Nearer Than the Sky (28 page)

1.
Discuss the opening poem by Emily Dickinson. How does it relate to Indie’s story?

2.
Do you think Indie knew her mother was abusing Lily as a child? Did she realize that her mother was responsible when she found her in the bathroom, or did her realization come with hindsight? If she did know, why do you think she didn’t do anything? Was she as much to blame for keeping quiet, then?

3.
Compare and contrast Indie’s and Peter’s families, particularly their relationships with their siblings. Analyze Indie’s relationships with Lily (both as children and as adults) and Benny.

4.
Indie thinks the attention Lily received from their mother is because she’s prettier, that “parents are bound to love their beautiful children more,” and that “tenderness has less to do with love than the softness of skin.” Talk about this assertion. Is there any merit in it, from the point of view of parents as well as siblings? Do you think this is the reason Indie was spared most of the brunt of her mother’s disorder? Why else did she focus so much on Lily? If not physically abused, in what other ways was Indie damaged by her mother?

5.
Did you notice any indications in Lily’s actions that pointed toward the revelation that she was mistreating Violet? What were they?

6.
Discuss the theme and symbolism of storms: the thunder, lightning, and rain that are often used in
Nearer Than the Sky
. What does Indie mean when she states, “I trust the sky, because I can’t trust anything else”?

7.
What do you believe are Indie’s reasons for not getting married and having kids? Is she ready to take care of Violet, even for a few weeks while Rich gets settled in Boston?

8.
Lily claims that Ma stopped hurting her after Benny’s death. Do you think that’s true? Why or why not?

9.
Discuss the manifestations of Munchausen syndrome by proxy, the ability of a mother to harm her own child. Consider whether she realizes what she is doing or how she might explain her actions. Many psychologists believe that it is done for attention, to always be the hero of the story, as Indie says. Talk about whether you feel they do this consciously and can control it.

10.
What responsibility do husbands have in situations of Munchausen syndrome by proxy? Discuss the differences and similarities between Indie’s father’s reaction and Rich’s. How do you think things would have turned out if her father were more like Rich?

11.
Do you believe that Lily will get help? Do you think she
can
be helped?

12.
How did Indie’s childhood influence her as an adult? Consider her outburst to Peter about not wanting to be helped. Did she become more self-sufficient because of her past, or does she really ache to be taken care of?

13.
How is
Nearer Than the Sky
an interpretation of “The Boy Who Cried Wolf”?

14.
Do you have any experience with Munchausen syndrome by proxy or dealing with another mental disorder? How has your personal connection (or lack thereof) influenced your reading of
Nearer Than the Sky
?

15.
Discuss the last sentence of the book: “When all that’s left to do is to mend things broken, to return things stolen, and to forgive.” Do you think Indie’s family—including Rich and Violet—will be able to mend things and forgive? Would you be able to forgive if you were in Indie’s position?