The House in the Cerulean Sea

1. General Impressions 

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

• The House in the Cerulean Sea is a “cozy” fantasy. What would you say are the characteristics of this subgenre? Have you encountered other books or films with these characteristics? How does this one compare?
• At its heart, The House in the Cerulean Sea is a love story. Did you find the romance between Arthur and Linus believable? What does their relationship convey about the nature of romantic love?
• In what ways does the novel evoke myths and fables? How did this impact your reception of the novel and its themes?

2. Personal Reflection and Connection 

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

• Do you find it easier to relate to the story’s magical characters or its non-magical characters? How does this reflect your own interpretation of “magic”—both within the world of the story and in real life?
• What is the story’s definition of family? Do you agree with this definition? How do your own life experiences inform your perspective?
• How would you describe this novel’s sense of humor? Do you generally enjoy this kind of humor? Did you enjoy it in this particular novel?
• Have you ever personally had the experience of breaking free from rules and expectations that you found limiting or nonsensical? How was your experience similar to or different from Linus’s?

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