At the Edge of the Orchard, by Tracy Chevalier

Characters
Black Swamp, OH 1838	California 1853-1856
James Goodenough Sadie 10 Children: Robert - youngest Martha – James’ favorite Caleb Sally John Chapman (Johnny Appleseed) Hattie and John Day	Robert Martha William Lobb – plant collector from England James Veitch – in England, nurseryman Billie Lapham – owned sequoia grove Nancy - wife Molly Jones Mrs. Dody Bienenstock – landlady

 For Discussion:

NOTE:  Page numbers are from the paperback edition.

1. At the beginning of the novel there was a discussion of numbers.  James felt that keeping numbers and records comforted him and “made you feel in charge” (page 7).  On the other hand, “They bothered Sadie like wasps” (page 7).  How do you feel about numbers?
2. How did you feel reading Sadie’s part of the narrative?  Did the lack of punctuation bother you?
3. Were you able to understand both James and Sadie’s view of their life in Ohio?  Do you think it would have ever been possible for them to find common ground?
4. Sadie kept hinting that Charles, James’ brother, was Robert’s father.  What did you think?  How would this make a difference?
5. Molly and Robert thought of Calaveras Grove in two different ways – Molly thought it was about the people and Robert thought it was about nature.  What did you think?  Can it be both?

6. When Molly asked Robert why he had never told her anything about his family, he said, “If I don’t tell people about it, I don’t have to think about it…” (page 238).   Molly replied, “Ain’t it better to be open about it?  Then at least you’re honest, so you don’t have it diggin’ at you, deep inside” (page 238).  Can you understand each point of view?  What are the positives and negatives of each?
7. Molly told Robert, “You can choose to be different from your past” (page 280).   Do you agree?  Can we make that choice?
8. Discuss Robert going so rapidly from his solitary life to living with Molly and Jimmy.   Were you able to relate?  Did the author do a good job describing his transition.
9. Why do you think Molly was able to connect with Dody when she didn’t seem to connect with anyone else?
10. Discuss the various characters.  What were their admirable qualities?  What did you find annoying?  Who would you want to be friends with? 
11. Did this book help you appreciate nature?
12. Discuss the author’s writing, the format of the book, and your reading experience.

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