Drowning Ruth
PAGE 5
Reading Group Discussion Questions
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View printable version

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What do you think of Amanda Starkey? (Is she a reliable narrator? Is she sympathetic?)
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Is love a good thing in this novel?
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What does the island represent?
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How do you feel about Amanda's possessiveness as a mother?
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How does Carl relate to the women in his life?
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How do the landscape and weather affect the behavior and outlook of the characters?
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Should Ruth have gone to Chicago with Imogene?
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Are Amanda and Mathilda good sisters to each other? In what ways are Ruth and Imogene like sisters?
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Does it strengthen or weaken people to become intensely intertwined with their families?
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Secrets figure prominently in this book. Why do we keep certain secrets and tell others? Are secrets necessary in life?