The Lantern (group read, week 2) by Deborah Lawrenson

For week 2 we read parts 3 & 4. If you haven’t read these bits of the book then there are spoilers ahead.

Questions this week are from Kailana;

The Lantern - Deborah Lawrenson

1. The title of this book is , and a lantern makes an appearance in both of the stories. In Benedicte’s past, it had a meaning, but what do you think the lantern signifies in her future and in Eve’s story?
   I’m not quite sure what to make of the lantern in Eve’s story. It has a clear purpose and meaning to Benedicte, it is love and betrayal, and everything she could have had in life and lost. But for Eve I’m not so sure. Is it just a ghostly, creepy image. I’d like to think there is more going on there, but I’m not so sure.
2. Carl mentioned scents in last weeks questions, but they have been addressed even more in these sections. What significance do you think scents have in this story overall?
   Now maybe I’ve gotten used to the descriptions by now, but to be honest, I’m not noticing them quite so much. But there are still times when it pops up and makes you realise that it is important. In the story overall? I’m not so sure, are they there to evoke memories? To show us how life is different for those who cannot see? Or how something that is right there in front of us all too often goes unnoticed.
3. What do you think of the combining storyline of Marthe? She connects Benedicte, Eve, and Rachel. What do you think will be revealed about this connection in the next sections?
   I really like Marthe. I think she is great character, and sparingly used to great effect. I’m not totally sure of her connection yet with Eve and Rachel. I mean I know that they were both interested in writing about her, but is that a connection> Or is it that they were all betrayed by the men they loved. As of yet I’m not sure about Dom, I think that Rachel was probably a horror to live with. That sort of personality is a form of abuse to live with. But has he betrayed Eve by not telling her all this until now? Is that lie of omission a betrayal? Or can she forigve his misguided attempts to protect her from the truth. I don’t think I could forgive something like that. It is always much better to know the worst about someone, because unless they are a serial killer, or the like, then your own imagination and worry will do a much better job of killing off any relationship than the actual truth.
4. Now that things are beginning to move along, what do you think of the characters? Are any standing out for you? Do you particularly like any? Dislike any?
   Pierre. I hate him. But he really is a “bad” character. There is nothing at all to redeem him. Or at least, in Benedicte’s memories he has no redeeming features. He is nothing more than the evil bully. I’d sort of like to see a more balanced character, but I suppose in the last few pages we might get that.
5. What do you think really happened to Marthe and Annette? What do you think the significance of the bones in the pool are to the story? Especially now that it has been revealed that Rachel is also dead.
   I think that Pierre murdered them and left their bodies there.
6. Do you have any other things you think are significant to talk about? Are there any other predictions to be made for the last two sections of the book?
   No predictions. Part of me wants Eve and Dom to sort things out and live happily ever after, but then again, does Dom deserve that? Does Eve? I don’t know, but I’ll look forward to finding out.
7. Lastly, what do you think of this book overall? Other than for the read-along, why are you reading it? Is it meeting your expectations?
   I’m really enjoying it. I only really picked it up because of the blogging recommendations, so I wasn’t expecting anything in particular. But it is a very readable and entertaining book.

The rest of the group readers are: The written world ; Stainless Steel Droppings ; Beauty is a sleeping cat ; Piling on the books ; Books without any pictures