The Cruelest Month

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2007

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Summary

Background

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-8

Chapters 9-17

Chapters 18-26

Chapters 27-35

Chapters 36-44

Character Analysis

Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Tools

Discussion Questions

Essay Topics

The two séances take place on Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Why does Penny set them on these religious holidays?

Discuss Penny’s use of elements from several different mystery subgenres. What tropes, devices, and other techniques does she use? How does she use these elements to deepen the novel’s meaning? Use examples to support your argument.

Analyze the character of Nichol. What does Gamache see in her, and why is he so willing to take her on as his protégé?