Sing, Unburied, Sing Lesson Plan

Is Richie's appearance and narration a complete surprise to the reader or was it anticipated in the opening chapters?

Up to this point, the novel has largely been grounded in realism. The world in which these characters live is very much our own, including the various injustices and tragedies that many experience. That said, Ward includes several details that hint at a world beyond this realism. First, Leonie regularly sees Given. While she is always high during these visions, Ward has already implanted the possibility of seeing the deceased. Similarly, Jojo is able to hear the thoughts of various animals. Thus, Ward manages to make Richie's appearance both a shock and...