Small Blessings (Woodroof) - Discussion Questions

Discussion Questions
1. At the beginning of the book, Tom Putman is resigned to a not very-fulfilling home life. Does this mean he’s kind or passive? Brave or timid? Did he make a mistake marrying Marjory?

2. Why has Rose Callahan worked in bookstores her entire professional life? How does the experience of working at The Bookstore for Mr. Pitts seem different to her from her earlier work experiences?

3. Why are Russell Jacobs and Iris Benson so antagonistic toward each other at the start of the story?

4. How does Agnes Tattle view her son-in-law? How does Tom view his mother-in-law?

5. What is the importance of Marjory Putnam inviting Rose to dinner?

6. How do you feel about Tom having a brief affair that seems to have produced a son?

7. How does Rose Callahan view her childhood? Her mother, Miss Mavis Callahan?

8. Does the community at small women’s college where Small Blessings takes place seem cozy and supportive, or isolated and self-absorbed?

9. What effect does Henry have on Tom? On Rose? On Agnes? On Russell?

10. Why does Agnes wear her long-dead husband's pajamas?

11. Does it take courage to admit you are happy? Does Small Blessings have a happy ending? If so, why?
(Questions issued by the publisher.)

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