Nothing But Reading Challenges discussion

This thread is to discuss the Flavia de Luce series by Alan Bradley.

Leslie is currently reading I Am Half-Sick of Shadows and then we will start Speaking from Among the Bones as an informal buddy read.

Rules & How to
1. Identify the book you are commenting
2. Comments that give away any plot must ALWAYS be under spoiler tags

Books in series so far

Some images of Flavia I like:







Did you know?....
Alan Bradley published his first novel in 2009 and the grand age of 71! More detail on wikipedia here

I've heard a lot about this series, I would like to give it a try, but I will get to it in November and try to speed up a little bit :)

It is a lot of fun Anima. I'm not sure when we will get to book 5 yet, so take your time :)

Thanks, Karen :)

I've only read the first. Fun book. I listened to the audio, and it was well narrated. Let me know what you think, Anima.

I'm one up on you, LK -- I've read the first *two LOL I plan to read the rest of the series, but book #3 won't be anytime soon.

They are quick reads. And such a lot of fun :)

Well, I've read about 50% of "I Am Half-Sick of Shadows." I'm really enjoying this mystery.

Flavia is a brilliant, curious and charming young sleuth. She has an extraordinary vocabulary and amazing analytical skills. I'm enjoying the little tidbits of chemistry that Bradley adds in his story too.

I'm looking forward to reading the rest of this book and more books in the series. It's fun to immerse yourself in this entertaining world.

I'm at a critical point in the plot right now so I don't want to give anything away.

Interesting how the asian market has a blonde Flavia on the cover:

I agree with you Leslie.

When I first read book one, (The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie) I picked it for a F2F book club and I loved it, but there was at least one person who didn't think she rang true for an 11 year old.
For me she is not your "typical" 11 year old because of how she lives and has been brought up. I love her critical mind and understanding of human nature, mixed together with her very pre-teen need to want her sister and father just to love and accept her (although she would never openly admit that about her sisters!). I think Alan Bradley did a fab job with her character

Yes, I like the top image. Thanks for the information about Alan Bradley from Wikipedia. I did not know that he published his first book at 71!

There is a Flavia de Luce fan club online as well. I will post the link later. If you go to the Alan Bradley website, the link is there.




Karen wrote: "
Some images of Flavia I like:


Did you know?....
Alan Bradley published his first novel in 2009 and the grand age of 71! More detail on wikipedia here"

The covers reflect different cultural values, etc. That is interesting about the blonde Flavia on the cover. I think I like the bottom two covers.



Karen wrote: "Interesting how the asian market has a blonde Flavia on the cover:

"

My favourite is the bottom left, reminds me of The Adams Family LOL :) And I really like the fact that A.B. was 71 when he published his first novel, there is never too late to become successful writer it seems, very comforting idea :)

I have the 1st in my TBR. I have heard good thing about the series. You may give me the push to put this one on top of my pile.

Yes, that bottom left one is a bit Adams Family!

I quite like the bottom right one. Although I have deliberatly bought the series in the top left covers because I prefer to have matching books when I buy a series!

I agree Anima, it shows that you are never "too old" when you put your mind to thing :)

Oh cool Esther, join us! :D

Yes Esther, join us! :-)


Esther wrote: "I have the 1st in my TBR. I have heard good thing about the series. You may give me the push to put this one on top of my pile."

Yes, it does look like the Adams Family. I like both of the bottom covers.


Anima wrote: "My favourite is the bottom left, reminds me of The Adams Family LOL :) And I really like the fact that A.B. was 71 when he published his first novel, there is never too late to become successful w..."

Karen wrote: "I picked it for a F2F book club and I loved it, but there was at least one person who didn't think she rang true for an 11 year old."

This same issue came up when our F2F book club read the book earlier this year. One of our members didn't think an 11 year old would be that knowledgeable about any one topic. I used my son, who has absorbed anything and everything about aircraft and flying since he was 8 years old, as an example of how kids who are really into a subject *can know that much about it. It gave her something to think about :)

Good insight Barb. I too think it is possible for some kids to be fascinated with something and just "get" it.

Well, I'm finished with "I Am Half-Sick of Shadows." What a delightful read!

I believe that Flavia's extraordinary intelligence, curiosity and knowledge of human nature adds to the quirkiness of the story. The novel is more fun to read because the character is not a typical eleven-year-old. Since this is a work of fiction, we might enjoy reading about some unusual characters. What does everyone else think?

Flavia does seem a typical eleven-year-old because of the sibling rivalry and how she really just wants love and acceptance from her sisters and father.


What is your favorite scene? This is my favorite scene:
(view spoiler)[My favorite scene is probably when everyone gathered around Flavia's bed to see if she would be okay. Also, I liked the scene at the end when she was so excited at her surprise when she arrived at her laboratory. (hide spoiler)]

yes Leslie, that scene (view spoiler)[ with the sisters after her encounter with the murder (hide spoiler)] was quite touching. It has been a while since I read it so I don't remember specific bits that stuck out to me, but the things I generally enjoy about the series is the independence and 'smarts' of Flavia, Buckshaw (what a fab place to live!) and her lab, Dogger is a wonderful character too, anbd the relationship with her sisters.

