59 pages • 1-hour read
Thief River Falls
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Essay Topics
What are the different ways characters deal with grief in this novel?
What is The Dark Star? How has the deaths of Lisa’s family members continued to affect her?
In Chapter 30, Lisa tells Purdue, “I needed you as much as you needed me” (212). What does she mean by this? What does Lisa gain from her relationship with Purdue?
How does the remote landscape of northwestern Minnesota add to the feeling of danger and suspense in this novel?
Describe Denis Farrell as a character. Why don’t he and Lisa get along? Are there any moments where you sympathize with Denis Farrell?
What is the relationship between Lisa and Noah? Describe how their relationship changes over the course of the novel.
How is Lisa an unreliable narrator? What are some hints early on in the text that imply Lisa may be an unreliable narrator?
Twice, Brian Freeman includes excerpts from Lisa’s novel Thief River Falls in his book of the same title. Why do you think Freeman chose to include these? How do these excerpts contribute to your understanding of the events of the book?
What is the significance of the color white? When does Lisa most often see white in the novel?
Thief River Falls is a real town in northern Minnesota, and many locations from the town are included in the book. In what ways is the town itself a character in the book?
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