1. The New London School explosion was almost unthinkably tragic. What modern-day events have devastated communities in America? How you think advancements in technology, as well as changes in social conventions, might affect the way people react?

2. Many details about the events of that terrible afternoon in 1937 were taken directly from first-person accounts (the drillers bringing their equipment to dig for victims, the loaves of bread abandoned on the ground, the displaced rage of parents at those whose children survived). Can any broad conclusions be drawn about people reacting to disaster?

3. Katie has the “perfect life” in Boston, at least on the surface. What choices did she make after leaving Texas --- and did these choices serve her well?

4. How did Katie’s unconventional childhood affect her friendships? Her attitude about her distant family, including Scarlett? Her relationships with men?

5. We know from Euda’s letters that Caroline was unable to conceive another child. Does this justify the sacrifice she asked Euda to make, given that Euda already had three other children? What did Caroline owe her in exchange?

6. Hugh remembered Euda’s children in his will. Caroline made a deathbed request of Margaret to take care of them. Why were they unable to be more generous while they were alive?

7. Margaret makes a rash decision to end her engagement and marry Hank. What do you suppose motivated that choice?

8. Before Hank’s death, Margaret is trying to get him some psychological help. What do you think is wrong with him? Was his death suicide?

9. Margaret never dates again after losing Hank. Georgina, on the other hand, dates everyone. What accounts for the difference?

10. An underlying theme of the novel is class tension. How did this affect the Daisy mothers --- and does it persist in the modern story line?

11. Katie’s relationship with her mother has echoes of Georgina’s relationship with her own mother: squabbling, a struggle for independence, rejection of established values. And yet,Katie manages to remain close toGeorgina. Why was that not possiblefor Georgina and Margaret? Or, forthat matter, Margaret and Caroline?

12. The men with the biggest roles in the story --- Hugh Pierson, Hank Dollar and Jam Mifflin --- could not be more different from one another. How has tragedy shaped each of them?

13. Did you see Liam’s betrayal coming? Do you think he and Katie ever really loved each other? Does she hold some responsibility in the breakup of their marriage?

14. Jam Mifflin arrives in Katie’s life at a most unexpected time. Do you think they have a happy future together?