Reading Group Questions
THE LONG SONG Reading Group Questions
- Discuss the narrative structure of THE LONG SONG.
- ‘None of my books is just about race. They are about people and history.’ To what extent do you think that this is true of THE LONG SONG?
- ‘Writing novels is a way of putting back the voices that were left out.’ Do you think that Andrea Levy has achieved this aim in THE LONG SONG?
- Discuss Andrea Levy’s use of language and imagery in THE LONG SONG. How do you think that the rhythm of her writing contributes to its power? What, for you, makes her writing unique?
- How does Andrea Levy bring nineteenth-century Jamaica to life in THE LONG SONG? How does she evoke scene and atmosphere?
- Discuss Andrea Levy’s choice of July as her narrator. Do you think that she is a reliable narrator? How does her version of events influence our reading of the novel? How do the sections with her son Thomas affect our view of July?
- How are the relationships between parents and children explored in the novel? What is the impact of love, sacrifice and loss on these relationships?
- ‘That is not the way white men usually behaved upon this Caribbean Island.’ What do you think of the character of Robert Goodwin? Are you surprised by his behaviour and the changing nature of his feelings for July?
- THE LONG SONG centres on the lives of two women – July and Caroline – whose circumstances could not be more different. Do they, however, have anything in common or share any characteristics?
- When reading THE LONG SONG, which particular emotions were evoked for you? Were any of these surprising or unexpected?
Bonus Question
- There is a link between SMALL ISLAND and THE LONG SONG. Did you spot this?
FURTHER READING:
SMALL ISLAND
THE FRUIT OF THE LEMON
NEVER FAR FROM NOWHERE
EVERY LIGHT IN THE HOUSE BURNIN’
About the book
Praise for Andrea Levy
About the author
Reading group questions
Read the Guide for SMALL ISLAND
Extract
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