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Still LIfe: Summary

Everything you need to know about Sarah Winman's Still LIfe, in 1 paragraph.
An illustration of a reader enjoying Still LIfe by Sarah Winman in a cosy interior
A reader enjoying Still LIfe by Sarah Winman
Still Life is a type of art that focuses on depicting inanimate objects such as fruits, flowers, and other household items. It usually has a peaceful and calm atmosphere and the composition of the objects is often arranged in an aesthetically pleasing way. The use of light and dark tones together with realistic textures helps to create the illusion of three-dimensionality. Still Life paintings are often used to express ideas about life, death, and time passing by.

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What is Still LIfe about?

Still LIfe is a story about the importance of family and friendship. It tells the story of a young girl, Ella, and her best friend, Asher. The two of them are faced with difficult decisions as they try to keep their families together and make sure their loved ones all stay safe. Through their journey, they learn that life can be unpredictable and the bonds of friendship and family can help them through even the most difficult times. In the end, they realize that nothing is more important than the relationships we foster with those around us.

Still LIfe: Book Club Questions

  1. How did you feel about the main character, Louisa?
  2. What themes were explored in the book?
  3. Was there a particular moment in the book that resonated with you?
  4. Do you think that Still Life was able to accurately portray rural life in Canada?
  5. What do you think motivated the characters to make certain choices throughout the story?
  6. How would you describe the relationship between Louisa and her father?
  7. Why do you think Louisa continued to return home to visit her family?
  8. What other characters in the book had an impact on Louisa's journey?
  9. In your opinion, what do you think is the ultimate message of Still Life?
  10. Did Still Life leave any unanswered questions for you at its conclusion?

What to say about Still LIfe

  • The way Still LIfe weaves together multiple story threads is a masterful example of literary craftsmanship.
  • The characters in Still LIfe are complex and nuanced, staying with the reader long after the story ends.
  • The use of imagery and symbolism in Still LIfe is particularly effective, adding another layer of depth to the narrative.
  • The dialogue in Still LIfe is both realistic and engaging, making the characters come alive on the page.
  • The way Still LIfe juxtaposes lighthearted moments with darker themes creates a captivating atmosphere for readers.
  • The setting of Still LIfe is vivid and detailed, providing an immersive experience for the reader.
  • The plot of Still LIfe is unpredictable and engaging, leaving readers guessing until the very end.
  • The pacing of Still LIfe is expertly handled, making sure that the story moves along at a steady clip without feeling rushed or too slow.
  • The themes explored in Still LIfe are thought-provoking and timely, making it a timely read for today's audiences.
  • Overall, Still Life is a compelling and satisfying read that leaves readers with plenty to ponder after finishing it.

Top 5 Quotes from Still LIfe

  1. "Time passes, even when it seems impossible. Even when each tick of the second hand aches like the pulse of blood behind a bruise."
  2. “We all want to be remembered in some way. We all want to matter.”
  3. “Life is made up of moments, small pieces of glittering mica in a long stretch of gray cement.”
  4. “Sometimes life is too hard to be alone and sometimes life is too good to be alone.”
  5. “Today isn't important, but what you do with it is.”

Adaptations of Still LIfe

1. Still Life (2013 film): This British independent drama follows the story of two people who meet after the death of a loved one and explore how grief can bring them closer together. 2. Still Life (2015 Chinese film): This Chinese language drama follows a humble mortician who discovers a secret about a woman's death that will change his life forever. 3. Still Life (2018 radio play): Written by Steven Connor and broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2018, this radio play is an adaptation of the poem “Still Life” by poet Eamon Grennan. 4. Still Life: An Audio Journey Through Grief (2020 podcast): This podcast focuses on grief and loss as experienced by real people, featuring stories, interviews and soundscapes that explore our relationship with death. 5. Still Life (2021 theatrical production): A one-woman show written and performed by performer/writer Amy Trigg, Still Life is a unique exploration of grief, identity and resilience through storytelling.

Other books by Sarah Winman

  • A Year of Marvellous Ways
  • When God Was a Rabbit

Did you know?

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Still life paintings often feature items symbolic of mortality such as skulls, candles and hourglasses.