Because of its length and complexity, Babel Tower could easily be discussed with several different focuses. A group that is familiar with some of the books that Byatt draws on could begin by talking about the kinds of connections she makes and extend the discussion to the ways in which literary works affect each other. A group could focus on a related topic, that of the effects of writing upon the readers, by considering the effect of Babel Tower as a whole or the effects of Jude's novel upon the group and upon the characters within the novel. Another approach would be to think about the issues facing Frederica, issues shared by many women: single parenting, cultural oppression, balancing sexual and intellectual lives and desires. Readers might also think about their experiences with schooling and learning and move from discussing the book itself to discussing their...