Discussion Questions

  1. When Em is first brought into the town of Azure Springs, she is slow to trust those around her. What causes her hesitancy? Is it justified? Have you ever entered a new situation and struggled to feel comfortable?
  2. Caleb makes quick judgments when he meets Em based solely on her looks. How did his early judgments affect the story? Would their relationship have progressed differently if he’d been able to look past her outer shell sooner?
  3. Abigail and Abraham Howell are very quick to welcome Em into their home. Why is it that some people are more eager to help others? Have you ever known anyone like that? Why was Eliza slower to embrace Em?
  4. Abigail is still grieving the loss of her sons. Margaret grieves her husband. The women approach their losses very differently. Is there a right way to handle grief?
  5. Lucy plays a significant role in the story. Em says that wanting to be with her is what kept her alive all those years. What people or things keep you going when life is hard?
  6. Caleb spends a lot of his energy trying to please his parents. In what ways was Caleb’s desire misguided? Is it wrong to want to please others? Have you ever gone astray when you thought you were doing what was right?
  7. How do your feelings toward Alroy change as you learn his story? What was it that kept Em from becoming hardened like Alroy?
  8. Caleb’s father, Gideon, talks to him about defining beauty. Do you agree or disagree that we have the power to choose our own definition of beautiful? Has society’s definition of beauty ever caused difficulties in your life? How can we help those around us see their true worth?
  9. Em decides to stay in Beckford even after Caleb returns to Azure Springs. What ultimately gives Em the courage to return? How would the story have been different if she’d been reunited with Lucy?
  10. Margaret is often a voice of wisdom to both Caleb and Em. Who have you turned to when you’ve needed advice? What qualities must a mentor possess for you to listen to their advice?
  11. Em has to learn to do more than just survive. Have you ever had periods of time when you’ve simply been getting by day after day? How did you get past that and learn to really “live” again?
  12. Eliza’s character goes through a difficult transformation. How did the way you felt about her change from the beginning of the book to the end?
  13. The packet of letters from Em’s ma plays a role in her healing. Is there someone from your past you wish you could speak to? What would you say? Or want to hear?
  14. In the epilogue, Em and Caleb bring home sisters from an orphan train. How does this act bring the story full circle? Have you ever found beauty despite trials?