Questions for Discussion

  1. Among the Old Order Amish, a preacher is usually chosen by lot, for life. Can you see why Caleb would be shocked and daunted by his position? Do his feelings of inadequacy for failing to save his first wife from the fire add to his worry that he wasn’t the right man for the job?
  2. Caleb was left scarred by the tragedy, but his most serious scars are inside. Do you think that his appearance made him unwilling to consider a popular and attractive girl such as Rebecca to court?
  3. What traits did Rebecca see in Caleb that attracted her to him as a prospective husband?
  4. Why was Rebecca able to make a connection to Amelia when the earlier babysitters had failed? Do you think Rebecca and Amelia are alike in many ways?
  5. What kind of father is Caleb? Do you think he spoils Amelia? Most Amish parents demand obedience from young children. Do you think that Caleb allows Amelia to act out because she lost her mother?
  6. Rebecca’s beloved younger sister Susanna is a person with mental disabilities. Despite that, do you think that Susanna has more potential for independence than her family realizes?
  7. Why did Caleb allow himself to be manipulated into considering marriage to Dorcas?
  8. Why was Rebecca’s mother worried about Rebecca? Do you believe Hannah’s solution of sending her away for a few months was the best one? Why did Rebecca agree?
  9. Why do you think that the Amish elders believe that misbehavior by their youth reflects on the entire community? Why do you think they prefer to handle such matters without involving police or social agencies?
  10. The Old Order Amish have no health insurance. Do you think this makes them more reluctant to seek health care in emergencies?
  11. The majority of Old Order Amish women marry in their early twenties. Marriage is considered a building block of family and faith. Can you understand why Dorcas considered marriage to Caleb despite the lack of chemistry between them? Can you understand why Caleb would consider Dorcas?
  12. How did Rebecca’s confidence in Caleb change his opinion of himself?