READING GROUP QUESTIONS

1. 1. If you employ a domestic worker or gardener, describe your relationship with them.
2. 2. If you are employed in a minimum wage job, describe your relationship with the people you serve.
3. 3. Is it the responsibility of an employer to look after their staff and their family in the way that the Jordaans looked after Rachel and Maia?
4. 4. What is the difference between minimum wage and a ‘living wage’?
5. 5. Should you employ people who are in your country illegally, even if they are cheaper than legal labour?
6. 6. Is it your nation’s responsibility to look after citizens of another nation, especially if they don’t pay tax?
7. 7. Rachel steals from Michelle but uses the money to support her family – what do you think of this?
8. 8. Do you think Rachel was justified in hiding her occupation from the other mothers at Maia’s school?
9. 9. What do you think of Rachel and Michelle’s relationship before the drowning? Do you think there was a genuine friendship?
10. 10. Brett, the author, is a white South African male with a private school education who has travelled extensively into Africa working with NGOs. To what extent do you feel this influenced the writing of Rachel Weeping and his portrayal of both the Jordaans and Rachel?
11. 11. What do you think of the novel’s ending?
12. 12. What imagery stood out for you and why?