Brantford Public Library's Online Book Club discussion

What did you think about Jane hiding Ivy in her home? Was this a good decision? Was it consistent with Jane's character? Was it even realistic?

I actually thought that part of the story was a bit far fetched, at least according to today's standards. I suppose things were very different at that place and time. I had mixed emotions because you really want things to work out for Ivy but you knew it would be disastrous for Jane to hide her that way.

Oh my goodness, Jane what were you thinking? It was a bad decision, along with taking the girls to the beach. But, like Jane's friend Lois said"it's impossible to care too much" Jane admits herself that she is in the wrong when she starts to care for Mary Ella and Ivy. She is just too kind hearted to distance herself from the reality of the system. Definitely consistent with her character.

It was definitely a bad decision on Jane's part. However, I could see why she would do what she did.
I actually had anxiety when I read this portion of the book. I was worried for all of them. I will say that I was glad it equaled the end of Jane's marriage. It certainly gave Jane some perspective on the "big picture" that was her life. My heart just went out to poor Ivy.