Have you read the other books in the series? Although they can be read in any order, I think they do build on eachother.

I just got your message about the next book. Let me see if I can get it from the library and when. I should be able to get to it next month. Feel free to start at any time though and I'll discuss it with you

I have read the first two books, and am loving this series. I plan on reading the next few books, hopefully before the newest one leaves Netgalley so I can request it and review it! :D

Great, Steven! I'm off to a slow start. I did finish "I am Half-Sick of Shadows." But then I started Etiquette and Espionage. So many books! I do hope to start "Speaking From Among The Bones" soon though. Look forward to hearing what you think!

It'll be a while! I've only read books one and two thus far! hehe

I love love love this series! Flavia is one of my all-time favorite characters. I also would die to live in Buckshaw. And that laboratory and library!

I want that library too, Rebecca!!!

Get in line Steven! Lol

Yes, have to love Buckshaw! Think of all the rambling stairways and wonderful hiding places. . .

I thought this information might be of interest to some of you. I did some online research and found a web page which contains information about the Flavia de Luce titles and where they came from. Just scroll down to the bottom of the page for information. I was interested to find out more about "I Am Half-Sick of Shadows." Interesting information. I'm including the specific information about "I Am Half-Sick of Shadows" in a spoiler tag:

(view spoiler)[ I Am Half-Sick of Shadows English Poet Laureate Alfred Lord Tennyson wrote these words in the Victorian ballad The Lady of Shalott. In it, Tennyson retells the medieval tale of Elaine of Astolat. She has been cursed and must keep weaving a magic web without making direct eye contact with the world or anyone else in it. Living in isolation, she is allowed a single mirror through which to explore her surroundings. In this way, The Lady of Shalott is perhaps not unlike the novel’s famed movie star, endlessly experiencing the world through her own films. Also like the leading lady, she too is unfortunately doomed. (hide spoiler)]

Just click on this link for the entire article:

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/b...

Cool. Thanks Leslie :)

Thanks Leslie, that's so cool, I never really thought about the strange titles before.

Karen wrote: "Cool. Thanks Leslie :)"

Glad you enjoyed the article!

Rebecca wrote: "Thanks Leslie, that's so cool, I never really thought about the strange titles before."

Glad you enjoyed reading the article, Rebecca.

I just started The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie and I really like it so far.

I was afraid that the "talented 11yo" would bug me but while she comes off older in some ways, it is balanced with behavior typical of her age making it believable for me.

Great Esther. She is really 11 years old in many ways as her naiviety does come through. She just has a penchant for chemicals and mysteries :)

I will be starting "Speaking From Among The Bones" soon. I've been finishing my other books and I'm a little behind.

I'm glad you're starting the series, Esther. Flavia is quite the character. I found that the the novel is so more fun to read because she is not a typical eleven-year-old in many ways. Her intelligence, talent and personality adds to the quirkiness of the novel. Just a delightful read!

Do you think that Buckshaw could almost be called a character in the novel?

Buckshaw is a grand mansion and the family's country home. I believe it could be considered a character in the book because it has such a central role in the book. Also, the atmosphere of the mansion influences the characters. What do you think?

What does everyone think about Flavia and Dogger's relationship as friends and work partners?

I agree about Buckshaw. The house has such a presence in the books and creates so much of the atmosphere. If Flavia lived in a normal house it would change the tone of the novels

I really like Dogger. And it is very clever to give Flavia an adult partner who won't want to control or be too involved. So he is just perfect :)

I agree. Dogger is always there and is a wonderful complement to Flavia's personality.

By the way, here is a link to the Flavia de Luce Fan Club in case anyone is interested:

http://flaviafanclub.ning.com/

This looks like an interesting place for news & discussion of all things Flavia. I might join.

I am done with the first book. I really liked it and will be continuing the series soon.

I've been reading "Speaking From Among The Bones." It's good so far. First of all, it has quite an opener. I wanted to continue reading. I think this one will be one of the more exciting mysteries in the series. I can't wait to see how Flavia solves this one.

I read the first one but was annoyed by some of it but all this talk is making me reconsider the series and start again with book 2!

I recommend it Teresa!
I haven't started that one yet Leslie but I have ordered it. I think I should be able to get to it in January

Speaking From Among The Bones is one of my favorite in the series!!

Great, Karen! I'm continuing to read Speaking From Among The Bones and am enjoying it. Glad you enjoyed it, Rebecca!

I decided to give this series a go too. I just finished the first book and really enjoyed it. A fun easy read. Plan to read the rest throghout the year.

Great Renee. Glad you enjoyed it :)

Renee wrote: "I decided to give this series a go too. I just finished the first book and really enjoyed it. A fun easy read. Plan to read the rest throghout the year."


Great, Renee! Let us know as you finish more of the books.

The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie

Some questions from the back of the book.

