.Virtual Book Club

The House in the Cerulean Sea

by TJ Klune

From the author's website: 

Linus Baker is a by-the-book case worker in the Department in Charge of Magical Youth. He's tasked with determining whether six dangerous magical children are likely to bring about the end of the world.

Arthur Parnassus is the master of the orphanage. He would do anything to keep the children safe, even if it means the world will burn. And his secrets will come to light.

The House in the Cerulean Sea is an enchanting love story, masterfully told, about the profound experience of discovering an unlikely family in an unexpected place―and realizing that family is yours.

*** WARNING! SPOILERS AHEAD! ***

Each week, VBC discusses sections of the book together. Below is a collection of weekly discussion questions posed by VBC leadership and members. Be aware that these likely include spoilers, so please do not scroll further if you have not read the book.

Discussion Questions:

1. Throughout the novel there are many aphorisms, one liners and speeches about life. For example: "We should always make time for the things we like. If we don't, we might forget how to be happy”, "When something is broken, you can put it back together. It may not fit quite the same, or work like it did once before, but that doesn't mean it's no longer useful", and “A home isn't always the house we live in. It's also the people we choose to surround ourselves with." Did any lines resonate with you? Did a particular line speak most to you and why?

2. “See something/ Say something” and “Wish you were there” are two recurring statements in The House in the Cerulean Sea. What message is the author reinforcing using these two phrases repetitively?

3. Subjugation, oppression, and othering of certain members of society all proved to be major recurring themes in The House in the Cerulean Sea. The author, TJ Klune sought to explore those themes in a fantastical, allegorical manner. Did he succeed to you? If yes, what could have been added. If not, what was missing for you? What was your overall experience with The House in the Cerulean Sea? Were you engaged with the novel throughout, or just at certain points?

4. On page 42 Linus says to Extremely Upper Management: “There’s a difference between forming attachments and being empathic.” Do you agree? Do you think Linus wants to form attachments? Is he capable? Does one have to learn how to form attachments or to be empathic? Can those things be taught or are they inherit?

5. On page 96 Linus calls himself “foolish” because he feels he should have known what he was walking into. Do you agree? In Linus’ line of work, is it appropriate or inappropriate for him to have a backstory on cases? What about your line of work? Is it better or worse to have backstory on who you interact with?

6. On page 13, the master says: “They don’t see the children…not for who they are, only for what they’re capable of.” Do you typically see people for who they are, or for their potential? Who sees you for who you are and who sees you for your potential? How does that make you feel to be seen for your potential: good or bad? Why?

7. Did any imagery from film or television come to mind when the towns people began to uproar?
8. How do you feel about the manner which Linus left his job? Should he have had stolen case files? Why or why not? Was that his true nature all along or did the orphanage change him?
9. Which child did you find most interesting? Which would you like to see have a spin-off book? What do you think an interesting storyline for them would be?