Vicky Hurst and Debby Turner have been unwavering in their belief in me. Heartfelt thanks, last but not least, to my family, who have cheered me on at every step.
A READING GROUP GUIDE
WHEN WINTER COMES
V.A. Shannon
About This Guide
The suggested questions are included to enhance your group’s reading of V.A. Shannon’s When Winter Comes!
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. One of the underlying themes of the novel is that of a woman’s role in society at the time. How is this explored, and how does Jacob’s gift of a journal, and the accompanying silver chain and key, introduce us to this theme?
2. Throughout the novel there is reference to storytelling in all its various forms. Discuss the significance of the various forms of storytelling that appear in the novel. There are some “hidden” references to fairy tales—can you identify these?
3. We never discover the real identity of our narrator. Is it significant that she finally uses her real name when she signs her account of her journey with the Donner Party—and why is it never revealed to us, the reader?
4. Throughout the novel there is a motif of flowers, gardens, and horticulture in various forms. What does this represent to the narrator, and how does it contribute to the structure of the book in general?
5. How is the theme of motherhood and mother-daughter relationships explored through the novel? What does it contribute to the narrator’s relationship with her own mother?
6. How do you think Jacob will react to the disclosure of his wife’s secret?
7. Is Mr. Keseberg a sympathetic character?
8. We are first introduced to Mr. Eddy through the medium of the newspaper where he is described as a hero—“the savior of the Donner Party”—on the basis of his journey through the mountains to get help for those left behind. Mr. Keseberg is likewise presented as a villain. How do you think our narrator would be presented in a newspaper account?
9. Why do you think the novel is structured with the two different time elements? Would it have been as (or more) effective written as a straightforward description of the journey?
10. Why do you think the visit to the Sonoma County Fair is included in the novel?
11. What is the significance of the various discussions about slavery?
12. Jacob Klein, Louis Keseberg, Landrum Murphy—how do these three impact on the narrator’s life? In different circumstances, which of these would she have married?
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