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    The Book of Love

    by Link, Kelly
    Set in the coastal town of Lovesend, Massachusetts, Kelly Link’s “The Book of Love” follows three teenagers who mysteriously return from the dead. They must navigate magical challenges to secure their continued existence. The novel explores themes of love in its many forms—romantic, familial, and platonic—alongside grief, identity, and resilience, blending magical realism with coming-of-age drama.
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    The Book of Love

    The Book of Susannah 5

    by Link, Kelly

    In this chap­ter of *The Book of Susan­nah*, Susan­nah remains seat­ed on a white couch, lis­ten­ing intent­ly to the voice of a mys­te­ri­ous black lamb named Bogomil, which seems to speak to her in whis­pers. The lamb warns her about a boy con­nect­ed to Malo Mogge and hints at hid­den dan­gers and agen­das. Thomas returns down­stairs and dis­miss­es Bogomil’s influ­ence, cau­tion­ing Susan­nah not to trust him. He then helps Susan­nah remove a splin­ter from her foot, reveal­ing that her mem­o­ry of the injury might have been tam­pered with by super­nat­ur­al forces, specif­i­cal­ly impli­cat­ing the music teacher, Mr. Anabin.

    As the con­ver­sa­tion unfolds, Thomas probes Susan­nah about her friends Daniel and Mo, sug­gest­ing they have crossed into for­bid­den ter­ri­to­ry through a spe­cial door that requires a token—likely a coin—to open. Susan­nah is unset­tled by the strange occur­rences but tries to piece togeth­er the sig­nif­i­cance of a coin con­nect­ed to Daniel’s col­lec­tion. Thomas reveals that the splin­ter removed from Susannah’s foot trans­forms into this very coin, which Mo had intend­ed to give to Daniel as a sym­bol­ic gift. This rev­e­la­tion deep­ens the mys­tery sur­round­ing the group’s predica­ment and the mag­i­cal ele­ments at play.

    Susan­nah recounts the frac­tured rela­tion­ships and emo­tion­al tur­moil that fol­lowed the inci­dent with the coin, includ­ing a breakup with Daniel and a com­plex dynam­ic involv­ing Lau­ra and Rosamel Walk­er dur­ing a per­for­mance at the Cliff Hangar. Despite Bogomil’s assur­ances that the coin would keep them unit­ed, Susan­nah admits she nev­er actu­al­ly gave the coin to Daniel and express­es regret over her inabil­i­ty to help Thomas more. Thomas, in turn, admits to his per­sua­sive nature and the com­pli­cat­ed moti­va­tions behind his actions toward Susan­nah, includ­ing their inti­mate encounter.

    The chap­ter ends on a note of ambi­gu­i­ty and ten­sion, as Susan­nah con­fronts her feel­ings about Thomas and his true inten­tions. While Thomas denies using their encounter sole­ly for infor­ma­tion, Susan­nah is wary and dis­il­lu­sioned, acknowl­edg­ing that he may not be the good per­son she once believed him to be. This exchange high­lights the com­plex inter­play of trust, manip­u­la­tion, and desire that per­me­ates their rela­tion­ship, set­ting the stage for fur­ther rev­e­la­tions and con­flicts in the nar­ra­tive.

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    FAQs

    • 1. How does the character Bogomil influence Susannah’s perception of Thomas and the situation she is in?

      Answer:
      Bogomil, the black lamb stuffed animal, acts almost like a mystical or subconscious voice in Susannah’s experience. It warns her that Thomas is a “creature of Malo Mogge” and implies distrust toward him, suggesting that Thomas has his own agenda. This influences Susannah’s perception by introducing doubt and caution regarding Thomas’s intentions. Bogomil’s voice also reflects Susannah’s internal conflict and confusion, as it both warns her and hints at the usefulness of understanding Thomas’s motives. The presence of Bogomil blurs the line between reality and imagination, heightening the mysterious and precarious atmosphere of the chapter.

      2. What is the significance of the splinter in Susannah’s foot, and how does it relate to the larger narrative?

      Answer:
      The splinter in Susannah’s foot serves as a physical manifestation of the hidden or manipulated realities surrounding her. Thomas explains that Susannah cannot remember the splinter because of interference from Bogomil or Anabin, indicating that supernatural or psychological forces are at play. The splinter later transforms into an old coin, which is a key element in the story, symbolizing a “token” or “key” necessary to open a mysterious door that her sister and others passed through. This suggests that the splinter/coin is a metaphor for access, transition, or unlocking hidden paths, linking Susannah’s personal injury to the broader mysteries involving the characters’ fates and movements between realms.

