Layla and Bette have a troubled history, which is brought to life in the story of their first road trip, with Vic (in Chapter 7). How do the two of them mend fences and become closer over the course of their trip to Phoenix?
In Chapter 16, what confession does Vic make to Wes, and what does Vic get wrong in it? Why might Vic have a major blind spot where Wes is concerned, even though the two men have seemed so close over the years?
Eventually, Layla discovers that Bette deceived her on two fronts. First, Bette misled her about the reason for the trip to Phoenix. Second, Bette said that she didn’t know the identity of “the Wolf” (i.e., Gordon Cross), the man Layla believes murdered her mother. Nevertheless, Layla promises Bette that she’ll complete the mission to Phoenix. Do you think she made the right decision? What alternatives might she have pursued?
Despite Bette’s deception, do you think that by the end of the novel, Layla comes to a reconciliation with her and with the decision to continue with the mission to Phoenix? Why or why not?
Why did Layla decide not to call the police after her confrontation with Wes? Do you agree or disagree with her choice?
How does killing someone affect Layla? Do you think she is justified in fearing that the act has unleashed a dangerous new potential in her?
For most of the novel, Layla is reluctant to accept any money from Vic’s illegal activities. How do her feelings about this change, and why? Do you think that accepting any money from Vic would make her a criminal, too? Why or why not?
Making art plays a big role in the novel. It helps Layla forge a connection with Jake. It also helps her process her grief over the loss of her mother and grandmother and, through her painting The Woods, confront the pain and mystery surrounding her mother’s murder. Still, Layla regards The Woods as “a failure.” Why? What might this perceived failure say about the limitations of art?
Early in the novel, after Bette refers to Vic as “Dad,” Layla thinks, Dad? I’ve never had anything that could be described as a Dad. How do Layla’s feelings about Vic evolve over the course of the novel? When, in Chapter 27, she thinks, “the Vic who emerged on [her] canvas started to feel like a companion,” what does she mean?
How do you feel about the ending of the novel? Would you describe it as happy? bittersweet? something else? Did you find it satisfying?
I Mean You No Harm Page 21
