Book 1 of
"The Muskoka Novels"

Cover photo by Melanie Wills

Reading Group Discussion Questions

1. Discuss the symbolism of storms.
2. Discuss the roles of women in the Edwardian era, and how some of the female characters are trying to change those. How is the war changing their roles?
3. Is Jack Wyndham an underdog or a villain?
4. What role does Phoebe Wyndham play in the novel?
5. Discuss the idealism of the young men and women eager to participate in the war. Why does Chas feel he "needs" to go to war?
6. What other motives do they have for wanting to get to France?
7. Discuss the erosion of that idealism when confronted with the reality of warfare.
8. How is contrast used throughout the novel?
9. What is the significance of Muskoka?
10. What is the purpose of the letters? Is it a useful device?
11. How does using real people contribute to the story?
12. What was the purpose of using the music of the era in the book?
13. Discuss the comment that this book is social history.
14. How does the war change the people as well as society?
15. In my research I was often surprised by details of life, especially during the war years. (Hence the notes at the back.) What did you find surprising or unusual?

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