Still Life, Week 2

Welcome to the Online Book Club discussion of Still Life by Louise Penny. 

Did you like reading the book this week? I found that I really enjoyed all of the characters. I liked that the setting was a small town, and I thought all of the characters were charming. Do you have any characters that you're enjoying learning more about? What do you think of Chief Inspector Gamache? He's kind of like a Hercule Poirot kind of character, but he seems to be more down to Earth. He seems to be pretty caring about his staff, and they definitely respect him a lot. 

At the beginning of the book, we find out that after years of secrecy, Jane is ready to let others see her art. I expected her painting to be magnificent, so I was a little shocked and disappointed when it ended up being so devisive. Can you even picture what her painting must have looked like? How do you think people would have responded to the painting had Jane not died? Why do you think Jane was ready to let people see her painting now after so many years? 

In these first chapters, it seems like Jane's death might have been caused by a hunting accident. Were you surprised that there was an archery club in such a small community? It's lucky that the people were so well-versed in bows and arrows because they really answered all of Gamache's questions in the town hall meeting. Are you thinking that Jane's death was just an accident? What do you think of the incident with the teens that she witnessed earlier? Do you think that has anything to do with her death? I'm sure the kids who threw the manure at Olivier and Gabri were embarrassed that Jane reconized them, and I'm sure they didn't like that she chastized them. Do you think they would want to kill her out of revenge? 

Are you a little curious about Jane's house? When she tells everyone that she would like to invite them over after the painting is revealed, they are all shocked because she hasn't had them into her house before. And, her niece seems very eager to go to the house and clean up immediately. And, it seems like she is really excited to inherit the house. Do you think her house is extra valuable or is hiding something? Why would she not have people over regularly? It seems like they are all with each other all the time. 

What do you think about the fact that there are so many artists in such a small community? Don't you feel like art is somehow important in the story? 

Do you have any idea what is going to happen in the next section? Do any of the characters seem suspicious to you? Are you excited to keep reading? 

Before you go, check out the video below in which Louise Penny talks about her inspiration for the character of Gamache. 

Make sure to read through chapter 8 before joining us next week. I can't wait to hear your first impressions in the comments!