Book Club Discussion Questions
Please be aware that this discussion guide will contain spoilers!
The purpose of the discussion topics, questions, and author biography that
follow is to enhance your groups reading of
Our Lady of the Forest, a
suspenseful and emotionally charged story of faith from the best-selling author
of
Snow Falling on Cedars.
Reader's Guide
- The books opening echoes the tone of official reportage, using "the
girl" instead of naming Ann Holmes. Elsewhere in the narrative Ann is called "the visionary." Why? Does this create a sense of distance from her? Does
the narrative tone of voice, as well as the narrators stance, shift
throughout the novel? Is the tone of objectivity about the events and characters
maintained?
- What role do sexuality and sexual desire play in this story, particularly
for Tom Cross, Father Collins, and Ann? What is attractive about Ann for Father
Collins (37)? Are beauty, sexual desire, violence, and victimization
interrelated in this novel? If so, how?
- Does Guterson expect his readers to believe that Anns encounters with
the Virgin Mary are real? Alternatively, does he place readers in the position
of Father Collins, who is skeptical and yet open-minded, or of Carolyn, who is
entirely analytical and cynical about the visions? Is there a character with
whom readers are most likely to identify? Who is it?
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- How does the author develop themes of identity and belonging throughout the narrative?
- What role does the setting play in shaping the characters' decisions and relationships?
- Discuss how the ending reframes the events of the story. Were you surprised?
Unless otherwise stated, this discussion guide is reprinted with the permission of Vintage.
Any page references refer to a USA edition of the book, usually the trade paperback version, and may vary in other editions.