Book Events

1. Karoline has three close friends—Runa, Lena, and Kristina—who represent the different time periods in her life. What are those time periods? How does each one support her?

2. How were women supposed to behave during the late 1800s? What was the relationship like between a husband and wife?

3. Kristoffer says, “You’ve been spoiled since the day I married you” (158).  Given the time period, was Kristoffer correct in his accusation?

4. What are the decisions Karoline makes that support Kristoffer’s accusation that she is spoiled?

5. Compare Kristoffer’s father to Karoline’s father. Compare the two marriages. Which one is Kristoffer and Karoline’s marriage more like?

6. What do you think was the author’s purpose in including the Epilogue? Did it affect how you felt about Kristoffer?

7. What are Kristoffer’s redeeming qualities? What are his weaknesses?

8. Is Kristoffer a good father? What do you think was the definition of a good father in the 19th century?

9. A major symbol in the book is Karoline’s garden. On page 2, pull the quotes that support the tie of the garden to Karoline. Why does the author use a garden? What does it stand for?

10. What do you think are the themes of the book?

​

Sons and Daughters

1. What kind of relationship did Kristoffer have with each of his children? (Ingrid, Tingvald, Alex, Betsi, Sophie, Gunda)

2. Why didn’t Karoline marry Elfred Svensen? Do you think she was right to do so?

3. How has Karoline evolved from book 1 (The Journey of Karoline Olsen). Does she evolve throughout this novel?

4. As a mother, what are some of Karoline’s lessons and/or expectations for her children?

5. How would you describe the personalities of each child? (Ingrid, Tingvald, Alex, Betsi, Sophie, Gunda, Floyd)

6. What in each child do you see of Karoline? Kristoffer?

7. This is a story of the American dream. What is their dream?

8. In what ways is the second generation shucking their Norwegian identity?

9. At the end of the novel, where do you think Karoline goes?

10. What moments in Iowa’s history did you not know? What surprised you the most?

​

Moonshine by Moonlight

1. How would you characterize Skeet? How does he evolve over the course of the novel? What are you feelings about him at the end?

 2. What is Skeet’s reason (ch. 33) for helping Cora? Why doesn’t she believe him? Do you believe him?

 3. What were the clues throughout the novel that the kingpin was actually a woman? What were some of your guesses as you read the book?

 4. Do you think a woman kingpin is realistic?

 5. What is the evolution of the character Jimmy Krantz (the snitch)?

 6. The novel is full of juxtaposition. (Wets & Drys, Catholics & Evangelicals, Skeet & Al Capone). Can you name other cases of juxtaposition?

 7. What are some of the themes of the book?

 8. How does the use of juxtaposition support some of those themes?

 9. What were some historical facts that surprised you?

 10 Would you recommend this book to someone else? Why/why not?