      3. Discuss the role of tokens such as keys and coins in the chapter. Why are they important, and what do they symbolize?

      Answer:
      Tokens like keys and coins are portrayed as essential for unlocking doors to other places or realities, representing both literal and metaphorical gateways. Thomas emphasizes that “locked doors require something to open them,” framing these objects as necessary instruments for passage. The coin, specifically, is tied to Daniel’s collection and is described as a “door charge,” implying it carries power or permission to cross boundaries. Symbolically, these tokens represent control, access, and the ability to navigate between different worlds or states of being. Their importance lies in their function as both plot devices and symbols of choice, connection, and transition within the story’s mystical framework.

      4. How does the interaction between Susannah and Thomas reveal complexities in their relationship?

      Answer:
      The interaction reveals layers of mistrust, manipulation, and conflicting emotions. Thomas dismisses Bogomil’s warnings and tries to assert control by taking the lamb away, suggesting he wants to dominate the narrative and Susannah’s perception. Despite this, he admits to having slept with Susannah not just for information but because he wanted to, revealing a personal, perhaps vulnerable side. Susannah’s mixed feelings—initial attraction, regret, and disappointment—highlight the complexity of their dynamic. Thomas’s casual dismissal of her feelings and his agenda-driven behavior contrast with moments of apparent honesty, making their relationship fraught with power imbalances, emotional ambiguity, and blurred motives.

      Answer:
      This chapter explores themes of trust and the elusive nature of reality through Susannah’s interactions and experiences. The presence of supernatural elements, such as Bogomil’s voice and the memory manipulation related to the splinter, challenge Susannah’s ability to trust her senses and judgment. Thomas’s contradictory behavior—both protective and manipulative—further complicates whom Susannah can trust. The blurred boundaries between what is real and imagined raise questions about perception and control. The chapter suggests that trust must be carefully navigated amid deception and uncertainty, and that reality is not always fixed but can be influenced by external forces or internal fears.

    Quotes

    • 1. “Well, this is a pickle, Susannah. I never liked that boy. He’s a creature of Malo Mogge’s, which would be bad enough even if it wasn’t clear he has his own agenda. If you aren’t careful, you’ll end up like him. Though it may be useful to see what he wants of you.”

      This quote, spoken by the black lamb Bogomil, introduces a key source of tension and suspicion around a mysterious character connected to Malo Mogge. It sets the tone of distrust and the complexity of hidden motives that Susannah must navigate, framing the chapter’s underlying conflict.

      2. “You have a splinter,” Thomas said. “But you can’t remember that you have a splinter, probably because Bogomil or Anabin has been messing with your head. This would be some mechanism of theirs.”

      Here Thomas reveals the presence of psychological or magical interference affecting Susannah’s perception and memory. This moment highlights the chapter’s theme of manipulation and the blurred line between reality and external influence, underscoring the challenges Susannah faces.

      3. “Locked doors require something to open them,” Thomas said. “A key. A coin. Think of it as a door charge. Have you seen such a thing?”

      This quote introduces an important concept about access and barriers—both literal and metaphorical—in the story. It explains the necessity of a token or key to move forward, symbolizing the obstacles Susannah and her companions must overcome and inviting the reader to consider deeper meanings of unlocking hidden truths.

      4. “Bogomil knew about it. That Mo had it. He told me Daniel would like it. He said if I gave it to Daniel, we would always be together. Like a lucky coin.”

      This passage reveals the significance of the coin as a symbol of connection and fate between characters. It captures the emotional stakes and the interplay of mystical elements with personal relationships, marking a turning point in Susannah’s understanding of her ties to Daniel and Mo.

      5. “In the spirit of complete honesty, I didn’t sleep with you because I wanted information. I slept with you because I wanted to. I don’t get to do a lot of things I want to.”

      Thomas’s candid admission adds complexity to his character and their relationship, challenging Susannah’s assumptions about his motives. This moment deepens the emotional texture of the narrative and emphasizes themes of desire, honesty, and manipulation coexisting uneasily.

    Quotes

    1. “Well, this is a pickle, Susannah. I never liked that boy. He’s a creature of Malo Mogge’s, which would be bad enough even if it wasn’t clear he has his own agenda. If you aren’t careful, you’ll end up like him. Though it may be useful to see what he wants of you.”

    This quote, spoken by the black lamb Bogomil, introduces a key source of tension and suspicion around a mysterious character connected to Malo Mogge. It sets the tone of distrust and the complexity of hidden motives that Susannah must navigate, framing the chapter’s underlying conflict.

    2. “You have a splinter,” Thomas said. “But you can’t remember that you have a splinter, probably because Bogomil or Anabin has been messing with your head. This would be some mechanism of theirs.”

