Still Life: Common themes throughout the Gamache series.

From the beginning, she introduces the themes of friendship, community, forgiveness, integrity, and love in its many forms. Also the sage advice incorporated into the Four Statements that lead to wisdom. We see into the hearts and minds of many of these characters, and see how such concepts affect them, for better or for worse; who learns the lessons, and who does not, and the consequences of that in their lives and that of others. It’s a great foundation for what is to come, as those themes can lead us into all sorts of interesting territory. And thank goodness, there is humor as well!

I have only one theme to add to Susan’s list! It is integrity, personal and professional integrity. It is what motivated Armand to pursue Arnot and bring him to justice (and we know what that foreshadows) and it is what motivates Armand to refuse to arrest Matthew Croft when he knows the man to be innocent of what he is charged with, refuse to follow an order in the face of disciplinary action.

Armand is the exemplar here but it is also clear that integrity is what he demands of his agents and a a standard they follow.

Great list, Susan. I think trust is another one of her themes. It’s explored through the friendships between characters, through the breakdown of Clara and Peter’s marriage, the professional and personal relationship between Jean Guy and Gamache, and through the various crime investigations. In Still Life, it’s seen through the relationship between Matthew Croft and his son, through the friendship between Ben and Clara contrasting with the friendship between Clara and Jane. I think Louise also delves into darker themes, often exploring the deadly sins, with themes of greed, corruption, jealousy, etc.