Discussion Questions
- Why does Suzanne put up with Ian’s manipulative behavior?
- What are Suzanne’s dominant characteristics? How do they affect her choices and feelings?
- How does the setting influence the story?
- Do you agree with Eleanor’s declaration to Peter that “the problem in these relationships is you?” Why, why not?
- How did you feel about Peter’s role in getting Blair to ride again? Did he overstep?
- How do you feel about Peter when you learn how long it’s been since he’s been back to York? Why do you think he stayed away?
- Why does Suzanne react the way she does at Thomas’ anger? Does her reaction surprise you?
- At Peter’s bedside, Thomas bluntly tells Suzanne, “Truth always matters.” What do you think he means? Why?
- What makes Peter’s love for Suzanne great, worthwhile, and moving?
- What is your favorite section in the book?
- What part of the story did you relate to the most?
For further reflection…
- The book begins with very distinct memories that Suzanne shares about growing up. What memories define your growing up (childhood and adolescence)? How do they affect you now?
- When Suzanne has a couple free hours thanks to Agnes, she goes to somewhere beautiful. What do you like to do with free time to yourself?
- Peter says that his older brother Thomas is a personal hero of his. Who are some of your personal heroes and why?
- Suzanne lets Edward’s wishes and preferences keep her from doing what she wants, or even from exploring what she wants. What keeps you from doing what you want to do?
- Blair makes a subtle apology to Suzanne by suggesting they go to the beach just the two of them. What are ways you offer apologies directly or indirectly?
- Suzanne says that you never get over watching someone you love suffer — that it takes something out of you. In your experience, is this true? What are some good and/or bad ways that you’ve changed due to seeing someone suffer?
- Suzanne is moved by Peter’s compassion as she shares her feelings of worthlessness. Who has moved you with his or her compassion and how?
- Peter’s mother absolves him of his selfish decisions that hurt her. Her forgiveness restores life to their relationship and to Peter himself. Share a time when you have been absolved of a wrong deed and what the forgiveness allowed in you?
- Cathy defines strength as “wanting to see the best in others brought out…” Who do you know that is strong in this way? How have you learned from them?
- When Suzanne sees Blair riding for the first time since the accident, she struggles between “wanting to see her child safe and wanting to see her soar.” What are examples from your life of this struggle, whether it is relating to a child, a friend or a family member?
- Suzanne interprets Peter’s and Gemma’s response to Thomas’ anger as blind loyalty and excuses. How do you interpret it?
- Eleanor speaks boldly to both Suzanne and Peter. Why can she do this? How does she manage to speak so truthfully but not make enemies?
- There are many parent-child relationships highlighted in the book — Suzanne and her father, Edward and Blair, Suzanne and Blair, Thomas and Archie and Frannie, and Jean and Peter. What did you learn from these different relationships? Which relationship could you relate to the most? Which ones did you respect and why?
- Eleanor tells Suzanne that rest will come when she finds her home. What do you think she means? Where are you in your journey?
