Discussion Questions for The Luminaries

[Royal]

The Golden Reads Book Club will meet on Friday, July 31st at 7 pm at the Royal BC Museum to discuss Eleanor Catton's book, The Luminaries. The questions to prompt our discussion are below. Please feel free to add your own questions!

1. This is a mystery story. What does it add to your knowledge of the New Zealand gold rush in particular, and gold rushes in general? Does the fact that it is a mystery and not non-fiction help or hinder in imparting gold rush information? Why do you think this is so?

2. Do we learn anything of the Maori, Te Rau Tauwhare that mirrors our first nations relationships with in-comers and/or their role in the gold rush?

3. In a conversation between Sook Yongsheng and Quee Long (pg. 322) there is allusion to the typical role of the Chinese in the gold fields. How does this and other information about the roles resonate with the Fraser River, Cariboo, and other rushes?

4. How did the Astrological Charting enhance or detract from your enjoyment of the book? Did it add to your understanding of the characters? What would be lost without it? Were you aware of the strict mathematical design of the chapters? What function might that serve?

5. Many reviewers suggested that major cutting would improve the book. Do you agree or disagree and why?

[Kim]

Super turnout on Friday for our Luminaries discussion. Many thanks to Margaret for preparing the questions and leading the discussion.