DISCUSSION QUESTIONS Ordinary Grace

1. Discuss the final revelation of Ariel’s whereabouts. Had you guessed correctly?    2. Much of Frank and Jake’s knowledge comes from overhearing and snooping. Which instance of eavesdropping provided them with the heaviest, most important information? Is there a particular overheard conversation that led most directly to the loss of their childhood innocence?    3. Along those same lines, in what ways have the two boys been transformed by story’s end?    4. Who is ultimately responsible for the death of Karl Brandt?    5. A number of characters carry secrets that eventually come to light. Was there a certain catharsis once they were able to unload the truth? Did it do them any good? Consider especially Frank’s father, whose deeds in the war remained a mystery. Is there some merit to carrying the burden of a secret alone?    6. Though the title of the novel refers to a particular “ordinary grace,” what other small graces did you find in the book?    7. Why does Ruth leave her family? Do you think she was truly mad at Nathan? At God? Discuss the ways in which she and the other characters deal with their grief over Ariel.    8. Do you agree with Frank’s insight in the epilogue that, “there is no such thing as a true event?” What makes a story real? How do we deal with varying perspectives and reflections of history?    9. Do you think Frank had a responsibility to tell Emil about Lise? Was there merit to Jake’s argument that her fenced-in estate was prison enough?    10. Do you forgive Emil for his moment of indiscretion? Is he in some way to blame for everything that happened in New Bremen?    11. Frank and Jake often make a case to come along to the sheriff’s office, crime scenes, and pivotal confrontations during the upheaval in New Bremen. Should they have been allowed to bear witness to these things? Should children be shielded from the occasional darkness of adult life?    12. What do you make of Gus? Is he in some ways the backbone (though not a true relative) of the Drum family?    13. Do you agree with the sentiment of the older Warren Redstone? Is it true that the departed are never far from us?