1. Central to the story of The Captain's Wife is the relationship between Joshua and Mary Patten. In what ways are they similar? What are their differences? What do you think makes their relationship work?

2. Why would Mary want to go on the trip chronicled in The Captain's Wife?

3. Why does Wiley encourage Joshua Patten to take on Keeler as his first mate?

4. At a time in history where women were thought to be less than equal to men (nearly 70 years before the Nineteenth Amendment would give women the right to vote), Mary Patten surely must have been frustrated by the limitations imposed on her by society. Does her husband also limit, or try to limit, Mary's actions and interests?

5. From the first chapters of the novel, Mary and Joshua appear to be very much in love. Does Joshua know Mary's inner strengths or does he see her merely as a charming wife?

6. What are the reasons for Keeler's actions on board Neptune's Car? Do his motivating intentions change after he learns of Joshua's infirmity?

7. How much credit is due Joshua for quelling Keeler's attempted mutiny? Do you think the outcome would have been different had Mary and 2nd Mate Timothy Hare had to face down Keeler alone?

8. Why does the rest of the crew side with Mary over Keeler?

9. How would you define the relationship forged between Mary Patten and second mate Timothy Hare? Does this relationship change over the course of the novel, and if so, how?

10. Is Mary Patten a feminist? Why or why not?