DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
At the center of The Old Place is Mary Alice Roth, who is both loved and feared by the people of Billington. Why do you think that is? What is it about her that inspires this reaction? How did you feel about her as a reader? Josie is new to Billington and has some difficulties integrating herself into the community. Have you ever felt like an outsider in a new place? If so, what did you do to overcome it? What significance does the old place hold for the Roth family? What role has it played in their lives? It’s widely believed that Ellie is Mary Alice’s only real friend. Talk about the relationship between them. What does each get out of their friendship? Do you think they are well-suited to each other? What do you think of Katherine’s decision to return to Billington? How does her role in the reveal speak to her relationship with Mary Alice? Over a decade ago, Michael made a rash decision, with lasting consequences. Decades before that, Mary Alice made a rash decision of her own but quickly chose to walk it back. Why do you think each did what they did? Much of The Old Place revolves around the dynamics of Billington, a place where everyone knows everyone and secrets are hard to keep. Have you ever been a part of a place like that? If given the choice, would you choose to stay or to leave? Throughout the novel, we focus on the experiences of three central women: Mary Alice, Ellie, and Josie. Did you find yourself relating to one more than the others? If so, how come?
9.
If you had to volunteer for the annual church picnic, which assignment would you prefer: pies, beans, coleslaw, or potato salad?
10.
What do you imagine might have happened between the final chapter and the epilogue?