The Peripheral

One commonality between the two worlds of the novel is that both seem to accept constant surveillance as a fact of life. What is Gibson implying here?

What are some ways that Gibson subverts a typical detective story in this novel?

Netherton seems to have a drinking problem in the novel. Where would you locate the source of this problem?

Burton is something of a shadowy figure in the novel. He pulls many of the strings behind the scenes, yet he’s one of the good guys. Why do you think Gibson would create Burton as this kind of character? Could it be related to the genre? How so?

How does the novel treat women in general?

How does Netherton’s perspective add to the tragedy posed by climate change in the novel?

Evaluate the climactic scene. Is it predictable? Does it satisfy, and does it resolve the plot? Is it anticlimactic? How so?

Evaluate the chapters that come after the climax. What purpose do these serve? Are they necessary to the plot, or are they forced in to set up the sequel?