North of Boston (Elo) - Discussion Questions

Discussion Questions
1.What do you think of Pirio as a protagonist? What do you find, say...most endearing about her? What do you see as her flaws?

2. There is a tension in the novel between Boston society and the wildness of the open sea. Talk about Pirio's journey toward knowledge (and self-knowledge) as the trappings of civilized Boston society fall away. The author has said in a publisher interview, "the outward journey is always an inner one."

3. Why did you think Elo choose to make Pirio the daughter of perfumers? What significance might it have for the story?

4. The story is framed with Thomasina’s substance abuse struggles. Do you find her a sympathetic character? Is her struggle with alcohol realistic? Does it have any resonance in your life or someone close to you?

5. Class and political divisions are a subtle thread throughout North of Boston. In what ways do they define Pirio, Thomasina, and others?

6. Talk about the world onboard the Galaxy. How did you experience reading those scenes?

7. The author has more books planned for Pirio Kasparov in the future? Does this first book make you want to follow her new adventures?
(Questions based on an author interview by her publisher.)

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