The Grace Year

Throughout the novel, Tierney compares the girls to animals. How does this tie into the themes of wild, sadistic behavior and a break from civilization?

According to Tierney, “there’s nothing more dangerous than a woman who speaks her mind” in the county (232). However, she also states that “[t]he only thing worse than being old in Garner County is being barren” (8). What do these things have in common, and why are they dangerous to women?

How does Kiersten weaponize religion to get the girls to do what she wants? How does this tie into the idea of religion and control?

Why would the grace year girls hope for a veil if marriage in the county represents a loss of freedom? What is the connection between marriage, comfort, and freedom in the novel?

The women of Garner County outnumber the men, and yet the men remain in charge. What factors are stopping the women from openly rebelling against the men? How do the women allow their patriarchal society to drive wedges between them?

What role does sexuality play in The Grace Year? In what ways is sex portrayed positively? Negatively?

Anders and the other poachers call the grace year girls “prey,” and they refer to the girls as “it.” What does this say about the poachers’ attitude toward the grace year girls? What does it say about their feelings regarding poaching for a living?

How does Tierney’s relationship with Ryker alter her views on love and marriage? What is it about Ryker that draws her to him?