Introduction

Jessamy “Jess” Harrison, age eight, is the child of an English father and a Nigerian mother. Possessed of an extraordinary imagination, she has a hard time fitting in at school. It is only when she visits Nigeria for the first time that she makes a friend who understands her: a ragged little girl named TillyTilly. But soon TillyTilly’s visits become more disturbing, until Jess realizes she doesn’t actually know who her friend is at all. Drawing on Nigerian mythology, Helen Oyeyemi presents a striking variation on the classic literary theme of doubles — both real and spiritual — in this lyrical and bold debut.

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Excerpt

ONE


"Jess?"

Her mother's voice sounded through the hallway, mixing with the mustiness around her so well that the sound almost had a smell. To Jess, sitting in the cupboard, the sound of her name was strange, wobbly, misformed, as if she were inside a bottle, or a glass cube, maybe, and Mum was outside it, tapping. ... view entire excerpt...

Discussion Questions

From the Publisher:

Deftly blending the motifs of African folklore with an original new voice, Nigerian born Helen Oyeyemi tells a haunting story of twins and ghosts, of a little girl growing up between cultures and colors, to capture the mysterious power of myth to transform reality.

Powerfully imaginative and compelling, The Icarus Girl is perfect for you next reading group choice. Here are some questions to enhance your discussions:

1. Jessamy Harrison has a Nigerian mother and an English father. How important is Jess’s mixed race? How important are these two very different cultures to her?

2. What is the significance of the “long-armed woman” who appears in Jess’s dreams? What does she mean when she says “We are the same”?

3. Jess readily accepts TillyTilly’s ability to alter Jess’s reality. Is TillyTilly a ghost, a demon, Jess’s alter ego as Dr. McKenzie suggests, or something else?

4. How successful is Helen Oyeyemi at capturing the voice, thoughts and fears of a troubled eight-year-old?

5. Jess’s grandfather tells her “Two hungry people should never make friends.” What does he mean? How important is Jess’s grandfather to her?

6. The ibeji statue’s “aid” of Jess in the Bush does not constitute a victory for Jess and Fern. What do you think happens at the end of the novel?

(Questions and content courtesy of Nan A. Talese/Doubleday.)

Weblinks

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»	Author Information Scroll to bottom for links to newspaper reviews and interviews

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