Who is the Author of The Lovely Bones?
Alice Seabold
What event took place in Seabold’s younger years?
She was attacked and raped during her first year at university.
What also happened the same night as Seabold’s attack?
Another girl on campus was raped but killed
How did the events of Seabold’s past inspire the novel?
It inspired her to rite the book Lucky which was based on her own personal experiences and the Lovely Bones which was inspired by the rape and murder of the other girl on campus
When is the Lovely Bones set?
1970s
What were key movements happening in the 70s?
The rise of post-modernist feminism and the protests against the Vietnam war.
What is anti-realism?
A focus on people, places and events that are not present in the ‘real world’
Who is the protagonist?
14 year old girl Susie Salmon
Who is the antagonist?
The Salmon’s neighbour Mr George Harvey
What is gothic suburbia?
A subgenre of Gothic fiction that explores the anxieties and hidden darkness lurking beneath seemingly idyllic suburban communities
What is the definition of idyllic?
Extremely happy or peaceful
When is Susie murdered?
6 December 1973
Where is Susie murdered?
She is murdered after she is on her way back from school. She goes into a cornfield when it was getting dark and it was snowing. Here Mr Harvey shows her a shelter that he has built underground. Their he rapes and dismembers her.
How did Susie first know of Mr Harvey?
Her mum liked his flowers and her dad had discussed fertiliser with him
How is Susie’s appearance described?
She is white with mousy brown hair
Susie had never told Mr Harvey her name. How does she assume he knew it?
She thinks her parents told him when they talked about the story of where Susie tried to pee on Lindsey. A story that her parents told most people they spoke too about their kids
What happens when Susie dies?
Her spirit leaves her body and starts rushing around and as she is on her way up to heaven she brushes Ruth Connors arm
Who is Ruth Connors?
A lesbian girl that attended the same school as Susie
Who is Ray Singh?
He is an Indian boy who Susie Salmon had drawn a likeness to and had kissed. It is her first love
Who is Susie greeted by when she gets to heaven?
Her intake counsellor Franny
Who is the policeman that is assigned to Susie’s case?
Len Fenerman
What is Susie told about heaven?
It is different for every person as it reflects their simplest dreams except from growing up
What is the name of Susie’s brother and sister?
Lindsey and Buckley
What is the name of Susie’s mother and father?
Jack and Abigail
