Question #1 Flavia

[[deleted user]]

With her excessive interest in poisons and revenge, it’s no surprise that Flavia is fascinated, not scared, as she watches the stranger die in her garden. In your view, is her dark matter-of-factness more refreshing or disturbing? Is there anything else about Flavia’s personality that strikes you? Can you think of other books that have used a similar protagonist?

[Ashley]

My first instinct is to say Hermione Granger from the Harry Potter series. Hermione is also young, strong willed, independent, and extremely smart. Along with her friends, Hermione can get involved in situations she perhaps shouldn't, like Flavia. Plus, they both have keen observation and problem solving skills. Often too, in Harry Potter, Hermione can come across a little condescending or short with people.

I found Flavia's matter of fact attitude refreshing, especially for the time period in which these novels are set. It is satisfying to see a young girl stand up for herself, and take on figures of power.

I think Flavia's self awareness surprises me, and her willingness (or ability) to manipulate others to get her way. She occasionally plays up her innocence, or youth, to get out of trouble.

[Kate]

I'm with you on Hermione! Never jumped to mind on my own but she's a perfect comparison!

I really enjoyed her for many of the same reasons as Ashley mentioned, too. You usually get this sort of character in the form of a precocious boy or Sherlock Holmes so also love that we get a very precocious girl here.

[Maureen]

Agreed! Also, Harriet the Spy was a spunky sort, though younger, I think. Nancy Drew, Cherry Ames and Trixie Belden were a few that I enjoyed as a child but seems to me they were much better-mannered.

[Paula]

I like Flavia's 'dark matter-of-factness'. While her interest in chemistry and poisons is unique, I think her pragmatism when faced with certain 'adult' situations is not out of character for a child of her age.

I also thought of Harriet the Spy as a similar character. Both are comfortable dealing with adults, interested in solving mysteries, and a little audacious.

[Susan]

I loved Flavia's character for reminding us all how intelligent and inquisitive an 11 year old can be. I think her fascination with chemistry is wonderful (Full disclosure: have a PhD in Chemistry and have always been tired of everyone "hating chemistry", especially women who shy away from science). Interestingly, I was also reminded of a much more sophisticated Nancy Drew (who if I remember was about 17 and always needed the help of friends). I hadn't thought of Trixie Belden (another favourite) but actually think she is a better match as she, like Flavia, was fearless. I can't wait to read another of her stories.

[Allison]

I am struck by the hardness with which Flavia regards her sisters and the dead body, but I think she has a soft side too which she reserves for Dogger and her father (and mother Harriet to a certain extent). With a somewhat aloof family, I guess one naturally keeps oneself in-check and composed as much as possible. I think Hermione and Harriet the Spy are terrific character comparisons, but I see Flavia also as a young, female Sherlock Holmes, though definitely capable of empathy. I think in some ways, she is embracing her inner-tomboy -- there were several mentions throughout the story of the boy her father never had.

[Susan]

Flavia's dark matter-of-factness is certainly different for a girl, and maybe that's what makes it refreshing. She seems to have been raised with little physical affection (not unusual for that era), so perhaps that has made her tougher. Some others have mentioned her relationship with her older sisters. I find it very realistic given their age difference, and the fact that there are three of them. With three siblings, it's common for one to be left out of an alliance by the other two. Their relationships can be quite complicated.

I love Flavia's sense of humour - she says that her tongue even surprises herself sometimes. She recognizes "one of the wasy to optimize a lie: shovel on the old frankness." These are just a couple of examples. They pop up constantly. She is obviously a gifted child with a quick mind and wit.

Another series I love, written for younger readers is Clementine. Clementine is a precocious, funny 8-year-old girl who is constantly in trouble. She's not involved in the serious troubles that Flavia is, but I think they would get along well.

[Ashley]

This is probably going to seem odd, but I keep thinking about Lisbeth Salander from The Millennium series (Girl With the Dragon Tattoo.) I appreciate that these are very different characters. I almost see Lisbeth as being like Flavia as a child, but that events change her life significantly. Lisbeth shows the same kind of intelligence and observational skills, the same determination and stubbornness, and the unique curiosity. What is cute in Flavia, becomes steely in Lisbeth; a dark matter-of-factness, a coldness to family, impatience.

I agree with Kate that there are few examples of female characters with these traits. Sherlock Holmes is an excellent example. And I think the reason why female characters with these traits seem so odd or quirky, is because we don't have a rich history of media with sassy, smart, and ambitious women.

While this is an adult book, I think it would be great to read with a young daughter. Instill the excitement for education, curiosity, and independence.

[Susan]

Ashley wrote: "This is probably going to seem odd, but I keep thinking about Lisbeth Salander from The Millennium series (Girl With the Dragon Tattoo.) I appreciate that these are very different characters. I alm..."
Great insights, Ashley. I wish I had discovered the series back when I was still reading aloud with my sons, so that I could introduce Flavia to them. She's an exceptional girl who could catch the interest of boys, I think.

[Ashley]

Susan wrote: "Ashley wrote: "This is probably going to seem odd, but I keep thinking about Lisbeth Salander from The Millennium series (Girl With the Dragon Tattoo.) I appreciate that these are very different ch..."

You're right Susan, sons too :)