Reading Group Center




Cursed Bread

By Sophie Mackintosh

1. The novel takes place in a small French village in the 1950s following the tragic events of World War II. How do the roles of women from that period impact the female characters in the book?

2. Elodie struggles with the lack of connection in her marriage. Her husband often rejects her advances and leaves her unsatisfied. How does their relationship add to the themes of sexuality and pleasure highlighted in the book?

3. At first, Elodie and Violet begin to form a friendship, but as the book develops, their relationship is transformed into a dark obsession. Pinpoint and analyze the key moments in their story line that helped build tension. Are they foil characters?

4. Explore the theme of starvation within Elodie. Although constantly surrounded by bread, Elodie is psychologically hungry. In what ways does the author explore suppressed female desire? Is there a taboo nature associated with it?

5. What is the effect of the narrative moving back and forth between Elodie’s past and present? What are the main differences between present and past Elodie?

6. Throughout the story, the female characters convene at the “lavoir” to wash their clothes, but also to gossip. In one instance, they all try on and ruin Violet’s expensive clothing. What effect does keeping this secret have on Elodie? Compare the women’s experience at the lavoir to the men’s at the local bar.

7. “They upset me deeply—the heaviness of them, the positioning almost graceful, these bodies which seemed like they could rise at any time and sprint through the landscape. We counted eight of them, lined up neatly. We walked around them in a circle, like a spell” (page 64). Examine the author’s dreamlike and erotic writing style. What is the overall result on the mood of the story?

8. The interactions among Elodie, Violet and the ambassador form a poisonous triangle. What do you believe was the true motivation behind their sudden betrayal of Elodie?

9. Violet is warned by her husband, the ambassador, to never eat the bread. Discuss the ways in which bread is used as a symbol of temptation. Is there a biblical connotation?

10. What was your first impression of Violet? How did your perception of her change throughout the course of the novel?

11. The novel ends with a visceral and wild scene of hysteria. Describe your feelings throughout those last moments of delusion and chaos. What do you think truly happened? Who or what do you believe was to blame for the mass poisoning?