Nature

All She Left Behind

by Jane Kirkpatrick
All She Left Behind by Jane Kirkpatrick

Discussion Questions


1. In order to succeed, Jennie had to surmount many obstacles; dyslexia, an alcoholic husband, a difficult son, the loss of an infant, and a judgmental society that constrained women to name a few. Discuss how she overcame these challenges. What role do you think her faith played in this?

2. Jennie was gravely affected by substance abuse. Talk about how this played into Jennie's hopes not only to become a doctor but to find a cure for people's addictions. Discuss Jennie's feeling and thoughts towards substance abuse. Discuss substance abuse today. Have attitudes changed? Is treatment more effective today?

3. Why do you think Jennie felt responsible for her husband and son's bad actions when she had nothing to do with them?

4. In what ways is Jennie a memorable character? What were her strengths and weaknesses? Did you like her?

5. What is the place of women in 1870s Oregon? Discuss the attitude of men towards women. Can you think of any present-day parallels? Did the prevailing attitude towards women play any role in some of the poor choices Jennie made? Her lack of self-confidence? Were the views pervasive in society at large or specific to small-town life?

6. Jennie's husband, Charles, fell hard and hit his head on the floor during their wedding. As it turns out,he was not the man Jennie thought she was marrying. Discuss what this fall may or may not have had to do with this. Talk about how people change after marriage in general. Was Charles within these boundaries?

7. Charles is the villain in this story; his alcoholism, abusive and untrustworthy nature, his propensity to be deceitful. Do you think he was a good father and husband in spite of his faults? What was the driving reason Charles divorced Jeannie? How did the manner in which he divorced Jennie make you feel? Discuss his character - was it balanced? Believable?

8. What do you think of Jennie's relationship with her children, Douglas in particular? Do you agree with her decision to send him to boarding school? Jeannie was a kind compassionate person. Do you think she stayed true to herself when dealing with Douglas? What do you think was the underlying reason for Douglas's bad behavior? Have you ever had to deal with someone you love behaving badly?

9. Do you think alcoholism is genetic or a learned behavior?

10. What about Josiah's motivations for marrying so quickly after his wife died. Do you think Josiah and Jennie loved each other or was their marriage based on something other than love?

11. What do you think of Josiah's relationship with Jennie's son Douglas? Was he a positive influence on Douglas? Do you think he genuinely cared about Douglas?

12. What do you make of Josiah's son by his first wife? How do you explain his attitude and treatment of Jennie? Why do you think Jennie continued to make payments on her debt, even after she and Josiah were married? Would you have done the same thing?

13. To what extent do you think Josiah's influential position in society was responsible for Jeannie's success? Why do you think Josiah pushed Jennie to pursue her dream of becoming a doctor?

14. Discuss the tone and writing style of the book. Did it enhance or detract from the story?

15. Discuss your feelings about how the book ended? Would you have preferred a different outcome?
Book Club Talking Points:
This story has many talking points; overcoming tragedy and personal challenges, acceptance of what we cannot change, and acceptance of others. It is not a love story, but it is a story about love. It also tackles some tough issues of the 1870s. It examines the role of women and what divorce was like in 1870. Alcoholism and abusive relations are looked at, as well as the effect this and divorce had on children back then. The author also explores the struggles of being a woman, divorced and raising a child.


(Discussion Questions by PrincetonBookReview
(Feel free to use with attribution)
PBRHome- for bookish gifts

Recent Book Reviews

Book Review -  Fifth Avenue Glamour Girl by Renee Rosen

Fifth Avenue Glamour Girl

By Renee Rosen
This book is a must-read for anyone who's interested in the fashion world or enjoys reading stories about female friendships. It follows the journey of Gloria and Estee Lauder, two women who share their dreams of working in ...More

 Book Review - The Spectacular by Fiona Davis

The Spectacular

By Fiona Davis
It's 1956, and Marion, a passionate dancer and dance teacher, is thrilled when she has the opportunity to be a Radio City Rockette. But there is a cost; she must sacrifice her family to follow her dream ... More
Book Review -  The Violin Conspiracy by Brian Slocumb

The Violin Conspiracy

By Brendan Slocumb
This book grabbed my attention from the very beginning, with the opening playing beautiful classical music. A few times throughout the book, there are additional snippets of music. It's one of the bonuses of listening to a book on audio ...More

 Book Review - Local Woman Missing by Mary Kubica

Local Woman Missing

By Mary Kubica
Local Woman Missing is a gripping psychological thriller by Mary Kubica, filled with suspense, mystery, and secrets. I loved how this book grabbed from the first chapter and had me on the edge of my seat... More

Visit Our Blog

You May Also Like



Nature
PBR book reviews and Reading guides for book clubs
Visit out Etsy Shop
10 Books I Can't Stop Recommending