Oakville Reads discussion

In literature, the doppelganger can have a variety of potential meanings. Traditionally, the appearance of a doppelganger signals impending death. But at the same time, a doppelganger can signify the desire to change one’s personality, either by aspiration or repression. How do you read the role of the doppelganger in Bellevue Square ?

Initially I wasn't sure how to approach this question as I feel like I still have a lot to take in and wrap my head around with this story. However, after thinking it over a little longer, I have to think that Jean's doppelganger, Ingrid (or as we know her later, Inger) might signify, at least to some extent, Jean's aspired self. My reason? Inger has a daughter.

It's obvious that Jean loves her two sons, but it's evident that her heart still aches for the daughter that she lost. It's brought up on multiple occasions throughout the novel, and Jean even spends some time with Inger's daughter.

Then it gets complicated, however, when I consider that Inger initially had two daughters, but lost one (I can't remember if it's ever stated what happened). So it's hard to say!

I definitely also get a spooky "impending death" vibe from the doppelganger story. There's so much going on, I'm really interested in reading everyone else's thoughts on this!

I think already I have to re-read this book! It is quite challenging to decipher. Personally, I took the doppelganger as a sign of impending death.

I must say that I found Bellevue Square very much reminded me of the Spanish film Biutiful, with Javier Bardem: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1164999/?... .

Did you know that Michael Redhill will be at the GritLit festival in Hamilton to talk about his book? Unfortunately, I cannot make it to that, but here's the info for anyone who wants to be there:
https://www.bruha.com/event/2941

I feel like you can read the meaning of the doppelganger almost all of those ways: repression, aspiration, and impending death!

There is definitely a sense of foreboding that grows throughout the first section of the novel, leading up to the reveal. The increasingly erratic and secretive behavior of Jean leads you to believe that perhaps she is hiding something. Even if it just from the reader, as we know she is an unreliable narrator.

I guess repression of death might be what we are dealing with? Even if the death is of a phantom personality.

It's so layered and tricky!

Allison wrote: "I think already I have to re-read this book! It is quite challenging to decipher. Personally, I took the doppelganger as a sign of impending death.

I must say that I found [book:Bellevue Square|3..."

I didn't know that Redhill would be at GritLit - that's awesome! I'm in Hamilton a lot of the time so I'll have to consider checking it out!

When I read the description of this book, I was immediately drawn to it because of the doppelganger plot line. For me, it signaled mystery, and suspense, and maybe something magical or otherworldly. The doppelganger was somehow shorthand for "weird and interesting." I think it probably sparked the genre of science fiction in my mind too. I really enjoyed the novel, and appreciated the psychological drama created by Redhill.

Doppelgangers seem very popular in literature and movies too. I really enjoyed the movie "Enemy" with Jake Gyllenhaal as a more recent take on the theme.