Dalene’s Comments (group member since Aug 06, 2025)

Dalene’s comments from the Book Rabit Hole group.

Just finished *The Book of Guilt* by Catherine Chidgey and… wow. This is the kind of novel that grips you without letting go. Chidgey’s writing is so precise and immersive — every sentence earns its place — and she has this incredible knack for creating suspense while weaving in just enough lightness to keep you breathing.

Telling much of the story through the eyes of a child is part of the magic. We get the innocence, humour, and small pleasures of childhood — even as we begin to sense the darker truths before the characters do. That balance means the book never tips into being too heavy, even though it’s deeply unsettling at times.

And then there are the breadcrumbs. Chidgey scatters tiny moments early on that click into place much later — like Mother Morning almost mixing up Lawrence and William, or the quote from Antarctic explorer Lawrence “Titus” Oates: *“I am just going outside and may be some time.”* If you know the history, that line is a shiver in the early chapters — and it pays off in a way that’s both chilling and brilliant.

One of the strongest threads for me was the dehumanising nature of the Sycamore Scheme. While very dystopian, it dangerously mirrors our world — the bureaucratic language, the loss of individuality, the “for the greater good” justifications. At one point, when William/Lawrence is attacked, Nancy’s parents’ neighbour says: *“At least he was not one of ours.”* That line stopped me cold. It’s fiction, but how often do we see that same thinking — “them” versus “us” — in our own headlines and conversations?

For me, the book raises big questions about complicity, the endurance of human darkness, and whether the same systems we condemn in fiction are quietly at work in our reality.

What do you think? What resonated with you in this book?

The List of Suspicious Things was a compelling read full of context and rich in themes. One theme centred throughough the book is the black and white binaries as a way of framing the world. There is them and us”, right vs wrong, good vs bad, belonging vs exclusion. And you’re right—this might reflect both the time period (when social norms were more rigid) and Miv’s childlike worldview, which naturally leans toward absolutes.

Them and Us - Outsiders like Omar/Mr Bashir and Ishtiaq are never fully embraced, even when they show kindness or generosity. Even the grief gathering organised by Valerie and Mr Bashir at the end highlights who still “belongs” and who doesn’t—some people come, some don’t, and the social boundaries remain.

Right and Wrong - It’s “right” to stay with your husband, even if he’s abusive; “wrong” to divorce and become one of those women. There’s a moral code in the community, but it’s one rooted in judgement and conformity, not compassion.

Good and Bad - Through Miv’s eyes, people are often split into “goodies” and “baddies,” with little room for the messy middle ground where most people actually live.

Did the book feel too binary at times—too divided into right/wrong, good/bad, insider/outsider? Or did you see hints of complexity under the surface?

Do you think this reflects the era (1970s Yorkshire), where social norms were more rigid, or is it mostly Miv’s young perspective simplifying the world?

This is the first book I’m bringing to Echoes of a Book — and it’s certainly echoing for me.

The culture, the complexity of relationships, the racism, the violence, the trauma — there’s so much to sit with, and so much I’m still thinking about.

One thing that really struck me was the level of overt racism. I know racism is rife in many places, but I had somehow assumed Swedish society was more progressive. I’d really like to understand more about the roots and persistence of this racism — what’s driving it?

There’s so much to unpack in this book, and I’m curious…

What about this story echoed for you?
What’s been lingering in your mind since reading it?

No pressure for tidy answers — just bring your questions, your wonderings, or whatever stayed with you.

Hi everyone — I’m Dalene
I’m originally from South Africa, but I’ve been living in Aotearoa New Zealand for the past 24 years.

Almost every book takes me down some sort of rabbit hole — something to research, or something I think about days (or years) later, or something I feel the urge to talk about with someone else.

My most recent rabbit hole book? Stolen by Ann-Helén Laestadius — there’s so much to unpack in that one: culture, silence, injustice, and identity.

I’m especially drawn to literary fiction — books that are beautifully written, with layered characters and rich, nuanced contexts. I also love historical fiction that sends me down a research rabbit hole or shows me something I didn’t know before.

Looking forward to hearing what’s been echoing in your reading life.

Say hi below! Tell us:

Your name (or nickname)

Where you're from (if you like)

A book that took you down a rabbit hole — and why?

What kinds of books you’re drawn to?

Then feel free to browse the group, join any conversations that interest you, or start a thread for a book that won’t let you go.

We can't wait to hear what’s been echoing in your mind lately.