Dickens & Rumi

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The Game

Laurie R. King · 2004

Explore the age guidance, content cautions, positive qualities, and supporting notes for The Game by Laurie R. King. This book is content notes include Death of a character, Frightening scenes, Religious themes; positive qualities include Courage & resilience, Creativity & curiosity.

Book 7 · Mary Russell and Sherlock HolmesSource checked

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended ageNot listed

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character3/5
  • Frightening scenes3/5
  • Religious themes3/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Creativity & curiosity4/5
  • Diverse representation3/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character3/5
Why this rating?

Death is present as a consequence of the dangerous mission and historical context.

Graphic injury2/5
Why this rating?

Minor mentions of injuries sustained in conflict, but not graphically described.

Strong language2/5
Why this rating?

Includes period-appropriate language, some of which may reflect historical biases.

Religious themes3/5
Why this rating?

Indian spiritual traditions and colonial Christianity meaningfully shape the setting, mystery, and themes, though the story is primarily an adventure investigation.

Romance3/5
Why this rating?

Features the established, mature relationship between Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

Contains moments of suspense and danger within the Himalayan setting.

Sexual content & nudity1/5
Why this rating?

No explicit sexual content.

Alcohol or drugs2/5
Why this rating?

Occasional references to tobacco or alcohol in a historical social context.

Violence3/5
Why this rating?

Includes scenes of historical conflict, shooting, and physical confrontations typical of an adventure novel.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Characters exhibit significant bravery in dangerous environments.

Creativity & curiosity4/5
Why this rating?

Clever deduction and problem-solving drive the narrative.

Diverse representation3/5
Why this rating?

Engages with a wide range of Indian characters and cultures, though within a colonial lens.

Educational value2/5
Why this rating?

Offers insight into 1920s India and references to literary history.

Kindness & empathy2/5
Why this rating?

Characters show empathy across cultural divides.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

Themes of duty, cultural understanding, and integrity.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

The protagonists display intellect, resilience, and curiosity.

Family discussion

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

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in The Game would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in The Game, and what caused that change?
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