(view spoiler)[

1. With her high level of knowledge, her erudition, and her self-reliance, Flavia hardly seems your typical eleven-year-old girl. Or does she? Discuss Flavia and her personality, and how her character drives this novel. Can you think of other books that have used a similar protagonist?

Regarding her knowledge, I think that can happen but does not that often. Most kids don't have such a specific interest at that age. The self-reliance part is typical when your life puts you in that situation which hers did. Her mother is dead and her father does not seem to always be there mentally. This make children automatically more self-reliant. I did find her a bit impulsive which is typical of that age and not shy. I liked how all the personality quirks come together. The book that comes to mind is Sherlock Holmes. She is what I imagine a young Sherlock would have been like, although not sure if she is as smart as he was. The other book it reminds me of is the Nancy Drew series.

2. The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie falls within the tradition of English country-house mysteries, but with the devilishly intelligent Flavia racing around Bishop's Lacey on her bike, instead of the expected older woman ferreting out the truth by chatting with her fellow villagers. Discuss how Bradley uses the traditions of the genre, and how he plays with them.

There are some similar characteristics to that genre; she does chat it up with people; The book takes place in one area; There is a great detective; She is upper-class; There was a puzzle to solve and observations to be made. The ways that it breaks out of this genre is the inclusion of the police detective. Also, there was an unknown perpetrator that had to be found which leads to a more whodonit genre. Granted, I am new to understand different mystery genre so not sure if this is even correct, lol.

3. What is your favorite scene from The sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie?

I know this was not a critical scene but I enjoyed when Flavia realized that her sister got her back when she kissed her. The shock that her sister could be smarter than her. :)

4. 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?

Refreshing, but then I tend to be drawn to these kind of people in general. My husband has aspergers and so I am used to people being more factual and less empathetic.

5. Flavia reminds us often about Harriet, the mother she never knew, and has many keepsakes that help her imagine what Harriet was like. Do you think the real Harriet would have fit into Flavia's mold.

From what I gathered from the books in her room she was a free spirit which is how Flavia is. I did not really pay attention to the details about Harriet and can not really answer this question.

6. Flavia's distance from her father, the Colonel, is obvious, yet she loves him all the same. Does their relationship change over the course of the novel in a lasting way? Would Flavia want it to?

It did not feel like it changed to me. Even when he was doing his monologue he thought he was talking to Harriot so that scene did not count. Also, at the end when she was rescued he still felt distant. I think a little of her might but most of her is happy with how things are. She seems to be a logical girl who even calls her mother Harriot. Most children call their mothers mom even if they died before they could remember them.

7. Through Flavia's eyes, what sort of picture does Alan Bradley paint of the British aristocracy? Think as well about how appearances aren't always reality, as with the borderline bankruptcies of Flavia's father and Dr. Kissing.

That things are never as they seem or don't judge a book by its cover. I think he is showing us that just because they have money does not mean they are normal people with problems as well.

8. Discuss the meaning (or meanings) of the title The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie?

Lol, I had to google this. It's what's underneath that counts - image is nothing. This seemed to be shown in the bankruptcy and shown in some of the characters. Anything else?

9. What twists in the plot surprised you the most?

There were definitely ah ha moments but I did not feel like anything truly surprised me.

10. Buckshaw, the estate, is almost a character in its own right here, with its overlarge wings, hidden laboratory, and pinched front gates. Talk about how Bradley brings the setting to life in this novel - not only Buckshaw itself, but Bishop's Lacey and the surrounding area.

I liked how he made Buckshaw impressive but at the same time showed that it was not properly maintained to go along with the money struggles they were having. I also enjoyed the history that surrounded the house. I did not pay much attention to Bishop's Lacey so have no comment in that department.

11. What does Flavia care about most in life? How do the people around her compare to her chemistry lab and books?

Chemistry is the most important thing to her. Everything she sees or hears she in some way sees the chemistry in it. She is also consumed with doing chemistry experiments whenever a tiny excuse is made to do so. The people around her seem to be less important as the example of her doing experiments on her sister.

12. Like any scientist, Flavia expects her world to obey certain rules, and seems to be thrown off kilter when surprises occur. How much does she rely on the predictability of those around her, like her father and her sisters, in order to pursue her own interests (like solving the murder)?

I think she likes them to be in a certain mold so that she does not have to worry or contemplate them. They need to be that way for her to be so completely consumed in her chemistry. Most brilliant people tend to be that way.


(hide spoiler)]

Karen wrote: "
Some images of Flavia I like:


Did you know?....
Alan Bradley published his first novel in 2009 and the grand age of 71! More detail on wikipedia here"

Thanks, I like those images of Flavia!

Hi Everyone, I'm new to this challenge. The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie is one of my favorite reads ever! I am stingy with 5 stars, but I could easily give it 6 stars. Sweetness is one of those books I'd buy for anyone I know who reads if I could. My review (no spoilers):

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6...

#2 The Weed that Strings ...

I read it a couple years ago but missed reviewing it. Great excuse to read it again :-)

Just finished #3 A Red Herring With Mustard. My review (no spoilers):

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8...

I'll definitely be catching up on this quirky and lively series.