I've been looking forward to today as it's discussion day for our eighth Read With Us book, Unsettled Ground by Claire Fuller. I enjoyed our last book, Shuggie Bain, so much that I was a little afraid we wouldn't be able to follow it with another great book.
But I think Unsettled Ground was a good choice. It's certainly different from Shuggie Bain, but very good in its own way. Both books were stories about fiercely independent people who want to live their own secluded and private lives. They are stories about secrets, lies, misfortune, sorrows, how things fall apart, and how some surprising survivals can come out of it all.
It's these lies I'd like to focus on for my questions here:
Dot tells Jeanie a devastating lie when she is still a child. What do you think about some of the reasons why she might have done this? Can you understand Dot's actions, or were her lies ultimately destructive to her family?
If Jeanie hadn't lived her life under the shadow of Dot's lie, how different do you think her life might have been? What might have been possible for Jeanie if Dot hadn't lied?
Feel free to answer the questions (any or all) or just leave your thoughts on the book in the comments. Carole, Kym, and I will each post a question or two on our blogs today, so be sure to check in with them. Tonight at 7:00 pm Eastern, we're hosting a book group Zoom meet-up. These are always fun and they've added a lot to my understanding of the books we've read. To make a reservation for the Zoom, just comment here, or send an email to me (email address is in the right-hand side bar), Carole, or Kym and we'll make sure to send you the link.
We would love to have you participate in the discussion of Unsettled Ground in whatever way(s) work for you. I look forward to hearing what you think and hopefully seeing you this evening!
I'm really looking forward to discussing this one! Your questions (which I know we'll address, so I won't answer now) are two that I've really been thinking about since I finished reading, and I'm interested to hear everyone's thoughts.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure I can answer the questions very well myself, so I'm looking forward to and counting on the discussion tonight.
DeleteI feel your questions are at the crux of the book. I look forward to the discussion tonight!
ReplyDeleteMe, too! I chose the questions because they are the ones I've thought about most after reading the book, and I'm really looking forward to hearing others' thoughts. See you tonight!
DeleteI can't wait for this discussion! I will say that at the end of the day "knowing" Jeanie much better than we really knew Dot I found it hard to understand her decision.
ReplyDeleteI agree! Jeanie turned out to be quite capable, so I'm not sure I understand Dot's lie at all. Can't wait for the discussion!
DeleteAs I commented on Kym's post, I found this book disturbing, unsettling (ha!) and provoking. I found it hard to imnagine this happening in real life, but I'll bet it does (so many strange people out there). I have no clue why Dot would have built all the lies that she did, but they were definitely destructive to her family.
ReplyDeleteMy BiL is a bit similar (mostly his own choice) so I could imagine that there might be people who live like the Seeders, especially if poverty and/or lack of skills was part of the picture. I understand that parents might hope to keep their children close to them, geographically and physically, but I can't even imagine perpetuating such a huge lie to accomplish that.
DeleteThere is a name for the abuse Dot inflicted on Jeanie and I look forward to discussing it tonight!
ReplyDeleteI was so glad you joined us and shared your insights, Debbie! I hadn't even thought of Munchhausen.
DeleteThe lie was disturbing though I thought Jeanie was sick but got better but her mother kept her thinking she didn't get better. Very strange that she kept that lie up. Jeanie could have done something with her life if she wasn't held back and if she had learned to read.
ReplyDeleteI read the book several months ago so my memory may not be too accurate. I thought Jeanie had rheumatic fever but recovered from that without suffering rheumatic heart disease. Dot lied to Jeanie and continued that lie, effectively robbing Jeanie of a normal life. Last night during the discussion we all thought that Jeanie not learning to read was crucial.
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