Questions for Discussion
- Ivy first appears on the scene dressed in male clothing, traveling alone through the woods on a trip to a place she’s never been. What sort of opinions or conclusions did you draw about her based on this opening?
- Mitch traveled to the cabin for some solitude, yet he seemed to adjust well to Ivy’s intrusion. Why do you think that was?
- While at the cabin, Ivy seemed to think Mitch was going overboard with his insistence on a strict adherence to the proprieties. Do you agree with her? Why or why not?
- Why do you think Drum Mosley never told his nephew, Carter, about the change to his will? Do you think he was right to withhold the information?
- Why do you think Ivy was so insistent about putting in a garden for Mitch?
- What did you think of Mitch’s interaction with Ivy’s dog, Rufus? Do you think it said anything about his character, and if so, what?
- Was Ivy’s almost instant trust of Mitch believable given the situation? Why or why not?
- What was your first impression of Eileen Pierce? How did this change over time?
- Did Carter’s eventual change of heart regarding Ivy’s sharing the inheritance ring true to you?
- Do you think Ivy was foolish to leave town with Lester and his sister given their history? Why or why not?
- Though they didn’t have a name for it during this time period, Nana Dovie was obviously suffering from agoraphobia. Have you ever encountered anyone with this condition before? Did the way they finally got Nana Dovie to leave her home and travel to Turnabout seem believable to you?
- Why do you think it took Mitch so long to admit he loved Ivy?