A Reader's Guide to "Gallows Road" for Book Club Discussion
Being invited to talk with book clubs has been one of the best things to happen after the publication of my novel “Gallows Road” this year. Whether meeting in person or on Zoom, it is so exciting to speak with readers and hear their ideas and reactions to the book. I feel very lucky that these groups have welcomed me and shared their insights.
Here are a few questions that other book clubs or readers might want to use to start discussions of "Gallows Road."
1. Why do you think the author begins the story at a point that feels more like the conclusion? Did the first-person narrative affect how you experienced the story?
2. How does Mercy’s childhood shape her character and attitudes when she becomes a young woman? Was her mother cruel for abandoning her daughter or was this a kind of tough love to help Mercy learn to survive?
3. Which do you think is more important to Mercy in the long run, gaining a sense of security or her freedom?
4. In some ways Mercy is like a person wearing blinders—her knowledge is limited by her inability to read and write, as well as her limited experience. What eventually makes her see beyond the strict beliefs of her time period?
5. Illness and death are common occurrences in "Gallows Road," among both the young and old. How do different characters handle tragedy?
6. Why is Mercy initially so attracted to her master, Bryan Palmes? What are his feelings towards her?
7. Do you think that Cate’s behavior toward the Hawk is deceptive, or is she simply using her wits to advance her goal of freedom?
8. The little girl, Zeno, is a tragic figure but she plays a number of key roles in the plot. How does her death result in Mercy’s growth as a character?
9. Why does Mercy try to deny that she is pregnant?
10. Do you think that the Reverend Matthew Graves is a trustworthy character or does he have selfish motives for trying to help Mercy in jail?
11. The sense of place so important in this novel, particularly the proximity to the sea. Why is the Spanish Ship Affair significant?
12. Do you think that the plot of "Gallows Road" transcends its own time period and can relate to important issues today?
Here are a few questions that other book clubs or readers might want to use to start discussions of "Gallows Road."
1. Why do you think the author begins the story at a point that feels more like the conclusion? Did the first-person narrative affect how you experienced the story?
2. How does Mercy’s childhood shape her character and attitudes when she becomes a young woman? Was her mother cruel for abandoning her daughter or was this a kind of tough love to help Mercy learn to survive?
3. Which do you think is more important to Mercy in the long run, gaining a sense of security or her freedom?
4. In some ways Mercy is like a person wearing blinders—her knowledge is limited by her inability to read and write, as well as her limited experience. What eventually makes her see beyond the strict beliefs of her time period?
5. Illness and death are common occurrences in "Gallows Road," among both the young and old. How do different characters handle tragedy?
6. Why is Mercy initially so attracted to her master, Bryan Palmes? What are his feelings towards her?
7. Do you think that Cate’s behavior toward the Hawk is deceptive, or is she simply using her wits to advance her goal of freedom?
8. The little girl, Zeno, is a tragic figure but she plays a number of key roles in the plot. How does her death result in Mercy’s growth as a character?
9. Why does Mercy try to deny that she is pregnant?
10. Do you think that the Reverend Matthew Graves is a trustworthy character or does he have selfish motives for trying to help Mercy in jail?
11. The sense of place so important in this novel, particularly the proximity to the sea. Why is the Spanish Ship Affair significant?
12. Do you think that the plot of "Gallows Road" transcends its own time period and can relate to important issues today?
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I suggest these book questions too — as a valuable outline for teaching New England history in the 1750s, with novel base on an all-too-true story recreated from facts and documentation.
“Gallows Road” is especially relevant to read and teach in the 21st century, with its many common challenges: racism; role of wealth & privilege; colonialism complexities; divisive hatred for political & religious differences; and the role and rights of half our nation: women. Highly recommend reading and digesting Mercy Bramble’s story.