Willmar Public Library Reads discussion

Some of the questions we discussed were:
Questions

1. The novel opens and closes with Denny. Do you think he’s the main character? If not, who is?

2. We don’t learn the full significance of the title until nearly the end (on page 350). How did this delay make the metaphor more powerful? What is the metaphor?

3.How does Abby’s story about the day she fell in love with Red fit into the Whitshank family history? Why isn’t it one of the family’s two defining stories?

4. Much is made of Abby’s “orphans,” which we learn also include Stem. What does her welcoming of strangers into her home say about her character? How do the others’ responses set up a subtle contrast?

5. Discuss the character Denny. Why is he so resentful of Stem? Why is he so secretive about his life?

6. Do Red and Abby have favorite children and grandchildren? Who do you think each one favors?

7. On page 151, Tyler writes about Abby: “She had always assumed that when she was old, she would have total confidence, finally. But look at her: still uncertain.” Do you think Abby’s family sees her as uncertain or lacking in confidence? Why?

8. Abby dies suddenly in an accident, just like Red’s parents did. When it came to his parents, “Red was of the opinion that instantaneous death was a mercy…” (p. 153. Do you think he felt the same way after Abby’s death?

9. The novel isn’t structured chronologically. How does Tyler use shifts in time to reveal character and change the reader’s perception?

10. What is the significance of the porch swing? What does it tell us about Linnie Mae and Junior?

11. After reading their story, how did your opinion of Linnie Mae change?

12. The Whitshank house, built by Junior and maintained by Red, is practically a character in the novel. What does it mean to the Whitshank family? Why, in the end, does it seem easy for Red to leave?