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Little Reading Guide & Discussion Questions

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Little by Edward Carey

Little

A Novel

by Edward Carey
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  • Critics' Consensus (6):
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  • First Published:
  • Oct 23, 2018, 448 pages
  • Paperback:
  • Oct 2019, 448 pages
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About this Book

Book Club Discussion Questions

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For supplemental discussion material see our Beyond the Book article, Robespierre's Reign of Terror and our BookBrowse Review of Little.


Please be aware that this discussion guide will contain spoilers!

  1. Illustrations are a big part of how Marie tells her story. How did that affect your reading experience? Did the illustrations match what you imagined? Did they change your perception of any of the characters? What do Marie's artistic choices tell us about her as a character?
  2. "Just as the fibula is to the tibia: we are connected. You and I," Curtius tells Marie. Besides their interest in anatomy and wax, what qualities do Marie and Curtius share? Do they approach relationships similarly? How about rejection?
  3. Most of Little takes place before and during the French Revolution. What does Marie's stint at Versailles suggest about the monarchy and aristocracy in France? How do you think Marie's position working for Elisabeth compared to her position in the Monkey House?
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  1. How does the author develop themes of identity and belonging throughout the narrative?
  2. What role does the setting play in shaping the characters' decisions and relationships?
  3. Discuss how the ending reframes the events of the story. Were you surprised?


Unless otherwise stated, this discussion guide is reprinted with the permission of Riverhead Books. Any page references refer to a USA edition of the book, usually the trade paperback version, and may vary in other editions.

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Beyond the Book:
  Robespierre's Reign of Terror

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