    Here Thomas reveals the presence of psychological or magical interference affecting Susannah’s perception and memory. This moment highlights the chapter’s theme of manipulation and the blurred line between reality and external influence, underscoring the challenges Susannah faces.

    3. “Locked doors require something to open them,” Thomas said. “A key. A coin. Think of it as a door charge. Have you seen such a thing?”

    This quote introduces an important concept about access and barriers—both literal and metaphorical—in the story. It explains the necessity of a token or key to move forward, symbolizing the obstacles Susannah and her companions must overcome and inviting the reader to consider deeper meanings of unlocking hidden truths.

    4. “Bogomil knew about it. That Mo had it. He told me Daniel would like it. He said if I gave it to Daniel, we would always be together. Like a lucky coin.”

    This passage reveals the significance of the coin as a symbol of connection and fate between characters. It captures the emotional stakes and the interplay of mystical elements with personal relationships, marking a turning point in Susannah’s understanding of her ties to Daniel and Mo.

    5. “In the spirit of complete honesty, I didn’t sleep with you because I wanted information. I slept with you because I wanted to. I don’t get to do a lot of things I want to.”

    Thomas’s candid admission adds complexity to his character and their relationship, challenging Susannah’s assumptions about his motives. This moment deepens the emotional texture of the narrative and emphasizes themes of desire, honesty, and manipulation coexisting uneasily.

    FAQs

    1. How does the character Bogomil influence Susannah’s perception of Thomas and the situation she is in?

    Answer:
    Bogomil, the black lamb stuffed animal, acts almost like a mystical or subconscious voice in Susannah’s experience. It warns her that Thomas is a “creature of Malo Mogge” and implies distrust toward him, suggesting that Thomas has his own agenda. This influences Susannah’s perception by introducing doubt and caution regarding Thomas’s intentions. Bogomil’s voice also reflects Susannah’s internal conflict and confusion, as it both warns her and hints at the usefulness of understanding Thomas’s motives. The presence of Bogomil blurs the line between reality and imagination, heightening the mysterious and precarious atmosphere of the chapter.

    2. What is the significance of the splinter in Susannah’s foot, and how does it relate to the larger narrative?

    Answer:
    The splinter in Susannah’s foot serves as a physical manifestation of the hidden or manipulated realities surrounding her. Thomas explains that Susannah cannot remember the splinter because of interference from Bogomil or Anabin, indicating that supernatural or psychological forces are at play. The splinter later transforms into an old coin, which is a key element in the story, symbolizing a “token” or “key” necessary to open a mysterious door that her sister and others passed through. This suggests that the splinter/coin is a metaphor for access, transition, or unlocking hidden paths, linking Susannah’s personal injury to the broader mysteries involving the characters’ fates and movements between realms.

    3. Discuss the role of tokens such as keys and coins in the chapter. Why are they important, and what do they symbolize?

    Answer:
    Tokens like keys and coins are portrayed as essential for unlocking doors to other places or realities, representing both literal and metaphorical gateways. Thomas emphasizes that “locked doors require something to open them,” framing these objects as necessary instruments for passage. The coin, specifically, is tied to Daniel’s collection and is described as a “door charge,” implying it carries power or permission to cross boundaries. Symbolically, these tokens represent control, access, and the ability to navigate between different worlds or states of being. Their importance lies in their function as both plot devices and symbols of choice, connection, and transition within the story’s mystical framework.

    4. How does the interaction between Susannah and Thomas reveal complexities in their relationship?

    Answer:
    The interaction reveals layers of mistrust, manipulation, and conflicting emotions. Thomas dismisses Bogomil’s warnings and tries to assert control by taking the lamb away, suggesting he wants to dominate the narrative and Susannah’s perception. Despite this, he admits to having slept with Susannah not just for information but because he wanted to, revealing a personal, perhaps vulnerable side. Susannah’s mixed feelings—initial attraction, regret, and disappointment—highlight the complexity of their dynamic. Thomas’s casual dismissal of her feelings and his agenda-driven behavior contrast with moments of apparent honesty, making their relationship fraught with power imbalances, emotional ambiguity, and blurred motives.

    Answer:
    This chapter explores themes of trust and the elusive nature of reality through Susannah’s interactions and experiences. The presence of supernatural elements, such as Bogomil’s voice and the memory manipulation related to the splinter, challenge Susannah’s ability to trust her senses and judgment. Thomas’s contradictory behavior—both protective and manipulative—further complicates whom Susannah can trust. The blurred boundaries between what is real and imagined raise questions about perception and control. The chapter suggests that trust must be carefully navigated amid deception and uncertainty, and that reality is not always fixed but can be influenced by external forces or internal fears.

    Note