The+Floods

=__The Floods:__= Setting: the setting of this book is in the ordinary suburbs of america, yet the floods dont quite fit in. the setting and style of their house is old, spooky, creaky, wooden, and dark. in their house they have 3 above levels, and "a vast maze of cellars and tunnels that reach out in all directions for hundreds of meters underground. the lowest level is so deep underground, you can feel the heat from the center of the earth and actually fry an egg on the floor". and their yard is just as wierd. "around the edge of the garden, they planted a tall, thick, vicious hedge to keep out most prying eyes". their garden is full of wierd and vicious, yet fascinating creatures and plants that almost ahve a mind of their own.

Characters: The main characters in this book are: Nerlin(father), Mordonna(the mother), Valla(22 yrs old- oldest son), Santanella(16), Merlinmary(15), Winchflat(14), Morbid and Silent(11- twins), and Betty(10). the family has 7 children and 2 parents- a family of 9. Nerlin is the great-great-grandson of Merlin, the most famous wizard who ever lived. he would have been called Merlin too, but at his devilling (like a christening for wizards) the preist had a terrible cold so he didn't recieve powers at the same level.

Story: Analyse the structure of the story. Write about the beginning – is there a mood of unease, mystery or frustration? Does the story start at the beginning or at the end and then work back? Are flashbacks used? What has happened before the story begins? Does the story use a narrator – from whose point of view it is told?

Relationships: What are the most important relationships in the novel? Are they mostly about families, friends or couples? Is there conflict involved in the relationship? Issues: What kinds of things did the book make you think about? What current and important issues did it deal with? (e.g. the future, growing up, the environment, relationships, responsibility, disease?)

Personal Response: Did you enjoy the novel? How would you describe it to others? What were the most interesting, imaginative, entertaining or disturbing parts of the book? Comment on the style of writing of the author