Hope Was Here

Analyze the theme of family in the novel. How does the novel portray the experience of being part of an unconventional family? How does Hope’s family and relationship with Addie shape her and her experience? Further consider Braverman and his mother and G.T. and Addie’s marriage.

What does the novel say about friendship? How do Hope’s friendships, particularly with her Brooklyn friends, help her when her life is difficult?

How does the author examine the issue of the effects of a mega-corporation’s impact on a small town? How has Real Fresh Dairy both helped and hurt Mulhoney?

Analyze the role of a minor character in the story. Consider Lou Ellen, Jillian, or Pastor Hall. How does the author use the minor characters in the narrative, and how do they impact the character arc for the protagonist?

Discuss the role of faith in the narrative. Before coming to Mulhoney and meeting G.T., Hope didn’t ascribe to a specific set of religious beliefs, yet G.T.’s Quaker faith tradition has an impact on her. How is G.T.’s faith different from Hope’s, and what does she learn from him about belief and trust in a higher power?

Consider the setting and Hope’s move from a large city to a small, agricultural town. How does the setting affect her character development? What specific elements of living in a small town make it harder or easier for her to assimilate and feel at home?

Examine the theme of vulnerability in the story. How do different characters handle moments where they need to be vulnerable and honest, and what specific situations exemplify the importance of vulnerability? Consider how Hope writes letters to her friends and how she shares with G.T.

Discuss the romantic subplots in the narrative. How does Addie and G.T.’s relationship develop, in comparison to Hope and Braverman’s? What are the key components of these relationships, and what impact do they have on the story?