The Splendor
on Goodreads (545)
What’s inside...
The Splendor is a glamorous hotel that provides magical experiences to fulfill guests' dreams. However, it did not fulfill Juliette's dreams but instead ruined her life. After her sister, Clare, returns from the hotel changed and disconnected, Juliette steals their savings to visit The Splendor herself. Upon arrival, she is entranced by the hotel's lavishness but becomes progressively uneasy as she uncovers the hotel's dark underside. Juliette meets Henri, an illusionist at the hotel, who is supposed to provide her a tailored fantasy experience. As Henri gets to know Juliette, he realizes he cannot fulfill her dreams and is, in fact, the source of her pain.
Age
14-17
Length
330 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What did you think about the way Seren handled her challenges in the story? Would you have done anything differently?
How do you think friendship is portrayed in 'The Splendor'? Can you relate to any of the friendships described?
What are the most important lessons that Seren learned during her adventures? How can we apply these lessons in our own lives?
The Splendor has a rich and imaginative setting. What part of the world described did you find most fascinating and why?
How do the decisions made by characters in the book affect their relationships with others? Can you share a time when your decision impacted a relationship?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in Seren’s shoes while discussing the questions to foster empathy and deeper understanding of the character’s motivations and feelings.
Utilize examples from 'The Splendor' and relate them to real-life situations your child might encounter to make the themes more relevant and understandable.
Highlight the importance of friendship, courage, and decision-making in the book, and draw parallels to these virtues in your child's daily life to reinforce their significance.
Share your own interpretations of the book's settings or dilemmas faced by the characters to spark richer dialogue and multiple viewpoints.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of resilience
Explanation: In 'The Splendor', the protagonist faces various challenges and setbacks, but learns to persevere and adapt despite adversities.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to not give up easily in the face of difficulties, whether in their academic pursuits or personal projects.
Example Lesson: Understanding the value of trust
Explanation: Throughout the story, relationships are tested, and characters learn the importance of honesty and trust in forging strong, dependable relationships.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the significance of being honest and trustworthy to foster strong friendships and family bonds.
Example Lesson: The significance of making ethical decisions
Explanation: As the characters in 'The Splendor' encounter moral dilemmas, the narrative explores the impacts of their choices on themselves and others.
Real-World Application: Children can reflect on their decision-making processes and consider the consequences of their actions on their surroundings.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The book delves into the perspectives of various characters, encouraging readers to understand and empathize with different viewpoints.
Real-World Application: This can help children develop a more empathetic approach towards people who may think or behave differently from them.
Example Lesson: Courage to confront fears
Explanation: Characters in the book often face fearful situations, and through their journeys, they demonstrate courage and bravery.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their own fears and understand that it's okay to feel scared, but also rewarding to overcome those fears.