Daughter of Mine

How is Perry Holt perceived by the citizens of Mirror Lake? How does he perceive himself? What is his motivation in bequeathing the house and its contents to Hazel?

There are a large number of empty houses in Mirror Lake. What is Hazel’s typical reaction when she enters one? How are these spaces exploited by various individuals in the novel? Compare the Holt house at the beginning of the novel and at the end. How has it changed, and what are the implications of that change?

Describe three instances in which judging by appearance is practiced by the people in Mirror Lake. Why does the novel suggest that this isn’t a constructive way to approach life? Give several examples of how this practice leads to misfortune for the characters.

Contrast Hazel’s behavior to the rest of the townsfolk in Mirror Lake. How did she get to be an outsider? In what ways are her differences assets?

Law enforcement is a prominent presence in Daughter of Mine. What value does it bring to the community? In what ways does it detract from the community? Why does Hazel have such an antagonistic relationship with it? Is this problem resolved in the novel?

Describe Roy’s role in the community. How does he exploit that role to his advantage? To what extent does the structure of the community itself enable his behavior? In your opinion, would it be easier or harder for him to carry out his schemes in a large city? Why?

Abandonment afflicts multiple characters in the novel. Give three examples and describe the coping strategies used by each character to deal with the problem. In what ways does living in a small community either aggravate or diminish their feelings?

Cars are a significant motif in the novel. What do they represent?