The Pale Surface of Things
Book Club Reading Lists

Book Club Reading Lists: The Pale Surface of Things

Set in a Cretan village, The Pale Surface of Things encompasses promises made and broken; feelings nurtured and forgotten; life in Greece, then and now. The lives of the characters are interwoven in such a way that you feel as if you belong there too.

This novel is part mystery, part historical fiction, part romance and friendship; it contains a little bit of something for everyone.

Book Club Reading Lists: The Pale Surface of Things Opinion

At first glance, I thought that I would not enjoy this book. However, I was pleasantly surprised.

There are many characters in this novel but they all fit together like pieces of a puzzle. Although Douglas Watkins is the main character, the others are vital to this story. It is not like an Agatha Christie mystery where you have to flip back and forth to the character reference page to determine who is who, these characters become like a family to you as you read about them. You are afraid when they are afraid and celebrate along with them.

Janey Bennett did an amazing job of mixing together professions and character traits. It makes me believe that if we could accept and learn more about each other, then we too can see more than just The Pale Surface of Things.

Book Club Reading Lists: The Pale Surface of Things Discussion Questions

1. Have you ever reacted to difficulties the way that Douglas Watkins did in the beginning of this novel?
2. Would you have made the same decision that Ellen made regarding her impending marriage to Mitso?
3. Respect and admiration, as well as mentorship, are major themes in this story. Who is/are your mentors and why? What have you learned from them?

Return from Book Club Reading Lists: The Pale Surface of Things to Home