The Blue Hour

Becker’s fascination with Vanessa Chapman dates back to his childhood. What factors led him to feel such a strong connection to the woman and her art? What does Vanessa represent to him? How does Becker’s strong personal attachment to Vanessa support and hinder him professionally?

In The Blue Hour, power dynamics between characters frequently intersect with broader issues of patriarchy and violence. How does Hawkins depict gendered power imbalances in the novel, both on an interpersonal and structural level? Consider how these dynamics contribute to the novel’s plot development and key themes. How do characters like Vanessa and Grace challenge, subvert, or complicate these power dynamics?

Grace is eventually revealed as a killer who is responsible for several deaths. In what ways is she a typical villain, and how does she defy this characterization? Does Hawkins deliberately cultivate sympathy for Grace? If so, how?