White City: Kevin Power

Question 1

What is the title of Kevin Power’s second novel?

Answer 1

White City

The novel is a follow-up to his 2008 debut, Bad Day in Blackrock.

Question 2

What themes are explored in White City?

Answer 2

Privilege and the messes left by ‘careless people’

This theme is reminiscent of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s observations.

Question 3

Who is the main character in White City?

Answer 3

Ben, son of a disgraced Dublin banker

Ben is 27 years old and is in rehab.

Question 4

What is Ben’s therapeutic activity in the novel?

Answer 4

Writing an account of his wrong turns

He is attempting to work through his experiences.

Question 5

What job does Ben take on in the story?

Answer 5

He joins a dodgy property deal in Serbia

This opportunity arises after his father’s embezzlement charges.

Question 6

What is the financial scandal involving Ben’s father?

Answer 6

Charged with embezzling €600m from his bank

This scandal leads to Ben’s financial troubles.

Question 7

What literary work does White City pay homage to?

Answer 7

Martin Amis’s Money

The book contains stylistic and thematic similarities to Amis’s work.

Question 8

What does Ben’s quote about having lots of money compare it to?

Answer 8

Being one of those kids born without nerve endings

This metaphor illustrates reckless behavior due to a lack of pain sensitivity.

Question 9

True or False: White City is primarily a serious drama without humor.

Answer 9

False

The novel contains comic timing and pithy observations.

Question 10

What is the name of the rehab clinic in White City?

Answer 10

St Augustine’s

This setting adds depth to the character’s journey.

Question 11

Fill in the blank: The novel features a character named _______ who seduces Ben into a property deal.

Answer 11

Mullens

Mullens represents a corrupt influence in Ben’s life.

Question 12

What type of businesses does White City satirize?

Answer 12

Puffed-up, self-perpetuating bullshit businesses

This reflects the excesses of the post-Celtic Tiger era.

Question 13

How does the portrayal of Irish characters compare to Serbian characters in the novel?

Answer 13

Irish characters are mostly stupid or corrupt; Serbian characters are mostly portrayed as sinister

This creates a balance of insult across nationalities.

Question 14

What is the title of the terrible-sounding novel Ben wants to write?

Answer 14

Decay: A Report

This title reflects Ben’s struggles and perspective.

Question 15

What literary technique does Power employ in White City?

Answer 15

Steeped in literary references

The novel opens with a riff on Dostoevsky.

Question 16

What does the phrase ‘Confidence is a confidence trick’ suggest in the context of the novel?

Answer 16

The nature of deception and trust

This reflects the themes of manipulation present in the story.

Question 17

Name and author?

Answer 17