Dickens & Rumi

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The Lie Tree

Frances Hardinge · 2016

Explore the age guidance, content cautions, positive qualities, and supporting notes for The Lie Tree by Frances Hardinge. This book is content notes include Death of a character, Frightening scenes, Violence; positive qualities include Creativity & curiosity, Courage & resilience.

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At a glance

Recommended ageNot listed

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character4/5
  • Frightening scenes4/5
  • Violence3/5

Strongest positives

  • Creativity & curiosity5/5
  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Positive messages4/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character4/5
Why this rating?

The narrative centers on the mystery surrounding the death of the protagonist's father.

Graphic injury2/5
Why this rating?

Some mild, clinical descriptions related to injuries or death, but not gratuitous.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Period-appropriate dialogue; no strong profanity.

Religious themes2/5
Why this rating?

Explores the clash between Victorian religious norms and scientific discovery.

Romance1/5
Why this rating?

Minimal romance; the focus is on family dynamics and self-discovery.

Frightening scenes4/5
Why this rating?

The isolated Victorian setting, sinister tree, secrets, danger, and investigation create a consistently eerie and suspenseful atmosphere.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Occasional mention of period-typical substances like laudanum, portrayed realistically.

Violence3/5
Why this rating?

Includes descriptions of a suspicious death and the physical toll of the tree's influence.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Faith investigates danger and challenges restrictive expectations, showing intellectual and moral courage while confronting fear and loss.

Creativity & curiosity5/5
Why this rating?

The central metaphor of the 'lie tree' is highly original and imaginative.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

Focuses on female intellectual agency within a constrained Victorian historical context.

Educational value3/5
Why this rating?

Provides historical insight into the Victorian era's scientific and gender landscape.

Kindness & empathy2/5
Why this rating?

Characters operate in a harsh, pragmatic world, making kindness a meaningful choice.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

It strongly examines truth, lies, ambition, scientific curiosity, sexism, responsibility, and the consequences of manipulating others.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Faith is a determined, intelligent, and highly capable protagonist.

Family discussion

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Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What was the most imaginative idea in the story, and what would you add to it?
  2. How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in The Lie Tree would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in The Lie Tree, and what caused that change?
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