Questions for Discussion
- What did you enjoy most about Grace?
- Catherine Finley accepts the undergraduate dean’s position at Franklin College and quickly realizes that there is more to the College landscape than she imagined. How does she navigate the difficulties?
- Catherine and Hal Doyle, the graduate dean, respond differently to the College politics. What motivates Hal? How do Hal’s responses impact Catherine?
- Catherine and Hal are dismayed by the pervasiveness of sexual assault in the College community. How do their actions mitigate the problem? Would you have done anything differently?
- Douglas is a character with a deep faith that has defined him since he was a little boy. How does his faith impact the people he loves?
- What role does storytelling have in the novel? How does it impact the decisions Catherine makes?
- Roslyn Ashcroft is a minor character with a lot of power. How do storytelling and memory shape our understanding of Roslyn?
- How do Catherine’s memories of childhood shape the women she becomes as the novel unfolds? What are some important childhood memories that have shaped you?
- How does the turbulence and progress of the Civil Rights Movement shape Douglas and the decisions he made about marriage and vocation?
- Douglas faces the end of his life, burdened by his memories of the 1960s. Does Douglas make peace with his life? What role does Catherine play as Douglas comes to terms with the past?
- What role does setting play in the novel?