or would do anything similar, starting of course at a very small scale, and is there any situation where that behavior could escalate?
3. What are the holes in your own organization (work, church, volunteer club) that could allow for small or large scale theft?
4. Do you think cultural norms of trust or politeness allow these crimes to perpetuate? Are those norms the same or different depending on: small town vs. big city, southern states vs. northeastern states, church vs. government vs. school vs. non-profits, male vs. female, young vs. older, other categories?
5. Is Becky a sociopath or just self-deluded?(less)

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Seriously? Patricia Highsmith?? I'm intrigued. There is a certain creepiness in her novels, you always feel like you need a shower and a strong drink...or is this just hype?

Ardette I didn’t get a Patrica Highsmith vibe from the book. I was expecting it though.

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Unanswered Questions (1)

I can't believe that nobody found out about who "Reba" was. She was in tons of society page photos and they did have the internet for most of the book. Surely somebody would have come across her photo?

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