Henry, Himself, by Stewart O'Nan

 

Characters

Henry Maxwell Emily – wife Margaret – daughter ·       Jeff – husband ·       Sarah and Justin - children Kenny – son ·       Lisa – wife ·       Ella and Sam - children   Arlene – Henry’s sister   Sloan – Henry’s girlfriend before Emily   Rufus – Emily’s dog Rufus – was Henry’s dog   Chautauqua – family’s summer cabin

Pittsburgh references – partial list

The Tin Angel, Mt. Washington – page 22 Pirates – page 52 Iron City beer – page 52 Highland Park, McKees Rocks, fish fry – page 53 Homewood – page 58 Parkway, Churchill – page 65 Murrysville – page 66 Phipps Conservatory – page 77 Jyggle – page 233

 

For Discussion:

NOTE: Page numbers are from the 2019 paperback edition.

1.       How well did the author describe Henry’s personality?  He was an engineer, and as an engineer “he had a respect for the practical that extended to every facet of living, and was happiest when he saw an opportunity to fix a problem” (page 86).  Did this add to your understanding of his character?

2.       Regarding Emily, how well did the author explain her personality?  She “knew everything about their neighbors, and everyone at the club” (page 23).  But also, she had been locked in her bedroom as a child by her mother.

3.       What did you think about the relationship between Kenny’s wife Lisa and Henry and Emily?  Should Lisa have made more of an effort to fit in?   Did things seem to change when Emily was taking care of Margaret at Thanksgiving and Lisa helped with the dinner preparations?  Why did things seem different?

4.       Henry had been in the war.  On Decoration Day, he thought, “He had no use for parades or speeches or moments of silence.  He didn’t need a special occasion to recall the dead” (page 111).  And, “As much as he sometimes wished he could, he would never forget any of it.  He tried” (page 111).  Do you understand his thoughts?   Did this give you any insight into our veterans today?

5.       One of the reasons Henry liked golf was because “On the course he concentrated on the next shot and let go of his worries” (page 69).  Do you have any activities that occupy you mind and give you a break from the everyday concerns?

6.       Henry and Emily’s church was having a rummage sale and Henry wanted to donate some of the following to the sale while Emily did not: a ceramic chip and dip shaped like a sombrero, a plastic lighthouse cookie jar, plastic pitchers, a mahogany smoked salmon platter shaped like a salmon, and (my favorite) an old meat grinder used to make ham salad (pages 153 – 154).  Do you have any of these or the others listed in the book?

7.       Emily donated four bunches of glass grapes that had been in Henry’s family. While Henry was upset, Emily said that no one wanted them in the family.  Were you surprised that no one bought them at the sale and that Henry brought them home and hid them?   Do you have anything you would have trouble giving away?

8.       Did all of the Pittsburgh references add to your enjoyment of the book?  How do you think a person who did not know Pittsburgh would read the book?  Does it make a difference to you if the setting of a story is familiar to you?

9.       This was basically a story about ordinary people – there was no overriding large event.  How well did the author describe the characters?  Did the author get and retain your interest throughout the novel?