Woods at Barlow Bend (Smith) - Discussion Questions

Discussion Questions
1. How did you experience Hattie’s story? Did you find her compelling? Was her plight worthy of exploration?

2. What did you take away from Hattie and Hubbard’s relationship? What effect did that relationship have on Hattie’s future actions?

3. Do you think Hubbard was guilty? If so, of what? Why?

4. Describe your feelings toward Hubbard’s treatment of Millie after the trial. Do you agree with his actions?

5. Describe the significance of the inscription on Addie’s headstone: “Mother.” What do you think of the lack of the word “wife?”

6. Do you agree with Hattie’s decision to elope with Gordon? What do you think of her decision to never date or marry again after losing him at such a young age? What would you have done in her position?

7. If you could ask the author one question about the book, what would that question be?
(Questions courtesy of the author.)

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