Let’s discuss the Dutchess chapters. We found her really compelling and at times inscrutable. What did you think about Ava’s mother? Why do you think Ava left home, and what do you think keeps her from returning? Why do you think it’s easier sometimes for grandparents to connect with their grandchildren more than their own children? Did you have any elders in your family or community that you felt safe with? What do you think propels Toussant’s desire to return to Alabama? What do you think of the other displacement crisis in the novel, the gentrification of Bonaparte and the displacement of its residents?
I thought it was interesting the juxtaposition of Ava versus Dutchess when they both end up laying in bed, physically and mentally absent from their child, after a terrible time/being in a terrible situation. Dutchess seemed so much more sympathetic to me, though Ava would probably disagree that her childhood was any easier than Toussaint's. There's really no easy way to be a mother, especially when circumstances are stacked against you, which is why I think being a grandparent tends to be easier because it's more forgiving and less fretful.
I liked how Dutchess described all of the children growing up and going off and leaving Bonaparte behind. In a way, the town itself was like a mother, raising her kids with as much safety and love and community as possible, and then having to send them out of the house and into the world.
Absolutely agree that grandparents connect with their grandchildren more easily than their children. First, older and wiser in dealing with children. Second, grandparents are not so concerned with what the grand-kids do in terms how it reflects on them as parents. Third, the discipline thing. The stereotype of the grandparent over indulging the the grandchildren I've experienced as a real phenomenon. Perhaps because they have more patience or resources, or because they get joy from these children just being, or because they feel guilt for not being able to provide time or material goods for their own kids.
The sections with Dutchess and Bonaparte were my favorites. I loved the author's descriptions and world-building. I hope there is a sequel with Toussaint there.
I thought it was interesting the juxtaposition of Ava versus Dutchess when they both end up laying in bed, physically and mentally absent from their child, after a terrible time/being in a terrible situation. Dutchess seemed so much more sympathetic to me, though Ava would probably disagree that her childhood was any easier than Toussaint's. There's really no easy way to be a mother, especially when circumstances are stacked against you, which is why I think being a grandparent tends to be easier because it's more forgiving and less fretful.
I liked how Dutchess described all of the children growing up and going off and leaving Bonaparte behind. In a way, the town itself was like a mother, raising her kids with as much safety and love and community as possible, and then having to send them out of the house and into the world.
Absolutely agree that grandparents connect with their grandchildren more easily than their children. First, older and wiser in dealing with children. Second, grandparents are not so concerned with what the grand-kids do in terms how it reflects on them as parents. Third, the discipline thing. The stereotype of the grandparent over indulging the the grandchildren I've experienced as a real phenomenon. Perhaps because they have more patience or resources, or because they get joy from these children just being, or because they feel guilt for not being able to provide time or material goods for their own kids.
The sections with Dutchess and Bonaparte were my favorites. I loved the author's descriptions and world-building. I hope there is a sequel with Toussaint there.