Small Mercies

How does the Jules who is alive in the initial chapters compare with the assembled memories of Jules after her death? How does Lehane deliberately alter his depiction of her over the course of the novel?

Compare Mary Pat to the other women of Southie. In what ways is she similar or different to the women with whom she has spent much of her life? What are the specific factors that ultimately make her an outsider?

The author never reveals whether Rum or George Dunbar are convicted of murder, stating only that they are charged. Is there a possibility that Mary Pat’s extreme actions ultimately cause problems for their prosecution? If so, was it worth the damage she did to the Butler organization?

Detective Bobby Coyne enjoys an increasingly prominent place over the course of the novel, even as he has little control over its plot. What role does he ultimately serve within the novel, even if he largely remains within the shadow of Mary Pat?

Why does Mary Pat so often find herself the last person to know about information that directly pertains to her? What does this dynamic imply about her character and the character of South Boston as a whole?

The subplot concerning the sale of guns to activists and drug dealers to attack South Boston High School is introduced and resolved fairly quickly. What role does it play in a narrative where everything else is murky and complicated?

In her attempt to empathize with Calliope Williamson, Mary Pat is instead told that she is responsible for Auggie’s death. How much truth is in this accusation? In what ways is it fair or unfair? Use examples from the text to support your opinion.

Does Mary Pat’s decision to pursue vengeance against the Butler crew confirm her status as a hero, is she merely contributing to the neighborhood’s culture of violence?