Nature

In This Grave Hour

by Jacqueline Winspear
In This Grave Hour by Jacqueline Winspear

Discussion Questions


1. Maisie often reflects back on the ideas and teachings of Maurice. Which of these seem particularly valuable?

2.Why does Maisie like to make a "case map" when solving a crime? What is it about such an "act of creation" that aids such an undertaking?

3.Frankie Dobbs, Maisie's father, helps care for boys who have been temporarily billeted to Chelstone Manor, "without anyone losing their temper." What does he understand about what the boys need?

4.What state is young Anna in when she arrives at the Manor? What might explain her silence or refusal to release her small case? Why might the story about the flying horse have appealed to her?

5.What in particular about Maisie's treatment of Anna gets the girl to eventually open up? How does this work psychologically?

6.What is Francesca Thomas like? How does Maisie's past experience with her influence their interaction and the job Maisie has agreed to do for her?

7.When a memory of the loss of her child "conspired to drag her under in a wave of grief," Maisie finds a way to "temper her breathing and gentle her mind." How does this physical response help with emotional turmoil?

8.Discussing the challenges of refugees, Mrs. Hartley-Davies suggests that, "you can always tell people who've been out of the little milieu they were born into." What might she mean? What are the particular effects of such travel or dislocation?

9.What does the character of Robert Miller, Rosie's brother, bring to the novel?

10.Beyond the physical and logistical, what are the emotional challenges for refugees? How might this affect their interaction with citizens of the host country?

11.Maisie admits that even in horrible times of war there were "times of laughter." How is that possible? What is the effect of laughter?

12.Maisie is cautious not to make "leaps of creative thought" when trying to understand people involved in her cases. What is she concerned about? What is the value of empathy in her work?

13.What's the relationship between grief and anger? What might Maisie mean when she says "forgiveness...is the only way to break free"?

Discussion questions by the publisher

PBRHome- for bookish gifts

Recent Book Reviews

Book Review -  Fifth Avenue Glamour Girl by Renee Rosen

Fifth Avenue Glamour Girl

By Renee Rosen
This book is a must-read for anyone who's interested in the fashion world or enjoys reading stories about female friendships. It follows the journey of Gloria and Estee Lauder, two women who share their dreams of working in ...More

 Book Review - The Spectacular by Fiona Davis

The Spectacular

By Fiona Davis
It's 1956, and Marion, a passionate dancer and dance teacher, is thrilled when she has the opportunity to be a Radio City Rockette. But there is a cost; she must sacrifice her family to follow her dream ... More
Book Review -  The Violin Conspiracy by Brian Slocumb

The Violin Conspiracy

By Brendan Slocumb
This book grabbed my attention from the very beginning, with the opening playing beautiful classical music. A few times throughout the book, there are additional snippets of music. It's one of the bonuses of listening to a book on audio ...More

 Book Review - Local Woman Missing by Mary Kubica

Local Woman Missing

By Mary Kubica
Local Woman Missing is a gripping psychological thriller by Mary Kubica, filled with suspense, mystery, and secrets. I loved how this book grabbed from the first chapter and had me on the edge of my seat... More

Visit Our Blog

You May Also Like



Nature
PBR book reviews and Reading guides for book clubs
Visit out Etsy Shop
10 Books I Can't Stop Recommending