Reviews
Publishers Weekly stated that Faraday’s Popcorn Factory is whimsical and imaginative. The book is compared to the works of Tom Robbins and Douglas Adams for its playful, fabulistic tone.
Kirkus Reviews emphasized the book’s lyrical and imaginative qualities, highlighting its unique approach to storytelling and character development. Kirkus praised the novel’s charm and the author’s talent in creating a whimsical, engaging narrative.
Summary: Faraday’s Popcorn Factory is appreciated for its magical realism, imaginative premise, and heartfelt romance. Readers will find a whimsical, character-driven love story with a touch of fantasy. Overall, the novel is considered refreshing, lyrical and stands out for its creativity and emotional resonance.Jacket praise
“Faraday’s Popcorn Factory is an enchanting novel, a book for the new age,
for all ages, a gem to be enjoyed.”
“Elegantly cosmic, Gould’s novel is a meditation on the wonders of being
and a declaration of purpose and, above all, love.”
Questions
Engagement
- How does [or doesn’t] Faraday’s Popcorn Factory hold interest?
- Where does the novel amuse, disturb, confuse, sadden?
Characters
Faraday’s Popcorn Factory has three primary storytellers and several others. Of the main narrators [Willow, Clement and Jimmy],
- What past influenced, shaped these three speakers?
- In what ways are Willow, Clement and Jimmy admirable or unlikeable?
- How do these three characters remind of real people?
- Given recent weather extremes, discuss Clement’s mother and aunt’s powers.
- Respond to Clement’s method of learning to make love.
- Should Clement’s climactic confrontation with his hunter Oull have been longer?
- Discuss Willow’s final, romantic choice.
Themes
- How does a popcorn factory work as a symbol?
- Discuss the astronomical information.
- What might be the significance of the lunar phase references?
Passages
- What text was insightful or profound?
- Where did dialog amuse, prove touching, encapsulate characters?
Structure
- Why might the author have chosen to tell the story the way she did?
- How did the structure affect reading or understanding Faraday’s Popcorn Factory?
Ending & Impact
- Does the endingplease? If so, why?
- If the conclusion does not satisfy, how might it be changed?
- How could Faraday’s Popcorn Factory change a reader or broaden perspectives?
- What can be learned, especially about people and parts of the world?