Creation Lake

Rachel Kushner has admitted to being a fan of works of noir, particularly those of 1970s French noir novelist Jean-Patrick Manchette. Discuss how the Creation Lake pays homage to the French noir genre. How does Kushner use the concepts of crime and cynicism to shape her narrative?

Sadie is a charismatic protagonist, who could also be said to be slightly delusional. How does her ability to create and impose her own narrative shape the novel’s themes of truth and reality? Why might her name be significant?

While the character of Bruno is significant to the plot, we only hear from him through Sadie as she intercepts his emails. How might their dynamic and Sadie’s second-hand portrayal affect your perception of Bruno?

In an interview with Lithub, Kushner said Cormac McCarthy’s Child of God was ‘strangely critical’ to the pacing and rhythm of Creation Lake. ‘I wanted to produce an effect like that book had on me, and make chapters that would be kind of spring-loaded,’ she said. How does the structure of Creation Lake, with its short, sectioned chapters enhance the story’s tension?

The novel explores themes of environmental activism, corporate land grabs, and the desecration of natural resources. How do these themes resonate with today’s political and social climate, and what real-world occurrences do you see the author drawing inspiration from?

Bruno’s potentially revisionist theories about Neanderthals and prehistory play a key role in the narrative. What does his fascination with the Neanderthals suggest about his worldview, and how does it connect to his rejection of modern society?

How does Sadie’s immersion in Bruno’s ideologies shape her perspective and actions throughout Creation Lake? In what ways does her growing alignment with his beliefs influence her character development as the novel progresses?

The chapter headings throughout the novel have curious – and sometimes very funny – titles. Did they guide your reading experience of the novel and how do they serve the story?

Sadie argues that the real motivations for human action are ‘not politics. There are no politics inside of people’. How does the novel’s discussion of politics and identity challenge traditional ideas about human nature and morality?

While Creation Lake incorporates elements of a spy-thriller, many readers and critics have described it as ‘a novel of ideas’. Do you agree with this description? If so, discuss the key ideas or themes you believe the novel explores. How did they resonate with you on a personal or intellectual level?