Sipsworth by Simon Van Booy User Guide
- September 25, 2024
- Sipsworth
Table of Contents
by Simon Van Booy
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Product Information
Specifications:
- Product Name: Sipsworth by Simon Van Booy
- Author: Simon Van Booy
- Genre: Fiction
- Pages: 320
- Language: English
Product Usage Instructions
About the Book
Sipsworth by Simon Van Booy follows the story of Helen
Cartwright, a widow who returns to her childhood village after a
long absence. The novel explores themes of loss, friendship, and
second chances.
Discussion Guide
-
This novel is set in the town where the author grew up but
hasn’t lived in for 30 years. Why do you think he chose to do that?
If you wrote a book, where would you set it? -
What do you think Helen means when she says: And herein lies
the cruel paradox of human existence–not that you die, but that
all happiness eventually turns against you. -
Helen has returned to the town of her childhood after living
abroad for 60 years. If you no longer live where you were brought
up, would you ever consider moving back to where you grew up in
your eighties, like Helen? -
The book is set in present tense, as opposed to past tense,
which most authors use. How do you think this changes the
experience for the reader? -
Why do you think Helen is just waiting to die? Can you
empathize with her state of mind? Why do you think she is not
interested in forming relationships with people in the town? What
would you do for someone who felt this way?
FAQ
Q: Is Sipsworth suitable for all ages?
A: Sipsworth is recommended for adult readers due to its themes
and content.
Q: How can I purchase Sipsworth by Simon Van Booy?
A: Sipsworth is available for purchase online and at major
bookstores.
Q: Does Sipsworth have a sequel?
A: As of now, there is no sequel announced for Sipsworth.
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A Readers’ Guide: Sipsworth by Simon Van Booy
About the Book
Following the loss of her husband and son, Helen Cartwright returns to the
village of her childhood after living abroad for six decades. Her only wish is
to die quickly and without fuss. She retreats into her home on Westminster
Crescent, becoming a creature of routine and habit: “Each day was an
impersonation of the one before with only a slight shuDle–as though even for
death there is a queue.”
Then, one cold winter night, a chance encounter with a mouse sets Helen on a
surprising journey. Over the course of two weeks in a small English town, this
reclusive widow discovers an unexpected reason to live.
Sipsworth is a reminder that there can be second chances. No matter what we
have planned for ourselves, sometimes life has plans of its own. With profound
compassion, Simon Van Booy illuminates not only a deep friendship forged
between two lonely creatures, but the reverberations of goodness that ripple
out from that unique bond.
Discussion Guide
1. This novel is set in the town where the author grew up but hasn’t lived in
for 30 years. Why do you think he chose to do that? If you wrote a book, where
would you set it?
2. What do you think Helen means when she says: “And herein lies the cruel
paradox of human existence–not that you die, but that all happiness eventually
turns against you.”
3. Helen has returned to the town of her childhood after living abroad for 60
years. If you no longer live where you were brought up, would you ever
consider moving back to where you grew up in your eighties, like Helen?
4. The book is set in present tense, as opposed to past tense, which most
authors use. How do you think this changes the experience for the reader?
5. Why do you think Helen is just “waiting to die”? Can you empathize with
her state of mind? Why do you think she is not interested in forming
relationships with people in the town? What would you do for someone who felt
this way?
6. Helen goes from being irritated by the mouse, to making the animal little
meals and explaining the plots of films on television. In your opinion, what
causes this change in her? Has anything similar ever happened to you, where
you did a complete 180 in your opinion of something or someone?
7. “The only consolation of being the last to go,” Helen admits, “is knowing
the people you loved the most won’t suDer the way you do in their absence.” Do
you agree with this line?
8. “The only real proof of her advanced age are a chronic, persistent feeling
of defeat, aching limbs, and the power of invisibility to anyone between the
ages of ten and fifty.” Why do you think this is one of the most underlined
sentences by readers in the entire novel?
9. The novel takes place over a few weeks. During that time, Helen’s life
changes dramatically. Has there ever been a short period in your life where
things changed as quickly?
10. One of the main characters in this novel is a creature that many people
are afraid of or disgusted by. Do you think this story will change how people
view rodents?
11. In some ways, the reader sees Helen as simply an elderly woman until the
middle of the book where there’s a big surprise for the reader. Do you think
this moment in the novel will aDect how you view older people from now on?
12. Near the end of the book, there are some blank pages after the usual day
setting. Why do you think the author did this?
13. For two years, the author looked after two mice he rescued from feeder
tanks at pet shops. Do you think this experience was vital to the novel?
14. The author is also an E.M.T. crew chief working in New York City and,
during college, volunteered briefly in a nursing home. Do you think these
experiences might have influenced the novel?
15. In this novel, Helen is saved twice by an animal. When she falls down the
well as a girl, it’s a dog; then 75 years later, it’s a mouse. Do you believe
animals have the power to heal us?
16. After being alone for so many years, most of Helen’s initial interactions
with people are to ask them for things. Why do you think they respond
favorably and go out of their way to help? Do you think most people are like
this? Are you like this?
Author Bio
Simon Van Booy is the award-winning, bestselling author of more than a dozen
books for adults and children, including The Illusion of Separateness and The
Presence of Absence. Simon is the editor of three volumes of philosophy and
has written for The New York Times, The Financial Times, The Washington Post,
and the BBC. His books have been translated into many languages and optioned
for film. Raised in rural North Wales, he currently lives in New York where he
is also a book editor and a volunteer E.M.T. crew chief.