Lepper Public Library discussion

This will be the novel for June 2020. The discussion questions are from readingggroupchoices.com. Answer any of the questions or make your own comments.

1. Do Jane Austen’s books still have the power to sway personal relationships? Why do you think they were nearly hidden on a top shelf, out of reach?

2. Discuss the complexities in Mary Pearl’s relationships with her mother and grandmother. How do the relationships between the three generations of women contribute to Mary Pearl’s wish to move away? How did they change?

3. Why did Mary Pearl’s brother, Clover, collaborate in her college “escape”?

4. Why didn’t Mary Pearl’s family understand what college meant to her? What is the significance of Mary Pearl’s college choice?

5. Discuss the correlations between Calvert, the school “ghost,” and Ezra after he was shot.

6. Why do you think Granny decided to dictate to Mary Pearl her memoirs at that moment?

7. What explains Aubrey’s father’s reaction to Aubrey’s behavior?

8. Mary Pearl misses her school trip due to her own insistence that the family notify her of problems. Can you understand the mixed emotions she feels about her brothers’ predicament?

9. Discuss Mary Pearl and Rachel’s relationship. Do you think they can re-find sisterly love?

10. Mary Pearl rejected Nation Hollingsworth, but do you think she thought about him later?

11. Discuss the fate of Duende. Would you have taken the same actions as Mary Pearl? What did he represent in Mary Pearl’s life, and in this story?

12. Do you think Mary Pearl’s new appreciation for her grandmother might change the way the rest of the family reacts to the elderly lady?

13. Would you have kept the money Aubrey left on the table?

14. What did you think of Brody’s challenge to Aubrey?

15. Imagine a time in which an adoption of an infant could take place by simply filing papers. How would this take shape in today’s society?

16. Discuss the sheriff warning Mary Pearl about the day and time of Aubrey and Rachel’s arrival.

17. Did you suspect Brody’s affection for Mary Pearl sooner than she did? Were they destined to be together, or did their love grow over time?