A Tempest of Tea

Research the original Arthurian legends and draw detailed comparisons to Hafsah Faizal’s novel. How does Arthie’s world vary from its mythological and legendary origins, and what purpose do these changes serve?

What is the impact of leaving out Matteo and Laith’s perspectives in the story?

Given that revenge is a key motivation for almost all of the characters, does the author imply that revenge is helpful, harmful, or a complex combination of both? Include the final scene with Arthie and Laith in your analysis.

What is the ultimate role of Spindrift? How does Faizal use settings like Spindrift to communicate The Impact of Colonialism on Personal Development?

Choose one of the five main characters and identify their primary character flaw. How does this flaw help them grow or regress, and how are other characters affected?

Although the novel’s romances are heterosexual, how does Arthie’s relationship with Laith subvert common aspects of gender and sexuality? Similarly, how does Arthie’s experience of her gender contrast with Flick’s?

Matteo is the only white primary character in the novel, even though he is also an immigrant. How does his whiteness impact the narrative, and how does his marginalization as a vampire differ from the marginalization that the characters of color must endure?

Analyze the relationship between Flick and her mother, particularly the role that colonization plays in Flick’s adoption. How does the author use Flick’s adoption experience as a microcosm of entire countries that are colonized and controlled? How does Flick work to undo this experience?