Sleuth work: The Wisdom of Gamache in The Cruelest Month: Identify phrases in this book that embrace Gamache’s approach to life. ONLY comment with the phrase! Discussion of the selected phrase will take place next week after Louise reveals her phrase.

Identify a phrase or scene that embraces the spirit of Three Pines in The Cruelest Month. What does the phrase or scene mean to you? How does it inspire you?

What’s your favourite phrase or scene that demonstrates Louise’s humour in The Cruelest Month?

Identify a phrase or scene that demonstrates an insight into human nature in The Cruelest Month. Discuss the quote or scene and what it means to you or how it has impacted you.

In The Cruelest Month, did you pick up on any historical or geographical details of interest? Tell us about it and what you appreciated learning about in A Fatal Grace.

Tell us about your favourite food moment in The Cruelest Month! Has the food in this book inspired you to try a new dish or bake/cook something new?

Discuss The Wisdom of Gamache phrase chosen by Louise. What does this phrase mean to you? How does it inspire you?

Early in the story, when Peter is looking at Clara’s unfinished painting: “He suddenly felt something grab him. From behind. It reached forward and right into him….Tears came to his eyes as he was overcome by this wraith that had threatened all his life. That he’d hidden from as a child, that he’d run from and buried and denied. It had stalked him and finally found him. Here, in his beloved wife’s studio. Standing in front of this creation of hers the terrible monster had found him. And devoured him.”

Answer posted questions or pose your own questions for the group to answer