Discussion questions from:
http://www.myfanwyjones.com/leap-the-book/
Leap is a character-driven novel about grief. Examine Joe and Elise's contrasting experiences with grief in the narrative. What do their diverse experiences illustrate about the process of grieving?
"L'art du deplacement could be summarised in three words: running - climbing - jumping." Leap is divided into three parts - running, climbing, jumping. Why has the author chosen these verbs? What commentary on mourning do these words describe?
Both Joe and Elise find respite from their grief in physical acts - Elise in secretly sketching the tigers, Joe through sex and his gruelling practice of parkour. Discuss the novel's preoccupation with the physical act of grieving and the impact that grief has on the human body.
Explore Elise's fascination with the tigers at the zoo. What do they represent to her? Are they a symbol of freedom and endurance, or of captivity and torment?
"Exile is a state. It can be self-imposed or imposed by others." (p. 162) Consider Joe's relationship with Lena. How does she help him overcome his guilt?
"He hates that she is still here in this pseudo world, only static." (p.60) Examine Joe's conversations with the mysterious ‘Emily Dickinson' in Leap. How is Facebook used as a tool for overcoming grief in the novel? Does Facebook help or hinder Joe's attempts to reconcile his guilt and loss?
"He wants to be rid of her. He wants to never let go." (p. 162) Who is the unnamed nightshift nurse? What does she represent in the narrative?
"So he tries to explain it to her; l'art du deplacement. About the beauty and precision, the fear and the implausibility. About moving forwards and overcoming with grace." (p. 316) Does Joe's practice of parkour help him overcome his grief, or is it a tool he uses to further punish himself for Jennifer's death?
"He has changed these past months as he has come undone. So has she. For the first time since Jennifer's death they can see one another." (p.301) Discuss the impact of Jennifer's death on Elise and Adam's marriage.
The process of grieving in Leap is explained through movement and stillness. Discuss how grief is presented in the novel - is it a force for transformation?
"And maybe no trick he pulls off is ever going to bring her back but this one - it's for her. He is going to make a perfect landing. Breathes: One. Two. Three. Four. Five. Leaps." (p.324) The process of grieving in Leap is explained through movement and stillness. Discuss how grief is presented in the novel - is it a force for transformation?